Eating disorders rarely have to do with just food. They are a complex set of emotions, usually surrounding issues of control, and helplessness. These feelings can be influenced by close relationships, your career, school and media. Eating disorders include purging, binging, over-exercising, using laxatives, feelings of guilt surrounding food, obsessing about weight and over-eating. Eating disorders are more common than people think, and they can have dangerous consequences if left untreated.
How does Eating Disorder Therapy at Mind + Zest Work?
We begin with a 15-minute intake session with one of our dedicated intake specialists.
During this session, we will ask you crucial questions to understand the severity of the issues and gauge the treatment approach that will work best:
Do you remember when the obsession with food began?
Can you describe your current eating behaviors? Do you find yourself restricting/binging/purging?
How do you cope with stress in your life?
Can you pinpoint aspects of your life that may be exacerbating your issues around food?
We also try to get a good sense of your personality. At Mind + Zest, we want to match you with the therapist that would make the best possible fit based on what you need, and who you are. This consultation is also a great opportunity to address any concerns or questions you may have.
Lastly, we provide you with a personalized ‘plan of action’ that includes a recommended eating disorder therapist who is best suited to handle your needs, a recommended duration of therapy, and a suggestion for any further testing or psychological service they feel would best help you.
*Severe cases of anorexia nervosa can be extremely difficult to treat, and many times, patients see the best results when working with a group of health specialists. If you feel a team of professionals would be the best path to recovery for you, we can refer you to an inpatient or outpatient facility that can provide that medical support.
What is Eating Disorder Psychotherapy and Counselling?
Therapy can help you achieve lasting changes when it comes to your relationship to food. Eating disorder counselors at Mind + Zest help identify triggers, which can range from workplace dynamics, social environments and close relationships. Our specialists create treatment plans that enable you to take control: we help you develop the tools to change your environment into a more manageable one, we interrupt and shift negative thought patterns and “self-talk”, and we promote healthier, more positive patterns of behaviors.
Readings on Eating Disorder Management and Therapy
Eating Disorders: Obesity, Anorexia Nervosa, and the Person Within by Hilde Bruch (1979).
Skills-based Learning for Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder By Treasure, Smith & Crane (2007)
Getting Better Bit(e) by Bit(e) By Schmidt, Treasure & Treasure (1993).
We offer a wide range of services at Mind + Zest which include: Therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with eating disorder therapists.
If you or someone you know is struggling, don't hesitate to reach out. The Mind + Zest team here to help. Click below and get connected to a therapist as quickly as today!
