Episode 77: What does a certified eating disorder specialist do? Do you need one?

Episode 77: What does a certified eating disorder specialist do? Do you need one?

Our recent episodes have been all about understanding some of the eating disorders better, and I thought to bring in another certified eating disorder specialist, Rachelle Heinemann, on the podcast to shed some light on what certified eating disorder specialists do.

If you suspect that you may be experiencing an eating disorder or suspect someone you know may suffer from this condition, this episode is for you.

Rachelle Heinemann is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) based in NYC and Brooklyn. She specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and emotional eating as well as exercise, addiction, and body image struggles. She also works extensively with those challenged by depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and career stress. In addition to her own practice, Rachelle has taught courses in eating disorders and body image at undergraduate programs in high schools. She is the host of Understanding Disordered Eating, which is a podcast she recently started, and she’s a part of the Leadership at the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals New York Chapter. 

Key Highlights: 

Tune in to my conversation with Rachelle Heinemann and learn:

• Who exactly is a certified eating disorder specialist and what it entails to become one?
• The distinction between a certified eating disorder specialist and a psychologist or psychiatrist.
• How is a certified eating disorder specialist different from a nutritionist or health coach?
• Why it can be really challenging to manage obesity in patients who suffer from an eating disorder
• The role that a certified eating disorder specialist has in terms of management of obesity
• Does everyone with obesity need a certified eating disorder specialist?
• How a certified eating disorder specialist relates to other complex psychological issues that sometimes come with obesity, such as depression, anxiety, etc.
• How would someone know when to consult a certified eating disorder specialist?

Some Questions That Might Help Determine If You Have a Problematic Relationship with Food

1. What percentage of the day are you thinking about food? 
2. To what extent does this affect your life affect your functioning?
3. How out of control do you feel about food? 
4. Questions around binging, restricting, or dieting
5. How’s your body image?

Links:

• Rachelle Heinemann:  Website, Instagram
• Understanding Disordered Eating Podcast
• Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders by Jennifer L. Gaudiani
• Eating Recovery Center

Remember to participate in the giveaway from November 1 to 5th!

Don’t forget to leave a review.

Thank you for listening to another episode of Decoding Obesity!