Eating Disorders

Eating disorders and related “sub-clinical” eating issues are often incredibly difficult for individuals and families to cope with.  It’s hard for loved ones to understand the power of the eating disorder, and it’s equally hard for individuals affected to “give it up.”  In addition to the deep emotional toll eating disorders can take, they are very serious illnesses and can result in major health complications, and even death. 

It’s important to consider therapeutic support if you, or someone you love, may have an eating disorder.  Eating disorders can be quite complicated to treat as they often involve many other issues aside from weight, food, and body image.  Often eating issues can be a means of coping with underlying issues such as self-esteem, a need to have some sense of control, depression, identity, anxiety, family issues, interpersonal relationships, negative thinking patterns, etc. 

Dr. Gibson is one of a limited number of psychologists that has significant experience in the treatment of eating disorders in inpatient, outpatient, and research settings.  She has the expertise and interpersonal skill to work with you to ensure that not just psychological components of this disorder are managed, but to assist you in coordinating care to ensure medical and dietary safety.  Dr. Gibson  utilizes empirically-validated, cognitive-behavioral, and interpersonal treatments for eating disorders, tailoring research to meet each person’s individual needs.

“My goal is to work as a team with each individual and family to assist in building healthy coping skills, giving the “eating disorder” less power.  Together, we can make it easier for an individual to feel safe in releasing those detrimental behaviors and thinking patterns.”