HANNAH JOSEPH
Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching
ABOUT ME
I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and have worked in mental health for ten years with people of all diagnoses. I am recovered from an eating disorder. I am also diagnosed with bipolar disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
I credit my recovery from my eating disorder and my success in managing my other illnesses to the support of mental health professionals as well as friends and family, to educating myself about my illnesses, and to the use of evidence-based therapies and medications. I will forever be grateful to people who shared their stories of recovery and renewed health for instilling hope in me and giving me the courage to push through the many challenges along the way.
I grew up in the Boston area and, after ten years on the west coast, came back east in 2020. I currently live in Pittsburgh with my husband, our two young daughters, and our dog. I enjoy having dance parties, doing art projects, and baking with my kids. In my free time, I like listening to folksy music, reading mystery novels, watching soccer, and catching up with friends and family in other parts of the country.
MY COACHING PRACTICE
I became interested in the coaching model of support before I knew what recovery coaching was. As a patient, I saw myself and others doing the hard work in therapy and being successful within a treatment setting, only to continue to struggle "in the real world". I knew that practical support outside of intensive treatment programs and therapists' office hours, could help bridge that gap. That's why I believe so strongly in the value of recovery coaching and am so excited to do this work. I am committed to making my coaching practice:
Accessible and inclusive. Eating disorders do not discriminate. They affect people of all body types, abilities, races and ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and socio-economic backgrounds. Treatment is often inaccessible and non-inclusive for marginalized populations. I am committed to providing support that is accessible, inclusive, and culturally sensitive and that recognizes the social justice aspects of eating disorders and treatment. I am committed to continuing to educate myself about these topics.
Evidence-informed. I utilize ideas and material from evidence based modalities including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Family Based Therapy. I also base my recovery philosophy on our increasing understanding of the genetic components of eating disorders and the crucial role of nutritional rehabilitation.
Collaborative and individualized. I have expertise in eating disorder recovery and you are the expert in you. While I may suggest that you keep an open mind to new ideas and new techniques, I will honor the knowledge you bring to the table about your strengths and what works for you.
Flexible. Need more support some weeks than others? No problem! Because coaching operates outside of office hours and without the restrictions of insurance approvals, we can move seamlessly between levels of support.
Skills based and solution focused. My job as a coach is to support you in moving to a place in your recovery where you no longer need to work with me. My role in our work together is supporting you in developing self-sufficiency and self-efficacy. I will work with you to master the skills you need to be successful in sustained and independent recovery.
PHILOSOPHY
I believe that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. I believe that full nutritional rehabilitation and weight restoration to a proper weight for the individual are necessary for brain healing.
I believe that sufferers never fail treatment - treatment fails them. Many sufferers who have not had evidence-informed treatment, have been told or come to believe that full recovery is not possible for them. With effective support, many of these people can recover.
I believe that eating disorders are never a choice. They are biologically based illnesses. Research proves the fundamental role that genetics plays in a person's vulnerability to developing an eating disorder. The most recent and comprehensive study shows that anorexia is associated with markers on genes linked to other psychiatric illnesses and also on genes that play a role in regulating metabolism and physical activity. This points to the idea that people with anorexia bodies and brains react differently to energy deficit. I believe that studies of bulimia and binge eating disorder will show similar results.
I believe that the outdated idea that parents cause eating disorders has harmed generations of sufferers and families and continues to do so. Except in the case of abusive family situations, the dynamics that may be perpetuating the disorder or hindering recovery can be addressed and families can be a powerful source of support for sufferers of all ages. In cases where family support is not appropriate or possible, other important people in the sufferer's life can offer similar support.
I believe that the value that our society places on thinness and unrealistic physical ideals is damaging to everyone. For those who are genetically vulnerable to eating disorders, these societal influences can contribute to the onset of illness by fostering poor body image and encouraging dieting. They can delay diagnosis by normalizing restrictive behaviors and reinforce behaviors by glorifying weight loss. Societal attitudes also further complicate the challenging process of recovery by perpetuating a fear of certain food groups and a bodies.
I believe that all eating disorders occur in people of all body types and sizes. You cannot tell by looking at someone whether they have an eating disorder or what behaviors they are struggling with. Eating disorders cause extreme mental suffering and physical damage regardless of weight and can be deadly even for those who appear healthy.
I believe that becoming fully recovered requires healing in three areas - the body, mind, and soul.
Body
Physical recovery from an eating disorder requires a cessation of binge, purge, restrictive, and exercise symptoms and a return to a body weight that is healthy for that individual. Behavioral recovery may also include abstaining from self-injury, substance abuse, and other high risk behaviors in those with
co-occurring diagnoses.
Mind
Mental recovery from an eating disorder includes addressing
co-occurring conditions, developing an arsenal of coping skills and learning to identify and challenge disordered cognitions. It includes educating yourself about your illness and understanding what triggers may cause a return to disordered behaviors.
Soul
"Soul" recovery refers to building a life outside of your illness. For some people this looks like getting back on track with the life they had before they were ill and for some it feels more like starting from scratch. This part of recovery includes making healthy social connections, exploring
non-disordered interests, and setting goals for your future.
Individual Recovery Coaching
I work with people struggling with anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder as well as people who do not have an eating disorder diagnosis but are trying to break free from chronic dieting and disordered eating patterns. Coaching sessions can take place in person in the Pittsburgh area or virtually.
I meet with clients for weekly coaching sessions in which we review the successes and struggles from the week, discuss readings and assignments and establish goals for the coming week. I offer support between sessions via text and phone.
I do meal sessions with clients in which we eat together. I help clients identify and intervene on disordered behaviors, provide accountability in reaching nutrition goals, and support them in tackling challenge foods. I can help clients with menu planning, accompany them to the grocery store and support them in preparing meals.
Additionally, I can accompany clients on a variety of outings and exposure exercises to provide emotional support. Some examples of these include yoga classes, meet-up groups, and clothes shopping.
I can help clients find an outpatient team if you do not have one as well evaluate treatment center options if a higher level of care is indicated.
Parent/Caregiver Consulations
I offer consultations and coaching for for parents and other family members/caregivers/support people as well as for the sufferer. I can assist with assembling an outpatient team or evaluating options for higher levels of care. I have experience drafting contracts, advising on evidence based weight restoration goals and providing sample meal plans and recipes among other services. I can give a unique perspective on all of these issues as someone who is recovered from my eating disorder and who lives with chronic mental illnesses.
