I'm thrilled to announce that my book, Healing Emotional Eating for Trauma Survivors: Trauma-Informed Practices to Nurture a Peaceful Relationship with Your Emotions, Body, and Food is available. I'm honored that PACES member Donna Jackson Nakazawa, an award-winning science journalist and author of seven books, wrote the foreword. Healing Emotional Eating for Trauma Survivors is the culmination of my nearly 40-year career as a clinical social worker and holistic psychotherapist specializing...

Were you sexually abused as a child or teenager? Do you struggle with your weight today? Is food your go-to source of comfort when upset? If so, you’re not alone. There is a high correlation between early sexual trauma, obesity, emotional eating and body image concerns. If you can relate, you may be surprised to learn that your ongoing struggles with weight most likely have little to do with food and exercise, although these are important. The reasons behind your weight and emotional eating...

I'm a psychotherapist with an expertise in childhood sexual abuse and was asked to participate in an interview series about " How To Optimize Mental Wellness During Stressful Family Gatherings." Not everyone's holiday is filled with comfort and joy. If you come from a family where you experienced ACES, the holidays can be difficult. Here's an excerpt from the article with five tips that will help. Managing mental health in high stress situations is challenging and although holiday gatherings...