COMING JANUARY, 2024 – BALLANTYNE OFFICE

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Food Wise

Food Wise is a family-focused program that concentrates on overcoming all eating obstacles including disordered eating, picky eating, and obesity.  Using evidence-based treatments in a fun and supportive environment, we will work with your family to develop an individualized plan for your specific goals.

Food Wise Services

  • Individual assessment
  • Therapy
  • Family Meal-Time Support
  • Nutrition Consultation
  • Yoga
  • Support Groups
  • Workshops

Food Wise FAQs

What should I expect at the first session?

The first thing you’ll notice when you walk into Southeast Psych is the sense of fun surrounding the Food Wise program. That’s because we believe that a fun, strength-based treatment approach works best. Superhero decorations and an inviting coffee shop will surround you as you wait for your first appointment. After filling out some initial paperwork, your therapist will meet with parents only (if the client is a child) for one hour. The goal of the first session is to understand your family and your child in detail and to begin making a treatment plan. This is also a time for you to ask the therapist questions and make sure you feel comfortable with the Food Wise program. On your child’s first appointment, the goal is to help him or her become comfortable with the therapist. This is a time for them to express any concerns they might have about their well-being or about the treatment process. The goal is to have an age-appropriate understanding of their treatment plan by the end of the first session.

What are the warning signs of an eating disorder?

Below are some signs that indicate potential Eating Disorder behaviors:

  1. Sudden weight loss
  2. Grades at school dropping
  3. Becoming highly irritable
  4. Clear anxiety when eating around others or frequently requesting to eat in his/her room
  5. Avoiding certain restaurants or places where s/he cannot see the food being prepared
  6. Playing with food on his/her plate, but not really eating it
  7. Eating unreasonable amounts of food (either too small or too big) or eating food very slowly or at a rapid pace
  8. Consistently asking to be excused immediately following meals to go to the bathroom or take a shower
  9. A driven quality to exercise drops other interests in pursuit of going to the gym
  10. Large amounts of food are disappearing

When should I seek help?

As soon as possible. That’s the short answer because research has shown that early intervention aides in successful recovery from Eating Disorders. If you are concerned about your child’s eating patterns, it is best to meet with an expert and discuss your concerns. You can contact us at (704) 552-0116 for the Southpark location and (704) 970-4791 for the Ballantyne location.

Is recovery from an eating disorder possible?

In working with families that have a loved one struggling with an eating disorder, one of the most common questions asked is about recovery. Can a person truly recover? The short answer to this question is: Yes, a person can fully recover with appropriate treatment. Research has demonstrated that while some people may struggle lifelong with an eating disorder, a majority of people can make a full recovery. Here are a few factors that can help lead to a full recovery:

  1. Early Detection – Like other illnesses, the sooner a person begins a treatment, the better likelihood of recovery. The longer a person engages in eating disorder symptoms, the more difficult the recovery can be.
  2. Treatment Team Approach – Since eating disorders are complex illnesses that involve both medical and psychological issues, treatment should involve a therapist, physician and dietician. All of your care providers should have experience in treating eating disorders.
  3. Type of Therapy – There are many different types of therapy for eating disorders. Choosing a therapy supported by research promotes the best chance for recovery. For children and teens, this therapy is called Family Based Treatment or the Maudsley Method. For adults, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Interpersonal Therapy is the treatment of choice.
  4. Appropriate Level of Care – It’s imperative that a person receive care at the most appropriate level based upon their symptoms. This can be outpatient, day treatment or inpatient care. Your treatment providers should help you determine which level is appropriate.