Santa Barbara Therapist Mysantabarbaratherapy.com

Compulsive Overeating

2012-02-26T09:15:00.001-08:00

“Foods high in sugar, fat, and salt, and the cues that signal them, promote more of everything: more arousal…more thoughts of food…more urges to pursue food…more dopamine stimulated approach behavior…more consumption…more opioid-drive reward…more overeating to feel better…more delay in feeling full…more loss of control….more preoccupation with food…more habit driven behavior…and ultimately more weight gain.” (Kessler, 2009)

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Trauma

2012-02-20T16:26:00.000-08:00

Repeated trauma may cause neurophysiological changes in the brain, specifically the amygdala which helps to regulate and modulate fear responses. Chronic trauma is especially toxic in childhood, as it affects the developing brain and nervous system, lowering the HPA axis threshold for tolerating and managing intense, anxiety provoking situations.

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Addiction

2012-01-13T17:24:00.001-08:00

“That addiction is tied to changes in brain structure and function is what makes it, fundamentally, a brain disease. A metaphorical switch in the brain seems to be thrown as a result of prolonged drug use. Initially, drug use is voluntary behavior, but when that switch is thrown, the individual moves into the state of addiction, characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use.” Leshner, 1997

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Retouching Photographs

2011-12-21T15:28:00.001-08:00

https://m.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fallwalks.org%2F%3Fp%3D3453&h=dAQGBach6&refid=28&_ft_qid=5686777730752105659&_ft_mf_story_key=10150534781901908&_ft_filter=live&_ft_interface=m_faceweb_iphone&_ft_c=m&cb=5

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Perfectionism

2011-12-21T13:29:00.001-08:00

Perfectionism is not about doing our best. It's not about the struggle for excellence, or the healthy striving for high goals. Perfectionism is about believing that if we can just do something perfectly, other people will love and accept us-and if we can't, we'll never be good enough. Perfectionism is a burden that takes a heavy toll (Greenspan, Tom 2002).

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Trauma

2011-12-20T16:32:00.001-08:00

One of the effects of early trauma on the early developing nervous system are regulatory deficits like a lowered HPA axis threshold that leads to half-trigger release of stress hormones into our bodies. Being bathed in stress hormones may be at the heart of depression and anxiety disorders.

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Our brains use calories

2011-12-14T18:18:00.001-08:00

Our brains require approximately 400-500 calories per day to operate optimally.

Adina McGarr-Knabke, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist

818.518.6775

www.mysantabarbaratherapy.com

Please note: In compliance with the Health Portability and Accountability Act "HIPAA" (rule 104-91), this message is intended only for use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this electronic message is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone at 818.518.6775, and purge the electronic message immediately without making any copy or distribution. Thank you.

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Why we worry so much?

2011-12-12T17:43:00.001-08:00

The function of rumination is survival based in humans. In other words, we are hard wired to worry about anxiety provoking things as it helps ensure survival.

Adina McGarr-Knabke, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist

818.518.6775

www.mysantabarbaratherapy.com

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What happens when restricting/fasting?

2011-11-27T17:50:00.001-08:00

Ghrelin is an appetite stimulating, gut derived peptide that induces the drive/motivation to consume food. Levels of ghrelin rise upon fasting or severely restricting calories, which may, in turn, trigger a binge.

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Anorexia

2011-11-22T13:33:00.001-08:00

40-50% of the risk of developing Anorexia is genetic, it is as inheritable as Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, etc.

Adina McGarr-Knabke, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist

818.518.6775

www.mysantabarbaratherapy.com

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Addiction

2011-11-16T14:22:00.001-08:00

One in four adults, at some stage in their lifetime, will suffer from drug or alcohol addiction (Harris, 2006)

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Human Suffering

2011-11-15T18:03:00.001-08:00

In any year, almost 30% of the adult population will suffer from a recognized psychiatric disorder (Kessler et al, 1994).

Adina McGarr-Knabke, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist

818.518.6775

www.mysantabarbaratherapy.com

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Amino Acid Based Supplements vs. Psychotropic Medication

2011-11-09T18:19:00.001-08:00

While psychotropic medications, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers, are a huge asset to many struggling with various mental disorders, some people do not experience symptom relief . This could result from many different factors, but one possibility is that the person simply does not have enough raw material (ie serotonin, dopamine, norephinephrine, etc.) for the medication to act upon. This is due to the fact that psychotropic medications do not assist the body in making more neurotransmitters, rather they recycle or inhibit the actions of the neurotransmitters already present. It is speculated that the long-term use of psychotropic medications may lead to depletion of certain neurotransmitter stores. Specific amino acid based supplements, however, assist in the creation and synthesis of new neurotransmitters, making them a viable option for most and especially for those who are deriving little to no benefit from their psychotropic medication.

Adina McGarr-Knabke, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist

818.518.6775

www.mysantabarbaratherapy.com

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Basal Metabolic Rate

2011-08-11T11:11:00.001-07:00

One's basal metabolic rate accounts for 65-70% of calories burned per day. Go to http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/ to determine your BMR (# of calories burned at rest). From there, you can determine your daily caloric needs based on your activity level with the Harris Benedict equation.

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Untitled

2011-07-24T15:01:00.005-07:00

http://newprojetinteriors.com/google.php

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Untitled

2011-07-24T15:01:00.003-07:00

http://newprojetinteriors.com/google.php

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Untitled

2011-07-24T15:01:00.001-07:00

http://www.wallofshadows.com/google.php

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Do Compulsive Overeaters Have A Food Addiction?

2011-05-05T14:42:00.001-07:00

People who are compulsive eaters show similar activity in the same brain regions as people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Addiction to food is a biologically driven process linked with reward centres, and not just another behaviour problem.

Forty eight healthy young American women with body sizes ranging from lean to obese were first tested with the Yale Food Addiction Scale, and then monitored with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Each woman was first shown a picture of a chocolate milkshake and an image of a glass of water. They were then asked to actually taste the milkshake (milk with four scoops of vanilla ice cream and 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup) or a solution which tasted like natural saliva (plain water would have activated parts of the brain related to taste).

The researchers chose milkshakes not only because they have a high fat and sugar content (sugar has been most consistently linked with food addiction), but also because they could be consumed relatively smoothly through a small tube in the mouth. In contrast, chewing associated with candy bars or other forms of sweets would have caused the participants to move their head during the scan. One hypothesis was borne out almost immediately: Women with higher food-addiction scores showed more activity in the parts of the brain associated with addiction when exposed to pictures of delectable chocolate milkshakes.

But, unexpectedly, when sampling the actual food, women showed less activation, which could be because the brain just gets flooded all the time, which shuts down some of reward reactors. This could be due to their hope of it being the best thing they ever tasted but when it doesn't meet expectations, they eat more.

The researchers noted that obesity-related disease is the second leading cause of preventable death. They also explained that further research was necessary to clarify their results, pointing out, for example, that their study did not measure hunger (which could have an impact on the scores) and was confined only to females. Despite some limitations, the researchers felt the specific nerve patterns of brain activation in some subjects suggested addiction, and were especially worried by the finding that mere images of food could start the brain racing.

Advertising is everywhere and exerts a powerful influence over our behaviour. But it can have a positive impact, too, by helping people develop more successful self-control strategies, modulate food cravings and make healthier choices. Another concern was that about 10 percent of people who didn't necessarily qualify as food addicts also showed some activation in the related brain regions. Even though a small percentage might be full-blown food addicts, some may be having only symptoms like a lot of cravings.

The researchers hope that this study could help the scientific community to accept food addiction as a disease, thereby reduce stigma among heavier people and more effective ways for them to lose weight.

Archives of General Psychiatry, 2011

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Killing Us Softly 4: Advertising's Image of Women [Trailer] - Available on DVD

2011-04-19T19:53:00.001-07:00

Check out this video on YouTube:

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Women Are Talking About LIfe Size Barbie

2011-04-19T19:47:00.001-07:00

By Lisa Marsh
TODAY.com contributor TODAY.com contributor

In Galia Slayen’s hands, the iconic blond plaything has morphed into a life-size representation of what an eating disorder looks like.

Four years ago, Slayen, then a student at Lincoln High School in Portland, Ore., built what she believed to be a life-size version of the doll she played with as a child as part of the first National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

“I was at a friend’s house and her mom’s an artist so there were all these art supplies around,” Slayen told TODAY.com. “She helped with the actual proportions.”

Slayen brought the life-sized doll to the Today studios Monday to show off her handiwork. The Barbie stands about 6 feet tall with a 39" bust, 18" waist and 33" hips. She is made of wood, chicken wire and papier mache, and is dressed in a size 00 skirt that was a remnant from Slayen’s one-year bout with anorexia.

“I’m not blaming Barbie [for my illness] — she’s one small factor, an environmental factor,” Slayen said. “I’m blond and blue-eyed and I figured that was what I was supposed to look like. She was my idol. It impacted the way I looked at myself.”

The goal in creating Barbie’s likeness was to start conversation. “Talking about eating disorders is taboo to many people, and this made people talk about it,” Slayen said. “It’s a shocking image. A lot of people have seen it, and it’s started debates,” she said, particularly after she wrote about it for the Huffington Post. “Her proportions are not 100 percent correct, but her look is not invalid.”

“As a pop-cultural icon, Barbie is often used as art to express one’s own personal opinions and views,” a Mattel spokesperson said in an email. “Girls see female body images everywhere today and it’s critical that parents and caregivers provide perspective on what they are seeing. It’s important to remember that Barbie is a doll who stands 11.5 inches tall and weighs 7.25 ounces — she was never modeled on the proportions of a real person.”

Adina McGarr-Knabke, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist

818.518.6775

www.mysantabarbaratherapy.com

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Therapy Efficacy

2011-02-08T15:44:00.001-08:00

One of the many benefits of therapy includes the identification of self perpetuated, unconscious themes and/or patterns causing the individual pain. Making the unconscious, conscious is the first step toward resolution.

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Psychotherapy

2011-02-03T18:39:00.001-08:00

Therapy is essentially the process of reworking thwarted developmental processes (Nancy McWilliams)

Adina McGarr-Knabke, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist

818.518.6775

www.mysantabarbaratherapy.com

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Untitled

2011-01-18T09:05:00.001-08:00

Why does it seem like I'm gaining weight in my stomach? This may be a question posed by individuals in recovery from anorexia. When one begins to refeed a malnourished body, weight will often distribute to the stomach first to protect vital organs. As the body begins to trust that the threat of starvation is gone, weight will distribute more normally.

Adina McGarr-Knabke, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist

818.518.6775

www.mysantabarbaratherapy.com

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Feelings

2010-09-22T18:19:00.001-07:00

Avoiding pain keeps it around longer. The more we try to resist certain feelings the less likely we are to work through them.

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stress

2010-09-20T10:14:00.001-07:00

Remember to take care of YOU by doing things for yourself that you enjoy. Who doesn't like a massage or facial? Visit Spa Escape, www.spaescapesb.com for some pampering.

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Chemical Dependence

2010-09-14T18:34:00.001-07:00

Drug Category	Proportion Of Users That Ever Became Dependent
Tobacco	32%
Alcohol	15%
Marijuana (including hashish)	9%
Cocaine	17%
Heroin	23%

2010 Marijuana Policy Project.

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Addiction

2010-09-08T17:23:00.001-07:00

"Addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disease characterized by uncontrollable drug seeking behavior and use. It persists even with the knowledge of negative health consequences." Scott Lucas

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Taking time

2010-09-08T14:21:00.001-07:00

Take some time for you at Spa Escape. Enjoy a massage, facial, make-up artistry, and much more! www.spaescapesb.com

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Gifts

2010-08-25T18:26:00.001-07:00

Unsure what to get someone for their birthday, anniversay, etc? How about a gift certificate to Spa Escape. Your loved one can pamper him or herself with a massage, facial, manicure, the works! Visit spaescapesb.com for mor information

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Pamper yourself

2010-08-18T15:22:00.001-07:00

Spa Escape in Santa Barbara has great summer specials! Check out their package deals on massage, waxing, and facials, www.spaescapesb.com

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Anorexia

2010-08-14T11:50:00.001-07:00

There exists strong support for the idea that early indicators of reduced emotional resiliency and heightened stress reactivity along with compulsive habit tendencies may represent a vulnerability to the development of Anorexia (Strober, 2010)

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Healthy Escapes

2010-08-13T13:10:00.001-07:00

Many people who are struggling try and escape their pain through negative coping mechanisms, such as drugs and alcohol. Try a healthier escape and visit Spa Escape to be pampered www.spaescapesb.com

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Abused Substances & Anorexia

2010-08-10T15:15:00.001-07:00

The most commonly abused substance seen in those with anorexia are alcohol and marijuana.

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Stress and Massage

2010-08-08T03:59:00.001-07:00

Stress in our fast paced society is unavoidable, hence it is essential that we have coping mechanisms in place to deal with the everyday demands of life. Massage, is not only a great way to relieve stress, it is also a treat for yourself! Visit Yolanda at Spa Escape, www.spaescapesb.com

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Stress

2010-08-07T10:24:00.001-07:00

Stress in our fast paced society is unavoidable, hence it is essential that we have coping mechanisms in place to deal with everydaydemands
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Self-destructive behaviors

2010-08-02T18:04:00.001-07:00

"The ability to derive comfort from another human being is a
strong predictor of whether self-destructive behavior can be
regulated”
(Van der Kolk)

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Santa Barbara Psychology - Mysantabarbaratherapy.com

2010-05-06T05:49:00.001-07:00

Dr. Adina McGarr offers Santa Barbara counseling and Santa Barbara psychology services. For over 10 years Dr. Adina has been studying eating disorders, prescription drug addiction treatment, alcoholism and addiction, drug addiction relapse, and self injurious behaviors. If you are seeking a Santa Barbara therapist that goes beyond traditional addiction treatment methods, you may wish to inquire with this Santa Barbara counseling expert.

Dr. Adina is highly recommended around the Santa Barbara & Ventura area. She is known for her specialization in the areas of alcohol addiction drug therapy,eating disorders, and self injurious behaviors. She graduated with a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and received a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute. She now has her own private practice, providing some of the most cutting edge therapy Santa Barbara and Ventura has to offer.

Individuals seek a Santa Barbara counseling center for variety of different reasons. The drawback of going through a center versus a private practice is that you are not able to select your individual therapist based on specialty. When it comes to your Santa Barbara psychotherapy needs working with a private practitioner allows you more freedom to find the right therapist for you. For more information call Dr. Adina McGarr at (818) 518-6775 or visit http://www.mysantabarbaratherapy.com/ e-mail: amcgarrma@yahoo.com

Dr. Adina McGarr

Santa Barbara Psychotherapy Expert

www.MySantaBarbaraTherapy.com

phone: (818) 518-6775

email: amcgarrma@yahoo.com