SPECIALTY · BULIMIA NERVOSA
The cycle is exhausting. It is not who you are.
If you are searching for a bulimia therapist in Santa Clarita or throughout California, I am here to help. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience, and I understand the shame, secrecy, and exhaustion that comes with bulimia nervosa. You do not have to carry this alone.
Ph.D. -Eating Disorder Psychologist
Telehealth in Santa Clarita and throughout California
Adults, Teens 14+, and Families
You have probably tried to stop on your own, more than once. The secrecy is isolating. You are carrying more than anyone around you knows.
YOU MIGHT RECOGNIZE THIS
What bulimia feels like from the inside
It often starts quietly as a way of coping, of releasing pressure, of feeling in control of something. Over time it becomes its own kind of trap.
You feel relief in the moment, and shame almost immediately after.
You have tried to stop more than once. The cycle always finds its way back.
The secrecy has become its own kind of exhaustion. You are carrying more than anyone around you knows.
Food can feel like both a comfort and a threat, sometimes in the same moment.
You may be functioning well on the outside. No one would know. That isolation makes everything harder.
READY TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP?
A free 15-minute call, no pressure
You can ask questions, share what is going on, and get a sense of whether we are a good fit. There is no obligation and nothing to prepare.
Session length
Location
Telehealth
Ages
45 minutes
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Santa Clarita, CA
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Throughout California
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14+ and Adults
Bulimia is not a lack of willpower. It is a complex response to emotional pain, and it is very treatable.
UNDERSTANDING THE DIAGNOSIS
What is Bulimia Nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, restriction, or excessive exercise. It is often invisible to those closest to the person struggling, which can make it feel even more isolating.
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Bulimia is not a character flaw. It is not about food, not really. It is a complex psychological response to emotional pain, and it has strong, effective treatments.
Common Signs of Bulimia Nervosa include:
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Recurring binge eating episodes
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Strong feelings of shame or guilt around food
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Preoccupation with body shape and weight
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Withdrawing from social eating situations​​
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Purging, restriction, or compulsive exercise after eating
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Eating in secret or hiding food
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Feeling out of control around food
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Mood fluctuations tied to eating
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Who does Bulimia affect?
Bulimia affects people of all genders, ages, body sizes, and backgrounds. Most people with bulimia appear to be at a typical weight, which means it often goes undetected for years. If you recognize yourself here, your struggle is real and it deserves care.
TREATMENT
How I treat Bulimia Nervosa?
Treatment for bulimia works both on the surface (interrupting the cycle) and underneath, where the emotional roots live. Both levels of the work matter, and we move between them at a pace that feels sustainable for you.
Medical care matters
Bulimia can cause serious medical complications over time. I always recommend working alongside a physician and dietitian as part of a coordinated care team. I am happy to help connect you with the right providers if you do not already have them.
Will you make me stop purging right away?
No. We work toward change gradually and collaboratively. Abrupt attempts to stop compensatory behaviors without the right support often backfire. We build the skills and understanding first, and change follows from there.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E)
CBT-E is the gold-standard evidence-based treatment for bulimia nervosa. It targets the specific thoughts and behaviors that maintain the binge-purge cycle, including the overvaluation of shape and weight, dietary restraint, and the emotional triggers that precede binges.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
We explore what the eating disorder has been doing for you emotionally. What does it manage? What does it protect you from? This deeper work helps ensure that recovery is lasting rather than surface-level.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy provides practical tools for tolerating distress, regulating intense emotions, and reducing impulsive behaviors. Many people find that learning to sit with difficult feelings, without acting on them, is one of the most transformative parts of recovery from bulimia.
Attachment-Informed Therapy
We look at how early relational experiences shape your relationship with food, your body, and your own emotional needs. This is particularly relevant when bulimia is connected to experiences of shame, perfectionism, or difficult family dynamics.
WHO I SEE
Who I work with
I work with adults, teens aged 14 and older, and families navigating bulimia nervosa in Santa Clarita and throughout California via telehealth.
Adults
Individual therapy for adults at any stage, whether you are newly recognizing the problem or have been struggling for years.
Teens (14+)
Specialized care for adolescents, with family involvement where appropriate and a strong emphasis on the teen's own voice.
Families
Support and psychoeducation for the parents, partners, caregivers of someone living with bulimia.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
01
I have been doing this for years. Is it too late to recover?
It is never too late. I have worked with people who have struggled with bulimia for decades and have gone on to full recovery. Duration does not determine outcome.
02
Is bulimia physically dangerous?
Yes. Over time bulimia can cause serious medical complications including electrolyte imbalances, dental erosion, and gastrointestinal issues. I always recommend working alongside a physician as part of your care.
03
What if I am not ready to stop completely?
That is okay. Ambivalence is normal and expected. We do not begin by demanding that you stop immediately. We begin by understanding the cycle, building skills, and creating conditions where change becomes possible.
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Do you accept insurance?
I do not participate directly with managed care plans. Payment is made directly to me, but I am happy to provide you with a detailed statement (“superbill”) that you can submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement.​​​
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What if I need a higher level of care than outpatient therapy?
If at any point I believe a higher level of care is needed, I will tell you directly and help coordinate the transition. I will not leave you to navigate that alone. I have referral relationships with leading eating disorder programs across California.
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Related Specialties
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Anorexia Nervosa
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Binge Eating Disorder
Non-diet, compassion-focused therapy for the emotional roots of binge eating.
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Support for Families
Guidance and personal therapy for those closest to someone with an eating disorder.