Meet San Diego Anti-Diet Dietitian Theresa Carmichael, RDN
What the heck is an anti-diet dietitian? It’s Theresa Carmichael, RDN. She’s an eating disorder dietitian who is NOT about losing weight. She is owner of the Carmichael Clinic in San Diego, California. Theresa assists people in recalibrating their relationship with eating and find food freedom. Practicing from a Health at Every Size (HAES) perspective, Theresa helps individuals achieve healthy lives, regardless of their weight or body size. I’ve known and collaborated with Theresa for many years. She does amazing work and clients love her. Enjoy getting to know Theresa!
Why did you choose to become an eating disorder specialist in San Diego, California?
I truly "slipped and fell" into working with eating disorders when I was at San Diego State University via a job posting that I thought would look good on my resume (LOL). As soon as I saw how influential treatment could be in the life of someone with an eating disorder... I was sold. I wanted to be a part of a team that helped an individual heal. The interdisciplinary approach creates opportunities to work as a team, to be challenged and learn. I think the cherry on top would be hearing from those with lived experience on how freedom from an eating disorder has changed the trajectory of their lives.
What kind of treatment do you provide?
I am an anti-diet, registered dietitian that provides dietary services in line with disordered eating interventions. My practice is evidence-based, weight inclusive, and meant to help individuals heal their relationship with food.
Do you work with only eating disorders?
I work with folx who struggle within the whole spectrum of disordered eating (DE). Including those with DE secondary to a variety of mental illnesses.
Do you only practice in San Diego, California?
I’m located in San Diego, California, and I practice in all states vie Telehealth (except Oregon, New York and Texas)
How long have you been working with eating disorders overall?
Eight years!
What are your favorite types of clients to work with?
My favorite type of client is the one who is unapologetically themselves with me in session.
What happens during a first appointment with you?
We start by getting to know each other a bit while explaining a little about about what to expect from sessions. The first appointment is basically 60 minutes of "data collection" time in order to obtain the most accurate information to inform an individualized dietary treatment plan. This is a fancy way of saying: "Let's make a plan to help" :) The most important question of the assessment is what the client's personal goals are. These goals will help guide nutrition counseling and interventions throughout working together.
What are the first steps you take when treating binge eating and/or bulimia?
The step may look different depending on where each client is at in their recovery process, but usually I begin with nutrition science education to help debunk any distorted perceptions about food and weight. It is shortly thereafter when I like to start by focusing on the frequency of eating (every 2-3 hours). This task alone will bring up many thoughts and possible barriers that are then outlined further and addressed via techniques such as exposure and response prevention (ERP), motivation interviewing (MI), meal planning, DBT-informed skill practice, and more.
What do you wish people knew about getting treatment for eating disorders?
I wish people knew that the short term loss of X (insert: time, school, time with partner, etc) during treatment would perhaps be the most beneficial, long-term gain of their life.
How can people learn more about and contact you?
@carmichael_clinic on Instagram
Theresa.CarmichaelRD@gmail.com
619.681.4163
5405 Morehouse Dr. Ste 330 San Diego, CA 92121
Share one fun fact about you that most people don't know.
Most people don't know that on the weekends I only drive my golf cart around to save gas ;)
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