Eating Disorders

Life with an eating disorder is often painful, both physically and emotionally, but help is available.

What are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders refer to difficulties maintaining a stable pattern of eating. This can result in episodes of binge-eating, purging, or extreme weight loss. In some cases this can have serious effects upon an individuals' physical health. Common types of eating disorders include:

• Bulimia Nervosa: Periods of loss of control over eating (“binges”) which are often followed by purging (e.g. vomiting or using laxative) and restricted eating.
• Anorexia Nervosa: Highly restricted eating coupled with having a low body weight.
• Binge-eating Disorder: Repeated episodes of loss of control over eating which do not tend to be followed by restricted eating.
• Emotional Overeating: Binge-eating or overeating in response to difficult emotions like sadness, anxiety or anger.
• Mixed Eating Disorders:  For example, chewing and spitting food or highly selective eating.

It is rare that eating disorders are linked to just weight and food. Many sufferers also struggle with low self-esteem, body image concerns, and anxiety. Food may also function as a way to manage difficult emotions, maintain control in life, or manage problems in one's relationships or family. Thankfully most eating disorders can be much improved with the right psychological therapy.

Treatment for Eating Disorders

With over 13 years of expeirnece in specialised Eatign Disorder services, I am highly specialised in treating all types of eating disorders and I have helped numerous people work towards their recovery. 

Research indicates that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), including Enhanced-CBT, is a leading treatment for most eating disorders. As such, this is the therapy approach we recommend for most individuals. However, there are other therapies which can also be effective for eating problems. These include Cognitive Analytic Therapy and Compassion Focused Therpay. 

Please feel welcome to contact me to find out more about how I can help.