The following is an email I received from a (consultation) patient

Abbie, Thank you SO MUCH for seeing me today and taking so much time with me. I wish we lived in the same town and that you were my therapist. I'm so glad to have connected with you today. You definitely got me thinking about so many things -- where I'm living and why, what I need from a therapist, what I need from a relationship, what I need medically, what I need to feed my spirit (the arts!), how to think about drawing my true self up and into the space the bulimia is currently filling...

I'm always touched by the power a deep human to human connection really can have. It does feel healing to be in the presence of another person who is invested in your well-being, and who can fully support you while reminding you how capable you are of supporting yourself at the same time. As you noted, I think it's been a long time since I've been in the presence of someone who can do both (the loving parent who also sets limits, the supportive therapist who also encourages independence and growth) Sounds like what I'm longing for is secure attachment. One of these days I'll get there...

I'm very grateful for our meeting, as are my parents.   Best wishes….KG

Abbie’s Response

The greatest pleasure is mine in being able to be a part of your life and of your rising up from the ashes of your disorder.  It's your time now, and you are ready.  I am here for you if and when you would like to call or are back in town. 

I trust that you know very well how to care for yourself.  I think what happened is that you have just become aware of this, as well....something you have known for a long time, but have been afraid to acknowledge.

Great things are to come in your life.  Please keep me posted, if only every now and then, through dropping me an email to let me know what you are up to.

Warmly,

Abbie

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Abigail

Your words and wisdom have touched and inspired me yet again to the powerful use of the therapeutic alliance in the treatment of our clients.

My mentor, who is now deceased, always admonished me to "never forget the power and healing qualities of my presence when I am sharing time and space with a client".

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"The change in my daughter has been breath-taking ….I see her taking charge of her life (not always as I would) and I LOVE seeing her really grow. It's amazing. You were right in the beginning…. that this would be a healing journey for both of us. Thank you so much!!!!”

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So, C's Dad, despite all of his initial resistance to her treatment, has dubbed you a "Rock Star therapist" … we all happily agree!

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Just want you to know that I recently went with a friend of mine and her anorexic daughter to make an introduction to a local therapist; it only took about 10 seconds before I came to realize just how lucky I was to not only to have found you, but also that you took such good care of us all. Thanks Abbie!

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"Working with Abbie is like having a wooly afghan wrapped around you on a wintry day…comfy, cozy and safe."
    -- K.L. a psychotherapy patient

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Abigail, thank you so much for your great website. My daughter has suffered from an ED for the past 6 years. Your site has given me new hope and a sense of getting my power back as a parent. Though we still struggle with it, I now feel as though I am looking at this from an entirely new perspective for the first time. …….A.R.

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You are by far the most fantastic, real, superior, loyal, dedicated, instinctive therapist I could ever have wished to work with...and you are so very very real and humble in spite of your impressive accomplishments. I haven't a clue as to how to end this email. "Warmly" doesn't work.      With love, G.J.

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For Speaking Services

Ms. Natenshon is a gifted and engaging presenter in the area of eating disorders and its treatment. Her grasp of the material, ability to synthesize important insights and impart them in a highly "usable" manner is impressive and inspiring. Her clinical sensitivity and passion for her subject empowers her audience to leave feeling enhanced and prepared to face clinical challenges. By combining clear thinking, concrete tools and a wealth of clinical experience, she helps you understand not only what to do when treating this population, but why.

                                                                                            Ava Carn-Watkins
                                                                                            Ph.D.Assistant Director
                                                                                            Graduate Program in Counseling Psychology
                                                                                            The Family Institute at Northwestern University:
                                                                                            Center for Applied Psychological & FamilyStudies

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Psychotherapy via phone

“I’ve had several therapists in the past, and none of those experiences have produced any real results – let alone make me think more deeply about the underlying reasons behind my behaviors. Even though our sessions have been purely by telephone, I am already encouraged by how fast I feel I am getting to the root of my issues.

Our work together comes without judgment, without pressure and without fear, and for the first time I feel comfortable being entirely honest about my problems. This ability to be completely truthful is what has held me back in the past, and is what is allowing me to move forward now.  Many thanks.”    PG.

...also via Skype

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About Picky Eating Interventions

Hi Abbie!

I had a moment and wanted to update you a bit on my son Thomas.  I contacted an Anat Baniel practitioner here in Florida and we traveled 2 hours and visited her one Friday morning.  Thomas had only a one hour visit with her and I did witness some minor "progress"!  I was extremely pleased.  He tried to taste a strawberry.  That was huge for him.  He was able to put it to his mouth, touch it to his lips, and then licked it.  That is something he would NEVER have done previous.  Then, he tried ice cream!  He NEVER EVER wanted nor was he EVER interested in ice cream.  He asked my husband one night if he could try it and he did!  Granted we wish it was a piece of meat he had tried but it is progress.  He has made a few other minor advances. 

I have read personal accounts from other parents who have gone this route.  I see that many have taken a more aggressive approach and spent an entire week-2 weeks with a practitioner.  These accounts showed greater progress.  I would like to do the same.  My husband would like to make this experience into a "vacation".  He suggested New York City.  Would you happen to know anyone in that area that you would recommend?   Thank you for your help!  I greatly appreciate it.  I will continue to update you following our next "vacation."    Sincerely, Jill M