Eating Disorders Treatment
Helping you navigate the toughest competition of your life.
Excellence in Eating Disorder Care
Athletes are commonly thought of as mentally tough and resilient. People mistakenly assume that the very traits which allow athletes to excel in sport will protect them from the development of eating disorders. These traits include being self-sacrificing, high-achieving, and people-pleasing in addition to having high tolerances for suffering. These might be the very traits that become athletes’ greatest assets as competitors. Their willingness to work hard and do all of the extra “little” things may even elevate them from “good” to “great.”
However, these very same traits can also pave the way for eating disorders to develop. In fact, athletes face more risk factors than non-athletes when it comes to developing eating disorders. And, the truth is, athletes never choose to develop an eating disorder. They choose to work harder and make sacrifices to develop a competitive edge. That determination to become the best version of themselves competitively might become the slipperiest slope that they ever slide down: Athletes’ best of intensions can merge right into the development of an eating disorder.
At time like these, the care of eating disorder specialists who are trained in the nuances of supporting athletes can be integral to improving an athlete’s mental and physical health.
Eating disorder recovery is not a simple choice. Its not a matter of stopping one thing and doing something else. In the case of eating disorders, research confirmed that neurotransmitters lead to brain imbalances which athletes simply cannot outthink. These imbalances make doing the obvious things painfully difficult even though athletes might clearly understand the consequences of continuing to engage in disordered eating behaviors.
Athlete Insight recognizes that athletes need specialized care. Our eating disorder clinicians are committed to providing excellence in care to support eating disorder recovery. Our goal is to help restore their health, live their best lives, and perform at the top of their sports.
We offer a complimentary discovery call during which we can learn more about you and you can learn more about our team, experience, and philosophy.
We invite you to reach out today.
FAQs
How do I know what type of treatment to pursue?
Navigating eating disorder care can be confusing! The level of care depends on a few factors including medical stability, support, motivation, and readiness for change. Athlete Insight provide outpatient care which means that we meet with athletes, individually, on a weekly basis to support behavioral and cognitive changes. Athletes must be medically stable to engage in outpatient care.
Which providers do I need on my care team?
At a minimum, an eating disorder treatment team consists of a specialized eating disorder therapist, a nutritionist, and a medical provider. From there, athletes may need the support of a psychiatrist/med provider, family therapist, fitness specialist, and/or physical therapist. It is important that each provider on your care team has knowledge and experience in supporting eating disorder recovery. For younger athletes, parents are integrated into the treatment plan and become a part of the care team.
I don’t look like I have an eating disorder. Am I actually sick enough to require care?
Yes! You do not have to “look sick” to have an eating disorder. In fact, athletes who do not “look like they have an eating disorder” can be as medically compromised as individuals who appear to have one. If you are trapped in disordered eating behaviors, find yourself preoccupied with your body image, or experience distress when your food and exercise routines are disrupted, then you are sick enough. You deserve care!
What if I don’t have an eating disorder? I just have REDS.
Athlete Insight can help you, too! The treatment for REDS is quite similar to the treatment of eating disorders. We understand that not all athletes who develop REDS also develop eating disorders. And, we also know that recovering from REDS can be mentally tough. We can provide the psychological support that you deserve to help navigate the path towards restoring your physical health.
Can athletes have binge eating disorder?
YES!!! Eating disorders do not discriminate. This means that any BODY can have any type of eating disorder. We have treated many athletes who struggle with binge eating disorder. You are most certainly welcome to reach out for help, we are here for you!
I am a guy…can you help me too?
Absolutely! We see just as many males at Athlete Insight as we do females. The fact is that eating disorders are not sex-based. Highly driven males are just as susceptible to developing eating disorders as females. We appreciate the unique struggles that males face in recovery from eating disorders. Please do not hesitate to reach out, you deserve help too!
Kate Bennett, PsyD
Athletes are “supposed” to be mentally tough; however, the truth is that athletes are humans first. As a person, you experience all of the same stress as your non-athlete peers in addition to ALL of the stressors that sport & competition brings along. You might struggle to acknowledge that your mind might not be “tough enough” to handle all of that pressure. I am here to say, it is okay. You can ask for help. In fact, you become stronger and tougher when you know how to effectively manage your headspace.
I meet all athletes exactly where they are at, as humans first. Together, we identify goals that goals will restore your health in addition to support your relationship with food, your body and exercise. Working with me means that you get both a therapist and a coach. My goal is to provide the “right-for-you” tools, strategies, and insights to help you reclaim your physical and mental health. As an action-oriented therapist, my goal is to work myself out of a job by helping you to create meaningful and lasting change in your life.
Experience: I am a clinical sport psychologist, licensed in the state of Colorado. I earned my BS in kinesiology and athletic training from Indiana University and my EdM in counseling and sport psychology from Boston University. My passion for the connection between the mental and physical health of athletes prompted me to return to graduate school at the University of the Rockies. I completed my practicum at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs Counseling Center and my pre-doctoral internship at the Western Washington University Counseling Center. I then completed my post-doctoral fellowship at EDCare.
I am a specialist in the treatment of athletes recovering from eating disorders and have presented at numerous national conferences on topics related to athletes and eating disorders, published both a book and book chapter on the topic, and have spoken on many podcasts to help create awareness of the prevalence of eating disorders among athletes.
I spend much of my time with my partner and two children. I embrace every opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Colorado by mountain biking, paddle boarding, hiking, and attending sporting events.
License
Colorado
Populations
Adolescents (14+ yo), Adults
Kelsey Motley, Graduate Intern
As a counselor, I have observed that clients are caught in a cycle of overwhelm and uncertainty when they contemplate the idea of starting therapy. Doubts about its effectiveness, coupled with misconceptions that counseling solely involves talk therapy, create a substantial obstacle to clients taking the crucial step toward seeking the assistance they truly deserve.
To address these challenges, I adopted a multifaceted approach to encourage individuals to overcome their initial hesitations. I offer educational resources and transparently explain the different therapeutic modalities available beyond talk therapy, showcasing the breadth of options that might align with individual preferences and needs.
I notice that many individuals begin to experience a reduction in their feelings of overwhelm and uncertainty as they gain a clearer understanding of the various therapeutic approaches available. This, in turn, leads to an increased willingness to engage in therapy and a greater likelihood of experiencing positive outcomes. By addressing the initial barriers, I empower clients to approach therapy with an open mind, fostering a smoother and more productive therapeutic journey.
Experience: I am currently pursuing my masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University. I earned my BS in Interdisciplinary Studies and then pursued holistic healing. I became a business owner prior to starting grad school and tailored services to the needs of my clients from all different backgrounds with the use of yoga, mindfulness and self-care. My passion for the connection between the mind, body, and spirit prompted me to return to graduate school.
A bit about me. I find that there's something incredibly liberating about hitting the road with everything I need packed into a cozy, mobile home. The simplicity of having van, surrounded by nature and changing scenery, allows me to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. I find peace in waking up to breathtaking views, the sound of birdsong, and the fresh air that comes with each new destination. Whether it's watching sunsets from the comfort of my van or sharing stories with fellow travelers around a campfire, van life encapsulates a unique blend of adventure and tranquility that truly puts my mind at ease. While exploring the mountains, I like to engage in dirt biking, mountain biking, hiking, running, climbing, one wheeling, and slack-lining.
Licensure Candidate
Colorado
Populations
Children (10+), Adolescents, Adults
Amy Laurent, MD
The idea of taking medications to manage your headspace can be scary to think about. Perhaps you think you need to “tough it out” or find yourself staying busy all the time to avoid those unwanted symptoms that make it unbearable to hangout alone in your head.
I am here to help! Taking meds does not need to be scary or shameful. The truth is, there are some aspects of our brains that we simply cannot control. But, meds can help manage those unwanted symptoms. Not because you are weak. Not because you haven’t tried hard enough. Simply, because, you have no control over your brain chemistry.
At Athlete Insight, I offer psychiatric care to athletes recovering from eating disorders in an outpatient setting. I take a collaborative approach with my clients, working alongside them and other members of their team to empower them in leading their healthiest and most balanced lives. As a psychiatrist, I prescribe medication thoughtfully, considering the unique biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to each individual's story. I strongly believe that an athlete's mental health is just as important as their physical well-being, and I view medication management as one of the many tools that can help them achieve optimal performance in a healthy manner. In my leisure time, I enjoy activities such as hiking, running, yoga, reading, and spending quality time with my loved ones.
Experience: I am sport psychiatrist. I completed my undergraduate degree at Loyola University Chicago and medical school at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. During my residency training at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ, I served as the Chief Resident. I am proud to be board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a member of the American Psychiatric Association. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work in various settings and with diverse populations.
Currently, I am an active member of the International Society for Sports Psychiatry (ISSP) and am working towards additional certification in Sports Psychiatry. I have applied my expertise and understanding of athletes as the former attending psychiatrist of the Athlete EDGE Program at EDCare. In this role, I worked as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide care to elite athletes who are on the path to recovery from eating disorders.
Licenses
Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, and Vermont
Populations
Late Adolescence (16+yo), Adults