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Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Eating Disorders

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Eating Disorders

By: Isabella Favuzza

Many people are extremely critical of the person staring back at them in the mirror. We are our own toughest critics; however, harsh self-objectification may lead to a warped body image. Some may attempt to lose excess body fat or weight to adapt to a distorted self-image, but this obsession builds a negative relationship with food. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) causes one to limit their caloric intake and only consume a select few food groups. This disorder is associated with anxiety surrounding the consequences of eating, avoiding food with undesirable tastes, smells, or textures, and losing interest in eating. ARFID is a relatively newly labeled eating disorder, also known to many as selective eating disorder due to its symptoms. Those with ARFID choose a few foods they consider “fine” to consume and eat them sparingly.

Eating sparingly can cause physical symptoms such as constipation, abdominal pain, significant weight loss, and fatigue. ARFID can also lead to behavioral or mental issues like anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc. While the exact cause of this eating disorder is unknown, research suggests it may result from genetics, environmental influences (models or social media), and previous trauma. Psychological treatment can significantly support those with ARFID. Psychologists can identify trauma, anxiety, depression, etc. and help people cope with these grave issues. Psychologists can offer therapeutic techniques to eliminate one’s distorted body image and start the path to recovery. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24869-arfid-avoidant-restrictive-food-intake-disordern

Anorexia Nervosa: Eating Disorders

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Anorexia Nervosa: Eating Disorders

By: Isabella Favuzza
People are typically their own worst critics when viewing their physical appearance. However, obsessive thoughts and actions regarding one’s appearance are mentally and physically harmful. Those with anorexia nervosa are hyper-focused on their “flaws” and live in a constant state of fear regarding weight gain. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain and extreme measures to rid the body of excess fat. To accomplish this weight loss goal, many restrict their caloric intake, exercise excessively, abuse laxatives or dieting aids, and induce vomiting. Those with anorexia live in fear and utilize these procedures, regardless of the amount of weight lost. Various factors induce anorexia. Western society idolizes thinness, especially within the young female demographic, while some associate self-worth with body weight.

Behavioral and mental symptoms include hunger denial, daily measurements, lying about the amount of food eaten, etc. While these symptoms harm the mind, anorexia also destroys the body due to low body weight, abnormal blood counts, fatigue, yellow skin, dehydration, etc. Anorexia is a detrimental disorder that can result in death due to organ failure and dehydration. Psychological therapy can be life-saving through negative thought reversal and promoting healthy eating patterns. Psychological intervention and cognitive-behavioral therapy support anorexics through mental health regulation and well-balanced nutrition training. Ultimately, proper intervention enables anorexics to regain control of their thoughts and prevent medical complications by maintaining a healthy weight.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia-nervosa/symptoms-causes/syc-20353591

Binge Eating Disorder: Eating Disorders

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Binge Eating Disorder: Eating Disorders

By: Isabella Favuzza

Overeating is a common occurrence, as most individuals have taken an extra serving or two of a delicious meal or consumed an abundance of sweet treats during the holiday season. However, frequent and uncontrollable overeating may lead to medical and mental health issues. Binge eating disorder involves regular consumption of large amounts of food exceeding the average calorie limit. This amount is far more than the majority consume within a day. Those with a binge eating disorder typically eat quickly and cannot stop eating even when uncomfortably full. These individuals binge at least once a week for several months. Binge eating disorder may be caused by various factors, such as genetics or stress from life’s obstacles. Sometimes people eat to cope or when feeling stressed, and the desire morphs into an involuntary need.

Those with a binge eating disorder often feel embarrassed or ashamed about the amount of food consumed during the binge period. Many attempt to restrict themselves calorically to lose excess weight and reduce binging. However, rapid restriction may increase urges, creating a loop of restrictive binge eating. Binge eating disorder is commonly associated with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors. Psychological treatment can provide mental support and guidance through this challenging time. Proper treatment enables an individual to take control of the disorder and maintain a well-balanced diet through therapeutic techniques. A psychologist can reduce and eliminate binge periods, allowing healthy weight loss and mental stability. Psychological treatment breaks through guilt and shame to aid struggling binge eating and have a better quality of life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/binge-eating-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353627

Insomnia: Stress, Anger, and Anxiety

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Insomnia: Stress, Anger, and Anxiety

By: Isabella Favuzza

Numerous individuals lay in bed each night, staring at the ceiling, consumed with thoughts of the past, present, or future. These anxious thoughts may concern life’s stresses and prevent good-quality sleep. The human body requires 7-9 hours of quality rest to function properly and perform daily tasks. A lack of rest negatively affects one’s quality of life due to moodiness, delayed responses, drowsiness, impaired memory, etc. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects 10% of the population, ranging from children to adults. Those suffering from insomnia frequently have difficulty falling asleep, remaining asleep, or receiving good-quality sleep. Insomnia can affect those enduring challenging situations like mental health conditions, life transitions or circumstances, medical conditions, etc. Although insomnia typically isn’t dangerous, it can lead to additional stress, irritability, and anxiety.

For some, insomnia is a minor inconvenience; however, others find it detrimental due to its excruciating symptoms. Psychologists and psychiatrists can offer life-altering support to reduce and even eliminate these chronic symptoms. Psychologists perform hypnosis, which provides deep relaxation by placing one in a trance-like state to clear the mind of anxiety and stress and induce sleep. Individuals can learn these techniques to perform self-hypnosis in the comfort of their own homes. Psychiatrists prescribe hypnotic and sedative medications to psychically rid the mind of undesirable thoughts. Ultimately, the support of psychologists and psychiatrists can reduce insomnia and drastically improve one’s quality of life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with insomnia please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12119-insomnia

Child Therapy: Behavioral Issues

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Child Therapy: Behavioral Issues

By: Isabella Favuzza

Many assume that children are naïve; however, they are quite receptive to social cues and environmental issues. Children typically sense unpleasant emotions from surrounding adults and internalize these feelings due to an inability to discuss complex situations. Children who experience these larger-than-life moments for their age may resort to behavioral defiance. There are numerous environmental stressors that lead to behavioral outbursts, such as divorce, separation, lack of friends, etc. These stressors may cause aggression, lack of empathy, refusal to adjust behavior, school disruptions, lack of social opportunities, or self-injury. A psychologist assists children challenged with complex obstacles and channels these undesirable emotions into positive, constructive thoughts.

Behavioral therapy identifies unwanted behaviors and enables children to understand said behaviors and their root causes. Children can understand complex issues in latent terms and cope with or adjust their actions to make healthy choices. There are various types of therapeutic techniques to communicate these feelings and provide greater insight. Play therapy involves toys that engage the child while acting out distressing situations. During exposure therapy, the psychologist discusses troublesome triggers and explores solutions if or when a child encounters them. Clinical reconstruction enables children to transform negative, destructive thoughts into positive emotions through therapeutic exercises. Ultimately, behavioral therapy utilizes reinforcement of pleasant actions, trigger identification, and therapeutic techniques to prevent outbursts while modeling proper behavior.

If you or your child is struggling with behavioral issues or mental health please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:

https://www.lumierechild.com/blog/does-your-child-need-behavioral-therapy

Divorce Therapy: Former Couples & Children

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Divorce Therapy: Former Couples & Children

By: Isabella Favuzza

A divorce marks a challenging time in most people’s lives, especially for the former couple’s children. The couple’s emotions can range from relief and gratitude to grief and fury. The former couple may subconsciously pass these emotions onto their children, creating an unhealthy or unstable home environment. The children may also internalize these feelings, causing behavioral outbursts. Although the former couple no longer loves one another, they do love their children and must work together to ease the transition. Therapeutic services enable the former couple to mutually come together, operating as a united front for the sake of the children.

Many are accustomed to marital counseling to solve issues and prevent a divorce. However, divorce counseling has gained popularity as former couples are unsure of the next steps as parents. Although the former couple has separated, they love the children unconditionally and strive to provide a warm, healthy home free of tension. A psychologist allows the couple to disclose their thought on parenting and next steps without a heated argument. The therapist acts as a guide to put aside the former couple’s unwanted feelings toward each other and create a resolution that benefits the children. The therapist provides insight and parenting styles that ease the effects of the divorce on the children. Ultimately, divorce counseling allows the former couple to put their emotions aside and unite when deciding on parenting styles, communication, living arrangements, etc.

If you or your partner is struggling with divorce or mental health please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:

https://www.aamft.org/Consumer_Updates/Children_and_Divorce.aspx

Addiction: Drug Abuse

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Addiction: Drug Abuse

By: Isabella Favuzza

Many partake in recreational drug use, assuming addiction is nearly impossible due to occasional drug use in social settings. However, more than 70% of individuals who use drugs recreationally develop an addiction and experience negative consequences associated with said addiction. These behaviors involve compulsiveness, the inability to stop using the drug, undesirable emotions, withdrawal, etc. These unpleasant symptoms and behaviors can also negatively affect the addict’s relationships with work, loved ones, etc. A majority of addicts desire to stop using drugs but find it extremely challenging as the drug creates a physical and neurological dependence. No one wants to become a drug addict; however, drug use neurologically alters the brain, making it burdensome to quit.

Counseling services can identify the triggers leading to continued drug use, provide intensive intervention, supply vital behavioral strategies, offer peer support, and reduce the risk of relapse. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help addicts cope with feelings of guilt, shame, anger, sorrow, etc. A psychologist can also provide intensive care to assist with drug detoxification and withdrawal symptoms that can be grueling to experience by oneself. Therapy provides addicts with behavioral and cognitive tools to cope with triggers, understand past drug abuse, and maintain sobriety. Ultimately, therapy enables drug addicts to reclaim their livelihood and relationships with loved ones by relinquishing the negative consequences of drug abuse.

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction or abuse, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:

https://www.hanleycenter.org/five-big-benefits-of-counseling-in-drug-addiction/#:~:text=Counseling%20provides%20additional%20benefits%20to,recovery%2C%20and%20reducing%20the%20risk

Alcoholism: A Life Altering Disorder

GalleryJudy Gurfein 1 Comment

By: Charleene Polanco

According to Mayo Clinic, alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder, is defined as an alcohol use pattern that involves the inability to control ones drinking. For many who are on track to become an alcoholic, it seems pretty easy to keep convincing themselves that they have the ability to quit whenever they want. However, when he or she realizes their alcohol tolerance has increased, and that he or she experiences withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, an alcohol use disorder has developed. The common symptoms of alcoholism include:

  • Uncontrolled alcohol consumption
  • Using alcohol in unsafe situations, such as driving
  • Failure to fulfill major school or work obligations because of repeated alcohol use
  • Craving/ urges to drink alcohol
  • Withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating, and shaking
  • Unsuccessful attempts to cut down on the amount of alcohol consumed

Alcoholism is an important issue, because it affects a huge number of the American population. As many as 18 million Americans suffer from alcoholism, and about 100,000 die as a result. Alcoholism is also associated with other social and domestic problems, like job absenteeism and spousal/child abuse. With such a significant portion of the U.S. population suffering from this terrible disorder, and its effects on the individual and loved ones, it is imperative that a person seek help when afflicted with alcohol use disorder.

If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol use disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/.

 

Sources:

Mayo Clinic. (2018, July 11). Alcohol use disorder. Retrieved October 9, 2018, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369243

WebMD. (2018). Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder — the Basics. Retrieved October 9, 2018, from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/understanding-alcohol-abuse-basics#1

 

BED: Symptoms, Statistics, and Risks

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

By: Cassie Sieradzky

Binge eating disorder is characterized by episodes of ingesting large quantities of food to the point of feeling sick, feeling a loss of control during the episodes, guilt and or shame following the binge, and a lack of compensatory behaviors, like purging. Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in America. The recurrent episodes of binging are done within a discrete period of time and can be associated with eating faster than usual, eating until uncomfortably full, eating when not hungry, eating in private due to shame, and feeling guilty and depressed following the binge. To merit a diagnosis, binging episodes must occur at least one a week for 3 months.

Binge eating disorder is 3x more common than anorexia and bulimia combined, with a lifetime prevalence of 3.5% for women and 2% for men. BED is most prevalent in the late teens or early 20s; however it is also reported in young children and adults. About 40% of individuals diagnosed with BED are male and 3 out of 10 individuals seeking weight loss treatments show signs of this disorder.

Psychotherapy is an important part of the treatment. Psychotherapy helps the individual address and work through the emotional problems associated with BED. Individuals with this disorder are at an increased risk of developing another psychiatric disorder such as substance abuse, bulimia, or anorexia. People with BED are also at risk of engaging in self-injurious behavior, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal actions. Along with the emotional problems associated with BED, individuals with this disorder are at an increased risk for developing diabetes, abnormal cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

If you or a loved one appears to be suffering from binge-eating disorder, licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy can assist you. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Dryden-Edwards, M. R. (n.d.). Binge Eating Disorder Treatment, Symptoms & Causes. Retrieved January
23, 2018, from https://www.medicinenet.com/binge_eating_disorder/article.htm
Overview and Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved January 23, 2018, from

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)