Effective psychological treatment relieves struggles with stress, pain, sadness, fear, and anger and guides clients toward living by one's values. Clients improve their lives while learning how to better take care of themselves psychologically, emotionally, and relationally. Dr. Bates specialitizes in treating clients with eating and body image issues. Many of her clients also struggle with depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, grief and loss, and gender identity or sexual identity concerns. Psychological treatment is an investment in one's quality of life and an opportunity to enhance life. Dr. Bates encourages clients to become lifelong learners, especially in the areas of emotions, relationships, including one's relationship with oneself. She has completed extensive postgraduate training in Mood Disorders treatment. Recent foci include advanced training in ACT and study of psychotherapy common factors.