Eating Disorders therapists in Crystal Lake, Illinois IL

Dr. Conviser is the founder of Ascend Consultation in Health Care, Chicago's premiere center for eating and weight related challenges. Visit ascendchc.com or call (312) 283-2650 to schedule a confidential consultation.  

BodyCentered Psychotherapy is a somatic and experiential therapy. We process core beliefs in mindfulness, not as intellectual problem-solving, but as direct dialogue with the unconscious through “felt sense” techniques. This establishes a relationship in which it is safe for the client to become self-aware. It allows us to rapidly access the unconscious beliefs and early experiences which shape our lives, relationships, and self-perceptions. The body is viewed as a “map of the psyche” – a door that can be opened to reveal the entire character and belief system of the individual. This creates an experiential route to core material, deepening therapy beyond insight and words and changes are integrated into the client’s immediate experience. When directly experienced, these patterns are available for transformation and re-integration. This can be facilitated through body work or psychotherapy.  

Eating Disorders are a means to give the individual a sense of control so it much be honored to be released. I assist individuals to understand how complex trauma increases the urge with in the emotional brain to foster the illusion of control. Working with the client to uncover their strengths to heal complex trauma through narrative therapy techniques, cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapeutic interventions to increase acceptance of self and enhance emotional regulation.  

Each of us faces obstacles and difficulties in life differently, and at times we can all use help. Individuals frequently seek my services during times of transition, when decision making appears to have a greater impact on our future directions.  

I work with a variety of eating disorders such as anorexia, a preoccupation healthy food, bulimia, and binge eating. I see eating disorders as a type of addiction designed to soothe and fill clients with a sense of control and competency. While those suffering from eating disorders are often high achieving individuals, generalizations are difficult to make in a culture that encourages thinness at any cost and "looks the other way" at self-destructive behaviors when they propel us to meet cultural norms. I do not focus on calories, food charts, weight, or homework. I work with clients who are medically stable to enable them to find more adapting ways of achieving self-acceptance, autonomy, control, and a sense of well-being. Of course, wellness regimens including medical check-ups, relaxation, mindfulness, nutrition, exercise, etc.. are useful and sometimes critical in helping those with self-destructive behavior.