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Get the Support You Need with Eating Disorder Therapy

Individual and Family Therapy for Adults and Adolescents

I aim to provide warm and supportive environment to help you work through your eating disorder. I understand that everyone's journey is unique, and I strive to provide personalized care to meet your individual needs.

what is an eating disorder?

An eating disorder is a serious mental health condition that involves an unhealthy preoccupation with food, body weight, or body shape. These disorders can severely impact a person's nutritional intake and disrupt their physical and emotional well-being. Common types include anorexia nervosa, which is characterized by extreme food restriction and an irrational fear of gaining weight; bulimia nervosa, where individuals engage in frequent episodes of overeating followed by compensatory behaviors like forced vomiting; and binge eating disorder, where individuals regularly consume large amounts of food but do not attempt to compensate through purging or extreme exercise. Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, or cultural background, and often coexist with other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. It's crucial to seek professional help if you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, as early intervention can greatly improve the chance of recovery.

Common signs & symptoms of eating disorders include:

  • Dramatic weight loss or weight gain in a relatively short period of time

  • Obsession with body weight, size, and shape

  • Fear of weight gain, despite being underweight

  • Severe food restrictions, skipping meals, or fasting

  • Excessive exercise

  • Self-induced vomiting after eating

  • Use of laxatives, diuretics, or weight loss supplements

  • Eating large amounts of food in short periods (binge eating)

  • Feelings of guilt or shame about eating

  • Feeling out of control during episodes of eating

  • Isolation from social activities, especially those involving food

  • Distorted body image or denial of being underweight

  • Development of food rituals, like chewing food and spitting it out

  • Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws

  • Irregular or absent menstrual cycles in women.

What does therapy and treatment for eating disorders look like?

Therapy and treatment for eating disorders often involve a multidimensional approach since these disorders impact physical, emotional, and mental health.

This comprehensive treatment typically includes medical care to address any physical harm caused by the eating disorder, nutritional counseling to establish healthy eating habits, and psychotherapy to handle underlying psychological issues.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used in treating eating disorders as it helps individuals understand and change patterns of thinking that lead to harmful behaviors. Goals in therapy for eating disorders primarily involve restoring physical health, addressing harmful behaviors related to food, and improving mental well-being. The therapist and the individual work together to set these goals. Here are a few examples:

Restoring healthy weight

Depending on the specific eating disorder, this could mean helping the individual gain weight and maintain it.

Normalizing eating patterns

Establishing regular meals and snacks, reducing and eventually eliminating disordered behaviors.

Addressing body image concerns

Helping develop a healthier perception of their body and reduce the anxiety associated with gaining weight.

Improving emotional well-being

This involves addressing any underlying mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that may be contributing to the eating disorder.

Developing healthy coping strategies

Manage stress and deal with difficult emotions without resorting to unhealthy eating behaviors.

Improving self-esteem and body satisfaction

The goal is to foster a sense of self-worth that is not based on physical appearance or weight.

how to help your child struggling with eating disorders

Eating disorders can manifest in children in various ways, often similar to adults, but there may also be child-specific signs. These may include a preoccupation with body size and weight, fear of becoming "fat", withdrawal from friends and activities, and changes in food behaviors like suddenly refusing to eat certain foods or complaints about stomachaches and fullness. Children might also exhibit signs of secretive eating or hoarding food.

Amy Kayda Therapy recognizes the essential role parents play in their child's recovery from eating disorders. We work to empower parents with the tools and understanding to support their child's recovery journey. Parents are educated on the complexities of eating disorders, how they manifest in children, and effective communication strategies to use with their child. By fostering a supportive and understanding environment at home, parents can significantly contribute to the recovery process, helping their child develop a healthier relationship with food and their own body.

Get in touch.

Struggling with an eating disorder? Begin your journey towards recovery. Book a free 15 minute consultation at Amy Kayda Therapy today.