Psychologist for Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex, and can have a devastating impact on both physical health and emotional wellbeing. As an online clinical psychologist offering virtual appointments, I am able to provide flexibility, privacy, and convenience for my clients – making it easier for you to seek help when you need it most.
Eating disorders often revolve around an unhealthy focus on food, weight, or body shape, and can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It is estimated that more than 1 in 10 Australians will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime.
Fortunately treatment is available online, and seeking support from an experienced psychologist for eating disorders is a key step in improving mental and physical health.
About Eating Disorders
The term "eating disorders" refers to a range of mental health conditions that affect how people relate to food, their body image, exercise, and eating habits. These may cause harmful behaviours like extreme dieting, overeating, binging and purging, or obsessing over body weight.
According to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses 5 (1), the most common eating disorders include:
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Anorexia Nervosa
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Bulimia Nervosa
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Binge-Eating Disorder
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Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder (OSFED)
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Pica
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Rumination Disorder
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Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
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Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder (UFED)
What Causes Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders may be caused by a mix of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors; some people may have a genetic predisposition that makes them more vulnerable.
Psychological issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression often play a role, as can a history of trauma or bullying. Societal pressures, such as unrealistic beauty standards, diet culture, and “fitspo” also contribute significantly to the development of eating disorders.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Symptoms of eating disorders vary, but physical signs may include significant weight loss or gain, extreme fatigue, menstrual irregularities, constipation, stomach cramps, brittle hair or nails, or dental issues (in the case of bulimia).
Emotional and behavioural symptoms may include mood swings, isolation, severe dissatisfaction with body appearance, and a feeling of loss of control over eating habits.
Online Psychologist for Eating Disorders
If you are experiencing an eating disorder, or if you identify symptoms in a loved one – it is crucial to seek professional support as soon as possible. As an experienced clinical psychologist providing online sessions, I am able to provide therapy no matter where you are based in Australia, to address both the emotional and behavioural aspects of the disorder.
Treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach, so I take the time to get to know you, your behaviours, and your health history. This helps me to customise a treatment plan which aims to challenge any distorted thoughts about food and body image, help you develop healthier coping strategies, and work through underlying emotional triggers.
An Evidence-Based Treatment Approach
My therapeutic approach may be based on one or a combination of the following:
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals recognise and change distorted thought patterns around food and body image. CBT has been found to reduce the behavioural and cognitive symptoms of eating disorders, including bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder (2). I provide online CBT sessions making it easier for you to access support.
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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): Focusses on emotional regulation and mindfulness, teaching coping skills to manage stress and triggers. Research shows that it is particularly effective in the treatment of bulimia and binge eating disorder (3), and because I offer online DBT therapy, it makes it easier for you to have regular sessions.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fight them, while committing to actions that align with personal values. Studies have shown that internet-based ACT is helpful for psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety, which are often part of eating disorders (4).
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Mindfulness Practices: These aim to help individuals become more aware of the present moment (including their eating habits), and to reduce negative self-talk, and the research suggests that it is effective in the treatment of eating disorders (5).
Why Book an Online Psychologist?
Being a clinical psychologist means that I have received more training in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a range of mental health challenges, than a registered psychologist. As an online psychologist offering virtual appointments, I am also able to provide flexibility, privacy, and convenience for my clients – making it easier for you to seek help when you need it most.
You don’t have to manage this alone. If you’re after a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore your issues and work towards long-term recovery, backed by an evidence-based approach - book an online psychologist session with me today.
References:
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https://insideoutinstitute.org.au/assets/dsm-5%20criteria.pdf
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Brown, T. A., Wisniewski, L., & Anderson, L. K. (2020). Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Eating Disorders: State of the Research and New Directions. Eating Disorders, 28(2), 97–100. https://doi.org/10.1080/10640266.2020.1728204
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Emma M. Thompson, Louise Destree, Lucy Albertella, Leonardo F. Fontenelle. Internet-Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Transdiagnostic Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for Mental Health Outcomes. Behavior Therapy, Volume 52, Issue 2, 2021. Pages 492-507, ISSN 0005-7894, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2020.07.002.