All in the Family with Anna Kowalski, MA, LMFT, CEDS

 
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Episode 19 - All in the Family with Anna Kowalski, MA, LMFT, CEDS

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, I am joined by Anna Kowalski, MA, LMFT, CEDS. With over 18 years of experience in treating eating disorders and a true passion for family therapy, Anna has supported countless clients to successful recovery. She has provided training and mentoring in several eating disorder treatment centers across the United States and firmly holds the belief that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Direct, authentic, and with a big heart, Anna is a powerful match for any eating disorder. Anna’s extensive experience and knowledge of the importance of family integration allows her to help families reconnect with one another and open the lines of communication during what is often a long and difficult journey to recovery. Recovered clients report that successful family relationships were often the key ingredient for success. 

SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • Family work is necessary for recovery.

  • The "fight" between the eating disorder and the family.

  • Families are not to blame, though they can be part of the problem…and part of the solution!

  • How one family session can feel like 500 individual sessions!

  • Biological and chosen families. 

  • Talking through anger.

  • Historical narratives and perceptions.

  • The need for family members to practice self-care.


ABOUT ANNA KOWALSKI:

Anna Kowalski received her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. She has been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 2001. Anna was honored to have an 18-year career at Monte Nido & Affiliates: Residential Treatment for Eating Disorders, and left her position as Chief Experience Office at the end of 2017.

Anna has provided training and mentoring in several eating disorder treatment centers across the United States and firmly holds the belief that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible.

Anna is a person first, therapist second practitioner. She is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist who also loves to work with individuals, couples, and all configurations of families. In working with families, Anna’s help to restore/teach communication skills, while working through the discord to create a sense of wholeness.

With fierce protection, uncanny humor, and insightful honesty, Anna's unique gift of bringing out each client's healthy self. Her bold authenticity and use of positive psychology have endeared her to clients through the years. Supporting clients and their families as they navigate their way from eating disordered to fully recovered, Anna's clinical expertise, strength, and insight have made her a sought after therapist in the realm of family therapy and eating disorders. She inspires clients with her zest for life, sense-of-humor, and ability to make every person that crosses her path feel special. Anna is also a dynamic, engaging speaker and has presented nationally on eating disorders and recovery.

While Anna has had a private practice in the Calabasas CA area for the past 20 years, she currently has a cherished private practice in Agoura Hills, California. 

SPECIAL LISTENER QUESTION FEATURE:

  • Submit your questions for a chance to have them answered when Anna returns to the podcast!

  • You can email questions to Karin directly, comment on the episode webpage, and/or send them via Instagram and Facebook.

  • All questions will be anonymous to protect our listeners.

ABOUT KARIN LEWIS:

Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS has been recovered from Anorexia Nervosa for over 20 years and has been specializing in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders since 2005. Karin is the founder of the Karin Lewis Eating Disorder Center located in Boston, MA. You can visit Karin Lewis Eating Disorder Center online to learn more about Karin and her center’s services. You can also connect with Karin on social media by following her on Facebook and Instagram.

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