Eating Disorder Treatment
Expert in the Treatment of Eating Disorders for Over 35 Years
Dr Kearney Cooke is an internationally known expert in the treatment of of eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating, orthorexi and co-occurring obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, post traumatic stress disorders and mood disorders.
As a pioneer in the treatment of eating disorders, she knows what it takes to help individuals eliminate destructive eating patterns, develop a healthy body image, increase self esteem and find joy in life again. She understands the role of genetics, psychological pain, problems in connection with others and cultural impact in development of an eating disorder.
Known for her warmth and kindness as well as results-oriented approach, patients can count on her keep up with the latest advances in the field, use evidence-based treatments and push them when needed to change.
After a comprehensive initial assessment, therapeutic goals and a treatment contract will be established. Dr. Ann uses an integrated approach for the treatment of eating disorders, including interpersonal psychotherapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. She has created innovative and effective techniques and strategies based on the latest research in neuroscience to treat eating disorders and body image issues. Dr. Ann also employs techniques such as guided imagery, journal writing, and mindfulness in order to help patients develop a different relationship with food, their body, and others.
Using a gentle but firm approach, Dr. Ann emphasizes that the time for change is now. As part of a collaborative team approach, she works with a dietitian physician and psychiatrist in order to address all aspects of the illness. Furthermore, Dr. Ann involves family in treatment as much as possible. They play a critical role in the treatment and overall recovery of the patient.
Dr. Ann’s Group Therapy
Group therapy is considered one of the most effective treatments for eating disorders and can be motivating, healing, and restorative. New groups for patients struggling with eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating) are formed in the fall, winter, and spring. Each group consists of 6-8 patients and meets for an hour and a half each week. Homework assignments are given for members to work on between sessions.
Descriptions of group therapy sessions are described below.
Eating Disorder Group Therapy
Dr. Ann lead groups for patients struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Using dialectical behavior therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy, patients will learn how to challenge distorted thinking about food and weight, mindfulness and distress tolerance skills, and strategies to develop healthy relationships with others. Tools to develop a healthy body image and self-esteem are also taught.
Patients find solace in the acceptance and support offered by other group members and opportunities to practice new skills to be more effective and overcome eating disorders.
Overcoming Overeating Group Therapy
Dr. Ann lead groups for individuals struggling with overeating and binge eating disorder. Using dialectical behavior therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy, group members will learn how to challenge distorted thinking about food, mindfulness and distress tolerance skills, and strategies to develop healthy relationships with others. Patients find solace in the acceptance and support offered by other group members and opportunities to practice new skills to be more effective and overcome overeating.
Do you overeat to cope with difficult emotions? To calm yourself down? During transitions from one activity to another?
– You will learn skills to handle your emotions and proven strategies to deal with stress.
Do you rush through lunch while returning phone calls and emails and find yourself at the snack machine an hour later searching for food?
– You will learn how to live and eat in a mindful way. Mindful eating involves fully experiencing the taste and texture of your food and increased awareness of hunger and fullness signals.
Do you find that you are able to eat healthy all day long, but in the evening you lose your willpower—eating the leftovers from dinner and reaching into the cupboards for treats all night?
– You will learn strategies to delay gratification and strengthen your willpower.
Do you obsess about your next meal because food is your only source of pleasure? Do you know what to eat to lose weight but find yourself eating high-calorie foods?
– You will learn scientifically proven techniques to increase your happiness and non-food sources of pleasure.