The Best Jacksonville Binge Eating Therapists

Takeaway: If you’re searching for a Binge Eating Therapist in Florida, here are nine top professionals to consider. The therapists at Restored Purpose Counseling specialize in a eating disorders and are qualified to help you to repair your relationship with food.

About Restored Purpose

Restored Purpose Counseling was born from a vision to make eating disorder treatment and trauma treatment accessible to everyone. We aim to be a haven for individuals seeking refuge from the world of diet culture, obligations, expectations, responsibilities, and pressures. By offering several services within our practice, we hope to eliminate the need for individuals to seek out multiple providers at multiple different offices, instead choosing one practice that can meet all their needs. With multiple locations across the state and the ability to support individuals virtually, we aim to make care accessible, wherever you are. 

Meet Our Top-Rated Jacksonville Binge-Eating Specialists

Kristina Dawson, LMHC, LPC, QS

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Qualified Supervisor (QS)
• Kristina has several years experience working with disordered eating, post traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders such as binge eating disorder. Kristina creates an environment filled with compassion and acceptance through the use of specific treatment modalities such as Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Kristina works alongside you to challenge diet culture thoughts, become more in touch with your emotions, and meet the goals you set collaboratively with her. 

Caitlin Check, MSW, RCSWI 

• Registered Clinical Social Work Intern (RCSWI)
• Caitlin is skilled at working with eating disorders and mood disorders, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Her eating disorder therapy style includes the use of Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Her passion is to increase the mental health of others by challenging diet culture messages and increasing psychological flexibility. 

Ana Player, MA, RMHCI

• Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
• Ana utilizes a client-centered approach with binge eating disorder to help clients find self-love and self-forgiveness. Ana has several different talk therapy approaches that she can take to therapy depending on the client’s needs and desires. She is skilled with Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Christian Therapy, and Solution-Based Therapy. These approaches have helped many clients of hers achieve their goals and find self-compassion. 

Sarah Cozza, MA, LMHC

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor 
• Sarah is extremely passionate about working with the eating disorder population including those living with binge eating disorder. Sarah’s hope for her clients is that by working with her they find increased self-esteem and coping skills, as well as hope that their situation can and will change. Sarah’s treatment strategies include CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy in her work with binge eating disorder. 

Paige Shadden, MS, RMHCI

• Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern (RMHCI)
• Paige works alongside her clients with eating disorders and/or disordered eating on their journey to unpack shame and break free from diet culture. Paige works to heal clients’ relationships with food and their bodies, helping them to facilitate the change they are seeking. Paige conducts eating disorder therapy from an Emotion-Focused Therapy lens and also uses CBT and Family Based Therapy when indicated or requested by the client/their family. 

Dr. Marisa Byles, PsyD, CEDS, QS

• Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS), Qualified Supervisor (QS)
• Dr. Byles is an established and respected member of the eating disorders professionals community. She has worked with all eating disorders, including Binge Eating Disorder, for many years and has invaluable expertise she brings to the role of eating disorder therapist. Dr. Byles frequently advocates in the community and promotes body positivity. She is trained in both DBT and CBT and chooses to conduct eating disorder therapy from these lenses.

Illyanna Soares, MS, RMHCI, ART-P

• Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern (RMHCI), Registered Art Therapist-Provisional (ART-P)
• Illyanna empowers her clients with eating disorders to find peace both with themselves and their bodies. Illyanna uses traditional talk therapies such as CBT and Internal Family Systems (IFS) in her work with clients. In addition, Illyanna is passionate about expressing herself creatively and upon request can incorporate art therapy into her sessions. Art therapy can be a powerful tool for expressing yourself and healing disordered eating. 

Bri Fedynich, LCSW

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Bri tailors each counseling session to her clients’ unique needs, meeting them with warmth, compassion, and professionalism. Bri has several years’ experience supporting individuals with eating disorders and their families. She utilizes evidenced-based treatment methods such as CBT, interpersonal therapy, and mindfulness to address body image concerns and eating disorders. 

Jaclyn Pfingsten, LCSW

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Jaclyn has a lot of experience working with clients who have experienced trauma and/or have an eating disorder. She is trained in EMDR and utilizes this as well as CBT, DBT, and TF-CBT. In addition, Jaclyn is trained and skilled in working within the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model. She believes that one’s diet, behaviors, and actions are very much dictated by one’s culture and environment, so she uses a systems/cultural lens to analyze all the factors in the environment and their impact on the individual. Her treatment of eating disorders is unique and powerful. 

Why Work With Us

At Restored Purpose Counseling, we understand that each individual’s path to recovery is unique, especially when navigating an eating disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions and challenges. At our private practice, we pride ourselves on offering a personalized approach to treatment, ensuring that each client’s journey to health is supported with care and precision by the registered dietitian.

Here’s why Restored Purpose stands out:

All Your Providers Under One Roof

Working with providers at Restored Purpose Counseling is easy and eliminates the need to navigate the healthcare system by coordinating care between several different offices. With our extensive offerings of meal supports, nutrition counseling, and individual therapy, you can find all the mental health professionals you need with one practice. 

Affordability & Accessibility 

Our practice is in-network with several major insurance companies and offers reduced fee options for sessions with our Registered Dietitians. We have several offices located throughout the state of Florida and offer virtual options throughout Florida as well as select other states. 

Specialized Care

All of our eating disorder therapists are specifically trained and/or have extensive backgrounds in the treatment of eating disorders and trauma. Several providers have worked in Residential treatment facilities for eating disorders and come to us with a lot of previous work experience and knowledge, not only with this population but with anxiety disorders as well. All providers are aligned with Health at Every Size (HAES) and are uniquely equipped to support you on your journey to wellness. 

How to Start Eating Disorder Therapy

Reach Out to Our Client Care Team

Our Client Care Team can be reached by calling or texting (407) 594-7511 or by submitting the form on our website. You can also reach them via email at admin@myrestoredpurpose.com. 

Provide The Requested Information

Before you begin services, there is information we will need to collect from you. This will include, but is not limited to: your insurance information, contact information, details on what brings you to counseling at this time, and your availability to attend sessions. 

Schedule a Free 15-minute Consultation 

All providers on our team offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. This gives you the opportunity to speak to your provider before the first session to ask any questions you may have and get to know them better. 

Schedule & Attend the First Appointment

Once you complete the consultation and decide which provider you’d like to schedule with, the administrative team will assist in getting you set up for your first appointment with your provider. This will include getting set up in our Client Portal as well as completing and signing necessary paperwork prior to the intake session. 

Common Reasons Why People Start Binge Eating Counseling

Overwhelming Feelings of Shame/Despair/Guilt

It is very common for individuals to feel shame, despair, depression, and/or guilt towards themselves after an episode of binge eating. These feelings can be strong in intensity and quickly become overwhelming which can lead to other co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression. Very often, these feelings are difficult to manage and require the support of a healthcare professional.

Fluctuations in Weight 

Individuals with binge eating disorder may experience frequent fluctuations in weight as a result of frequent dieting combined with episodes of binge eating. Frequent fluctuations can result in distorted body image, body dysmorphic disorder, and/or depressed mood. Seeking professional help for relief from these stressors is very common. 

Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem is very common among those with binge eating disorder. This is often seen alongside fluctuations but can also occur alone as a result of harsh criticism towards oneself for having “no self-control.” Comments and expectations from others may lead to low self-esteem as well which is another reason why individuals seek sessions with a healthcare professional. 

When Another Practice Might Be A Better Fit For Your Needs

When You Want to Lose Weight 

Our practice may not be the best fit for you if you are solely focused on losing weight and not looking to better your relationship with food and/or yourself. None of our providers prescribe weight loss or encourage it as we are all aligned with Health at Every Size. If you have a medical provider who is suggesting weight loss and you disagree, we can help you navigate that situation and find peace. However, if you are looking for someone who will assist you in losing weight, you may be better off seeking the services of a clinic, such as at Ascension St. Vincent’s in Jacksonville, FL where they focus on non-surgical weight loss. 

When You Need Medical Oversight 

If your eating disorder is severe and is causing medical complications and/or frequent hospital stays, we are not the best practice for you. Severe eating disorders require an intense level of support that we are unable to provide being an outpatient practice. If there are medical concerns or frequent hospital stays due to electrolyte imbalances, we would strongly suggest seeking the support of a higher level of care such as with Equip Health, Alsana, or Waves of Hope. 

When You are Under the Age of 12

Our practice works with adolescents and adults who are aged 12 and up, with the occasional exceptions for very mature 10 and 11-year-olds. If you are the parent of a younger child seeking support for an eating disorder (such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or binge eating disorder), we would recommend seeking services at a different practice with providers who specialize in working with that population. Kristen Criado with Criado Psychology frequently works with children ages 7+ and Kate Arabella/Dr. Kerri with Inclusive Healing Center work with children ages 9+ when an eating disorder is present. 

FAQs About Binge Eating Therapy

What is the root cause of binge eating?

Binge Eating Disorder, much like other disorders, are caused by many factors and cannot be linked or traced by to any one source. Factors such as genes and environment play a large role in its development. Additionally, your own personal thoughts and feelings about food, your body, and other’s bodies play a large factor into the development of Binge Eating Disorder. Cultural and social issues, particularly messages from diet culture also contribute and can cause eating disorders to develop and worsen. 

What kind of therapist treats eating disorders?

The most effective treatment for eating disorders can only be delivered by a professional with experience in treating and working with eating disorders. When seeking treatment, you want to ensure that the provider you are working with has the experience and knowledge with the eating disorder population to ensure that you are receiving quality care that is backed by evidence and research. 

Our therapists are all trained and experienced in working with eating disorders. They use their clinical judgement and knowledge of treatment modalities to implement the treatment requested or that will be the most beneficial depending on reported symptoms and identified goals. Therapists can help reduce unhealthy habits such as substance abuse while implementing behavioral strategies to combat these life threatening illnesses. 

Registered Dietitians also play a large part in the treatment of eating disorders. We have several RDs in our practice who work to educate you on the importance of all food groups and developing a plan with you that is achievable. All our Dietitians are trained in Intuitive Eating and work with you to support you on your journey. Being a multidisciplinary practice is one of the many ways that we are able to fully support and treat eating disorders without needing to refer out to other mental health professionals. 

What is the best therapy for binge eating disorder?

The most common modalities that are used to treat binge eating disorder include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Intuitive Eating Principles, Client-Centered Counseling, and meal planning. 

Our dietitians are trained in the Intuitive Eating principles and utilize these in sessions with you as well as work alongside you to create an achievable meal plan to follow as you begin your recovery journey and work towards full recovery and a fulfilling life. 

All of our therapists are trained and frequently incorporate CBT into their sessions and a number of them include DBT as well. All of our therapists encourage the client to lead the process and have a say in their treatment and which modalities are used. 

Connect With One Of Our Binge Eating Disorder Therapists Today

Our mission at Restored Purpose Counseling is to provide quality eating disorder and trauma treatment to the community that is accessible and affordable. Our approach is to offer several services so that clients can find several avenues of support under one roof including meal supports, groups, nutrition counseling, and individual therapy. This comprehensive service allows for smooth communication between members of your treatment team and family member(s). If you are seeking a binge eating therapist or eating disorder treatment, we have what you need. Reach out to our administrative team today to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation! 

Sources

• https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/binge-eating-disorder/symptoms-causes
• https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/binge-eating-disorder/