Meet Eating Disorder Dietitian Ellyn Silverman, RDN

 Hi everyone! I’d like to introduce you to Ellyn Silverman, RDN. She is an eating disorder dietitian in San Diego and Orange County who has a virtual and in-person private practice called Healing Nutrition Therapy. She works from a Health at Every Size (HAES) Approach and uses intuitive eating practices. Ellyn especially loves working with LGBTQIAA+ clients, which I totally appreciate. She started working with gay men during the AIDS crisis several decades ago. Ellyn works with teens, adults, and she also sees more mature clients—50 years and older. Enjoy getting to know her. :)

What kind of treatment do you provide?

Healing Nutrition Therapy is a safe space to help clients needing all types of nutritional support. We provide education, guidance, and emotional support. The practice provides face-to-face and virtual nutrition/wellness counseling. Other support includes such therapies as family meal support, grocery, and meal planning, 

Do you work with only eating disorders?

I specialize in eating disorders and disordered eating. I treat people with medical issues and disordered eating. My practice is near Leisure World, a retirement community near Seal Beach. Many of my clients have issues such as hypertension, diabetes, loss of appetite. I also have clients that have food allergies/sensitivities who also want a non-diet approach to health (Intuitive Eating/HAES). Some clients just want to check in with a dietitian when they are making lifestyle changes. 

How long have you been working with eating disorders overall?

I have been working with eating disorders since 1992. I started getting involved during the AIDS crisis. Many gay men, having survived AIDS, had body image issues and stated to display eating disorder behaviors. I decided to acquire more knowledge in disordered eating, which really helped my work. Acquiring my Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian (CEDRD) status in 2010 was one of the most important parts of my journey, as it was a culmination of many hours of work with eating disordered/disordered eating clients. At present I am waiting to hear if my application to be a CEDRD-Supervisor has been approved. My private practice opened in 1986 and is changing as the population is changing.

Eating disorder therapy/treatment has evolved over the years. Some treatment centers now include Intuitive Eating and HAES philosophy in their programs, however, it still has its kinks. We are seeing a need for individualized treatment for boys/men and for the older (over 50) populations that are still under recognized. 

Who are your favorite types of clients to work with?

Oh I love my clients. They are all different and have their strengths and struggles. Working with all genders and ages gives you a different perspective daily. If I had to say I had a favorite it would be a client that has been dieting for years, in a larger body, has had a hard road as a result of fat discrimination. When I tell them they never have to diet anymore and that I will not be weighing them, it is amazing. The light on their faces…that ahaha moment….like “you hear me.” It’s why I do what I do. 

I also love working with adolescents. They are a challenge…But seeing me in my teenage years through them…relating to them is easier. Their struggle is real…but they keep me young. 

What happens during a first appointment with you?

My first appointment with a client is a get-to-know-you time. Many clients are wary, non trusting, and have no clue why they have to see me. Some of them are there by choice. They are all are searching for something, although they may not know what it is.

I start with an assessment tool that helps me determine what areas they need to work on. I ask what has lead them to see a dietitian. Listening is my most important tool because many times clients have not really felt heard in a very long time. We then come up with a possible strategy for our work together. We identify their expectations and goals. 

You work in both partial hospitalization/intensive outpatient programs. Is there a difference between PHP/IOP and private practice?

The difference can be the readiness of the client. Many times when they come to my practice as an outpatient they have now had some “enlightenment” around their eating disorder. They are nourished so they can think differently. They are looking to continue their progress and have the ability to deal with the struggles getting there. However, sometimes when they get out of treatment they feel scared and fearful. Outpatient nutrition support provides a backbone….strengthening their tools…and helping clients to become more independent in their recovery. 

What do you wish people knew about getting treatment for eating disorders?

What I want them to know is that we as providers acknowledge that it’s hard to get treatment. We know that many scary and fearful things have to be faced. But we are working with them…not for them. Sometimes it will seem like we have all the power in this relationship, but it is the goal of treatment to return their power to them. Not the power to their fear, their eating disorder or anything else. Also, there is no proven and guaranteed treatment plan. The plan may need to shift and turn as we go through it together. Learning how to trust and be honest is a process. Our clients are the most important part of the treatment team. 

How can people learn more and contact you?

Through my website and social media:

www..healingnutritiontherapy.com

instagram.com/healingnutritiontherapy

FB: Healing Nutrition Therapy

Healthprofs, Yelp, Google

 Share one fun fact about you that people don’t know.

I crochet blankets for rescue dogs to go home with. 

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Hey everyone, I really appreciate you reading my blog!  Have a wonderful day. :)  

Marianne 

If you are struggling to find online eating disorder treatment with help with binge eating or other eating disorders in San Diego, schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation using the online scheduler (just click on the orange button), 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.