Amanda Levison, MS, IMH

Side Effects of Bulimia Nervosa

AJ Designs — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 19:58:46 +0000

Many times, we as people, do things that we’re not proud of. Unaware of the side effects we continue with these actions. I am going to map out the physical side effects of Bulimia Nervosa. This way you don’t have an excuse for “not knowing” what you’re doing to your body.

Esophageal problems
Vocal chord damage
Stomach ulcers
Osteoporosis
Hair loss
Digestive problems
Decreased body temperature
Irregular heart beat
Elimination problems
Dental Damage
Organ damage
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Enlarged salivary glands
Dry skin
Decreased bone density
Menstrual dysfunction
Hormone irregularities
Insomnia
Low red blood cell levels
Weak muscles
Immune system damage

*Compliments of http://bulimiasideeffects.com/.

Eating Disorders On The Rise: Statistics

AJ Designs — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:47:27 +0000

As I was doing research on Eating Disorders, I came across a site that stated there are over 8 million people in the United States with an Eating Disorder. I was shocked to hear such a huge number. I understand that 1 out of 4 people have some form of an eating disorder from binging, over eating, to restricting, etc… However 8 million!!! To put it into perspective 8 million is equivalent to:

2 million more people than of the Jewish population killed in the Holocaust.
That is just about every person in New York City.
The amount of people who watched the Billboard Music Awards in 2011.
The amount of Kinect units sold for xbox in 2010.
The number of people in need of emergency food aid in East Africa in 2011.
The amount of money 50 Cent made selling stock on twitter.
The amount of people in the United States that seriously considered commiting suicide in 2009.
The amount of people who died in China due to unnatural causes.
The amount of dogs that were mummified.

Just so you can see what 8 million really means.

The Visual Perception of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

AJ Designs — Sat, 28 May 2011 13:57:55 +0000

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a term that many people might have heard of but don’t understand. According to ScienceDaily.com, 30% of people with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) do suffer with an eating disorder as well. The DSM IV-TR #300.7 describes BDD as: patients become overly concerned, or at times convinced, that in some fashion or other they are misshapen or deformed, despite all evidence to the contrary.

People with BDD tend to fixate on extreme details. Rather than viewing a face as a whole, they would focus on the imperfections like a blemish or a slightly crooked nose. The impact of the disorder can be debilitating. Sufferers think obsessively about their appearance and engage in repetitive, time-consuming behaviors, such as checking their appearance in the mirror with every opportunity given. Many are too embarrassed to leave their house, thinking others see their “faults” as well. Some have repeated unnecessary plastic surgeries hoping to “fix” their problems, while others may become suicidal. BDD affects an estimated 2% of the population and is thought to be especially common in people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Picture from http://e-depression.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/3mirrors.jpg

Good Bye Oprah

AJ Designs — Wed, 25 May 2011 21:21:13 +0000

Oprah Winfrey has had a running talk show for 25 years and now she is going to retire. Personally, I have not been an Oprah viewer however I am able to respect all that she does. She is a woman who stands up for what she believes in and has helped so many people through the years. She has been a huge supporter of different charities and has had thousands of guests. Her guests have ranged from the average American to the high end celebrity. Her guests have shown what people go through on a daily basis from daily struggles to internal struggles. By watching her, people have been able to relate to others and not feel so alone. So here is a dedication to Oprah and all of her work. Good bye Oprah. You will be missed.

How have you been touched by Oprah?

Most Read Books in the World

AJ Designs — Sun, 15 May 2011 12:59:16 +0000

I had a conversation with someone the other day about the most read books in the world. I decided to look into it a little more. I came across a bunch of sites that were all pretty consistent. So, for 2011 up-to-date I found the following list to be the most read books in the WORLD. The Bible stands out in the billions but the top 5-10 look like they can change through the upcoming year. I wanted to list the books because some are very inspiring and inspirational and can help you throughout any journey.

1. The Bible 3.9 Billion Copies

2. Quotations from the Works of Mao Tse-tung By Mao Tse-tung 820 Million Copies

3. Harry Potter By J. K. Rowling 400 Million Copies

4. Lord of the Rings By J. R. R. Tolkien 103 Million Copies

5. The Alchemist By Paulo Coelho 65 Million Copies

6. The Da Vinci Code By Dan Brown 57 Million Copies

7. Twilight – The Saga By Stephenie Meyer 43 Million Copies

8. Gone With the Wind By Margaret Mitchell 33 Million Copies

9. Think and Grow Rich By Napoleon Hill 30 Million Copies

10. Diary of Anne Frank By Anne Frank 27 Million Copies

credit: http://sastha-knowyourledge.blogspot.com

Sorry It’s Been So Long

AJ Designs — Sat, 14 May 2011 14:57:31 +0000

I just to a look at the date of my last entry and I was in shock. I did not realize how much time has elapsed. A little update on me… I passed my licensure exam, completed my hours, now I just need to mail it all in to officially become an LMHC.

I’m at a point in my life where I can truly say I’m happy. Of course, everyone has their ups and downs but I definitely am having more ups and I think this has helped me become a better therapist in return.

I will continue to discuss topics related to mental health to help children, adults, and parents. If you would like me to discuss a specific topic- don’t hesitate to ask.

Eating Disorders & Support Group

AJ Designs — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 06:38:26 +0000

Many people are not aware of the amount of support out there. Below is a listing of the local support groups for eating disorders (particularly anorexia nervosa & bulimia nervosa) in South Florida. Please call and/or email before attending to confirm the meeting is still running. If you or a loved one struggles with an eating disorder and need help, please contact me for any questions. If the group that you attend is not right for you, please try another. There is help and hope available.

TELEPHONE MEETINGS

Monday Night ABA Phone Meeting, 8:30pm – 9:30pm Eastern Time
Access Number: (218) 862-1403 Access Code: 22657#
**You must disable your call waiting by using *70 prior to calling into the meeting.
**To mute and unmute your line for sharing press *6 on your phone keypad.
***If you experience difficulty with the above access number make sure you are on a land line.

Friday Discussion Meeting, 11:30am – 12:30pm Eastern Time

Access Number: (213) 289 0500 Access Code: 22657
**You must disable your call waiting by using *70 prior to calling into the meeting.
**To mute your line and to unmute for sharing press 6 on your phone keypad.
***If you experience difficulty with the above access number make sure you are on a land line.

Tuesday Phone Meeting, 2:00 – 3:00pm Eastern Time
Access Number: (213) 289 0500 Access Code: 22657

LOCAL MEETINGS

DAY: 7 days a week at 7am, Surrender is Freedom
LOCATION: Luther Lutheran Memorial Church (on corner of Sheridan and 441) 1925 N 60th Avenue.

DAY: Meeting every 2nd Monday at 5pm
LOCATION: 7200 W. Camino Real, Suite 303, Boca Raton, FL 33433
CONTACT: Henah Gupta, PhD, (561) 393-3624

DAY: Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
LOCATION: Milestones campus in West Ft. Lauderdale, FL
CONTACT: 954-272-0806

DAY: Tuesdays, 8:00pm
LOCATION: Back on Track Clubhouse, 20377 NE 15th Court, Miami, Florida
CONTACT (S): Jen (305) 342-1440 Holly (757) 560-6864

DAY: Wednesdays, 5:30pm, Eating Disorders Anonymous
LOCATION: 3400 N. 29th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida
CONTACT: Rebel’s Drop In 954-965-6452 x209 or 954-922-4310

DAY: Meeting 2nd & 4th Thursdays of each month
LOCATION: Unity of Ft Lauderdale, 1800 No East 6th Court
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
CONTACT (S): Mary Curtis & Jill H

DAY: Fridays, 7:30pm
LOCATION: Back on Track Clubhouse, 20377 NE 15th Court, Miami, Florida
CONTACT (S): Jen (305) 342-1440 Holly (757) 560-6864 Aimee (305) 773-0221

DAY: Saturdays 10:30-11:30am, support group & group therapy for those struggling with an eating disorder. *Inquire within, minimal fees
LOCATION: Weston, FL
CONTACT: Amanda Levison, MS, Life Coach

DAY: Sundays 10:00-11:00am, support group & group therapy for those struggling with an eating disorder. *Inquire within, minimal fees
LOCATION: Downtown Ft. Lauderdale, FL
CONTACT: Amanda Levison, MS, Life Coach

A Girl’s Guide to Being Beautiful

AJ Designs — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:02:10 +0000

I came across this article and thought it was important to share. It is a good way to start your day. To take control of your life and realize each day is a new day. You have the choice how you want to make your day. You have the choice how you want to live your life. I challenge you to start your day “Beautiful.”

Photograph from the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty

A Girl’s Guide to Being Beautiful By: Kayla Knopp

There is one moment in each day when you are completely in control of your own destiny. It is the moment you first open your eyes in the morning, the instant the first thought of the day skiters through your brain. That very first thought sets the mood for the rest of the day. In the wee hours of the morning, you can decide whether to embrace life as an ally or to declare war on the world.

If you give in to your inner demons and choose the latter, you can bid being beautiful farewell. Nobody looks good in a war. Beauty goes hand in hand with happiness, love, and peace. Even if you are not completely happy with your physical appearance, if you can possess those last three traits, you will be beautiful.

Suggested song for the day: “You’re beautiful” by Christina Aguilera

Stress Relieving Activities

AJ Designs — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:47:00 +0000

Being a former pre-school teacher, I have applied many techniques I used in the classroom to adapt to the client’s needs in therapy sessions. One thing I recommend to those who fidget or have high anxiety would be holding on to something like a stress ball, playdough, or even gak. By playing with something in your hand, it allows you to let go of the stress and prevent yourself from negative habits like nail biting or leg shaking.

Making gak is a simple process that will provide hours of fun and relaxation. Follow these steps to create your own batch of stretchy, gooey and slippery gak.

To make gak:

Gather your ingredients. In order to make gak, you will need the following ingredients:
- Elmer’s glue
- Water
- Borax (found in the laundry departments of stores)
- Food coloring
Mix the glue and water. Combine 2 cups of Elmer’s Glue and 1½ cups of warm water in a small container or bowl.
Add the food coloring. Choose your favorite color of food coloring and add it to the glue/water mixture. Stir the mixture after you have added the food coloring to spread the color.
Mix the Borax and water. In a different container, combine 1 cup of hot water with 1½ tablespoons of Borax.
Combine the two containers. Add the contents of the two containers together and stir the mixture very well. You should begin to see the gak take form and solidify.
Use your gak! At this point, the gak is in top shape and ready to be used. Remember to store your gak in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Enjoy!

Beyond the Tree

AJ Designs — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 01:49:23 +0000

When looking at a tree, a typical person may not look too deep into it. Like the age of the tree, what might have occurred there, the memories it made for others, the reasons for the cracks in the trunk, the lifted roots… there is so much more beyond the tree.

A tree can signify life, birth and whatever else you make of it. It can be a place of peace and calmness, a place to create memories, or a place of mourning. Looking at nature typically allows people to be free.

I love using art as a way of therapy, especially when working with children. Trees are interesting to analyze because it relates to the artist from every perspective from the age to the details created. The trunk may signify the age where different movement represent ages in which significant events may have occurred. Every time I analyze a drawing, the client is amazed (and so am I) at the accuracy noted.

Suggested reading, “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein.

Photo compliments of MegaPixels Photo, http:// www.megapixelsphoto.blogspot.com