Wellness from the Inside Out

A New Orleans business helps clients overcome eating disorders.

May 12th, 2014 by: Lianna Patch

Licensed professional counselor J. Casey Martin opened his practice, Martin Mental Health, in Sept. 2013. “I specialize in the treatment of eating and anxiety disorders,” Martin says. “But, more specifically, my practice focuses on binge eating and weight loss.” Martin often works with men suffering from these issues, noting that they are an “obvious, yet underserved population.”

Originally from New Orleans, Martin did not initially plan to enter the field of eating disorder-related therapy. “I began working in the field of eating disorders in a nontraditional way,” he remembers. “When I was in graduate school, I had the opportunity to work as a bariatric group facilitator, and I loved it.”

The counselor approaches his work from a cognitive-behavioral perspective. This means that he works with clients to explore patterns of thought, actions and personal values to gain insight into concerns and to develop solutions. “I am also excited that I’ll be co-facilitating an outpatient eating disorder support group beginning in May,” Martin says. “Group therapy allows individuals to have more support during the week and feedback from their peers.”

At the Eating Disorder Center of Denver, where Martin previously worked with clients suffering from binge eating, he encouraged independence. “In Denver, people would come from all over the country to attend our 10-week binge-eating treatment program,” he says. “It was my job skills necessary to stop the bingeing behaviors once they returned home.”

Now that he’s home, Martin aims to help the New Orleans community find a balance between its health and culture. “I’ve been humbled and thankful for how quickly the community has welcomed and supported me and my practice,” Martin says. “I really appreciate the kindness, and I hope to continue contributing to our city’s healthier and happier future.” martinmentalhealth.com