Eating Disorder Therapy in New York and Florida
Structured, evidence-based online therapy for anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and body image struggles — available statewide in New York and Florida.
You’re Exhausted from Thinking About Food All the Time
Stephanie Van Schaick, LMHC, C-DBT, CIMHP
Eating Disorder and Trauma Therapist
You might look like you have it together.
You show up to work. You show up for other people.
But internally, your mind feels consumed by food, weight, or your body.
You may:
Obsess over calories, macros, or “clean” eating
Swing between restriction and loss of control
Avoid social events because food is involved
Feel intense guilt or shame after eating
Constantly compare your body to others
Feel disconnected from your hunger and fullness cues
This is not about willpower.
This is not about discipline.
This is an eating disorder.
And it is treatable.
Eating Disorders Are More Than Food
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions — not lifestyle choices.
They often overlap with:
Anxiety
Perfectionism
OCD traits
Control struggles
Identity and self-worth issues
For some people, the eating disorder began as a way to cope.
For others, it developed gradually through dieting, sports pressure, or life stress.
Either way — it becomes exhausting.
You may feel trapped between wanting to change and being terrified to let go of the behaviors that feel “safe.”
You don’t have to untangle this alone.
Types of Eating Disorders I Treat
I provide online eating disorder therapy for teens and adults experiencing:
Click below to learn more about each specialty page.
Anorexia Nervosa
Severe restriction, intense fear of weight gain, body image distortion, rigidity around food.
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting, over-exercising, or laxative use.
Binge Eating Disorder
Recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food accompanied by shame, distress, or feeling out of control.
ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)
Extreme food avoidance, sensory sensitivities, fear-based restriction, or limited variety.
Body Image & Disordered Eating
Chronic dieting, food obsession, body dissatisfaction, and rigid food rules.
My Approach to Eating Disorder Therapy
I specialize in structured, evidence-based treatment — not vague “talk therapy.”
My work integrates:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (when trauma is present)
Exposure-based work
Emotional regulation skill-building
Behavioral experimentation
Collaboration with dietitians or physicians when appropriate
Treatment is focused and goal-oriented.
Most clients attend sessions once or twice per week.
We work to:
Normalize eating patterns
Reduce binge/purge cycles
Decrease fear foods
Improve flexibility around food
Reduce body image distress
Address underlying trauma or anxiety
Rebuild trust in your body
You do not need to wait until things are “severe enough” to deserve help.
Eating Disorders and Trauma Often Overlap
Many individuals with eating disorders have a history of trauma — whether “Big T” trauma or more subtle, chronic stress.
Food can become a way to:
Regain control
Numb emotional pain
Create structure
Avoid vulnerability
If trauma is part of your story, we address it carefully and strategically — without forcing you to relive every detail.
Trauma Therapy in New York and Florida
Where I Provide Eating Disorder Therapy
I provide virtual eating disorder therapy for teens and adults throughout:
New York, including New York City and Long Island
Florida, including Central Florida, Ocala, and surrounding areas
All sessions are held securely online, allowing you to receive specialized care from the privacy of your home.
If you are located anywhere in New York or Florida, I am licensed to work with you.
Ready to Break Free from Food Obsession for Good?
You are not dramatic.
You are not “too much.”
And you are not beyond help.
If you are ready for structured, specialized eating disorder treatment, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
Most clients feel relief even after the first conversation.
Eating Disorder Therapy FAQs
-
Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) are considered highly effective for eating disorders. Treatment focuses on behavior change, cognitive restructuring, and exposure to feared foods. When trauma is present, additional trauma-focused approaches may be integrated.
-
Yes. Research shows that structured online therapy can be highly effective for eating disorders. Virtual treatment allows for consistent access to specialized care, and many clients find it easier to implement skills in their home environment.
-
No. Eating disorders affect individuals of all body sizes. You do not need to meet a specific weight threshold to deserve treatment.
-
Treatment length varies depending on severity and goals. Many clients begin noticing meaningful progress within the first few months of structured therapy.
