EDTLA's Treatment Approach
There are many different types of psychotherapy treatment. No single approach works best for all individuals. EDTLA therapists focus on empirically-validated treatments that science demonstrates work. We specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family-Based Treatment (FBT), and the treatment of eating disorders.
Empirically validated treatments are those that have been studied in clinical trials and demonstrated effectiveness with specific disorders. Having trained in an eating disorder research clinic during graduate school in the 1990s, EDTLA director, Dr. Muhlheim gained an early appreciation for treatments validated by clinical trials and an understanding that there is a large amount of flexibility inherent in manual-based treatment. Throughout her career, she has continued to pursue training in other empirically validated treatments including CBT for panic disorder, CBT-AR for ARFID. Dr. Muhlheim and EDTLA therapists strive to keep their work current and grounded in recent research.
What Happens in Therapy Sessions
Sessions are most commonly once per week for 55 minutes (exact length may be dictated by insurance). We can provide therapy in our office in Los Angeles or via secure telehealth to people in California and a few other states.![Therapy for Atypical Anorexia in Los Angeles, California [Image description: a drawing of two adults sitting in a therapy session representing a potential patient seeking therapy for atypical anorexia in Los Angeles, CA]](https://www.eatingdisordertherapyla.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/spot7FINAL-scaled.jpg "Adult in a therapy session | Therapy for Eating Disorders in Los Angeles, CA | 90621 | 92314 | 92262 | 91310")
Psychotherapy is a collaborative effort between therapist and client to solve the client’s problems and improve functioning. It is important to ensure a comfortable match with your therapist. Research has shown that a successful outcome in psychotherapy is helped by a solid therapeutic alliance.
In our practice, we first assess each client individually. Together we develop a treatment plan based on current symptoms, goals, and needs. If the therapist doesn’t think that they are able to meet your needs, or you do not feel comfortable with your therapist, we will do our best to provide you with referrals.
We provide individual therapy at the outpatient level. People must be medically stable and be able to eat independently. Sometimes people with eating disorders are not medically stable. Or their problems may require more intensive treatment than we can offer. If we think you need a higher level of care such as an intensive outpatient (IOP) or partial hospitalization program (PHP) we will help you with referrals.
Therapy is Collaborative
Our therapists provide a safe and supportive environment in which feelings and problems can be explored. We work collaboratively with our clients to address current problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may be interfering with daily life and relationships. Our style is active: we provide education to help clients better understand their difficulties as well as strategies and tools to help them function more effectively at work, improve interpersonal relationships, and reduce symptoms.
Our goal is to provide quick relief from uncomfortable symptoms while encouraging lasting behavioral changes to maintain gains and prevent relapse. We aim to empower clients to become their own therapists rather than foster dependency on us. We believe therapy is more productive when we have specific well-defined goals.
As psychologists, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists, we are not physicians (or "medical doctors"); we do not prescribe medications. If we believe that medication would be helpful we will provide a referral to a psychiatrist.