Are you struggling with anorexia, bulimia, or some other eating disorder? If so, counseling for eating disorders is available. Regardless of what type of disorder you have or the severity of the problem, an eating disorder therapy program can help you overcome the struggle you currently face.
Starving yourself or binge eating can make you feel isolated and overwhelmed. However, the right treatment can help you find your way back from your disorder and put you on the right path. If you would like to find out more about counseling for eating disorders, then contact a treatment center near you.
Do You Need Counseling for Eating Disorders?
Many people that have anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder often fail to realize that they have a problem. Or, they may know that they have a problem but deny that it exists to escape scrutiny or accountability. This is normal since one of the most common signs of an eating disorder is isolation and secrecy.
You or a loved one may have an eating disorder if you exhibit the following symptoms:
- Significant or sudden weight loss/gain
- Obsession with losing weight or body image
- Refusal to eat certain foods or binging on foods
- Food rituals
- Excessive exercise
- Anxiety or depression
You may also have numerous health problems accentuated by an overall feeling of fatigue or lack of energy. Whether you eat too little or too much, you may find that your whole world is centered on your relationship with food. If so, an outpatient psychiatric counseling program can help you identify the core issues and manage the symptoms of your disorder.
Different Types of Therapy for Eating Disorders
Counseling for eating disorders encompasses a wide range of evidence-based therapies that promote lifelong recovery from all types of conditions. Some of the most common types of treatment may include:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
This type of therapy helps you to identify and change negative thoughts or behaviors associated with your disorder. Your therapist helps you to manage stressful situations or relationships that you face so that you do not relapse. DBT is especially useful if you have a borderline personality disorder combined with your eating disorder.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is similar to dialectical behavioral therapy in that it focuses on modifying negative thoughts, emotions, or behaviors related to your disorder. Your therapist may incorporate mindfulness to help you identify your negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts and behaviors.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an action-oriented type of psychotherapy that helps you learn to stop avoiding your issues, and instead, accept them and deal with them. It teaches you to commit to overcoming your disorder by hitting it head-on. It is an empowering form of therapy for eating disorders.
The Benefits of Professional Counseling
When you work with trained professionals who have experience with eating disorders, you are far more likely to recover from your condition. Furthermore, your chances of relapse are much lower. There are several benefits of counseling, including:
- You can identify the root cause of your eating disorder
- You receive evidence-based therapy as your primary form of care
- You learn how to develop a healthy relationship with food
- You learn new skills that help you manage the disorder
- You interact with others who are also on the road to recovery
- You also receive the support you need from professionals who genuinely care about your recovery.
Start Your Journey to Recovery from Eating Disorders
If you need help with anorexia, bulimia, or any other eating disorder, counseling for eating disorders is the perfect way to get on the road to recovery. To find out more about the benefits of an outpatient mental health treatment program, contact a treatment center near you.