disordered eating & eating disorders
the issue
Eating disorders and disordered eating are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences.
Eating Disorders involve severe disturbances in eating habits and often coexist with psychological and emotional issues. They include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED).
Disordered Eating refers to a range of irregular eating behaviors that may not meet the criteria for a diagnosed eating disorder but can still have negative effects on physical and mental health.
Clients I work with often report…
If you are experiencing anything like client’s I’ve helped overcome issues related to their self esteem and body image, you may be looking to stop:
Being overly influenced by diet culture
Engaging in eating disorder behaviors, as a way to cope with trauma or stress
Having years of distorted body image
Types of eating disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Characterized by extreme calorie restriction, fear of weight gain, and distorted body image.
binge eating disorder
Involves recurrent episodes of binge eating without compensatory behaviors.
Bulimia nervosa
Involves binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging or excessive exercise.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
Includes disorders that don't meet the criteria for specific eating disorders but still cause significant distress or impairment.
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YOUR FEARS
Fear of gaining weight, fear of losing control, fear of judgment or stigma.
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IMPACT ON YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
Withdrawal from social activities due to preoccupation with food or body image. In additiont to strained relationships with loved ones due to secretive or erratic eating behaviors.
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YOUR EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
Fluctuations in mood, ranging from anxiety and depression to irritability and guilt.
Therapy for eating disorders
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ATTACHMENT BASED THERAPY
Attachment theory explores how early attachment experiences with caregivers influence one's relationship with themselves and others. In the context of eating disorders, using attachment theory may help you explore how your eating behaviors and body image concerns are linked to early attachment patterns. Therapy may focus on developing a secure sense of self and fostering healthier relationships with food and others.
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INTERPERSONAL & PSYCHODYNAMIC THERAPY
Interpersonal and psychodynamic therapies get into the unconscious processes and interpersonal dynamics that contribute to disordered eating. I will help you uncover underlying conflicts, unresolved emotions, or past traumas that are influencing your relationship with food. By gaining insight into these dynamics, you can work towards resolving internal conflicts and developing more adaptive coping mechanisms.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a structured, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on identifying and challenging maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. In the context of eating disorders, CBT helps clients recognize and modify distorted thoughts about food, weight, and body image. CBT also involves teaching coping skills to manage triggers and develop healthier eating habits. CBT is one of the most widely researched and effective treatments for eating disorders.
The results
After working with me to improve your disordered eating or eating disorder, you can expect:
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![Therapy to help you improve your relationship with food in Georgia]()
Improved Relationship with Food
Through therapy, you can develop a healthier relationship with food, where eating becomes a source of nourishment and pleasure rather than anxiety or guilt.
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![Therapy to help you understand your eating disorder triggers and coping strategies in Georgia]()
Understanding Triggers and Coping Strategies
You'll gain insight into the underlying triggers that contribute to your disordered eating patterns. With this understanding, you can develop effective coping strategies to manage these triggers in a healthier way.
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![Therapy to help you enhance your self-esteem and body image in Georgia]()
Enhanced Self-Esteem and Body Image
Therapy can help you challenge negative thoughts and beliefs about your body and appearance, leading to improved self-esteem and a more positive body image.
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![Therapy to help you develop healthy habits to manage your eating disorder in Georgia]()
Developing Healthy Habits
You'll work with your therapist to establish sustainable, healthy habits around eating, exercise, and self-care that support your overall well-being.
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![Therapy in Georgia to help you address underlying emotional issues]()
Addressing Underlying Emotional Issues
Often, disordered eating is linked to deeper emotional issues such as trauma, depression, or anxiety. Therapy provides a safe space to explore and address these underlying issues, leading to greater emotional resilience and stability.
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![Learn how to build healthy support networks with The Beauti Therapist]()
Building Support Networks
Your therapist can help you identify and strengthen your support networks, whether it's through family, friends, support groups, or other resources. Having a supportive community can be instrumental in your recovery journey.
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![Learn relapse prevention strategies for your eating disorder]()
Relapse Prevention
Therapy equips you with the tools and strategies to recognize and prevent relapses. You'll learn how to navigate setbacks with compassion and resilience, rather than feeling defeated.
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![Use increased self-awareness to manage your eating disorder]()
Increased Self-Awareness
Through therapy, you'll develop a deeper understanding of yourself – your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This self-awareness is empowering and lays the foundation for long-term recovery.
FAQs
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Disordered eating refers to a range of irregular eating behaviors that may not meet the criteria for a diagnosed eating disorder but can still have negative effects on physical and mental health. Eating disorders, on the other hand, involve severe disturbances in eating habits and often coexist with psychological and emotional issues.
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If you find yourself preoccupied with thoughts about food, weight, or body image, engaging in unhealthy eating behaviors, or experiencing distress related to eating, therapy could be beneficial. It's important to seek help if your relationship with food is impacting your daily life or causing emotional distress.
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Our therapists specialize in treating a wide range of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, orthorexia, and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED). We also work with individuals struggling with disordered eating patterns that may not fit into a specific diagnostic category.
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The duration of therapy varies depending on the individual's needs, the severity of the eating disorder, and other factors. Some people may see improvement in a relatively short period, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy. Your therapist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs.
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Therapy sessions typically involve discussions about your thoughts and feelings related to food, body image, and eating behaviors. Your therapist may use various therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or mindfulness-based approaches, to help you develop healthier coping strategies and improve your relationship with food.
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Your therapist will work collaboratively with you to explore and modify your eating habits in a way that supports your overall health and well-being. This may involve establishing regular meal patterns, challenging restrictive or bingeing behaviors, and learning to eat mindfully.
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In many cases, therapy is a crucial component of eating disorder treatment, but it is often part of a comprehensive approach that may also include medical management, nutritional counseling, and support from other healthcare professionals. Your therapist will work closely with other members of your treatment team to ensure you receive the care you need.
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It's normal to feel hesitant or uncomfortable discussing your eating disorder, but know that your therapist is here to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. You are in control of what you choose to share, and therapy can progress as you feel ready.
The process
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Connect
At the initial stage of engaging in our services, you may find yourself grappling with various challenges related to self-esteem, body image, and relationships. You may experience feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and dissatisfaction with their appearance, which often impacts your interactions with others and their overall sense of well-being. If this is you, connect here.
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Unpack
As you progress through therapy, you will embark on a journey of self-exploration and discovery, unpacking deeper into the underlying factors contributing to your struggles with self-esteem, body image, and relationships. Together we will unpack the complex emotions, past experiences, and societal influences that have shaped your beliefs and perceptions.
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Heal
As you actively engage in the therapeutic process and implement newfound insights and skills into your life, you will experience profound healing and transformation. With increased self-awareness, self-compassion, and resilience, you navigate life's challenges with greater ease and confidence. You develop healthier perspectives on self-esteem, body image, and relationships.