Therapy for Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders are complex psychological conditions that interrupt one’s relationship with food, thereby impacting physical and mental health. These disorders are non-discriminatory, impacting anyone of any race, wealth status, gender, sexuality, age, body size, ethnicity, or religion. There is nothing uncommon about eating disorders. 

You don’t need a clinical diagnosis of an eating disorder to have a complicated relationship with food and a need for support. You can find this support through our skilled therapists and dietitians who identify as being weight-inclusive eating disorder treatment providers.

What are Eating Disorders?

Individuals who struggle with eating disorders may experience a range of disordered eating habits, including limited variety or rigidity of food choices, feeling out of control or guilt around food, having a fear of choking or vomiting from eating, compulsively eating certain foods or non-nutritive items, calorie counting, compulsive exercise, or vomiting after eating. Eating disorders are considered biopsychosocial, meaning a person’s eating disorder development can be influenced by a combination of biological, social, and psychological factors.

Learn More About Eating Disorders

Are You Struggling with Your Body Image?

Many people struggle with body image issues like negatively comparing themselves to others, and others experience more severe self-image struggles like body dysmorphic disorder. If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you may be struggling with body image issues:

• Do you have a love/hate relationship with food?
• Do you have irregular eating habits?
• Do you obsess about your body weight?
• Do you have severe distress or concern about body weight or shape?
• Do you use excessive exercise or purging to control your weight?

How Does Therapy Help with Eating Disorders?

The intention of therapy for those struggling with an eating disorder is for each individual to have a unique, compassionate experience while, as a team, we sift through the hardships of the past and build a more positive future with a healthier image of yourself. During therapy for eating disorders, a Counseling Works therapist will assist you with:

• Exploring common symptoms and causes of eating disorders in a safe and supportive environment
• Learning and practicing ways to cope effectively utilizing techniques from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Identifying the importance of accepting the past
• Practicing mindfulness
• Learning controlling strategies and tolerating distress
• Identifying & learning the difference between diffusion and infusion
• Recognizing how to control feelings of shame or self-compassion
• Gaining tools to live a meaningful life through gratitude

Should I Meet with a Dietitian?

At Counseling Works, we have a team of registered dietitians who partner with our clients to provide excellent nutrition therapy. Using proven modalities and a Health at Every Size® approach, our dietitians can help you improve your relationship with both food and your body. It’s critical to include an experienced registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders on your care team to safely approach eating disorder treatment. Our registered dietitians are here to support you through it all.

Learn More About Nutrition Counseling

Want to Have a Better Relationship with Food & Nutrition?

If you find yourself struggling to cope with and heal from an Eating Disorder contact one of the Counseling Works therapists. We look forward to assisting you in discovering and loving the real you.