Castlewood Treats Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, and Dissociation

Treating Eating Disorders with Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, and Dissociation

Castlewood Treatment Center for eating disorders specializes in the treatment of all types of eating disorders as well as co-occurring Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, and Dissociative Disorders. At Castlewood, we understand that eating disorder symptoms are accompanied by an underlying problem. The symptoms are like a red flag being waved saying there is something wrong which I cannot verbalize. Sometimes the client doesn't know exactly what the problem is, but there is an underlying problem such as Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or Social Anxiety. Some clients have unresolved trauma that has resulted in PTSD, or a Dissociative Disorder.

Castlewood's Approach

Clients who are admitted for treatment are thoroughly evaluated for anxiety disorders, PTSD, and Dissociative Disorders and their treatment is tailored accordingly. Castlewood's philosophy is to treat each client holistically with the goal of reducing the relapse rates due to untreated anxiety disorders, other co-morbid disorders (i.e. PTSD, or Dissociative Disorders).

Treating Anxiety Disorders & OCD:

The most powerful treatment for anxiety disorders involves evidenced-based Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in combination with cognitive-behavioral, cognitive, and acceptance and commitment therapies, including mindfulness and dialectical behavioral therapy. ERP is exceptionally effective and produces remarkable results, allowing individuals to learn that they can successfully face their fears. Repeatedly facing one's fears and learning to manage the uncomfortable feelings and thoughts associated with these fears allows the anxiety to gradually dissipate. ERP anxiety disorder treatment occurs in both, group and individual formats. In an effort to provide clients the most effective treatment available, Castlewood incorporates anxiety and OCD Exposure and Response Prevention in the treatment of ED clients who have co-morbidity with one or more anxiety disorder.

Castlewood has several staff that specializes in Anxiety disorders and OCD treatment. They have extensive experience and have specialized training in Anxiety disorders and OCD, which allows Castlewood to intensively work with clients to overcome these obstacles to recovery.

Treating Trauma, PTSD, and Dissociative Disorders:

At Castlewood, we help clients address not only the resulting anxiety disorders associated with trauma or PTSD, but we are committed to helping clients work to resolve their unresolved traumas. Trauma can be caused by any overwhelming experience in childhood, adolescence or adulthood that is too overwhelming and difficult to integrate or make meaning. Although there is a large incidence of child sexual abuse such that one in three eating disorder clients have unresolved sexual abuse, there are also a large number of other traumas commonly associated with eating disorder. For example, when childhood bonding with caretakers has been problematic or when painful experiences in school with peers or dating were traumatic. Our staff members are familiar with trauma and the symptoms of PTSD and Dissociative Disorders. They are trained in effective grounding and containment techniques to help clients learn to manage their dissociation, flashbacks or other symptoms of PTSD. Our therapists are trained in the latest trauma techniques for trauma stabilization and resolution, a requisite before the symptom can remit.

At Castlewood we utilize Internal Family Systems therapy for trauma resolution. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a powerful tool in working with eating disorder clients. Its founder, Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.