Learn About Dissociation from San Diego Eating Disorder Therapist Dr. Danielle Hiestand
Hi everyone! I’ve interviewed San Diego eating disorder therapist extraordinaire Danielle Hiestand, PsyD, LMFT, CEDS. Danielle is a BRILLIANT woman who was one of my top doctoral students when I was an academic. She has been in the eating disorder field for a long time, and she has worked in residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient levels of treatment.
Danielle has also taught undergraduate and graduate classes on eating disorders at University of California San Diego (UCSD) and Alliant International University. In the past few years, Danielle has added trauma specialist to her repertoire and has extensive knowledge about dissociation and how to treat it. I’m so excited that you get to read more about her approach to therapy!!!
Why did you choose to become an eating disorder and trauma specialist in San Diego?
I went to UCSD for undergrad and took an elective class on eating disorders. I became really interested in eating disorder prevention work and later treating eating disorders. After working in the eating disorder treatment field for several years, I realized that to better help my clients I needed more training in trauma because the majority of my clients had trauma histories.
I started training in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy and am now an EMDR Consultant. Its an amazing experience to help and watch someone start to have a healthy relationship with food and a new found appreciation for their body. I feel honored that I can support people healing from their past and be able to enjoy an everyday experience like eating again.
What kind of treatment do you provide?
I provide EMDR therapy for adolescents and adults. I also use DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) to provide clients with coping skills and resources.
Do you work with only eating disorders and trauma?
Most of my clients also battle with depression or bipolar disorder and anxiety; therefore I treat these symptoms and disorders as well.
How long have you been working with eating disorders and trauma overall, and how long have you been in San Diego?
I moved to San Diego in 2001. I’ve been working in the eating disorder field since 2005 and with trauma since 2007.
I went to an amazing training with you on dissociation, trauma, and eating disorders. Would you explain what dissociation is and how it is a part of trauma and eating disorder recovery?
Dissociation is one way the brain responds to adverse life events. It is a way to protect an individual from being emotionally or physically overwhelmed. Sometimes dissociation doesn’t turn off even though the distressing event is over. The brain can get stuck in “trauma time” and continue to use dissociation to cope with everyday stressors. People with eating disorders engage in behaviors that can bring on dissociation such as binging, mindless eating, and over-exercising. The eating disorder behaviors and the dissociation are ways to survive and cope with intrusive traumatic memories.
How do you treat dissociation in people who struggle with trauma and eating disorders?
The severity of the dissociation with impact the type of treatment I start with. In general I began with grounding techniques and calming visualizations such as calm place. I also validate the role dissociation has played in someone’s life. We then explore ways its been helpful and the ways it has been harmful. Overtime people learn how to recognize dissociation and instead use different coping tools that don’t have negative side effects.
What happens during a first appointment with you?
The first appointment is the start of the assessment. I ask a lot of questions in order to get to know the person and to understand what they would like help with. After several assessment sessions I form a treatment plan with the client and we choose together how to move forward with therapy.
What do you wish people knew about getting treatment for eating disorders, trauma, and disassociation?
I wish people knew that recovery is possible. I know people can feel hopeless sometimes, especially if they have been struggling for a long time. Ive seen people really heal from EMDR therapy and recover from their eating disorders. The research also supports the clinical effectiveness of EMDR therapy. If people really believed they could get better they might be more likely to seek out treatment.
How can people learn more and contact you?
Call, text or e-mail me!
619-352-0514
https://drdaniellehiestand.com/
Share one fun fact about you that most people don’t know.
I love to hike and be in nature!
——————————
Hey everyone, I really appreciate you reading my blog! Have a wonderful day. :)
Marianne
If you are struggling to find eating disorder treatment in San Diego, schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation using the online scheduler, and I will help you get where you need to be!
You can find more information about me on Instagram @drmariannemiller or on my Facebook page.