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Eating Disorders

Many cultural traditions and social activities are centered on food.  However, for some, food represents a struggle fueled with fear.  The fear of eating too much, eating too little, gaining weight, losing control, etc.  This fear related to food, can lead to various forms of eating disorders or disordered eating.  Eating disorders are characterized by disturbances in behaviors, thoughts and attitudes to food, eating, and body weight or shape, and they can affect people of any age, race, gender, or sexual orientation. Do you find yourself preoccupied by food, your weight, or your appearance? Would you say that your relationship with food dominates your life? We can help!

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Common Symptoms of an Eating Disorder*...

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  • Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, carbohydrates, fat grams, and dieting

  • Refusal to eat certain foods, progressing to restrictions against whole categories of food

  • Appears uncomfortable eating around others

  • Hoarding food and eating in private

  • Feelings of guilt after eating

  • Vomiting after consuming food

  • Exercising excessively

  • Food rituals

  • Skipping meals or taking small portions of food at regular meals

  • Withdrawal from usual friends and activities

  • Frequent dieting/ fad diets

  • Extreme concern with body size and shape

  • Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws in appearance

  • Extreme mood swings

  • Noticeable fluctuations in weight, both up and down

  • Gastrointestinal complaints 

  • Menstrual irregularities 

  • Difficulties concentrating

  • Dizziness, especially upon standing

  • Sleep problems

  • Dental problems, such as enamel erosion, cavities, and tooth sensitivity

  • Dry skin and hair, and brittle nails

  • Muscle weakness

  • Impaired immune functioning

*https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/warning-signs-and-symptoms

  • Identify the thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to your eating disorder

  • Challenge unhelpful and unhealthy eating disorder and ED-related thoughts and behaviors

  • Interrupt eating disorder behaviors (food restriction, excessive exercise, binge eating, purging, etc.)

  • Engage in flexible thinking to combat perfectionism

  • Better understand the underlying cause of your eating disorder

  • Develop a healthier relationship with your emotions

  • Improve your relationship with your body

  • Improve your relationship with food

  • Increase self confidence

  • Increase self love and acceptance

  • Regain control

  • Experience freedom

  • Take steps to avoid dieting

  • Engage in intuitive eating

  • Greater understanding of HAES & Anti Diet Culture

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When appropriate, we work closely with parents, families, dieticians, nutritionists, psychiatrists, etc. in order to advocate on behalf of the client and ensure collaborative care, so that therapy is an effective and impactful experience.

How will you benefit from therapy?  You will...
 

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