She specializes in treating people with eating disorders as well as motherless daughters (women who experienced early mother loss). In addition to her private practice Irene has been on staff at UCLA's Risk Factor Obesity clinic for the past fifteen years where she works with some of the most esteemed leaders in the field of obesity research and treatment. Her book, "Foodaholic, The Seven Stages to Permanent Weight Loss" is a bestseller. She has published numerous articles, both in professional journals and for the popular media and is currently a columnist for "Westside Today". Her television appearances as an expert guest include: World News Tonight, Penn and Teller's Showtime Original Series, 9 on the Town, UPN, KTLA and NBC news.