Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Bulimia Sufferer

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 5/12/2011


Question
I've been suffering from bulimia on and off for two and a half years now.
I've visited a holistic eating counselor, and spoke to a psychologist, however I've not been able to let go of my mentality.
It began when I gained an extreme amount of weight one summer. Since then I've fluctuated...
Now I'm about 20 lbs less than that summer, but I'm still 10-15 lbs from a normal weight.
I'm scared to eat normal, because I'm scared I'll gain weight, etc, but what I'm doing now isn't helping either...
I really need advice on what to do.

Answer

Jeanne Rust, PhD
Dear Faye,

It can be scary for someone with an eating disorder to think about weight -- either losing or gaining, believe it or not!  As long as you're obsessed about your weight, you won't be able to enjoy your summer as much as you might!

It might take you some more intensive treatment, such as an out-patient program, to help you move on.  If out-patient therapy, seeing individual practitioners, isn't working for you, then the next higher level of care is called for.  This would mean an out-patient program.  I think also that being with other young women who are struggling could be very helpful to you -- and you won't feel so alone with this.

Please let me know how you do!  One thing you didn't mention was a dietitian??

Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol, Inc.
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
888-520-1700

Jeanne Rust, PhD

Expertise

I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.

Experience

I have 25 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.

Education/Credentials
Northwestern University -- BA Masters in Counseling Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute

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