Excerpts from eMindful.com
Since its inception in 2005, Richard has conducted many interviews and written dozens of articles
for eMindful.com, a website devoted to the therapeutic application of mindfulness and Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction. Over the years, his writing often has found its way into the Mindful Musings Newsletter posted at eMindful, summarizing current research in the field and the work of trend-setting facilitators, authors, and health-care professionals.
Below is an excerpt from these pages.
- "Addiction Transfer & Mindfulness," posted on eMindful.com, May 2008:
Q&A WITH DR. MARCY LEAVITT, PSYCHOLOGIST AND HYPNOTHERAPIST
By Richard Mahler
California-based Marcy Rosenzweig Leavitt is a Doctor of Psychology and Clinical Director of the Bariatric Evaluation and Support Program of Los Angeles and the South Bay. In addition, she is a registered Psychological Assistant and certified Hypnotherapist in private practice. One of the most important things to know about "Dr. Marcy," as she likes to be called, is that her journey into health care services parallels her history as a recovering food addict and compulsive shopper. In 2003, Dr, Marcy underwent bariatric (gastric bypass) surgery after her weight topped out at 389 pounds. Her height is five feet, one inch. But after losing 230 pounds, (and her job as an social services administrator) she became a "shopaholic" and eventually plunged $40,000 into debt. Even a borrowed credit card from her parents was "maxxed out" on unnecessary purchases. But one addiction had led to another. Such transfers are not unusual among individuals following bariatric surgery. In Dr. Marcy's case, an intervention came two years after the bypass. Recognizing her underlying anxiety disorder and treating it effectively with medication, group meetings, and psychotherapy, Dr. Marcy continued her ongoing graduate coursework in clinical psychology. During this process, she traced her addictive habits back to childhood: "In my child's mind I equated food and shopping as comfort — as highs," she recalls. "Both made me feel good. As I got older it was the same. ... I now feel that being conscious of my addiction and anxiety helps me with my patients. If I am in a place of truth, I can assist them."
Richard: You have spoken about "consciousness" as a key to resolving addictive behaviors. Tell us more about this approach. Could "mindfulness" be another term that applies here?
Marcy: Yes, I believe they are the same thing. Being aware is key. Eating, as well as shopping and other addictive behaviors, can become unconscious. A person might be putting things in his or her mouth while making dinner, feeding the kids, sit at a desk, or watching television. It simply becomes robotic: something done without a purpose or thought. Being conscious or mindful means being in the now and being aware of what one is doing at all times.
Richard: When you were eating and shopping to excess, what was going through your mind? How are things different now?
Marcy: When I was in the midst of my addiction I felt contented, comforted or happy during and directly after eating or shopping. Much like the high of being on a drug. My dopamine receptors — the pleasure receptors of the brain — were cranked up. Unfortunately, several hours later the “high” wore off and I was left feeling shame, guilt, and anxiety. It’s a cycle.
Richard: What can you say to encourage people to become more aware of their addictive behaviors? Do you believe any particular strategies are helpful?
Marcy: I tell people that if they find themselves hiding, being secretive, or feeling shame and guilt, they might have a problem. Our subconscious always will find a way to break through and let us know that we are doing something self-destructive. It is necessary to listen to your own body and mind.
If you are feeling that you are using a substance — or an unhealthy activity like excessive shopping, gambling, sex — as a replacement for real feelings, both good and bad, you probably have a problem. I was replacing the emotion of anxiety with shopping and eating. In the end, both caused me more stress and pain than I would have just sitting with the original feeling.
Addiction of any kind is very destructive and very real problem. People should not be ashamed to ask for help from a family member, clergy, health-care professional, or support group leader. I have a list of support and 12-step programs on my website that offer 24-hour services for anyone needing assistance.
Richard: Meditation is used often as a way to get more in touch with thoughts, bodies, and emotions. Has this practice been useful to you?
Marcy: I love meditation. I use it to become more centered. Many times I put on some relaxation CDs, light candles, and use progressive relaxation techniques to bring myself back into my body. I am great in my head. As my therapist says, I'm very cognitive. However, I am out of touch with my body. I think this is common among those who are and who have been morbidly obese. Meditation is a wonderful way to join mind and body together. I often use guided meditation techniques with my patients and in my bariatric support groups. Children are great at meditation because they have terrific imaginations.
Richard: Do you believe interactive Internet courses have a place in treating addictions such as those you've experienced?
Marcy: Yes, but it is important to have professionals attached to the organization, as eMindful does. Many times people prefer on-line courses and support groups because they feel more comfortable on the Internet. It is hoped that these on-line courses will lead those with addictions to venture “out” into the world after they've become mindful.
Richard: Tell us more about hypnotherapy and its application in your psychotherapy practice?
Marcy: Hypnotherapy is a great tool. I use it with those who have weight, anxiety, smoking, ADHD, and pain issues.
When a patient really seeks change and is seeking to access his or her subconscious, hypnotherapy is a great choice. But the patient must really want the change to happen. If he or she is doing it for a spouse, lover, family, or doctor, the person will not succeed. The subconscious must be ready to accept the hypnotic suggestions given. Hypnotherapy is a way for a person to access the subconscious mind and allow it to take over. That is where the change happens. All sessions are personalized to the patient; there are not “stock” or “prewritten” scripts and this is why it works so well.
Richard: On your website, you describe your practice as a bit eclectic. Please explain.
Marcy: I like to say I use a toolbox approach to therapy. I use several therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral, relational, and transpersonal. I also use hypnotherapy, emotional freedom techniques (EFT), guided imagery, journal writing, art and play, and holistic therapies. I don’t stick to one thing. Every person is an individual and should be treated as such. So when I say "eclectic," I mean "a little bit of everything."
Richard: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Marcy: It took me a long time, physically and mentally, to find myself. I went back to school at age 35 and received my degree at 39. I recently finished my "hours" and am studying to take my state boards.
I have had some complications along the way. Just when I think I am on a straight path I hit a bump in the road. The latest is a 50-pound weight gain. This happened over the two years that I have been working on my spending habits, which knocked me off my eating. But I got back on track and saw my surgeon, nutritionist and psychiatrist, from whom I received some good food advice and new medications.
I believe that life is a journey and I continue to try and push myself to explore new places, even though they may be scary and dark. I encourage everyone to do the same.
Learn more about Dr. Marcy Leavitt and her work at www.psychologyconnections.com.
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