Eating Disorders
Our expert clinicians engage in evidence-based treatments for eating disorders.
What are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions characterized by abnormal eating behaviors, distorted thoughts about food and body image, and often co-occurring emotional and psychological issues. They can affect people of any gender, age, or background. Common eating disorders include:
Anorexia Nervosa
This involves a severe restriction of food intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. Individuals with anorexia often strive for extreme thinness and may engage in excessive exercise or other behaviors to control their weight.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia involves recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise. People with bulimia may experience a sense of loss of control during binge episodes.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
BED is characterized by recurrent episodes of uncontrollable overeating, accompanied by feelings of distress, guilt, and shame. Unlike bulimia, individuals with BED do not regularly engage in compensatory behaviors.
Co-Occurring Conditions
Many people with eating disorders have one or more other mental health related diagnoses, such as an anxiety or mood disorder. Oftentimes, these difficulties compound eating-related issues – many people, for example, find that obsessions from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are alleviated by restriction or binge eating, or that binge eating or restriction helps ease the pain of depression in the short term.
Evidence-based Treatments for Eating Disorders
At The Reeds Center, clinicians use evidence-based, individualized treatment for eating disorders. Our primary conceptualization and interventions for eating disorders like AN, BN, and BED are based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which have over 30 years of studies showing their efficacy in promoting recovery, restoring health, and improving clients overall well being. As with CBT for anxiety disorders, CBT-E offers clients a set of skills to manage their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. ACT-based interventions offer clients opportunities to connect to the present moment and move towards their values.
Therapists at Reeds carefully assess individuals with disordered eating patterns to establish their diagnoses and the best course of action for treatment. Treatment can include understanding cycles of binges in order to disrupt them, increasing food intake and variety, and identifying and practicing alternative coping strategies to restricting or purging behaviors. Through treatment and support, people with eating disorders can work toward a healthier relationship with food, their body, and themselves.
In treating ARFID, clinicians at Reeds tailor a variety of CBT skills and techniques to address the specific ARFID presentation and symptoms of the client. This can include psychoeducation, exposure and response prevention with novel foods, cognitive restructuring, meal planning, regular eating, and coping skills. With commitment, practice, and the right therapeutic tools, clients can make positive changes in their eating behaviors and improve their relationship with food.
We Offer Online and In-Person Sessions to Treat Eating Disorders
Request an appointment to learn more about how we can help you with your Eating Disorder
FAQs
Yes, CBT-E, ACT, and ARFID treatment can be tailored to fit each person’s needs, regardless of age. Reeds clinicians can work with clients’ caregivers through the assessment and treatment phases to support the individual in receiving care.
Yes, CBT-E, ACT, and ARFID treatment can be tailored to fit each person’s needs, regardless of age. Reeds clinicians can work with clients’ caregivers through the assessment and treatment phases to support the individual in receiving care.
Yes, eating disorders can cause significant health problems and have serious consequences for both physical and psychological well-being. They can affect various organ systems and lead to both short-term and long-term health complications, including nutritional deficiencies, stress on the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal issues, bone density loss, hormonal imbalance, and/or dental problems. Eating disorders are complex conditions that often require comprehensive treatment that can include medical, psychological, and nutritional support. Reeds clinicians often collaborate with clients’ care teams and support systems to provide coordinated care.
Yes, eating disorders can cause significant health problems and have serious consequences for both physical and psychological well-being. They can affect various organ systems and lead to both short-term and long-term health complications, including nutritional deficiencies, stress on the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal issues, bone density loss, hormonal imbalance, and/or dental problems. Eating disorders are complex conditions that often require comprehensive treatment that can include medical, psychological, and nutritional support. Reeds clinicians often collaborate with clients’ care teams and support systems to provide coordinated care.
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