Intervention Services for Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex and require specialized intervention to ensure that both the psychological and physical aspects are addressed. I offer tailored intervention services designed to help families navigate the challenging process of getting their loved one the help they need. My compassionate approach provides ongoing support to both the individual and their family throughout recovery.
Hi, I’m Gianna
I am a Certified Intervention Professional (CIP), Certified Family Recovery Specialist (CFRS), and Certified Recovery Coach (CRS), dedicated to guiding individuals and families through the recovery journey, with a specialized focus on eating disorders. My work is rooted in compassion, structure, and evidence-based support to help loved ones find healing and lasting recovery.
"Thank you for always being so quick and prompt. You saved us and are continuing to save us. I can’t even say how grateful I am and even put it into words. Your positivity, non-judgmental, and loving approach is exactly what this family needs. You're a very special person, and I hope you know that the work you do is nothing short of a miracle."
Eating Disorders I Work With
Bulimia Nervosa: Characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain.
Anorexia Nervosa: Involves extreme food restriction, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image, often leading to dangerously low body weight.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED): Marked by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period, accompanied by feelings of loss of control, without compensatory behaviors like purging.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Involves avoiding or restricting food intake, often due to sensory issues, fear of negative consequences from eating, or lack of interest in food, leading to nutritional deficiencies.
Orthoexia: Orthorexia is an unhealthy obsession with eating foods that one considers healthy, often leading to restrictive behaviors and an intense focus on food purity. This fixation can interfere with daily life, social interactions, and overall well-being, as it prioritizes food choices over other essential aspects of health.
Take Action for Your Loved One
If you're concerned about a loved one's eating disorder and unsure where to turn, I'm here to help. Request a consultation to discuss their current condition, specific needs, and how we can take the first steps toward healing and recovery.
With compassionate guidance and expert support, we'll work together to create a plan that addresses both their emotional and physical well-being. Taking action now could be the turning point for your loved one’s journey to a healthier life.
Co-Occurring Mental Health Challenges
Eating disorders are often closely tied to other mental health conditions, making recovery more complex. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse frequently coexist with disordered eating, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break without specialized care.
By addressing these issues together, I help individuals and families navigate the emotional and psychological complexities of recovery, ensuring that the whole person is supported throughout their healing journey.
Anxiety Disorders: Often manifest as obsessive behaviors or food rituals, particularly in individuals with social anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Depression: Low energy, hopelessness, and feelings of worthlessness can exacerbate disordered eating behaviors.
Substance Abuse: Alcohol or drug use, including stimulants or diet pills, may be used to control appetite or emotions.
PTSD and Trauma: Eating disorders are sometimes a coping mechanism for unresolved trauma, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
Personality Disorders: Conditions like borderline personality disorder (BPD) often involve difficulty with emotional regulation, which can fuel disordered eating.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): An intense focus on perceived physical flaws can heighten preoccupation with body image.
Self-Harm and Suicidality: Disordered eating may be accompanied by self-harm or suicidal thoughts, particularly in those feeling overwhelmed by their disorder.
A Personalized Intervention Process for Your Loved One
An eating disorder intervention is carefully designed to provide a safe, supportive environment for the individual to begin their journey toward recovery. Here’s what the process looks like:
Assessment: Evaluate the individual’s behaviors, health, and family dynamics to tailor the intervention.
Planning: Collaborate with the family to create a structured plan and select key participants, usually close family members or friends.
Education: The family is educated about the eating disorder, its impact, and treatment options, empowering them to provide the right support.
Goal Setting: Together, we set clear, unified goals to encourage the individual to seek help.
Establishing Loving Limits: I guide the family in setting compassionate yet firm boundaries and consequences if the individual resists treatment.
Treatment Proposal: The intervention concludes with a customized treatment plan that outlines the next steps in the recovery process.
Is It Time for an Intervention?
It can be hard to know when it's the right time for an intervention, as it’s such a significant and challenging step to take. I’m here to support and guide you through this decision. If your loved one is showing any of the following signs, it may be time to consider an intervention.
Significant Weight Fluctuations: Rapid weight loss, extreme thinness, or unexplained weight gain.
Preoccupation with Food or Exercise: Constantly counting calories or exercising excessively, even when injured.
Avoidance of Meals or Social Situations: Skipping meals or avoiding social events involving food.
Extreme Concern About Body Image: Intense fear of weight gain or distorted perception of body shape.
Unusual Eating Habits or Rituals: Strange behaviors like cutting food into tiny pieces, eating very slowly, or hiding food.
Physical Symptoms of Malnutrition: Fatigue, dizziness, thinning hair, dry skin, or dental problems.
Mood Swings, Anxiety, or Depression: Emotional instability, irritability, or withdrawal from loved ones.
Secrecy or Dishonesty About Eating: Hiding food, lying about meals, or disappearing after eating.
Declining Health: Persistent weakness, fatigue, or lack of focus.
Resistance to Treatment: Denying the problem or refusing help despite worsening health.
Take action for your loved one
If you're concerned about a loved one's eating disorder and unsure where to turn, I'm here to help. Request a consultation to discuss their current condition, specific needs, and how we can take the first steps toward healing and recovery.
With compassionate guidance and expert support, we'll work together to create a plan that addresses both their emotional and physical well-being. Taking action now could be the turning point for your loved one’s journey to a healthier life.