Debra Riley, LMFT ,CEDS
Debra’s journey began as a young dancer. She fell in love with the way certain types of movement helped her move through and express emotion. Her passion for all types of movement grew along with the “fitness craze” of the 80s. But along with a new focus on health, there was a parallel rise in body shaming and a corresponding increase in eating disorders and exercise addiction. She found herself trying to be “perfect”; what was once therapeutic had become crazy-making.
She eventually found a way back into the fitness world that was more balanced and fulfilling again. She was able to step back into the world of physical activity, this time with a strong desire to help others find balance as well. This desire became a passion that continues to fuel her practice today. She continues to teach Pilates privately, which allows her clients to move without negativity of comparison.
Working with young athletes is a passion and I work closely with coaches and athletes presenting information on how to live life with balance and recognizing signs of negative self talk vs positive self talk.
Once people find acceptance, they often find self-love, which can work wonders in bringing them back into healthy balance.
I enjoy working with all ages to help each person find love from within and joyful relationship with their bodies.
Experience:
Santa Barbara IAEDP Board 2013-2014
Orange County Chapter of IAEDP, 2016-present
Outpatient eating disorder facility both Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
Mission Hospital, Laguna Beach, CA, Behavioral Health and the eating disorder programs.
Education:
* Cal State University of Long Beach : Interdisciplinary Studies/Sports Psychology, BS
Antioch University, Santa Barbara, CA: MA in Clinical Psychology, 2003
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, 2008
• International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP), 2013