Behavioral Health Clinic

  Eating Disorder Awareness Week serves as a critical reminder of the importance of education, support, and advocacy for those struggling with eating disorders. These complex mental health conditions affect individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Despite their prevalence, eating disorders often remain misunderstood, leading to delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment. Additionally, growing research highlights the connection between eating disorders and neurodiversity, making awareness even more essential. The Reality of Eating Disorders Eating disorders are often associated with young women, but they can affect anyone, regardless of gender or age. Many individuals struggle for years before seeking treatment, as societal validation of weight loss can reinforce disordered behaviors. What may start as an innocent desire to be healthier can spiral into an obsession with exercise and food control, eventually consuming a person’s life and relationships. For those who do seek...

  As a licensed professional counselor specializing in eating disorders, I’ve seen firsthand the complexities and challenges of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). While the term ARFID might still be unfamiliar to many, it represents a significant and often misunderstood eating disorder that extends far beyond “picky eating.” Understanding ARFID’s diagnostic criteria and its connection to conditions like autism, OCD, and  anxiety  is essential for anyone seeking to support a loved one—or themselves—on the journey toward recovery. What is ARFID? ARFID was officially recognized in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) as a distinct  eating disorder . It is characterized by a persistent disturbance in eating or feeding behavior, leading to inadequate nutritional and/or energy intake. To meet the diagnostic criteria for ARFID, the eating disturbance must result in at least one of the following: Significant weight lo...

  The struggles of having an eating disorder, or a dysfunctional relationship with food is very real. In my therapeutic work with teens and adults, I have been an intimate observer, supporter, challenger, educator, advocate, and firm believer in the ability to regain a positive sense of self and true appreciation for the human body. I never cease to be excited (and relieved) when one of my clients reaches a point in their recovery when they “get and accept” themselves for who they are, as they are. When they embrace the understanding of food as fuel to sustain a healthy body, nourishment becomes an integral part of their everyday life. Certainly, in the beginning stage of recovery, it feels like a fleeting acceptance, but when nurtured, it grows into a lifestyle change. I have had the privilege of working with a wonderful young woman, Jennifer, for the past several months who wrote a beautiful story of her “Journey to Love My Body”. I have her permission to share some of what she h...

  The struggles of having an eating disorder, or a dysfunctional relationship with food is very real. In my therapeutic work with teens and adults, I have been an intimate observer, supporter, challenger, educator, advocate, and firm believer in the ability to regain a positive sense of self and true appreciation for the human body. I never cease to be excited (and relieved) when one of my clients reaches a point in their recovery when they “get and accept” themselves for who they are, as they are. When they embrace the understanding of food as fuel to sustain a healthy body, nourishment becomes an integral part of their everyday life. Certainly, in the beginning stage of recovery, it feels like a fleeting acceptance, but when nurtured, it grows into a lifestyle change. I have had the privilege of working with a wonderful young woman, Jennifer, for the past several months who wrote a beautiful story of her “Journey to Love My Body”. I have her permission to share some of what she h...

  The struggles of having an eating disorder, or a dysfunctional relationship with food is very real. In my therapeutic work with teens and adults, I have been an intimate observer, supporter, challenger, educator, advocate, and firm believer in the ability to regain a positive sense of self and true appreciation for the human body. I never cease to be excited (and relieved) when one of my clients reaches a point in their recovery when they “get and accept” themselves for who they are, as they are. When they embrace the understanding of food as fuel to sustain a healthy body, nourishment becomes an integral part of their everyday life. Certainly, in the beginning stage of recovery, it feels like a fleeting acceptance, but when nurtured, it grows into a lifestyle change. I have had the privilege of working with a wonderful young woman, Jennifer, for the past several months who wrote a beautiful story of her “Journey to Love My Body”. I have her permission to share some of what she h...

  The struggles of having an eating disorder, or a dysfunctional relationship with food is very real. In my therapeutic work with teens and adults, I have been an intimate observer, supporter, challenger, educator, advocate, and a firm believer in the ability to regain a positive sense of self and true appreciation for the human body. I never cease to be excited (and relieved) when one of my clients reaches a point in their recovery when they “get and accept” themselves for who they are, as they are. When they embrace the understanding of food as fuel to sustain a healthy body, nourishment becomes an integral part of their everyday life. Certainly, in the beginning, stage of recovery, it feels like a fleeting acceptance, but when nurtured, it grows into a lifestyle change. I have had the privilege of working with a wonderful young woman, Jennifer, for the past several months who wrote a beautiful story of her “Journey to Love My Body”. I have her permission to share some of what sh...

Amy Gray, MS, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin — Stevens Point, and obtained a Master’s degree in Counseling at the University of Wisconsin — Whitewater. As a licensed professional counselor, Amy works from a Person-Centered approach, believing that every person has the potential for personal growth and positive behavior change. She believes that the best therapeutic work takes place when the client feels safe, supported, and accepted for who they are. Amy is a firm believer that clients already possess the strength necessary to overcome life’s obstacles, and it is her passion to help her clients find that strength through therapeutic work. Amy enjoys working with adults and teens ages 16 and up, unmarried/premarital/marital couples, and families. She has experience working with attachment/ relational conflict ,  anxiety, depression, trauma, disrupted eating patterns/ eating disorders ,  ...