Eating disorders can be devastating for those affected. They usually develop in adolescence but can start at any time and can affect both men and women of all ages. A counsellor will help you to come to a better understanding of the underlying causes of your eating disorder. They can also support you in changing unhealthy behaviours.
Counselling For Anorexia
For people with anorexia, treatment often involves a combination of talking therapy and supervised weight gain. GPs can refer patients to specialist london eating disorder counsellor clinics or community mental health teams for help. If the person is very unwell, they may be admitted to hospital for compulsory treatment under the Mental Health Act (this is known as sectioning). Talking treatments are usually recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy and adolescent-focused CBT. Children and young people are sometimes offered family therapy as well.
In most cases, the therapist will set a target weight for the patient and help them to achieve this gradually. They will also teach them healthier eating habits and ways to manage difficult feelings. Some therapists also offer group therapy and family therapy, which can be very helpful for younger people. They may also be referred to a dietitian and encouraged to eat a healthy balanced diet.
Counselling For Bulimia
Bulimia is characterised by binge-purge cycles, which can be triggered by hunger or emotional distress. A counsellor can help you understand and challenge unhelpful thoughts that contribute to your bulimia. They can also help you identify underlying issues that may be contributing to the eating disorder, such as relationship problems, low self-esteem or grief.
Psychotherapy is a key part of bulimia treatment and has been shown to be effective in improving body image and weight management. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the recommended treatment for bulimia nervosa and has a strong research base, particularly in adults. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) has also been found to be helpful. It helps people develop skills to tolerate distressful emotions and change unhelpful habits, including bulimia. Medications can be used to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, which often occur alongside eating disorders. However, they are not a cure and are usually most effective when combined with psychological therapy.
Counselling For Binge Eating
Eating disorders can impact your physical and emotional wellbeing. They can cause weight loss or gain, affect your heart and respiratory health and damage your teeth and reproductive system. It is important to seek help. Binge eating disorder (BED) involves recurrent episodes of uncontrollable overeating. During binges you eat an amount of food that is larger than normal for you and feel like you cannot control the behaviour. It can be triggered by stress, depression or feelings of shame. Many people who have a BED also have co-occurring mental health problems, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or substance misuse.
Counselling for binge eating may include cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, to help you identify and cope with the emotions that trigger your BED, as well as dialectical behavior therapy or DBT, which was created to treat borderline personality disorder but can be helpful for people with BED as well. It can help you learn to manage your emotions and improve your relationships, which can lessen the urge to binge eat.
Counselling For Orthorexia Nervosa
People with orthorexia nervosa have an obsession with healthy eating. This can result in an unhealthy dietary regimen such as avoiding fat or cutting foods into very small pieces. This condition can be found in men and women of any age. People suffering from this eating disorder are obsessed with their weight and body size, having a very low body weight or BMI. They also have a distorted view of their body and may restrict food or exercise excessively. This can lead to life-threatening health problems such as starvation or heart failure.
Eating disorders are a very serious illness and it is important to seek help early. If you have an eating disorder, your GP or counsellor will refer you to a specialist clinic or therapist. This could be a private treatment centre or an NHS eating disorder clinic. Some have a range of therapies including group therapy sessions, individual counselling and psychotherapy, keyworker nursing support and dietary guidance.
Conclusion
Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating are a severe and potentially life-threatening condition. They affect both men and women of all ages. Therapy offers a safe space to explore what underlies unhealthy behaviour and thoughts around food, weight and body shape. Our therapists will take into account your eating history and circumstances when developing your therapeutic plan.
