Binge Eating Therapy in New Jersey
End the Guilt-Shame-Binge Cycle with Compassionate, Evidence-Based Care
If you're struggling with binge eating disorder (BED), you know the painful pattern: eating large amounts of food rapidly, often in secret, followed by intense shame and guilt. You promise yourself "never again," only to find yourself bingeing hours or days later. This cycle can feel impossible to break—but with the right support, recovery is absolutely possible.
At Balanced Brain and Body, Kristen Forman, LCSW provides specialized binge eating therapy throughout New Jersey using proven approaches like DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and CBT-E (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Enhanced). Her HAES®-aligned, weight-inclusive approach focuses on understanding and healing the emotional roots of binge eating—without dieting, restriction, or shame.
Understanding Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States, yet it's often misunderstood and dismissed.
BED is characterized by:
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Recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period
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A sense of loss of control during binge episodes
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Eating until uncomfortably full
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Eating large amounts when not physically hungry
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Eating alone due to embarrassment
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Feeling guilty, ashamed, or regretful after eating
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Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty after bingeing
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No regular use of compensatory behaviors (like purging or excessive exercise)
Binge eating disorder is about so much more than food. It's often connected to:
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Difficulty managing stress, anxiety, sadness, or boredom
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Using food to numb or avoid uncomfortable emotions
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History of dieting or restrictive eating (which often triggers binges)
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Perfectionism, low self-esteem, or body image distress
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Trauma or painful life experiences
BED is not a lack of willpower or discipline.
It's a complex mental health condition that responds well to specialized therapy.
How Kristen Treats Binge Eating Disorder
Addressing the Emotional Roots, Not Just the Behavior
As a licensed binge eating therapist serving New Jersey, Kristen's approach goes beyond simply telling you to "stop bingeing." Instead, she helps you understand why you binge and builds healthier ways to cope with the emotions and situations that trigger these episodes.
Treatment Methods:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is particularly effective for binge eating because it directly addresses emotional eating.
Kristen teaches skills in:
- Emotional regulation – Identifying and managing emotions like stress, loneliness, or anger without using food
- Distress tolerance – Sitting with uncomfortable feelings without reaching for food to escape
- Mindfulness – Developing present-moment awareness to notice urges without automatically acting on them
- Interpersonal effectiveness – Communicating needs and setting boundaries instead of using food to cope
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Enhanced
(CBT-E)
CBT-E helps you:
- Identify thought patterns that maintain binge eating ("I've already ruined my day, so I might as well keep eating")
- Challenge all-or-nothing thinking about food and eating
- Establish regular, flexible eating patterns that reduce binge urges
- Develop alternative coping strategies for triggers
- Build confidence in your ability to manage urges and prevent relapse
Health at Every Size® (HAES®) Framework
Many people with binge eating disorder have a history of dieting. Research shows that restriction often triggers binges.
Kristen's HAES®-aligned approach means:
- No diets, no meal plans with rigid rules, no weight loss goals
- Focus on intuitive eating and reconnecting with hunger/fullness cues
- Respect for body diversity—all bodies deserve care and compassion
- Healing your relationship with food without shame or restriction
Mindfulness & Self-Compassion
Shame keeps the binge cycle going. Through mindfulness and compassion-focused practices, you'll learn to:
- Recognize binge urges early and respond skillfully
- Challenge the "all-or-nothing" mindset that fuels binges
- Practice self-kindness instead of self-criticism after setbacks
- Break free from the secrecy and isolation that keep BED active
Who This Treatment Is For
Adolescents & Adults in New Jersey Seeking Freedom from Binge Eating
Kristen works with adolescents (ages 11+) and adults throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, and South Carolina who are:
- Diagnosed with binge eating disorder or struggling with frequent binge episodes
- Using food to cope with difficult emotions
- Caught in the guilt-shame-binge cycle
- Tired of dieting and restriction that only makes things worse
- Looking for weight-inclusive, HAES®-aligned therapy that doesn't involve weight loss goals
- Ready to understand the "why" behind their eating and build lasting change
Kristen provides a welcoming, affirming space for neurodivergent individuals, LGBTQ+ clients, people in larger bodies, and anyone who has been harmed by diet culture or weight stigma.
Your Path to Recovery Starts Here
Initial Intake (75 minutes)
Your first session is a comprehensive assessment where Kristen will:
- Learn about your history with binge eating, triggers, and patterns
- Understand co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma
- Explore your relationship with food, dieting history, and body image
- Discuss your goals and what you're hoping to achieve through therapy
- Collaboratively create a personalized treatment plan
Ongoing Therapy Sessions (45 or 60 minutes)
Sessions are typically held weekly or bi-weekly. Each session may include:
- Exploring the emotions and situations that trigger binges
- Learning and practicing DBT skills for emotional regulation
- Challenging unhelpful thought patterns through CBT-E
- Developing regular, flexible eating patterns without rigid rules
- Processing setbacks with compassion and curiosity (not judgment)
Collaborative Care
For some clients, working with a HAES®-aligned dietitian alongside therapy can be helpful. Kristen can provide referrals to trusted nutrition professionals who support intuitive eating and body acceptance.
Location & Format
- In-person: Ridgewood, NJ office (Bergen County)
Virtual: Secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions available throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, and South Carolina
Why Choose Kristen Forman for Binge Eating Therapy in NJ?
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Specialized Training in BED Treatment
With over 14 years specializing in eating disorders and intensive training in DBT and CBT-E, Kristen is an expert in the most effective, evidence-based treatments for binge eating disorder.
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DBT Expertise
Kristen's 10 years in a DBT outpatient center gives her deep expertise in teaching emotional regulation skills—the core of successful binge eating treatment.
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No Dieting, No Weight Focus
Kristen's HAES®-aligned approach means you'll never be put on a diet or weight loss plan. Research shows restriction often triggers binges—so recovery focuses on intuitive eating and self-compassion instead.
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Shame-Free, Judgment-Free Space
Binge eating thrives in secrecy and shame. Kristen creates a safe environment where you can be completely honest without fear of criticism or disappointment.
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Boutique, Founder-Led Care
You'll work directly with Kristen throughout your entire treatment. No rotating therapists, no transfers. This consistency builds the trust essential for lasting change.
Frequently Asked Questions About
Binge Eating Therapy
Take the First Step Toward Freedom from Binge Eating
You Deserve Peace Around Food
Living with binge eating disorder is exhausting, isolating, and filled with shame. You've likely tried to "just stop" countless times, only to find yourself back in the cycle. But binge eating isn't about willpower—it's about understanding the emotions and patterns underneath, and building healthier ways to cope.
With specialized binge eating therapy, you can break free from the guilt-shame-binge cycle and build a life where food is a source of nourishment and pleasure, not pain.
Kristen Forman, LCSW is currently accepting new clients for binge eating therapy throughout New Jersey.
In-person sessions: Ridgewood, Bergen County
Virtual sessions: Available throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, and South Carolina
Recovery is possible. Let's talk about how therapy can help.