HealOCDED’s HIPAA-compliant Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect personal information for mental health services in South Florida, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with privacy laws. PRIVACY POLICY Privacy Policy Effective Date: June 18, 2026 Heal OCD ED (“Website”), operated by Compassionate Healing Institute (“CHI,” “we,” “our,” or “us”), is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you visit our Website or interact with our services. By using this Website, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. Information We Collect We may collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, including: Name Email address Phone number Information submitted through contact forms Appointment requests Newsletter subscriptions Other information you choose to provide We may also collect your mobile phone number and records of your consent to receive SMS/text messages for communication, scheduling, and administrative purposes. Additionally, we may automatically collect certain information through cookies and analytics tools, including: IP address Browser type Device information Pages visited Referring websites Date and time of visits How We Use Your Information We may use information we collect to: Respond to inquiries Schedule appointments Provide requested services Improve Website functionality and user experience Send newsletters or marketing communications when consent has been provided Maintain business operations Comply with legal obligations We may use your mobile phone number to send appointment reminders, administrative updates, and other communications for which you have provided consent. SMS/Text Messaging Program SMS Communications By providing your mobile phone number through our website, intake forms, contact forms, appointment scheduling system, or other communications, you consent to receive text messages from Compassionate Healing Institute and Heal OCD ED regarding: Appointment scheduling and reminders Intake and onboarding information Administrative updates Treatment-related communications for established clients Practice announcements and service updates Responses to inquiries submitted through our website Opt-In Consent Users may opt in to receive SMS communications by: Providing a mobile phone number through a website form and requesting contact; Consenting during the intake or registration process; Requesting text communication directly with our staff; or Otherwise providing express consent to receive text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required to receive services. Message Frequency Message frequency varies depending on your relationship with our practice, appointment schedule, service requests, and communication preferences. Opt-Out Instructions You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to any text message. After opting out, you will no longer receive SMS messages except those necessary to confirm your opt-out request. For assistance, reply HELP or contact us at info@healocded.com . Message and Data Rates Message and data rates may apply according to your mobile carrier’s plan. Mobile Information Privacy No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Information sharing with subcontractors in support services, including customer service, scheduling systems, secure messaging platforms, and operational support providers, is permitted solely to support our business operations. All other categories of personal information exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent information; this information will not be shared with any third parties except as required by law or as necessary to provide messaging services requested by the user. Cookies and Analytics Our Website may use cookies, analytics services, and similar technologies to improve user experience and understand how visitors interact with the Website. You may choose to disable cookies through your browser settings; however, some Website features may not function properly. How We Share Information We do not sell your personal information. We may share information with: Service providers who help operate our Website and business Scheduling and communication platforms Payment processors Legal or regulatory authorities when required by law Professional advisors assisting with business operations Any third-party service providers are expected to maintain appropriate safeguards for personal information. HIPAA and Protected Health Information Submitting information through our Website does not automatically create a healthcare provider-patient relationship. Please avoid submitting sensitive health information through general website contact forms unless specifically instructed to do so through a secure platform. Once an individual becomes a client of Compassionate Healing Institute, applicable healthcare privacy laws, including HIPAA where appropriate, govern the handling of protected health information. Data Security We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Third-Party Links Our Website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or policies of third-party websites. We encourage users to review the privacy policies of any external websites they visit. Children’s Privacy Our Website is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through this Website. If you believe a child has provided personal information through our Website, please contact us so we can remove the information. Your Rights Depending on your state of residence and applicable laws, you may have rights regarding your personal information, including the right to: Access information we maintain about you Request correction of inaccurate information Request deletion of certain information Withdraw consent for communications To exercise any applicable rights, please contact us using the information below. Changes to This Privacy Policy We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the Website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policy. Contact Us If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact: Compassionate Healing Institute Website: www.healocded.com Email: info@healocded.com Disclaimer The information provided on this Website is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, psychiatric, or nutritional advice. One additional recommendation: if you’re submitting this policy for SMS campaign approval (Twilio, RingCentral, Spruce, SimplePractice Messaging, etc.), add a checkbox on your contact form that states: “I agree to receive SMS text messages from Compassionate Healing Institute regarding appointments, services, and account-related communications. Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out and HELP for assistance.” Most carriers now expect the consent language to appear both in the Privacy Policy and directly on the form where the user enters their phone number.

This in-person therapy group incorporates exposure and response prevention practices, goal setting, process and increases accountability. Participants will practice ERP tools learned in individual therapy in a supportive and collaborative environment. OCD EXPOSURE PROCESS AND GOAL SETTING GROUP This is an in-person group that meets at our Coral Springs office. Begins April 7th, and meets on Mondays 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Registration now open! Group Leaders: Michael Sheffield, Psy.D. Lissette Cortes, Psy.D. CEDS About our group Our OCD group will launch April 7th. This group meets on Mondays for a total of 8 weeks at office in our Coral Springs, FL. Open to adults who experience OCD and are participating in individual ERP therapy . Processing, goal setting, planning and execution of ERP work. Connect with others on the recovery journey in a supportive environment. Increase accountability. This is an ongoing group, with a commitment for 8 week attendance. For more information and to sign up: Please contact us at info@healocded.com or (561 ) 679-1139 Contact Contact us today for a FREE 15 minute phone consultation, or to learn more! (561) 679 - 1139 Click here to schedule a call

Through food exposure, individuals face their food fears, lessening avoidance and improving the quality of their lives. Food Exposure When we struggle in our relationship with food it can greatly impact our quality of life. Individuals often experience restriction, compulsions, avoidance, checking and engaging in safety behaviors because of having a fear around a certain food, or food aversion. Food fears and food avoidance are often significant components of eating disorders, OCD and phobias. Food fears and food avoidance can be the result of: Having had a previous negative experience with food An adverse reaction to the experience of eating itself Concerns around the possible consequences of eating Negative sensory experiences such as the feel of textures, the taste, and smells of food, the sound of eating or the sight of food Strict rules around the experience of eating Concerns with the impact that food can have on the body Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is an evidence-based treatment for the treatment of food fears and food avoidance. Through food exposure we are able to teach the brain new information by having the individual confront feared stimuli without engaging in compulsive behaviors. By engaging in response prevention, individuals can develop confidence in their ability to tolerate discomfort and uncertainty. Challenging your food fears and healing your relationship with food, will help you reconnect with your values and aspirations improving your quality of life. The Benefits of Working with an OCD and Eating Disorders Dietitian Nutritionist Optimize your energy, mood, and sleep by learning to enjoy all foods that you love without depriving yourself. Cultivate awareness, curiosity and compassion for yourself, behaviors, patterns, and thoughts regarding food choices and amounts. Develop a personalized and flexible nutrition plan to optimize your overall well-being. This may include meal and snack timing and suggestions, hunger and fullness awareness, how to increase satisfaction and pleasure from food, gentle nutrition information that can be used as a guideline for making food decisions, how to cultivate a positive relationship with food and your body. https://calendly.com/chiclinicalteam/15-minute-callback https://calendly.com/chiclinicalteam/15-minute-callback Contact Contact us today for a FREE 15 minute phone consultation, or to learn more! (561) 679 - 1139 Click here to schedule a call

SPACE treatment is a structured, evidence-based intervention designed to help parents support their children with anxiety or (OCD). It is unique in that it focuses exclusively on parental behaviors and interactions. Parents are the primary participants in the treatment, even though the intervention targets the child’s anxiety or OCD. Through this treatment parents learn to communicate empathy and confidence in their child‘s ability to manage anxiety through a non-confrontational approach. SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) SPACE treatment is a structured, evidence-based intervention designed to help parents support their children with anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It was developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz at the Yale Child Study Center and is unique in that it focuses exclusively on parental behaviors and interactions rather than direct therapy with the child. Many parents of children with anxiety or OCD may feel unsure about how to respond to their child’s distress, often engaging in accommodating behaviors to ease their child’s discomfort. While well-intentioned, these accommodations can unintentionally reinforce the child’s anxiety, making it harder for them to develop the coping skills they need to thrive. What is SPACE Treatment? SPACE is unique because it focuses entirely on empowering parents and caregivers, rather than directly involving the child in therapy. Through SPACE, parents learn: How to reduce accommodating behaviors that maintain anxiety or OCD. Ways to set clear and supportive boundaries. Strategies to communicate confidence and encouragement to their child. Techniques to address their own feelings of guilt, fear, or uncertainty related to their child’s struggles. By making targeted changes in their own responses, parents can help create an environment where their child feels safe to face challenges, build resilience, and reduce anxiety symptoms. Why Choose SPACE? Research has shown that SPACE is as effective as traditional child-focused therapy in reducing anxiety and OCD symptoms. It also helps strengthen the parent-child relationship by fostering trust and open communication. This approach is especially helpful for families where a child may be unwilling to participate in therapy or when parents want to take a more active role in the treatment process. How SPACE Treatment Works Our trained SPACE providers work closely with parents in a supportive and collaborative process. Treatment typically involves 12-15 weekly sessions where caregivers will: 1. Identify specific accommodations they’re making for their child’s anxiety or OCD. 2. Learn alternative supportive responses that encourage independence and growth. 3. Practice implementing these strategies, with guidance and feedback from the therapist. Parents often report feeling empowered, confident, and more connected to their child after completing the SPACE program. Is SPACE Right for Your Family? If your family is navigating the challenges of childhood anxiety or OCD, SPACE treatment could be the perfect fit for you. This compassionate and practical approach not only helps children overcome their struggles but also equips parents with lifelong tools to support their child’s mental health. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Let us support you in creating a path to peace and resilience for your child and your family. At CHI, our trained clinicians are here to help your family thrive. If you’d like to learn more about SPACE or schedule a consultation, please contact us. Contact Contact us today for a FREE 15 minute phone consultation, or to learn more! (561) 679 - 1139 Click here to schedule a call

Panic attacks often seem to come out of nowhere. This creates a big alert response in efforts to prevent the next one from coming around, which often recreates panic. Therapy then focuses on breaking this cycle of panic. Panic Disorder Panic Disorder Are you experiencing sudden, intense fear or discomfort—often without warning or clear reason? You may be struggling with Panic Disorder, a treatable anxiety condition that can deeply affect daily life. At Compassionate Healing Institute in Coral Springs, Florida, we offer specialized therapy for panic disorder and panic attacks, helping you understand what’s happening in your body and mind—so you can take back control and feel safe again. We also offer telehealth sessions across all PsyPact states and NY. What Is Panic Disorder? Panic Disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by repeated, unexpected panic attacks—intense episodes of fear that peak within minutes. These attacks often feel overwhelming and can mimic serious medical issues, like heart attacks, leading many people to seek emergency care. To be diagnosed with panic disorder, people usually: Experience frequent panic attacks Worry persistently about having another attack Avoid situations or places where they fear a panic attack might occur This pattern can lead to avoidance, isolation, and significant disruption in work, school, or relationships. Common Symptoms of Panic Attacks Panic attacks come on suddenly and may include: Racing or pounding heartbeat Shortness of breath or hyperventilation Chest pain or tightness Dizziness or lightheadedness Trembling or shaking Sweating Nausea or stomach discomfort Feelings of unreality or detachment Fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying Even though panic attacks are not dangerous, they feel incredibly real and frightening. Many people live in fear of the next episode—this is where therapy can truly help. What Causes Panic Disorder? While there’s no single cause, panic disorder may develop due to: Genetics or family history of anxiety History of trauma or significant stress Chronic worry or underlying anxiety conditions Brain chemistry or a sensitive nervous system At Compassionate Healing Institute, we take a holistic and personalized approach, working with you to understand the underlying causes and build effective tools to manage and reduce symptoms. Effective Therapy for Panic Disorder We specialize in evidence-based treatment for panic disorder that empowers you to reduce panic symptoms, challenge fear-based thinking, and return to the activities you once avoided. Evidence-Based Treatment Includes: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Recognize and change the thought patterns that trigger panic and avoidance. Interoceptive Exposure Therapy: Safely and gradually expose you to panic sensations to reduce fear and avoidance. Mindfulness: Ground yourself in the present and build nervous system resilience. Psychoeducation & Coping Skills: Understand the body’s fear response and learn how to interrupt the cycle of panic. Whether panic has just started or has been interfering in your life for years, our trained clinicians can help you regain peace of mind. Why Choose Compassionate Healing Institute? Anxiety & OCD Specialists with advanced training Empowering, individualized care for teens, adults, and families Inclusive and affirming therapy for all backgrounds In-person and online therapy options Conveniently located in Coral Springs, FL, serving Parkland, Coconut Creek, and surrounding areas Reclaim Your Life from Panic You are not broken—and you are not alone. With the right support, panic disorder is treatable. Our clinicians are here to guide you toward calm, confidence, and freedom! https://calendly.com/chiclinicalteam/15-minute-callback Contact Contact us today for a FREE 15 minute phone consultation, or to learn more! (561) 679 - 1139 Click here to schedule a call

CHI is currently looking for a psychology post doctoral fellow for the fall of 2024. Independent licensed clinicians are also encouraged to apply to be an independent contractor at CHI. Join Our Team At Compassionate Healing Institute we pride ourselves in taking a collaborate and compassionate team approach in the clinical care of our clients. We currently have positions open for a post-doctoral fellow and for a licensed psychologist. "Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life." - Amy Poehler About our team: Clinicians in our team are PsyPact® providers, eating disorders specialists, OCD specialists, Health at Every Size (HAES) aligned providers and professional members of the IOCDF and iaedp. Certified Eating Disorders Specialist PsyPact Provider Professional Member of the IOCDF Positions Available at Compassionate Healing Institute Psychologist and other licensed clinician: This position is available to clinicians who are looking to be part of a collaborative and compassionate treatment team, and/or want to further specialize in the field of anxiety, OCD and/or eating disorders and related conditions. Being a CHI team member includes: Competitive salaried position (70k - 80k) Flexible work week, with 4 days of patient care and 1 day of professional development Maximum of 25 client hours a week Stipend towards insurance and healthcare needs Bonus stipends toward national conferences attendance Training opportunities under CHI's specialties Clinical consultation and/or supervision Weekly team meetings to discuss shared cases Team participation around outreach, education and community events Opportunities for program development Networking opportunities and connections with other clinical specialists in the field Building your own brand and name in our treatment community Opportunities for collaborative presentations, conference attendance, publishing, and networking A comfortable and welcoming office suite environment with a waiting room, private bathroom and kitchenette Post-Doctoral Fellowship Position: Compassionate Healing Institute is offering a post-doctoral fellow position to start in the fall of 2025. Our post-doctoral position entails: Flexible hours while meeting the requirements for licensure in the state of Florida. The completion of 2000 hours, including a minimum of 900 hours in activities related to direct clinical contact 2 hours of weekly individual supervision. 1 hour of weekly team meeting Regular case consultation Flexible work week, with 4 days of patient care and 1 day of professional development Typical work week averages 20 to 25 client hours a week Participation in marketing efforts and social media This position offers: Competitive salary (55k) Full-time salaried position. Available health insurance plan stipend 12 days of PTO and sick leave, and 8 paid federal holidays after 60 days of employment Opportunities for stipends to attend national conferences Opportunities for monthly stipends for trainings and professional development Eligible candidates would have received a Doctorate degree from an APA-accredited Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology doctoral program. Applications will also demonstrate competence and knowledge of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy modality of treatment. Those interested in applying can submit the following application materials in one email to Dr. Lissette Cortes, clinical supervisor at info@healocded.com A cover letter indicating postdoctoral fellowship training goals. A current CV with names and contact information for 3 professional references, including either the internship training director or internship clinical supervisor. A recommendation letter from a training supervisor. An unofficial graduate school transcript. Join us! We look forward to hearing from you! Contact us today for more information! info@healocded.com (561) 679 1139

Tics are neurologial and influenced by the environment. Many school aged children may have tics.There are motor tics and vocal tics. Tourette's Syndrome includes both motor and vocal tics. CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Interventions for Tics) is the gold starndard of treatment for Tics which includes Habit Reversal Therapy. Tics are comorbid with OCD, anxiety and ADHD. Tics Disorder and Tourette's Syndrome Tics are repetitive movements or sounds that a person engages in and that are not intentional or under their direct control. Tics fall into a few categories including motor (movements), vocal (sounds), and complex tics which are a combination of various motor and/or vocal tics. Motor tics involve a simple muscle group. Some examples can include: blinking, shrugging or jerking a leg or arm. Vocal tics are characterized by simple noises such as repeating a sound, phrase or word. Complex tics can include multiple motor or vocal tics and may look like touching or tapping, uttering whole words, shouting obscene words or echolalia. In Tourette’s Syndrome , tics are not necessarily more severe but rather there is the presence of both motor and vocal tics. Tics are neurological and influenced by the environment. With regard to prevalence, 10-25% of school age children will have a tic at some point as well as .6% of the population, and they are more common in males. Some common comorbidities include OCD which occurs in 30-60% of Tourette’s patients, and 60% of people with tics also have ADHD. Anxiety is also common in this population. There are three diagnoses of tics in the DSM-5: Provisional tic disorder: When a motor or vocal tic has been present for less than a year. Persistent (sometimes called chronic) motor or vocal tic disorder: When a single or multiple motor OR vocal tics, but not both, have been present for at least one year. Tourette's syndrome (TS, sometimes called Tourette’s disorder): involves repetitive motor tics (two or more) and at least one vocal tics that have been present for one year or longer. Common misconceptions about tics: Even though many people may be familiar with the stereotype of tics presenting as the shouting of obscene words (coprolalia) this is present in only 10% of tic cases. Tics are often misdiagnosed as allergies and often first treated by a physician as such. Tics do not require the presence of other psychiatric problems. If one or more of the above symptoms are present for you, please know you don't have to suffer and treatment is available. We provide CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Interventions for Tics) which research shows provides the best results for the treatment of tics. CBIT is tailored to meet your own individual needs. We provide in-office sessions, as well as telehealth sessions. Contact Contact us today for a FREE 15 minute phone consultation, or to learn more! (561) 679 - 1139 Click here to schedule a call

Licensed Psychologists Lissette Cortes PsyD CEDS, Michael Sheffield PsyD, PsyD, Registered and Licensed Dietitian Katie Jeffrey MS, RDN, CSSD, MB-EAT-QI, LDN. Psychological services, neuropsychological serviced and nutritional services for the treatment of OCD, eating disorders, anxiety and related conditions in Coral Springs, FL. About Us Compassionate Healing Institute (CHI) helps children and adults of all genders find freedom from OCD, eating disorders, and related challenges through evidence-based, compassionate care. Our expert team integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and nutrition therapy to promote lasting healing. At CHI we also pride ourselves in training our clinicians to deliver specialized, high-quality care. Whether you meet with us in our Coral Springs office, through telehealth, or in your community for out-of-office exposures, our mission remains the same: to guide each person toward healing with compassion, expertise, and hope. Our Story It's not every day that like-minded passionate individuals find each other, and in each other they find a common purpose. Compassionate Healing Institute was founded on a common goal of specialized clinical care, based on evidence-based interventions and self-compassion practices in treatment. Our approach to treatment is based on our shared values of authenticity, light hearted practice, learning, growing, connection and compassion. Meet The Team Lissette Cortes Psy.D. CEDS she/her CHI Founder and Director of Clinical Services Licensed Psychologist Certified Eating Disorders Specialist PsyPact® Provider Michael Sheffield Psy.D. he/him CHI Co-Founder and Director of Clinical Programs Licensed Psychologist PsyPact® Provider Isaac Tourgeman Ph.D. he/him Licensed Neuropsychologist Certified Brain Injury Specialist Paije Nobles she/her MS, RDN Licensed and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Licensed in FL Contact Contact us today for a FREE 15 minute phone consultation, or to learn more! (561) 679 - 1139 Click here to schedule a call

In the heart of South Florida, CHI offers customized and individualized intensive treatment program to meet each person's unique needs. We offer step-up and step-down options for individuals coming from or preparing for a higher level of care. Intensive treatment focuses on OCD, anxiety and eating disorders. We provide Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through a comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment team approach. Intensive Treatment Programs In some cases, individuals may benefit from a comprehensive and extensive type of treatment approach that focuses on supporting the whole person and maximizes their treatment gains. At CHI, we aim to provide individualized care that is tailored to each person's unique symptoms of OCD, anxiety and eating disorders. Every program is individually designed for each of our clients. We begin with a comprehensive clinical evaluation, including neuropsychological testing, and a nutritional evaluation as indicated to gather the information required to create a treatment plan. We provide clinical recommendations based on these evaluations and collaboratively construct a schedule that meets each individual's needs.Clinical recommendations will include the frequency, type of sessions and length of treatment. Treatment will be adapted to meet each individual's learning style and needs. Our goal is to help individuals improve their quality of life and functioning by examining thoughts and behaviors, nutritional states and psychological profiles that impact their ability to live their lives effectively. We believe that by completing comprehensive assessments and targeted treatment our intensive programs can offer a fast-tracked approach to symptom reduction and living a life that's aligned with one's overall values. Step-up and Step-Down Structure: Individualized treatment means meeting each individual where they are at. At CHI we provide customized treatment structures to meet the needs of both those individuals looking for more care than traditional outpatient services as well as those who have completed higher levels of care and are looking for a gradual reduction in treatment. This includes: Multiple sessions a day, multiple days a week The ability to continue with our treatment team providers whether increasing care to a more intensive structure or reducing care to traditional weekly sessions Options for out of office and in home sessions to practice what is learned in treatment out in the real world Options for meal support and support around activities of daily living Connecting individuals with other care providers (i.e. psychiatry, medical, occupational therapy etc.) A treatment program developed to match your unique needs Intensive Treatment Services Offered Psychological Services Comprehensive clinical evaluation that assesses symptom presentation and its impact on the individual's functioning. Setting goals for treatment and identification of individual values. Individual therapy Home visits Meal support Out-of-office exposures Group therapy Parenting training and support Free monthly OCD support group for adults Neuropsychological testing Comprehensive neuropsychological assessment Diagnostic clarification Autism screening Cognitive and emotional profiling Behavioral Observations and Analysis Individualized Treatment Recommendations Psychoeducation Monitoring and Follow-up Assessments Comprehensive Nutrition Evaluation Treatment of: OCD and food phobias Food fears and eating challenges Eating disorders ARFID Food avoidance and restriction due to color, shape, taste, textures, smells, temperatures Lack of interest in food Worry about consequences of eating such as choking, becoming ill, aches and pains, having an allergic reaction, vomiting etc. Additional nutrition services Athletes and sports nutrition Meal support Family support and education Contact Contact us today for a FREE 15 minute phone consultation, or to learn more! (561) 679 - 1139 Click here to schedule a call

Eating disorders are not by choice or a condition of vanity. EDs are biopsychosocial conditions which means many factors contribute to their development. Repairing your relationship with your body, food and exercise is key. Eating Disorders Eating Disorders are biopsychosocial conditions, where genetics, the social environment and psychological factors play a role in their development. Eating disorders do not discriminate on gender, age, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. They are not a condition of vanity or something someone chooses to experience. Often times eating disorders develop from a simple lifestyle change, that sparks up an unhealthy relationship with food, the body, and/or exercise. Eating disorders thrive on secrecy and are perpetuated by shame.They can lead to severe physical and emotional consequences, but understanding them is the first step toward recovery. The DSM 5 recognizes the following feeding and eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa : Characterized by restrictive eating and an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to significant weight loss and a distorted body image. Bulimia Nervosa : Involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive exercise, to prevent weight gain. Binge Eating Disorder : Characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control and distress. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): An extreme avoidance of certain foods or food groups, leading to inadequate nutrition without a focus on body image. Pica: Persistent eating of non-nutritive, non-food substances (e.g., dirt, paper). Rumination Disorder: Repeated regurgitation of food, which may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out. Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED): Eating disorders that do not meet the criteria for the above categories but still cause significant distress or impairment. Although not recognized by the DSM 5 Orthorexia has been a term coined for an unhealthy obsession with eating foods that one considers healthy, leading to dietary restrictions and anxiety around food choices. It is often associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Causes and Risk Factors Eating disorders can arise from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Common risk factors include: Societal pressures and media portrayal of body image Trauma or stressful life events Family history of eating disorders or mental health issues High self-criticism and perfectionism Signs and Symptoms Recognizing the signs of eating disorders is crucial for early intervention. Common symptoms include: Significant weight changes Preoccupation with food, dieting, and body image Withdrawal from social activities Changes in mood and behavior Preoccupation with body shape and weight Constantly thinking about food Eating past the point of feeling full Counting calories Cutting out certain foods Exercising past the point of exhausting Avoiding wearing certain types of clothing. People who experience ARFID tend to have a different subset of symptoms where the avoidance of food is due to taste, texture, having had a negative experience of eating, or low interest in food. Impact on Health Eating disorders can lead to severe physical and psychological health issues, including malnutrition, heart problems, and increased risk of anxiety and depression. It’s important to address these disorders promptly to minimize long-term consequences. Support and Treatment Options Recovery from an eating disorder is possible with the right support. Treatment may include: • Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , family-based therapy, and group therapy can be effective. • Nutritional Counseling : Working with a dietitian to establish a balanced and healthy relationship with food. • Medical Intervention: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to address underlying mental health issues. Getting Help If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, seeking help is crucial. Support can come from healthcare professionals, support groups , and hotlines . Remember, you are not alone in this journey. If one or more of the above symptoms resonates with you, please know that help is available. We provide evidenced-based treatment for eating disorders, we are Health At Every Size (HAES) aligned clinicians and me practice from diet-rejecting an intuitive eating approach to treatment. Your treatment is tailored to meet your own individual needs. Contact Contact us today for a FREE 15 minute phone consultation, or to learn more! (561) 679 - 1139 Click here to schedule a call

CFT focuses on helping individuals develop and nurture compassion for themselves and others. This psychological approach enhances exposure and response prevention treatment for OCD and eating disorders. Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is a psychological approach developed by Dr. Paul Gilbert that focuses on helping individuals develop and nurture compassion for themselves and others. Rooted in evolutionary psychology, attachment theory, and neuroscience, CFT is particularly effective for individuals who struggle with high levels of shame, self-criticism, or trauma. It works by activating the brain’s soothing system—helping people feel safer, calmer, and more connected. CFT teaches that we all have three emotional systems: the threat system (which protects us), the drive system (which motivates us), and the soothing system (which helps us feel safe and cared for). In many individuals, especially those with a history of trauma or self-criticism, the soothing system may be underdeveloped. CFT helps to balance these systems by cultivating self-compassion as a way to reduce inner conflict and build emotional resilience. Understanding Self-Compassion Self-compassion is the practice of responding to ourselves with kindness, understanding, and patience—especially in moments of pain or failure. Rather than judging ourselves harshly or trying to “tough it out,” self-compassion encourages us to acknowledge our struggles as part of the shared human experience. Key elements of self-compassion include: Self-kindness instead of self-judgment Common humanity instead of isolation Mindfulness instead of over-identification with negative thoughts By learning to treat ourselves with the same care we’d offer a friend, we create the emotional safety necessary for growth and healing. Applying CFT to OCD and Eating Disorders CFT offers a powerful framework for addressing the emotional roots of both Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Eating Disorders. People with OCD often experience intense shame and fear around their intrusive thoughts and compulsions, leading to a cycle of self-criticism and anxiety. Similarly, individuals struggling with eating disorders frequently contend with deep-seated feelings of inadequacy, body shame, and a harsh internal critic. By fostering self-compassion, CFT helps individuals shift from punitive self-monitoring to a more understanding and supportive inner dialogue. In the treatment of OCD, CFT can reduce the fear and shame associated with intrusive thoughts, making space for more effective behavioral interventions. In eating disorder treatment, cultivating compassion helps to challenge the belief that worth is tied to appearance or control, and it opens the door to more balanced, nurturing behaviors around food and body image. Through consistent practice, CFT empowers individuals to move away from cycles of shame and avoidance, and toward a more peaceful, connected, and self-accepting way of being. You don’t have to face this alone. Self-compassion focused therapy can help you gently navigate the challenges of OCD or an eating disorder with kindness and care. Reach out today—we’re here to support your healing. Contact Contact us today for a FREE 15 minute phone consultation, or to learn more! (561) 679 - 1139 Click here to schedule a call

Dr. Michael Sheffield is a licensed psychologist in New York specilizing in OCD, anxiety and eating disorders. He provides services to adolesents and adults through telehealth. Michael Sheffield Psy.D. Dr. Sheffield is a Florida and New York licensed psychologist and PsyPact® provider treating adolescents, teens, and adults in all participating PSYPACT® states . He specializes in OCD, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders and co-occurring diagnoses including autism, mood disorders, and personality disorders. He is also a CBIT trained provider and treats patients with tics/Tourette’s and BFRBs. He is also trained in SPACE for parenting interventions. Dr. Sheffield works from a CBT perspective and incorporates ERP, ACT, and DBT into his treatment. PsyPact Provider Professional Member of the IOCDF About Dr. Sheffield I am a Florida and New York licensed psychologist and work from a CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) framework and incorporate exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) interventions. I provide individual therapy, group therapy, and parent training. My specialties include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and extensive comorbidities including mood disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and personality disorders. My approach to treatment is collaborative with an emphasis on forming a strong therapeutic alliance with my patients. I aim to help them foster a deeper understanding into what factors are maintaining and reinforcing the behaviors they would like to change and to identify and implement behaviors that are more in line with living a life dictated by their values rather than fear. An overarching goal of treatment is to help my patients identify the thoughts and feelings that are driving maladaptive behaviors and to work together to build new behavioral patterns that can result in increased well-being and life satisfaction. I have received extensive training in the treatment of OCD, anxiety, and eating disorders and have worked with individuals at every level of care from outpatient treatment to residential treatment. I have completed advanced training in the treatment of body-focused repetitive behaviors (e.g., skin picking, hair pulling) via the TLC Foundation and am a graduate of their Virtual Professional Training Institute (VPTI). I have also completed advanced training in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) via Behavioral Tech. As someone with lived experience, helping individuals overcome a life ruled by OCD and anxiety is extremely personal to me. I am also extremely passionate about working with individuals suffering from co-occurring OCD and eating disorders and am on the leadership board of the OCD and Eating Disorders Special Interest Group through IOCDF. I look forward to embarking on this journey with you! Contact Contact us today for a FREE 15 minute phone consultation, or to learn more! (561) 679 - 1139 Click here to schedule a call