Thank you for the confidence you demonstrate in my work by referring a patient
    to me for eating disorders treatment.

    Individual Therapy and Family Therapy are available for adolescents or
    adults who need a specialist to treat an eating disorder. My treatment orientation is
    contemporary psychodynamic,  influenced by self psychology, feminist theory, and
    family systems theory. I include cognitive and behavioral interventions in my
    psycho-educational group.

    Because the therapeutic relationship is the most important curative factor in
    psychotherapy, I encourage you to consider continuing to treat established patients
    yourself. I would be happy to make myself available for consultation or supervision
    to assist in your work with eating disorders.

    The Ten-Week Group is a psychoeducational group designed for women who
    are overeating and gaining weight. They may or may not have a history of purging,
    especially in the form of dieting and excessive exercise. (See DSM-IV 307.50 or
    307.51 or “Binge Eating Disorder” in the Appendix.)  

    The group does not offer a prescription for recovery; however, I promote “intuitive
    eating” and discuss myths about weight loss. Each group member is encouraged to
    develop her own theory of why she has an eating disorder and find her own path
    toward self-nurturing. The group experience sometimes stirs up confusion,
    memories, and unwelcome feelings. I encourage patients to talk with their
    individual therapists for help when this happens.

    Through my publicity, your patient is aware of my ongoing psychotherapy groups.
    These groups are available only to patients who are in individual therapy with me.
    If your patient asks about this, I will suggest that she repeat the introductory
    group. If she is thinking of transferring to me, I will encourage her to discuss this
    with you. Generally, I believe that transfers are not advisable as they are often
    based on a fantasy that I have some kind of magic cure for eating disorders.

    Please let me know if I can answer any questions. I would be happy to consult with
    you during the course of your patient’s group experience (with patient
    permission).    
       
Information for Referring Therapists
Patricia Kyle Dennis PhD
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Saint Louis, Missouri

Specialist in the
Treatment of
Eating Disorders

Psychotherapy for
Individuals
Families
Groups

I am happy to answer your questions about my services in St. Louis, Missouri.
Click Here to send me confidential email.

 Eating Disorders Consultation Group
 for Psychotherapists and Health Care Professionals:
I have formal training and experience in consultation group leadership.
Format includes case consultation, group interaction, therapist feedback, parallel
process analysis. Theory base is biopsychosocial, psychodynamic, family systems,
feminist. A special emphasis is on the professional's emotional reactions to the
patient and working with eating disorders symptoms.
A small group is forming now and will begin in September, 2011.
Meeting time is every other Friday from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Fee is $50.00 per session. New professionals are eligible for a reduced fee.
A ten-session, renewable commitment to the group is required.
Contact me for more information.