Dr. Katie Rickel is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in weight management and health behavior modification. Dr. Rickel graduated summa cum laude from Duke University with a B.S. in Psychology. She earned her M.S. and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Florida. Following this, Dr. Rickel completed a clinical… More internship in Health Psychology – specializing in obesity – at Duke University Medical Center where she was trained in the management of chronic pain, behavioral weight loss and surgical interventions for obesity. Dr. Rickel’s research has been presented at numerous professional conferences and has been published in scientific journals among other publications.Dr. Rickel serves as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Structure House – a residential weight loss facility in Durham, North Carolina – where she provides clinical services and develops novel program enhancements. Most recently, she created a specialized program to treat binge eating disorder as well as a behavioral pain management program. She also developed a series of courses to educate and coach family members of overweight and obese individuals. In addition, Dr. Rickel strives to reach those individuals who cannot attend Structure House’s residential program in person. To that end, she has written a self-guided weight management workbook, “Structured for Life ®: 28 Day Weight Loss Action Plan” and has assisted in the creation of an online version of the Structure House treatment program: www.structurehouseonline.com. In her spare time, Dr. Rickel is passionate about fitness and enjoys challenging herself in the areas of weight lifting, indoor cycling, and yoga.
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Bio
- Dr. Katie Rickel, PhD
- @structurehouse
Specialties:
- Psychology
- View Credentials
Affiliation:
- Wellspring at Structure House
Location:
- Durham, NC
Links:
Group Memberships
Credentials
- Education
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Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Duke University, Durham, NC, May 2003Masters of Science (M.S.), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, May 2005Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, May 2007
- Internship
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Health Psychology, Duke University, Durham, NC, July 2008
Activity
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What is binge-eating disorder (BED)?
Psychologist Dr. Katie Rickel discusses the signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder. Watch Dr. Rickel's video for tips and information on mental health and eating behaviors.
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Why is it important to avoid judging people based on their weight?
The next time that you find yourself judging someone who struggles with their weight, consider the following:We all engage in unhealthy coping behaviors sometimes: We might text while driving. We m...
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What are some common feats associated with losing weight?
For the vast majority of those wanting to lose weight, a “knowledge deficit” is not the culprit for failed attempts. Instead, there is an underlying fear that can stall even the most we...
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How can I learn to accept compliments?
In our society, people (particularly women) are taught that humility is a virtue, and are often trained to deflect the positive feedback that they receive from others. “You look beautiful in ...
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What are subconscous reasons people resist losing weight?
When a new client comes into my office for weight-loss counseling, I begin by asking two questions to assess his or her motivation: How is your weight hurting you, and how is your weight help...
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What can I do to cope with the loss of a loved one?
Losing a loved one (via death, divorce or the dissolution of a relationship) is likely one of the most painful aspects of the human experience. The emotions experienced after such a loss&mdas...
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How can I deal with the discomfort that exercise causes?
Feeling your heart rate soar, countering the resistance of a heavy weight and noticing the burn of lactic acid buildup post-exercise can all be perceived as uncomfortable. For some people, the anti...
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Why is it important to feel hungry sometimes?
As a psychologist treating obesity, I work with patients who have developed such a fear of hunger that they eat when they feel the slightest twinge of emptiness in their bellies. They no longer rem...
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What is the feeding tube diet for weight loss?
Formally known as the “K-E diet,” originally developed in Italy and currently offered in a Florida-based clinic, this $1,500 program limits an individual’s daily intake to a...
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What are some natural treatments for depression?
At one time or another, we have all gone to extraordinary – and often unhealthy – lengths to get ourselves out of a funk. We might overeat. We might drink alcohol. We might lash o...
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Which fish contain high levels of omega-3?
To reap all the many heart and mind benefits, try to include omega-3-rich fish in your diet twice a week. Even if you are not a “fish” person, perhaps there are easy options you m...
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Why is DHA important for brain development?
A new study suggests there’s a key nutrient involved in preserving both the structural and cognitive aging of the brain: DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found primarily in fish. Researchers...
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What is the Pro-Ana movement for people with anorexia?
The Pro-Ana movement is an underground cyberworld full of “thinspiration” -- motivational tactics for extreme weight-loss behaviors -- targeting individuals in the depths of anore...
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How can I avoid foods that trigger overeating?
Most people have what I call a “trigger hierarchy,” a way to rank tempting foods from “impossible to resist” to “acceptable to turn down.” You need to be e...
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Can I eat dessert and still lose weight?
Does the thought of turning down Grandma Joan’s pumpkin pie make you angry and resentful? Then plan to have it! Before you arrive, decide upon a reasonable portion size, and then enjoy ...
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