Eating Disorder Recovery
At the Catalyst Center, we know getting started can be the hardest part. You can count on us to walk with you on your journey of healing and recovery. With over 25 years of combined experience, our team is dedicated to inclusive, collaborative, and effective treatment.
We believe that full recovery is possible.
We do NOT believe that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach promotes healing or growth. Instead, we treat clients individually with respect and compassion, and create a uniquely tailored plan towards recovery. We are careful to consider all aspects of your life, not just the most obvious symptoms of an eating disorder. We also believe that an integrative approach and a supportive environment are critical, and without this recovery is next to impossible.
Many people, including family members and loved ones, hope for a fairly quick recovery with no setbacks. But we’ve learned that recovery is a journey, with ups and downs. We’re very aware of the reality of eating disorder recovery and invested in supporting you throughout the process. It takes time, but a healthy relationship with food and your body is very much possible.
Therapy with Our Clients is Guided by These Core Beliefs:
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 Issues
Willing & Ready
Tools & Skills
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.
Treatment Focus and Specialties
We specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, trauma, disordered eating, body image concerns, compulsive exercise, and co-occurring mental health concerns. An inclusive and Health At Every Size approach is foundational to our work with clients. We work with older adolescents and adults in all stages of recovery. We believe in full-recovery, but are also willing to work within a harm reduction model if appropriate. Recently you may have noticed a difficult relationship with food and/or your body, you might be in the early days of recovery, or perhaps have been suffering for decades. Whether this is your first time seeking support or if you’ve been to treatment multiple times, we would love to work with you.
The following are some areas that we are most passionate about in treating:
- Anorexia Nervosa and Atypical Anorexia
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Long-term eating disorders (Severe and Enduring Eating Disorders)
- Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders
- Binge Eating Disorder
- Co-occurring eating disorders and trauma
- Eating disorders in pregnancy and postpartum
- GLBTQ+
- Supporting family and loved ones
- Grief and loss
What to Expect
Here’s what you can expect from our first session:
Logistics & Paperwork
Introduction & Initial Session
Welcoming Environment
Moving Forward
If it seems like a good fit for you, we’ll keep working together, so you can have a guide and support on your journey of health and healing.
Meet Our Eating Disorder Recovery Team
Sarah Long, PsyD, CEDS
For over 13 years, Dr. Sarah has spent her professional career specializing in the treatment of eating disorders across all levels of care, including several years as a fellow and a licensed psychologist at ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders, a medical stabilization unit for life-threatening anorexia and bulimia. As a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, she is privileged to support clients and their families during their journey to recovery. Sarah has also developed a passion for collaborative psychological assessment and trauma work, specifically EMDR.
Adrienne Long, PMHNP-BC
Adrienne is a board-certified, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Prior transitioning the outpatient setting, she worked at a residential treatment center as both a Registered Nurse and then a PMHNP for eight years. Adrienne provides Medication Management and will work closely with your team. She is dedicated to collaborative, evidence-based, and integrative care for adults and adolescents.
Allison Kalivas, MFTC
Allison’s is not afraid to be in a tough place with you. She knows that coming into therapy can be a vulnerable experience. She will be your co-pilot, sitting with you in your experience and motivating you to focus on your goals.
Our Eating Disorder Blog Series
Eating Disorders: Common Myths
College Series: Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship with Food
How Can I Support My Child/teen with Who is Struggling with Food and Weight?
What is Body Image and Why is it so Important?
What is Emotional Eating?
Common Myths around Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders and Pregnancy
Eating Disorder Recovery during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Process of Eating Disorder Recovery
What Can I Do To Encourage Positive Body Image In My Child?
Eating Disorders: Common Myths
Helping Eating Challenges with EMDR
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.