Dr. Gina Scarano-Osika is a licensed psychologist in New York State with a professional practice in the Glens Falls area. During her doctoral training she specialized in research regarding the treatment of Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia, and other subclinical eating related disturbances. Eating disorders continue to be her treatment specialty.

In 1994, Dr. Scarano-Osika completed a one-year fellowship at Strong Memorial Hospital-University of Rochester where she was trained in brief therapy. Her year long training included being a co-leader for a therapy group for eating disordered women. This therapy group was for persons with anorexia and bulimia and was based on a brief therapy model.

Since moving to northeastern New York in 1999, Dr. Scarano-Osika has been an officer of the Capital Region Association for Eating Disorders (CRAED). She was President of CRAED from 2002 to 2004. CRAED is a non-profit organization which provides the community with free support groups, educational seminars, and referral information for people with eating disorders and their significant others. Her volunteer work has helped CRAED secure grant funding so CRAED can further pursue their mission.

In August 2004, Dr. Scarano-Osika was asked by the New York State Department of Health to be a member of a task force to help develop six Centers of Excellence within the State of New York to specialize in the treatment of anorexia and bulimia.

Three years ago she decided to embark on a research project regarding a possible link between obesity and eating disorders. As a result, she has developed a 10-session educational program which was piloted with patients at her private practice beginning in the fall of 2003. One year ago, at the request of her patients, she began transforming the program into a book.

The book, entitled "Friendly Mirrors and Contented Closets", is a compassionate look at the bio-psycho-social reasons that people have difficulty maintaining weight loss. It is designed to be used in conjunction with your current diet program. It's main purpose is to help people reduce compulsive overeating by understanding the physiological and environmental triggers which sabotage weight loss.

In order to further scientific research into eating disorders, Dr. Scarano-Osika will contribute five percent of her proceeds to both the National Association for Diabetes and the National Association for Eating Disorders. The funds will be earmarked to provide services to a person in need.