Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect not only eating behaviours, but also thoughts, emotions, self-worth, and relationships. They are not simply about food, rather, food and body image often become the way underlying emotional distress, trauma, or unmet needs are expressed.
Many people living with an eating disorder experience deep shame or secrecy about their struggles, making it difficult to reach out for support. But you do not have to face this alone. Eating disorders are treatable, and with the right therapy, recovery is possible.
Different Types of Eating & Feeding Disorders
Eating and feeding disorders can take many forms, and every person’s experience is unique. Below are some of the most recognised types:
-
Anorexia Nervosa
Characterised by severe restriction of food intake, intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted body image. People with anorexia often experience a powerful drive for control, perfectionism, or feelings of unworthiness. -
Bulimia Nervosa
Cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives. This cycle often brings both physical harm and deep emotional distress. -
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time, often accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, or loss of control. Unlike bulimia, BED is not followed by purging behaviours. -
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
An eating or feeding disturbance where certain foods or food groups are avoided, often due to sensory sensitivities, fear of choking, or lack of interest in eating. Unlike anorexia, ARFID is not driven by body image concerns. -
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
Symptoms that cause significant distress and impairment, but do not fit neatly into the criteria of the above diagnoses. OSFED is very common and just as serious as other eating disorders. -
Pica
Persistent eating of non-food items (such as paper, soil, or hair), which may pose health risks. -
Rumination Disorder
Repeated regurgitation of food after eating, which may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out, without an underlying medical condition.
Each of these disorders has its own challenges, but what unites them is the impact they can have on physical health, emotional wellbeing, and daily life.
How Therapy Helps
Recovery from an eating disorder is not about “just eating differently,” it’s about addressing the underlying thoughts, emotions, and patterns that keep the disorder in place. Therapy provides a safe, non-judgemental space to explore these struggles and build a healthier relationship with food, body, and self.
My integrative approach draws from several evidence-based therapies:
CBT-E (Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
CBT-E is one of the most widely researched and effective treatments for eating disorders. It focuses on the maintaining mechanisms of the disorder, such as preoccupation with weight and shape, dietary restriction, and cycles of bingeing or purging. Together, we work on breaking these patterns, developing flexible eating habits, and addressing the thoughts and behaviours that keep the disorder going.
CBT-T (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Ten sessions)
CBT-T is a shorter, focused form of cognitive behavioural therapy created specifically for eating disorders. It is particularly suited to people with less complex presentations or those who prefer a brief, structured approach. In just ten sessions, CBT-T helps you make meaningful changes to eating behaviours, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and develop healthier coping strategies. It can also serve as a powerful first step towards recovery, or as a structured intervention when longer-term therapy is not required.
Schema Therapy
Explores the deeper life patterns and unmet emotional needs that may contribute to disordered eating. Many people find that healing these deeper schemas helps bring lasting recovery.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
Addresses past experiences or trauma that may underlie eating disorder behaviours, reducing their emotional impact and allowing for new ways of coping.
Integrative Psychotherapy
Every person’s journey with an eating disorder is unique. By drawing on multiple approaches, we can tailor therapy to your personal goals, pace, and circumstances.
A Compassionate Space for Recovery
Eating disorders can be isolating, but you are not alone, and you are not defined by your relationship with food or your body. With the right support, it is possible to move towards freedom, self-acceptance, and a more balanced way of living.
In therapy, you will find a space where your struggles are met with understanding, compassion, and respect. Together, we will work towards helping you build a healthier relationship with yourself, your emotions, and your body.
If you are ready to take the first step towards recovery, I invite you to get in touch. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.