Eating Disorders & Body Image Disturbance
In the United States alone, 20 million women and 10 million men will meet diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder at some time in their life.
It is typical to think about food when hungry or what one might have for the next meal, or what you might wear for a certain event. However, for individuals struggling with an eating disorder, the thoughts can be overwhelming regarding calories, taste, food avoidance, or where to buy and eat food.
This amount of obsession can impair functioning, the ability to work, socialize and sleep. For example, many people struggle with body image and do not go out publicly, in fear that others will judge their eating habits. This can cause social isolation and a breakdown in one’s support system.
Some common behavioral examples include:
- restriction of food intake such as cutting out certain food groups like carbs and fats
- eating large amounts of food in a single setting while experiencing feelings of loss of control
- purging, laxative use, diuretic use,
- eating in secret
- over-exercising
- frequent self-weighing
- avoidance of mirrors or spending long periods of time in the mirror measuring and scrutinizing certain body parts
Eating Disorders do not discriminate – they impact both males and females across all cultures and ages. It is imperative to seek eating disorder treatment, due to its dangerous medical consequences such as osteoporosis, heart failure, kidney problems, esophageal tears and infertility.
Revive and Renew Counseling is ideal for individuals and families seeking a therapist for all stages of Eating Disorder recovery and Body Image treatment, for example:
- following a step down from a higher level of care treatment center
- to support an individual while they are receiving treatment in a higher level of care setting
- for individuals who will be addressing their eating disorders for the first time and need motivation for a higher level of care
- for individuals who are maintaining their recovery and need relapse prevention support
- for family members and friends of an individual suffering from an eating disorder
I gained extensive training in the treatment of eating disorders and body image issues while working as the Clinical Director at the Rosewood Outpatient Center for Eating Disorders. I can assess and determine the correct level of care for each client to help begin their journey toward recovery.
My commitment to you, is to provide you with the best approaches to support your recovery and to collaborate with dietitians, psychiatrists and medical doctors to form the most effective treatment team for you. I’ve seen clients do amazing work in healing their underlying issues and eliminating their eating disorder behaviors, and I know with hard work and support you can begin your own recovery journey.
You do not need an official eating disorder diagnosis to receive counseling for disordered eating and body image issues. If you are struggling with your relationship to food and your body, give me a call today. Together, we will create a healthier relationship with your body and stop the negative thought patterns that lead to disordered eating.