Shrein's treatment approach is aimed at helping clients find the root cause of their pain and then the courage to work through it. She has successfully empowered clients to overcome years of disordered eating and to reconnect with their true authentic self.
"I believe that the eating and/or body image disorder is a symptom of something deeper in the psyche that needs attention. From my work at an eating disorder treatment program, I am aware of the importance of treating the immediate symptoms of the disorder (i.e. restricting food, binging, purging, laxative use, over-exercise) with therapeutic treatment as well as building a multilevel support system including the possibility of working with a dietitian or group therapy.
Through our therapeutic work, I help my clients explore the deeper reason(s) behind the need for the disorder or poor relationship with food. The eating disorder is like a cry from the subconscious saying, “I’m not being my true self. I’m not living a full and satisfying life.” The eating disorder can get so overpowering that it seems to be the main problem. "If only I didn't have this eating/body image disorder, life would be fine." Often then the focus of treatment is on overcoming the eating disorder forgetting to pay attention to the root cause. When one gets to the root cause and finds the courage to fix that, then the eating disorder is no longer needed."