Psychological Matters

Let me introduce Michelle Muezenmeyer, LLP, who started working with eating disorders 8 years ago as an inpatient psychotherapist at Forest View Psychiatric Hospital . She continued this work when she later joined Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services where she led eating disorder recovery groups and provided specialized individual and family counseling. She currently works as a private practitioner at 5060 Cascade Road, Grand Rapids, Michigan. She can be reached at (616) 454-2911 for appointments or questions. Kerry : “Michelle, thank you for taking time out to answer a few questions. Tell me, what is an eating disorder?” Michelle : “Eating disorders are a group of three serious, potentially life-threatening conditions that affect a person’s emotional and physical health. They are: Bulimia Nervosa; Anorexia Nervosa; and Binge-Eating Disorder. People with these conditions use them to ‘numb’ their emotional experiences and to gain a perceived sense of control over their inter...

This is a start of a Q & A series with mental health specialists. For the first interview, let me introduce Melissa Tower, LLP, who is an excellent child and adolescent therapist. She has been counseling for the past 13 years. She worked for 12 years as an outpatient psychotherapist at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services before joining our mental health providers group located at 5060 Cascade Road, Grand Rapids, Michigan. She can be reached at (616) 454-2911 for appointments or questions. Kerry: “Melissa, thank you for taking time out to answer a few questions about working with children. First off, when should a parent seek help for his or her child?” Melissa: “Counseling should always be sought following a traumatic experience or event in a child's life. Otherwise, I would encourage parents to trust their gut instincts regarding when to seek help. If a child is exhibiting a new behavior, including repetitive physical movements, it is good to get a...