Expert Interviews
In separate interviews, three certified eating disorder experts speak with Joselyn Yoo on the recovery process. Their work complements other professionals in the treatment team with provision of individualized care and a passion for leading patients to recovery. Dr. Michelle Lupkin, Laura Cipullo, and Dr. John Mendenhall give invaluable insight into the importance of seeking qualified specialists, as well as misconceptions clients come into treatment with.
Michelle Lupkin, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Laura Cipullo (RD, CDE, CEDRD)
Registered Dietician
John Mendenhall (PT, DPT)
Physical Therapist
Michelle Lupkin, PhD
What we do know is that they are completely treatable.
“A really big [misconception] is that there’s no treatment, or if you have an eating disorder, you have it for life…What we do know is that they are completely treatable. Are we perfect at treating them? No. But if we treat it aggressively and early within the onset of the illness, meaning in the first 1-2 years…we can get 100% remission. That’s an important thing- that there is hope. It doesn’t mean if you have this, that you’ve got this for life.”
What people learn through school or reading in magazines or books is very black and white…
“Going to a registered dietician that specializes in eating disorders is your opportunity to learn how to eat…What people learn through school or reading in magazines or books is very black and white…So I think it’s a perfect opportunity- whether it’s a parent, a child, an adult- to relearn …what to eat and how to separate that from using it as a way to control, numb, or deal with anxiety and fears.”
Laura Cipullo (RD, CDE, CEDRD)
John Mendenhall
(PT, DPT)
Compulsive exercise habits are a red flag...
“A lot of people come in with compulsive exercise habits where they’re doing 1,000 push-ups and 1,000 sit-ups every day at 5 AM. That’s… a red flag saying that this person thinks ‘if I do these two exercises, I’m either going to get strong or lose weight’, or whatever their goal is. But a PT can… say ‘no, if you want to build strength, you can do it in a healthy way.’”
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CALL/TEXT THE NEDA HELPLINE AT (800) 931-2237 IF YOU OR ANYONE ELSE MAY NEED ASSISTANCE.
*ABSENCE OF CERTAIN EATING DISORDER SIGNS/SYMPTOMS DOES NOT MEAN THAT ONE SHOULD NOT SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP.