Eating Disorder Treatment
Our Approach
We believe that every person is whole and capable of healing. Because each individual’s history, goals, and context are unique, our approach is integrative, evidence-based, and client-centered. Whether you are seeking psychiatry support, therapy, psychological assessment, or Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, we are careful to consider all aspects of your life. We also understand that effective therapy depends on a respectful, safe, and collaborative relationship between you and your providers.
Eating Disorder treatment with our clients is guided by these core values:
Collaboration
The most important element of effective eating disorder treatment is a collaborative approach. Because an essential part of recovery and therapy is the relationship between a psychotherapist and their client, we believe that trust and safety are essential. Know that we see you as a whole person and will honor your perspective and goals in life. Together we will determine what treatment approach and goals will be the most effective for you. We strive to meet you where you are by listening and exploring what fears you may have. It’s important to us that you don’t feel judged, that you don’t feel pressure to move faster than you are able to, and that our relationship is one of compassion, trust, and collaboration.
Consistent, Gentle Support
Instead of telling you what to do, we believe the role of the psychotherapist is to be there for you in a stable and consistent manner, throughout your journey to recovery. Sometimes that means guiding a person if they don’t know where to go. Other times it means nudging them along. During your therapy, know that we’ll remain calm (even during stressful times), maintain perspective, hold onto hope for you, listen and not judge, and be honest—even if that honesty is sometimes hard to hear. Since we believe that every person is inherently resilient, we also believe in a ‘strengths-based approach’. Rather than focusing solely on perceived failures and slip-ups, it is important to recognize your internal strengths.
Address Core Concerns
Eating disorders are complex illnesses that are often a result of interplay between biology, predisposition, cultural influences, and interpersonal relationships. Because they are so complex, we believe one must understand and address the core reasons behind an eating disorder. Although stabilizing a person is important, and may even save their life, solely addressing symptoms and behaviors will not bring about long-term recovery. Therefore, it is important to explore and understand what led to the eating disorder. By addressing the root cause of the eating disorder, sustainable recovery is possible.
Willing and Ready
Although a deeper understanding of the eating disorder is crucial, a person needs to be both ready and have the confidence that they can live without the eating disorder. Feeling ready to make change can be difficult given the ambivalence that most sufferers experience. Understanding this ambivalence in a non-judgmental way is key to making steps toward recovery, as well as preventing a relapse. Being confident that you don’t need the eating disorder anymore comes after learning a different set of tools and skills to manage distress and triggers.
Tools & Skills
Sustainable recovery requires a different set of tools and healthy coping skills. Because there is no one intervention that works for all, we aim to find out what helps each client. We have found a combination of the following to be beneficial for most of clients: Mindful self-compassion, EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.
It Takes a Village
Because eating disorders are complex, even life-threatening, and affect the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of a person, a team approach is necessary. We closely collaborate with many different providers, such as dietitians/nutritionists, medical providers, psychiatrists, school personnel, and others. During our work together, we will coordinate with the rest of your team to ensure that you’re receiving integrated care. If you have yet to find a team that you feel is a good fit, we can aid in helping you put one together.
Interested in more information?
New Client: FAQ’s
Whether you have been struggling with an eating disorder for some time, or have recently realized you may have a troubling relationship with your body or food, getting started can feel overwhelming. Here are answers to the most common questions we get asked. If you would like additional information, please contact us and we will schedule a consult with one of Eating Disorder Team clinicians.
I'm not sure what services I need. Where do I start?
Our Eating Disorder Team Coordinator, Dr. Sarah Long loves talking with prospective clients or their team. Especially if they are unsure where to start and/or are deciding between different interventions. She is passionate about making sure clients understand their options, as well as assisting a person in connecting with community providers skilled in eating disorder care.
Prospective clients have the option of either scheduling a free of charge 30 minute consult or a full appointment if they feel that they would like to dive in a bit more.
Contact us to schedule with Dr. Sarah to learn more.
Do I have to see one of The Catalyst Center's therapists if I am seeking psychiatry services, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, or Neurofeedback?
No, you do not have to see a therapist at the Catalyst Center to work with Adrienne Long, PMHNP or participate in our Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy program. If you are interested in psychiatry support, Adrienne believes in the importance of collaborating with your existing team.
Clients participating in our KAP program will engage in preparation, ketamine treatment, and integration sessions with a KAP team therapist. Sarah Long, PsyD and Allison Kavilas, MFTC typically work with KAP clients who struggle with eating disorders, but it is not necessary to do so. The most important thing is for our clients to feel that their KAP therapist is the best fit.
How long will I be in therapy?
Because every person is unique, with different needs and goals, length of treatment varies. It truly does depend on the nature of our work, as well as what is happening in your life. During our first session, we will discuss goals and desired outcomes, which may include an estimate of length of treatment. Ideally we will decide together based on your progress and individual concerns when our work is done, but of course it is your decision to cease visits whenever you’d like.
My loved one doesn't want professional support, but I know they need it. What do I do?
It’s not unusual for a person struggling with an eating disorder to be hesitant to seek treatment. There are many reasons why they may resist the idea of seeking support outside of their family or friend group. Regardless of the ‘why’, it can be frustrating when you know that therapy would be helpful, even necessary, for their well-being. Understanding their hesitation, while being persistent, can be a difficult balance to strike. If you’d like more specific suggestions and guidance, we can discuss your particular set of circumstances during a free of charge consultation. As an alternative, loved ones prefer to come in for the first full session to gather more information and discuss options.
Additionally, we are passionate about supporting the loved ones of someone struggling. Eating disorders are traumatic for the whole family and unfortunately a sufferer’s support system is often overlooked.
Will you be in contact with my other providers?
Collaboration is an essential element of effective eating disorder treatment and is one of our guiding values and refers not only to the relationship between you and your therapist, but also among your team. During our work together, we will coordinate with the rest of your team to ensure that you’re receiving the best care possible. If you have yet to find a team that you feel is a good fit, we can aid in helping you put one together.
Do you have any recommendations for eating disorder treatment centers?
While working at various eating disorder treatment centers across the country, we are familiar with a variety of treatment options and facilities. Similar to finding a therapist, it is important to find a setting that meets your needs and reflects your values.
Regardless of how long we’ve worked together, if you, or your loved on, is in need for more intensive treatment, we will help you and your family find a treatment setting that will facilitate healing and recovery.
Let’s Get Started!
There are two easy ways to connect with us. Call our office at 720-675-7123 and press “1” to be connected. Fill out the contact form to request an appointment or to learn more.