Bulimia Therapist
in Bergen County, NJ
Break Free from the Binge-Purge Cycle with Compassionate, Expert Care
If you're struggling with bulimia nervosa, you know the exhausting cycle: the urge to binge, the overwhelming guilt and shame, and the desperate need to "undo" what you've eaten through purging, exercise, or restriction. This pattern can feel impossible to escape, but recovery is possible.
At Balanced Brain and Body in Ridgewood, NJ Kristen Forman, LCSW provides specialized bulimia therapy throughout Bergen County using proven therapeutic approaches like CBT-E (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Enhanced) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). Her HAES®-aligned, weight-inclusive approach focuses on healing your relationship with food and breaking the binge-purge cycle—without shame, judgment, or a focus on weight.
Understanding Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by:
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Recurrent episodes of binge eating (eating large amounts of food with a sense of loss of control)
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Compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as:
- Self-induced vomiting
- Misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications
- Excessive exercise
- Fasting or severe food restriction
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Self-worth heavily influenced by body shape and weight
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Intense feelings of shame, guilt, and secrecy around eating
Beyond these behaviors, bulimia often involves:
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Anxiety, depression, or mood swings
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Perfectionism and fear of judgment
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Difficulty managing emotions without using food
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Physical health consequences (electrolyte imbalances, dental problems, digestive issues)
Bulimia is not a choice or a lack of willpower.
It's a serious mental health condition that requires specialized treatment and support from an experienced bulimia therapist.
How Kristen Treats Bulimia
Evidence-Based Therapy Designed to Break the Cycle
As a licensed bulimia therapist serving Bergen County, Kristen's approach combines proven therapeutic methods with a compassionate, weight-inclusive philosophy. The goal isn't to control your eating through restriction or weight loss—it's to address the underlying emotional and psychological patterns that fuel the binge-purge cycle.
Treatment Methods:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Enhanced
(CBT-E)
CBT-E is the most effective evidence-based treatment for bulimia. Kristen uses this structured approach to help you:
- Identify triggers for binge eating and purging behaviors
- Challenge distorted thoughts about food, body, and self-worth
- Establish regular, balanced eating patterns to reduce binge urges
- Develop healthier coping strategies instead of compensatory behaviors
- Build long-term skills to prevent relapse
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT skills are essential for managing the intense emotions that drive binge-purge cycles:
- Emotional regulation – Recognizing and managing feelings like shame, anxiety, and overwhelm without turning to food
- Distress tolerance – Riding out uncomfortable emotions without bingeing or purging
- Mindfulness – Staying present and aware during meals to break automatic patterns
- Interpersonal effectiveness – Setting boundaries, expressing needs, and building supportive relationships
Health at Every Size® (HAES®) Framework
Kristen's HAES®-aligned approach means:
- Treatment never involves dieting, weight loss goals, or restrictive eating plans (which often trigger binges)
- Your body's natural diversity is respected—recovery isn't about achieving a certain weight
- The focus is on emotional healing, balanced eating, and self-compassion
- No scales, no weigh-ins, no BMI monitoring
Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Practices
Shame fuels the binge-purge cycle. Through mindfulness and compassion-focused techniques, you'll learn to:
- Recognize hunger and fullness cues without judgment
- Challenge black-and-white thinking about "good" and "bad" foods
- Reduce self-criticism and develop self-kindness
- Break the secrecy and isolation that keep bulimia active
Who This Treatment Is For
Adolescents & Adults Ready to Break Free from Bulimia
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 bulimia nervosa or experiencing binge-purge patterns
- Struggling with shame, guilt, and secrecy around eating
- Ready to explore recovery in a safe, non-judgmental space
- Looking for weight-inclusive, HAES®-aligned treatment that doesn't involve dieting
- Seeking an alternative to traditional weight-focused programs that may have triggered their eating disorder
As a Bergen County bulimia therapist, Kristen provides a welcoming, affirming space for neurodivergent individuals, LGBTQ+ clients, and anyone who has been harmed by diet culture or weight stigma.
Your Path to Bulimia Recovery Starts Here
Initial Intake (75 minutes)
Your first session is a comprehensive assessment where Kristen will:
- Learn about your history with bulimia, binge-purge patterns, and triggers
- Understand co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma
- Discuss your goals, fears, and what you're hoping to change
- 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 thoughts and emotions that drive binge-purge behaviors
- Learning and practicing DBT skills for emotional regulation
- Challenging cognitive distortions through CBT-E techniques
- Developing regular eating patterns and reducing food rules
- Processing setbacks with compassion
(because recovery isn't linear)
Collaborative Care
Bulimia treatment is most effective with a team approach. Kristen works closely with HAES®-aligned dietitians, medical providers, and other professionals throughout Bergen County to support your full recovery and address any physical health concerns.
Location & Format
- In-person: Ridgewood, NJ office
- Virtual: Secure telehealth sessions available throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, and South Carolina
Why Choose Balanced Brain and Body
for Bulimia Treatment?
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Specialized Expertise
With over 14 years specializing in eating disorders and intensive training in CBT-E and DBT, Kristen is one of Bergen County's most experienced bulimia therapists using the most effective, evidence-based treatments.
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Boutique, Founder-Led Care
You'll work directly with Kristen throughout your entire treatment. No rotating therapists, no handoffs. This consistency creates the trust and safety essential for breaking the cycle of secrecy and shame.
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HAES®-Aligned, No Dieting
Restrictive eating and dieting often trigger binges. Kristen's weight-inclusive approach helps you heal without the harmful restrictions that maintain bulimia.
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Shame-Free Environment
Bulimia thrives in secrecy. Kristen creates a judgment-free space where you can be honest about your struggles without fear of criticism or disappointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About
Bulimia Therapy
Recovery timelines vary based on the severity and duration of bulimia, co-occurring conditions, and individual circumstances. Many clients see significant progress within 6-12 months, though some benefit from longer-term support. Treatment is personalized to your pace and needs.
No. Diets and restrictive meal plans often trigger binge eating. Instead, Kristen helps you establish flexible, balanced eating patterns that reduce binge urges without rigid rules. If nutritional support is needed, she can refer you to a HAES®-aligned dietitian in Bergen County.
Recovery isn’t an on/off switch. Kristen takes a harm-reduction approach, meaning she meets you where you are and works with you to reduce risk while understanding what purging behaviors are doing for you. Together, you’ll build safer, more supportive ways to cope—without pressure to stop everything at once or be “perfect.” What matters most is honesty, compassion, and taking steps forward at a pace that feels doable.
No. Kristen does not use scales or weight monitoring. Her HAES®-aligned approach focuses on emotional wellbeing, behavior change, and quality of life—not weight.
Yes! Research shows telehealth is highly effective for eating disorder treatment. Virtual sessions offer privacy, convenience, and the same quality of care as in-person therapy. Perfect for busy Bergen County residents.
Bulimia often co-occurs with anxiety, depression, trauma, or perfectionism. Kristen's training in DBT and trauma-informed care allows her to address these issues as part of your comprehensive treatment plan.
Take the First Step Toward Freedom from Bulimia
You Deserve to Break the Cycle
Living with bulimia is exhausting, isolating, and painful. The shame and secrecy can feel overwhelming. You don't have to carry this alone. With specialized treatment from an experienced Bergen County bulimia therapist, you can break free from the binge-purge cycle and build a life rooted in self-compassion, not self-destruction.
Kristen Forman, LCSW is currently accepting new clients for bulimia therapy in Bergen County 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 is possible. Let's talk about how therapy can help.