Meet San Diego’s Eating Disorder and Social Justice Therapist Allyson Ford, LPCC
Get to know San Diego eating disorder therapist Allyson Inez Ford, LPCC (@bodyjustice.therapist on instagram). After spending time on her awesome IG feed, I got to know Allyson personally a couple of months ago. What stood out to me is her passion for having social justice serve as a cornerstone for her eating disorder therapy practice in San Diego. In these challenging times, it is more important than ever. Allyson feels especially connected to BIPOC individuals, especially those who are mixed race. She is an important addition to the San Diego eating disorder community.
Why did you choose to become an eating disorder specialist in San Diego?
Because of my own recovery journey years ago, I have always had a special place in my heart for helping folks find food and body liberation. This experience also sparked my desire to become a therapist. It was a coincidence that I ended up in San Diego. I’ve always been drawn to California, and I do have family in LA, but San Diego stole my heart after visiting for spring break one year. After graduating from New Mexico State University with my MA in Clinical Mental Health, I was more than ready to be near a beach—San Diego just felt right to me, and I do not regret it one bit!
What kind of treatment do you provide?
I provide individual and family therapy for adults and late teens struggling with eating disorders, body image, trauma and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). I utilize a variety of practices including Internal Family Systems (IFS), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), exposure response prevention (ERP), and I include a social justice framework in all of my work. This approach means I help folks unpack how systems of oppression affect our relationships with food, body and overall mental health. Learning to cultivate resilience and a supportive community against these systems is foundational for sustained recovery.
Do you work with only eating disorders?
Nope! I also work with OCD and trauma as well. I often see all of these three conditions together. I love working with these diagnoses because it makes my work more dynamic—and it is hard to find therapist in San Diego and elsewhere that specialize in both eating disorders and OCD—which has a 40% comorbidity rate.
How long have you been working with eating disorders overall, and how long have you been working in San Diego?
I’ve been working with eating disorders for three years professionally and I have been in San Diego for four years!
You post as @bodyjustice.therapist on Instagram and promote addressing social justice issues in eating disorder treatment. What does that look like in the therapy room?
For me, to be a trauma-informed therapist also means being a justice-informed therapist. It looks like acknowledging and warmly welcoming intersectionality in my client’s identitties as well as unpacking with folks how systems of oppression like racism, sexism, cisheteroseixm, ableism and fatphobia influence the way we relate to food and body.
When my clients start to understand that social systems were designed for them to feel insecure about their bodies and distorts their relationship with food, they are able to release shame and self blame. I often notice this realization adds to the client's motivation for engaging in recovery.
My clients are some of the most empathetic, intelligent and creative people I know—they would never want to engage in harm to others. By learning about systemic oppression and the intersection of eating disorders. they begin to understand how colluding with diet culture does not fit within their values system. It is a beautiful thing to witness!
Who are your favorite types of clients to work with?
I enjoy working with folks from all backgrounds, but especially folks that hold marginalized identities. I am mixed race, and I really enjoy working with other mixed race clients. I also really enjoy working with Gen-Z clients; they are so socially aware!
Overall, I have clients of all ages, and I have deep empathy and compassion for each and every one of them.
What happens during a first appointment with you?
During a first appointment, I start with checking in with how the client is feeling about therapy, process any emotions showing up, and welcome feedback and collaboration. I also share a little bit about what to expect. Therapy first-timers can feel really nervous, and I want them to know I am on this journey with them, not above them. I then talk about confidentiality in the therapy process, etc. During our second session, we begin unpacking food and body-related struggles, and from there we co-create a plan for recovery.
What do you wish people knew about getting treatment for eating disorders?
I wish that people understood that eating disorders affect more than just thin, white, straight women. This stereotype keeps so many individuals from getting the help they need. Eating disorders occur in folks of all backgrounds, and some of the highest rates of eating disorders can be found within marginalized groups; namely, trans/gender-non conforming individuals and black, indigenous, people of color. Unfortunately, given the stigma of seeking therapy, as well as systemic barriers, not all of these folks will get access to the safe and compassionate care they deserve, and It breaks my heart.
How can people learn more and contact you?
People can find more about me at my website and on Instagram! I have a blog, online courses, and sometimes host live events. My web page is: www.eatingdisorderocdtherapy.com and IG is @bodyjustice.therapist.
Share one fun fact about you that most people don’t know.
Well, most people know this but I have two dogs that are like my babies! They are so special and important to me, they have kept me going in some of the darkest times of my life, and they constantly remind me to be more present. They definitely make life more fun for me as we are always going on adventures to the beach or hiking!
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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 bulimia, 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!
COMING SUMMER 2022: My virtual, 5-week class called Freedom From Binge Eating. Registration deadline is July 5th, and it begins Tuesday, July 12th. Spots are limited so sign up today!
You can find more information about me on Instagram @drmariannemiller or on my Facebook page.