Dr. Lees received her Doctor of Psychology degree with honors from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 1990.
The combination of having been a competitive gymnast, completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology and an interest in medicine led to her professional focus in behavioral medicine and, particularly, eating and weight disorders. After completing her predoctoral internship in Utah treating inpatients and outpatients with eating disorders, she returned to Milwaukee and eventually developed and directed several hospital-based as well as independent clinic-based eating disorder programs.
Dr. Lees is one of the only Certified Eating Disorders Specialists (CEDS) in the area. In 2001, she was recognized by her peers as a leading expert in eating disorders in Milwaukee Magazine’s cover story “A Guide to Top Psychotherapists.”
In addition to treating anorexia and bulimia, Dr. Lees has expertise treating binge eating disorder (compulsive overeating) and weight-related medical problems including heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes. Because any kind of eating or weight problem usually results from underlying emotional stressors, Dr. Lees has over 14 years of experience treating all forms of anxiety, depression, trauma and self-injury.
Along with clinic staff, Dr. Lees was integral in the development of The Heart & Mind Program. The strong research evidence showing the significant connection between thoughts, feelings, coping styles and cardiac health was a motivating factor in developing this innovative program -- the only one of its kind in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Dr. Lees is frequently interviewed by local and national media and is a regular presenter at the Wisconsin Psychological Association’s annual convention. She is a member of numerous professional organizations and was appointed to the Panel of Experts for the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation established by former first lady, Sue Ann Thompson.
"I love the challenge of a complicated case and that’s probably what attracts me so strongly to eating disorders and cardiac care. There are usually multiple levels of issues that require change -- from improving nutrition, to dealing with mood, to building healthy coping skills, to making lifestyle changes, to addressing medical problems, etc. I consider myself extremely honored that patients trust me to facilitate these changes through the treatment process. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a person reach the point of recovery after witnessing the incredible efforts it took to get there."
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