Anorexia Treatment
in Ridgewood, NJ

Compassionate, Evidence-Based Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa

sketch of seated woman from back - Eating Disorder Treatment

If you or someone you love is struggling with anorexia nervosa, you've likely experienced the fear, isolation, and physical toll this eating disorder brings. At Balanced Brain and Body, Kristen Forman, LCSW provides specialized anorexia treatment in Ridgewood, New Jersey that focuses on true recovery, not just weight restoration, but healing your relationship with food, your body, and yourself.

Using proven methods like CBT-E (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Enhanced) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), Kristen offers compassionate, HAES®-aligned care that respects your autonomy and honors your whole self throughout the recovery process.

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Understanding Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by:

  • Restriction of food intake leading to significantly low body weight

  • Intense fear of weight gain or becoming "fat"

  • Distorted body image or self-perception

  • Preoccupation with food, calories, weight, and body shape

Beyond the physical symptoms, anorexia often involves:

  • Perfectionism and rigid thinking patterns

  • Anxiety and need for control

  • Low self-worth tied to weight or appearance

  • Social isolation and withdrawal

  • Co-occurring depression or anxiety disorders or PTSD

Anorexia is not a choice, a phase, or about vanity.
It's a complex mental health condition that requires specialized, compassionate treatment.

How Kristen Treats Anorexia

Evidence-Based Therapy Rooted in Compassion & Respect

Kristen's approach to anorexia treatment integrates proven therapeutic methods with a weight-inclusive, HAES® philosophy—meaning recovery is about restoring health and balance, not achieving a specific weight target.

Treatment Methods:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Enhanced
(CBT-E)

CBT-E is the gold standard for anorexia treatment.
Kristen uses this structured approach to help you:

  • Identify and challenge distorted thoughts about food, weight, and body image
  • Address perfectionism and rigid rules that maintain the eating disorder
  • Gradually restore normal eating patterns in a safe, supportive way
  • Build skills to prevent relapse and maintain recovery

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT skills are powerful tools for managing the intense emotions that often accompany anorexia:

  • Emotional regulation – Understanding and managing anxiety, fear, and distress
  • Distress tolerance – Coping with uncomfortable feelings without restricting food
  • Mindfulness – Staying present during meals and challenging moments
  • Interpersonal effectiveness – Communicating needs and building supportive relationships

Health at Every Size® (HAES®) Framework

Unlike traditional weight-focused treatment, Kristen's HAES®-aligned approach means:

  • Recovery goals focus on health behaviors, not weight targets
  • Your body's natural diversity is respected
  • Treatment addresses the psychological and emotional roots of anorexia
  • No scales, no BMI charts—just compassionate, individualized care

Mindfulness & Body Reconnection

Anorexia often disconnects you from your body's signals. Through mindfulness practices, you'll learn to:

  • Recognize true hunger and fullness cues
  • Challenge body image distortions
  • Develop self-compassion and acceptance
  • Reduce anxiety around food and eating

Who This Treatment Is For

Adolescents & Adults Seeking Compassionate Anorexia Care

Kristen works with adolescents (ages 11+) and adults in Ridgewood, Bergen County, and throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, and South Carolina who are:

  • Diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or showing symptoms of restrictive eating
  • Struggling with intense fear of weight gain or body image distortion
  • Ready to explore recovery in a safe, non-judgmental space
  • Looking for weight-inclusive, HAES®-aligned treatment
  • Seeking an alternative to traditional weight-focused programs

Kristen also provides a welcoming, affirming space for neurodivergent individuals, LGBTQ+ clients, and anyone who has been harmed by diet culture or weight-centric healthcare.

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Your Path to Anorexia Recovery Starts Here

Initial Intake (75 minutes)

 Your first session is a comprehensive assessment where Kristen will:

  • Learn about your history with anorexia and eating patterns
  • Understand co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression
  • Discuss your goals, fears, and hopes for recovery
  • Collaboratively create a personalized treatment plan

Ongoing Therapy Sessions (45 or 60 minutes)

Sessions are typically held weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your needs. Each session may include:

  • Exploring thoughts and emotions related to food and body image
  • Learning and practicing DBT skills
  • Challenging cognitive distortions through CBT-E
  • Meal planning support (in collaboration with a dietitian, if needed)
  • Processing challenges and celebrating progress

Collaborative Care

Anorexia treatment is most effective when it's comprehensive. Kristen works closely with HAES®-aligned dietitians, medical providers, and other professionals to support your full recovery.

Location & Format

  • In-person: Ridgewood, NJ office
  • Virtual: Secure telehealth sessions available throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, and South Carolina
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Why Choose Balanced Brain and Body
for Anorexia Treatment?

  • Specialized Expertise

    Kristen has over 14 years specializing in eating disorders, with intensive training in CBT-E and DBT. The most effective treatments for anorexia.

  • Boutique, Founder-Led Care

    You'll work directly with Kristen from your first session through recovery. No rotating therapists, no transfers. This consistency builds the trust essential for healing.

  • HAES®-Aligned Philosophy

    Recovery is about so much more than weight. Kristen's weight-inclusive approach focuses on true health, self-compassion, and living a full life.

  • Neuro-Affirming & Inclusive

    As a passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals, Kristen provides affirming care for all clients, honoring each person's unique needs and experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions About
Anorexia Treatment

How long does anorexia treatment take?

Recovery timelines vary based on severity, duration of illness, co-occurring conditions, and individual circumstances. Some clients see meaningful progress in 6-12 months, while others benefit from longer-term support. Kristen will work with you to assess progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Will I be weighed during treatment?

No. Kristen does not use scales or weight monitoring in therapy. Her HAES®-aligned approach focuses on health behaviors, emotional wellbeing, and quality of life, not numbers.

If medically necessary, Kristen might recommend working with a dietician or seeing your primary care doctor, both of whom may weigh you.

 

Do I need to see a dietitian too?

While not required, working with a HAES®-aligned dietitian can be incredibly helpful for meal planning, nutritional rehabilitation, and challenging food fears. Kristen can provide referrals to trusted nutrition professionals.

What if I'm not ready to gain weight?

Ambivalence about recovery is normal. Kristen practices a harm-reduction approach, meaning she meets you exactly where you are and works with you to reduce risk while exploring your fears, values, and goals. Therapy isn’t about forcing readiness or rushing weight gain; it’s about supporting you in moving forward at a pace that feels possible and sustainable for you.

 

Does Kristen work with families?

For adolescent clients, family involvement is often an important part of treatment. Kristen can incorporate family sessions when appropriate and beneficial to recovery.

Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person?

Yes! Research shows that telehealth is highly effective for eating disorder treatment. Virtual sessions offer convenience, privacy, and accessibility while maintaining the same quality of care.

Do you offer coaching for parents or family members?

At this time, coaching is designed for individuals working on their own relationship with food. However, if you're a parent concerned about your child's eating behaviors, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to discuss whether family-based therapy or other resources might be appropriate.

What if I'm not sure whether I need therapy or coaching?

That's completely normal—and it's exactly why we offer a free consultation. During this conversation, we'll discuss:

  • Your current relationship with food and body
  • Any history of disordered eating or mental health concerns
  • Your past medical history and current medical status
  • Your goals and what you're hoping to achieve
  • Whether therapy, coaching, or another resource is the best fit

There's no pressure, and our goal is to make sure you get the right support for your unique needs.

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Take the First Step Toward Anorexia Recovery

You Deserve Compassionate, Expert Care

Living with anorexia is exhausting, isolating, and painful. But, recovery is possible. With specialized treatment, you can rebuild your relationship with food, reconnect with your body, and reclaim your life.

Kristen Forman, LCSW is currently accepting new clients for anorexia treatment in Ridgewood, NJ and throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, and South Carolina via telehealth.

In-person sessions: Ridgewood, Bergen County
 Virtual sessions: Available throughout NJ, CT, FL, SC

Recovery starts with a single conversation. Let's talk about how therapy can help.

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