“I wish I could eat like a normal person” “I feel out of control” “I feel guilty after eating” “Food is the enemy”
“I wish I could eat like a normal person” “I feel out of control” “I feel guilty after eating” “Food is the enemy”
Eating Disorder & Disordered Eating Therapy
At Ascend Counseling we understand the intricate challenges that individuals face in their relationship with food and body image. If you or a loved one is grappling with disordered eating, binge eating, anorexia, or bulimia, you are not alone. Our dedicated team of professionals is here to guide you on a journey toward healing, recovery, and a more positive relationship with yourself and food.
Understanding Eating Disorders: A Multifaceted Struggle
Eating disorders encompass a spectrum of complex mental health conditions that impact an individual's relationship with food, body image, and overall well-being. Whether it's disordered eating patterns, persistent binge eating, restrictive tendencies seen in anorexia nervosa, or the cycle of binging and purging associated with bulimia nervosa, these disorders can have profound physical and emotional effects.
To get started, let’s define what disordered eating may look like
Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by extreme restriction of food intake, leading to significantly low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image.
Bulimia Nervosa: Involves recurring episodes of overeating (binging) followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting, excessive exercise, or fasting.
Restrictive Eating: Restrictive eating involves severely limiting one's food intake, often through strict dieting or avoidance of certain food groups, leading to insufficient calorie and nutrient intake. This behavior may be driven by a desire for weight control, body image concerns, or the pursuit of perceived health goals, but it can pose risks to overall well-being and nutritional health.
Binge-Eating Disorder (BED): Marked by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food, a lack of control during these episodes, and feelings of distress or guilt afterward, without the compensatory behaviors seen in bulimia.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Involves limited food preferences, avoidance of certain textures or smells, and inadequate calorie intake, often leading to nutritional deficiencies.
Orthorexia Nervosa: An obsession with eating only "healthy" or "pure" foods, often accompanied by rigid dietary rules, which can interfere with daily life and overall well-being.
Pica: The consumption of non-nutritive, non-food substances over a period of at least one month, which is inappropriate to the individual's developmental level.
Rumination Disorder: Involves the repeated regurgitation of food, which may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out, occurring for at least one month.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED): A category that includes various disordered eating patterns that do not meet the criteria for specific diagnoses but still pose significant health risks.
Does this sound familiar?
We see you.
Reasons to Seek Therapy for Eating Disorders:
Physical Health Concerns: Eating disorders can have severe consequences on physical health, including nutritional deficiencies, organ damage, and hormonal imbalances. Seeking help is crucial for addressing these potential health risks.
Emotional Distress: Individuals with eating disorders often experience significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, guilt, and shame. Therapy provides a safe space to explore and address the emotional aspects of the disorder.
Social Isolation: The impact of an eating disorder extends beyond the individual, affecting relationships with friends and family. Seeking help can support individuals in rebuilding social connections and fostering a supportive network.
Impact on Daily Functioning: Disordered eating patterns can interfere with daily life, affecting work, school, and personal relationships. Therapy helps individuals regain control over their lives and establish healthier routines.
Underlying Psychological Factors: Eating disorders often stem from deeper psychological issues, such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, trauma, or control issues. Therapy addresses these underlying factors to promote lasting recovery.
How Therapy Can Help:
Therapy plays a pivotal role in the treatment of eating disorders, offering a holistic approach that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of these conditions. Here's how therapy can be a transformative and supportive resource:
Individualized Treatment Plans: Therapists work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs, considering the specific challenges associated with disordered eating, binge eating, anorexia, or bulimia.
Nutritional Guidance: Registered dietitians specializing in eating disorders often collaborate with therapists to provide nutritional education and support. This ensures a comprehensive approach to physical health and well-being.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely recognized and effective therapeutic approach for eating disorders. It helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with their relationship with food and body image.
Mindfulness and Body Awareness: Therapists incorporate mindfulness techniques and body awareness exercises to help individuals develop a healthier relationship with their bodies and cultivate a more positive self-image.
Emotional Regulation: Therapy provides a space to explore and navigate complex emotions associated with eating disorders. Clients learn healthy coping mechanisms and emotional regulation skills to manage stress, anxiety, and negative feelings.
Support for Co-occurring Disorders: Many individuals with eating disorders may also struggle with co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Therapy addresses these issues concurrently for comprehensive care.
Family Therapy: Eating disorders often impact the entire family system. Family therapy is beneficial for fostering understanding, communication, and support within the family unit, promoting an environment conducive to recovery.
Benefits of Eating Disorder Therapy:
Engaging in eating disorder therapy offers numerous advantages that extend beyond the resolution of disordered eating behaviors:
Recovery and Healing: Therapy facilitates the process of recovery, helping individuals establish healthier eating patterns, improve body image, and rebuild their overall sense of self.
Improved Self-Esteem: Addressing the underlying psychological factors contributing to the eating disorder can lead to improved self-esteem and a more positive self-perception.
Enhanced Coping Skills: Clients develop effective coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges without resorting to disordered eating patterns.
Restored Relationships: Therapy supports individuals in rebuilding and strengthening relationships that may have been strained or disrupted by the impact of their eating disorder.
Holistic Well-Being: The holistic approach of therapy addresses physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, promoting a comprehensive and sustainable recovery.
Long-Term Maintenance: Therapists equip clients with tools and strategies for maintaining a healthy relationship with food, preventing relapse, and fostering long-term well-being.
In Conclusion:
Embarking on the journey of eating disorder therapy is a courageous step towards healing, self-discovery, and a brighter future. Our compassionate and experienced team is committed to guiding you through this process, providing the support and resources you need to overcome the challenges associated with disordered eating. If you or someone you know is seeking a path to recovery, we invite you to reach out and start the transformative journey towards a healthier, more balanced life. Together, we can nourish your well-being and empower you to embrace a positive relationship with yourself and food.