The Eating Disorder Trap: A Guide for Clinicians and Loved Ones

by Robyn L. Goldberg

Written by an expert with over twenty years of experience in the field of eating disorders, this book will give you the facts in a friendly and easy to read format. Get to know what you are dealing with and how it is taking a toll on your body and quality of life. Get rid of the myths "diet culture" has had you believe. Find out where to go and who to turn to for expert and compassionate care, maximizing your potential for recovery.

On the other hand, you might be a treatment provider looking for sound knowledge regarding eating disorder screening tools, lab tests, online resources, and how to put together the most effective treatment team. If that is the case, then this book is for you.

The journey with an eating disorder can seem like a dark maze with no way out. Allow the knowledge in this book to light the path. Recovery is possible with the right information, guidance, and treatment intervention.

Genres: Self Help

183 pages, Paperback

Published March 20, 2020

About the author

Robyn Goldberg is a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified eating disorder registered dietitian supervisor, certified intuitive eating counselor and a Health at Every Size® (HAES) clinician. Robyn has spent years learning from some of the best in the industry and continues to seek professional mentoring, attends innovative conferences and stays abreast with the most current literature.

Robyn began her career at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles as the in-patient dietitian in the Department of Cardiology. For the last 23 years, Robyn Goldberg has had a private practice in Beverly Hills, CA, where she specializes in medical conditions, eating disorders, disordered eating, dual diagnosis, pre-pregnancy nutrition and women seeking fertility treatment.

Robyn consistently educates professionals, students, and RDNs about how to best incorporate intuitive eating and Health at Every Size® approaches into their work and lives. She teaches nutrition classes on a wide array of topics for the Motion Picture Industry’s Wellness Program.

Actively involved in the nutrition and body positive community, Robyn is also a member of organizations including: Association of Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH), Academy of Eating Disorders (AED), International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp) and the International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians (IFEDD). She also serves as a Nutrition Consultant for the Celiac Disease Foundation. Robyn also leads several body image and eating disorder groups in sober living settings in the Los Angeles Area.

Robyn is a nationally renowned contributing author registered dietitian nutritionist. She has been quoted as an expert in various publications including The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Diabetes Forecast, Shape Magazine, Fitness, Oxygen, Life & Style, Natural Solutions, Beverly Hills Weekly and Today’s Dietitian. In addition, Robyn has also served as an eating disorder specialist on the nationally televised show “The Insider” and an expert on The Associated Press (AP).

Reviews

[August McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robyn L. Goldberg is a master at cultivating true healing from an eating disorder and this gift feels like her gift to the world. I wish I'd had this book when I was in the grasp of anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorder. With compassion, know-how and skill she's gleaned from many years in the eating disorder recovery field, Goldberg helps readers sort out the facts from fiction about dietary wellbeing for anyone who's been affected or felt imprisoned by these insidious conditions.

The Eating Disorder Trap will help you turn down the voice of the eating disorder and step fully into your own.

[Shari Botwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moments after I started reading Goldberg’s book I began sharing the title with patients and colleagues. I have been treating men and women who have battled all types of eating disorders for over twenty years. There are very few books that speak to the public about the complexity that comes with recovery. Goldberg does a phenomenal job giving examples and guiding the reader which makes space for hope and the possibility of living a life without an eating disorder. The end of the book struck me when she talks about “compassion being the key to recovery.” The recurring theme in my work with people struggling is helping them reframe self-hate into a place of self-care and loving the part of themselves that at one time felt shame and guilt. This is a must read for patients, family members and clinicians who treating eating disorders and related issues. Shari Botwin, LCSW and author of "Thriving After Trauma: Stories of Living and Healing," (Rowman & Littlefield)

[Leor Ram · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a psychotherapist, I am consistently seeking out well-written, thoroughly researched material that can help break down such a complex issue as disordered eating into easy-to-understand concepts, and Robyn L. Goldberg, RDN, CEDRD-S certainly delivered with her new book, The Eating Disorder Trap: A Guide for Clinicians and Loved Ones. I highly recommend this book to clinicians, professionals, family, friends, and any individuals interested in better understanding the importance of, as Robyn puts it, “health at any size.” This book exquisitely explores cultural myths and provides invaluable information about how to take note and take action towards recovery for ourselves and our loved ones. In particular, the care that Robyn took to provide inclusive and non-shaming language makes this book a wonderful asset that can help people to better understand their bodies and themselves without feeling judged and demotivated. The information in this book would do well to be required reading for everyone, as it makes clear how each part of our body requires healthy nutrition to achieve our “best selves.”

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a health reporter who has interviewed Robyn for many stories over the past 15 years. I always found her to have a unique ability to explain complicated subjects for lay readers. And this same talent is evident in The Eating Disorder Trap: This comprehensive guide is extremely helpful not only for health professionals, but also for lay people, including those suffering from a variety of eating disorders. It’s also an invaluable resource for their parents, friends and family members who might be unsure how to best help them in the best, most compassionate way possible. As always, Robyn makes a complicated subject understandable and actionable.

She starts by explaining how our omnipresent diet culture can trigger eating disorders, the incidence of which continues to rise at an alarming rate. She also explicates the various types of eating disorders, then she takes the reader through the whole process of diagnosing and treating them.

Her overall tone of understanding and compassion will give ED sufferers needed motivation to overcome the shame and secrecy that often accompany their issues and seek help.
--Anne Marie O'Connor

[Ellen]

The Eating Disorder Trap: A Guide for Clinicians and Loved Ones
The Eating Disorder Trap is accessible, understandable, comprehensive and user friendly which is exactly what school personnel and families/loved ones need. This book is what everyone is looking for, you do not have to be a clinician, but every clinician should have it on their bookshelf. It makes sense, it tells you what you need to know, AND you want to read more, you want to read every word.

BRAVO!!! You have done what no one else has been able to do!!
THANK YOU FROM ALL THE LOVED ONES, who have been searching, hoping and asking for a direct and understandable guide to help us begin to understand what is happening. An eating disorder diagnosis is overwhelming for the individual and the loved ones. This book provides the essentials and will put you on a path to support recovery and end the stigma, shame, fear and isolation.

[Karen Schneller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robyn Goldberg, RDN, CEDS-S has contributed greatly to our field of eating disorders and now has offered us an invaluable resource with The Eating Disorder Trap. Eating disorder's are complex and multifaceted illnesses which are complicated to understand. Robyn's style of writing, which walks the reader through understanding how eating disorders come to be, and how to create a qualified treatment team so those suffering can have a chance of successful recovery, is written in language that professionals and lay persons alike can understand. The resources and screening tools are invaluable. I appreciate her use of inclusive and non-stigmatizing language. In a world where Fatphobia is rampant and colludes with Diet Culture, Robyn offers readers a lens (Health at Every Size) to understand the damaging effects it can cause. I am thrilled to find such a resource so I can recommend it to medical doctors or therapists who are not trained in treating eating disorders. Its also a wonderful resources for those suffering the devastating effects of this illness and their loved ones.

[Gaby Cosgrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you know Robyn Goldberg, this has been a passion project of hers for a long time. This book is great for health care providers and lay people. Robyn lays out the complexities of eating disorders in a clear, concise fashion that gives the reader a comprehensive understanding of the material. As a health care provider, this book has given me the tools to help identify, diagnose, and approach the subject of eating disorders with my patients and loved ones. Robyn also explains the misconceptions of eating disorders and body image. The chapters are articulate and comprehensive, with clever graphics to help explain the concepts. The author provides her sources at the end of each chapter so the reader can do further reading if necessary. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in eating disorders or who interacts with patients in a clinical setting.

[Lilli Friedland · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a psychologist myself, I highly recommend The Eating Disorder Trap to both professionals and individuals alike. Whether you are counseling others, studying nutrition yourself, or have experienced problematic eating patterns, eating disorders, negative self-images of your body, etc., this book will be helpful to you. Robyn Goldberg breaks down cultural myths in a clear and actionable way — such as 'good' vs. 'bad' fat or our over-reliance on BMI (body mass index), which contribute to our diet-obsessed culture and notions of 'ideal weight.' Importantly, Robyn also deep dives into how eating disorders impact the brain, the body, and an individual’s emotions. Well-written and well supported, everyone can learn important and applicable lessons from this book.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robyn is a dedicated practitioner who helps clients and loved ones learn to nurture and accept themselves with a high level of expertise and compassion. This book is easy to read yet super informative, made for the inexperienced as well as super knowledgable clinician or anyone who needs help in this field. As a psychotherapist, a book like this is invaluable to me to incorporate a more well rounded, thoughtful, and nuanced approach to the treatment of eating disorders Finally, it can be read preventatively. As the mother of three daughters it has helped me open my eyes to the roots and how this effects our community. I will refer back to it many times as a source of knowledge and grounded decision making.

[JOHN PLATIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robyn reveals the dynamics of eating disorders that affect too many people who suffer from a distorted self image that sabotages their happiness and hope. This highly informative narrative chronicles the emotional, physical, and deep seated self misconceptions that can lead to an unfortunate and damaging lifestyle for someone who suffers with eating disorders. Additionally, this book provides a most needed insight and direction for medical and health professionals to be more sensitive advocates for those in their care. The ultimate beauty of Robyn's work is the compassionate step by step path to a return to strength, self acceptance and a healthy relationship with food and self that she so skillfully illustrates. JMP

[Lauren Dummit-Schock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Eating Disorder Trap is definitely the most innovative and up-to-date book on eating disorders that I have read in quite a while. It was not only extremely informative for those trying to navigate personal recovery from an eating disorder, which can often feel overwhelming, but it also provides so much guidance for those with a loved one who is suffering. For treatment professionals it offers a unique perspective and addresses the current trends in diet culture and with disordered eating. Robyn Goldberg certainly demonstrates her expertise and her years of experience working with this population.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you know the odds are very high that you have a friend or family member struggling with an eating disorder? How do you help them? What do you say?

The Eating Disorder Trap tackles all of these questions head on. For someone who has never had an eating disorder it can be very complicated and hard to understand. Robyn breaks it all down in a very readable and informative book.

These are usually topics that you would need to study in school for many years to grasp yet somehow Robyn is able to make it all easy to understand. Even if you do not have an eating disorder you can pick up some good info on navigating life.

[Shelley Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a health supportive chef working with private clients, I found Robyn L. Goldberg's Eating Disorder Trap extremely helpful. I frequently have clients who have or had some eating issues. Robyn explains the "why" which helps me to be more understanding of my clients needs.
The Eating Disorder Trap is easy to read and understand. It is both detailed enough for a professional in the field of nutrition, mental health or medicine .. but easy to understand for the layman like myself. Robyn has hit it out of the park!

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is by an eating disorder specialist therapist and registered dietitian. The Eating Disorder Trap summarizes everything a clinician, family member, and individual struggling with an eating disorder needs to know about the disease and how best to treat it. It is easy to read and the material is broken up by illustrations which continue to make it fun to read and sets it apart from other books on eating disorders. I will pass this book along to every forthcoming intern and employee I hire as required reading for working with people with eating disorders.

[Naz Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The eating disorder trap is a great destination for anyone looking to learn more about eating disorder recovery. Robyn Goldberg provides a practical, comprehensive, and much-needed resource to parents, educators, friends and therapists on how to support individuals who are struggling with eating disorders. Although the book is filled with evidence-based information, the writing is user-friendly which makes it accessible to all. As a psychologist, I very much look forward to recommending The Eating Disorder Trap to my clients.

[Leslie Schilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start here! The Eating Disorder Trap will help those with eating disorders, their loved ones, and clinicians new to the field find their path towards healing and helping. What a great resource for families and helping professionals who are learning about eating disorders and how to navigate treatment.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing, it does a wonderful job of explaining the complexities of eating disorders from every level. Robyn does a wonderful job helping the reader understand how eating disorders develop, the impact on the body and also (most importantly) what to do if you, a loved one or a client is struggling with an eating disorder.

[Penelope · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very pleased to recommend this wonderful resource for clinicians, parents, and patients, written by Robyn L. Goldberg, RDN, CEDRD-S. In my many years of working and collaborating with her, I've often wished that her knowledge, wisdom, and reassuring manner were available to more people. Now they are through her book and podcast. Thank you, Robyn!

[Dr. DAOM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book a whole lot. Robyn Goldberg puts decades of experience into a concise, easy-to-understand primer on eating disorders. If you need help understanding people around you with eating disorders, you will find this book helpful. Clinical situations put into layman's terms. I like that!

[Becca Clegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a therapist who specializes in eating disorder treatment and I am recommending this book to everyone. It's a fantastic snapshot of the important things everyone who is healing or knows someone who is healing from an Eating Disorder needs to know. Great resource!!

[Allison Poirier · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Eating Disorder Trap is the most comprehensive, yet easy to understand book about eating disorders I have come across thus far. It is a must have resource for anyone looking to learn more about eating disorders!

[Tali Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Eating Disorder Trap is an incredibly useful book that tackles everything related to eating disorders in a very easy to read and accessible voice. Written by a HAES centered dietitian, this is the book you’ve been looking for if you are a MD, family member, person struggling, or a therapist!

[Sarah Gracz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book for quick and easy references on labs and nutrition for the advanced clinician but I really think this is the ideal book for a beginner clinician working with eating disorder and helpful for loved ones of those with eating disorders. Will definitely recommend to others.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robyn Goldberg’s experience has been beautifully crafted into an accessible format for both clinicians and those on their recovery journey alike. This is a real gem and must read!

[Lauren Klein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written for loved ones near someone with an eating disorder. Easy to read and understandable info.

[Matianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provided good info regarding helping those with an eating disorder understand why it is important to change. Very valuable.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very informative and factual. It felt like a more condensed and user friendly version of the book “Sick Enough” which is another great read.

The only reason I did not give this book a 5 was because there were parts that felt repetitive and redundant. The author also seemed to go on her soap box a bit instead of sticking to facts.