Introducing Center for Discovery Eating Disorder Therapist Christine Capuano, APCC
Happy Friday, everyone! I want to introduce you to Christine Capuano, APCC (associate professional clinical counselor). She is a San Diego eating disorder therapist who works for Center for Discovery’s (CFD) partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP) in Del Mar. Christine is a very talented therapist who does great individual, family, and group work. She also works part-time in a private practice in La Mesa, California.
Why did you choose to become an eating disorder specialist in San Diego?
When I started graduate school, I cast a wide net of job applications looking for per diem counseling work. I had no idea of what kind of clinical work I wanted to do. During my undergraduate degree, my areas of interest were criminal and forensic psychology. I then worked at an urgent care for three years and entertained the idea of jumping tracks to be a physician’s assistant. When CFD hired me as an on-call counselor, I never expected to see it burgeon into a career that so beautifully intersects my interests in medical and mental health.
What kind of treatment do you provide?
I provide individual, couple, group, and family therapy for adolescents and adults. I also provide individual and group dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skill training. I am currently supervised by Amber Monroe, LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist), who is an outpatient eating disorder specialist. She is also a guru in felt-sense work, so felt sense is now something I frequently weave into my treatment as well. My goal is to also start eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) certification by the end of the year. EMDR is a type of trauma treatment.
Do you only work with eating disorders?
I think any eating disorder clinician would agree that to treat eating disorders effectively, you don't work with only the eating disorder. Through my practice, I've gained extensive experience with mood disorders, personality disorders, substance use disorders, and trauma.
How long have you been working with eating disorders overall, and how long have you been in San Diego?
I moved to San Diego in August of 2014 and was hired by CFD in November of 2014 when CFD Del Mar Residential Treatment Center first opened it's doors.
Who are your favorite types of clients to work with?
I am a big fan of narrative therapy and love speaking in imagery, so my favorite clients are definitely those who are willing to be storytellers with me in sessions.
You work in partial hospitalization/intensive outpatient programs (PHP/IOP) for CFD. Other than individual therapy, what other kinds of eating disorder treatment do you provide?
I will be supporting Amber with her expanding practice in La Mesa by running some community groups and starting to take on clients in an outpatient setting starting as early as this spring! (updates to come)
What do you wish people knew about getting treatment for eating disorders?
I wish people actually knew how many layers we are peeling back when we dive into treatment. It's hard work, and the hardest work often doesn't even involve discussing food. I also want those who are seeking eating disorder treatment- or considering treatment- to know that this is not an endeavor to be taken on alone; unfortunately, the eating disorder wants you to stay isolated. The eating disorder will tell you that dietitians/meal plans/therapists are the enemy, but the truth is we want nothing but to support and stand beside you in this fight.
How can people learn more and contact you?
Email me! christine.capuano@centerfordiscovery.com. I will have more info on outpatient services in the coming months, but I am always available to get you in contact with the information, person, or service that can best assist your needs.
Share one fun fact about you.
All my clients eventually learn two things about me:
1) I LOVE hummingbirds. I have a collection of hummingbird drawings from clients in my office
2) I'm a musician; I play piano and sing and it's been a favorite outlet of mine since I was a kid.
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Thanks so much for reading my blog! Have a wonderful day. :)
Marianne
If you are struggling to find eating disorder treatment in San Diego, give me a call for your free 15-minute phone consultation at (858) 699-3754, and I will help you get where you need to be!
You can find more information about me on Instagram@drmariannemilleror on my Facebook page.