How Psychotherapy Can Help Support Disordered Eating
Recovering from disordered eating can be a challenging journey. But, with the right support, which often includes psychotherapy, it is possible to develop a healthier relationship with food and body image. Here we will explore how psychotherapy can help individuals overcome disordered eating patterns and foster long-term recovery.
Addressing Underlying Emotional Factors
Psychotherapy provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore and address the emotional factors that contribute to disordered eating. Therapists can help individuals uncover and process underlying issues such as low self-esteem, body image concerns, trauma, and/or stress. By addressing these root causes, psychotherapy can help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms and create lasting change.
Challenging Distorted Thinking and Beliefs
Disordered eating often involves distorted thoughts and beliefs about food, body image, and self-worth. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can help individuals recognize and challenge such negative thought patterns and develop a more balanced and realistic sense of self.
Developing Effective Coping Strategies
Psychotherapy can equip individuals with a variety of coping skills to manage emotional distress without relying on disordered eating behaviours. Additionally, therapists can help individuals develop alternative strategies such as relaxation techniques, problem-solving skills, and emotion regulation strategies. These skills provide healthier outlets for managing stress, anxiety, and other emotions that may contribute to disordered eating.
Enhancing Self-Awareness
Psychotherapy can help to foster self-awareness, allowing individuals to recognize triggers, patterns, and emotional states that may contribute to their disordered eating. Through increased self-awareness and greater insight into one’s own thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, psychotherapy can help empower individuals to make conscious choices and develop healthier eating habits.
A Final Word
Building a supportive therapeutic relationship is important. Therapists serve as allies and guides throughout the recovery process. Our aim is to cultivate a therapeutic relationship that not only provides empathy, understanding, and validation, but serves as a crucial source of support, encouragement, and accountability to help individuals stay committed to their recovery goals. If you are aware that you are struggling with disordered eating or know somebody who is, we invite you to reach out to our clinic and we will help guide you on this journey.
Ready to make a change?
If you’re ready to speak to a Psychotherapist about supporting your disordered-eating, mental health & well-being, you can book a complimentary consult with me here.
With loving compassion,
Nikki Bianchi, RP (Qualifying)