At SCS, we understand how complex and isolating it can be to have an eating disorder. We offer specialized therapy to support our clients in their journey to recovery. We will help you to develop a new relationship with food and your body as well as address underlying emotional and psychological concerns that contribute to the development and maintenance of your eating disorder.
What are eating disorders?
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can affect people of any age, gender, or background. They are characterized by a persistent disturbance in eating behavior that can lead to significant physical and emotional problems. Eating disorders often involve distorted body image, extreme preoccupation with weight and shape, and disordered eating behaviors such as restricting food intake, binge eating, or purging.
The most common types of eating disorders are anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Anorexia is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, which leads to severe restriction of food intake. Bulimia is characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by purging, such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise. Binge eating disorder involves episodes of uncontrollable overeating, often accompanied by feelings of guilt and shame.
There are other types of eating disorders that are also important to mention. Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED) is characterized by many of the same symptoms and behaviors as other eating disorders, such as an intense fear of gaining weight, a preoccupation with food and weight, and distorted body image, but does not meet strict criteria for above mentioned diagnoses. Orthorexia involves an obsession with "healthy" eating to the point of becoming malnourished. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is characterized by an extreme avoidance or restriction of certain foods due to sensory sensitivities, fear of negative consequences, or lack of interest.
Signs of eating disorders:
Physical:
- Increase or decrease in weight
- Lack of energy, weakness, and fatigue
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Gastrointestinal problems including constipation, diarrhea, and bloating
- Difficulty sensing hunger and fullness cues
- Changes in skin color or texture, brittle nails, and hair loss/thinning
- Dental problems
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Increased sensitivity to cold
Psychological/Emotional:
- Obsessive thoughts about food, weight, and body image that interfere with daily life
- Being preoccupied with body shape and weight, which can also include having a distorted perception of one's body size, shape, and weight
- Low self-esteem, high self-criticism, and negative overall self-image
- Feelings of depression, anxiety, and/or irritability
- Tendency toward perfectionism, especially related to food and weight
- Feelings of guilt or shame after eating
- Difficulty regulating emotions and may notice using food as a coping mechanism to deal with stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions
Behavioral:
- Constantly talking about food and weight
- Spending a lot of time thinking about food or planning meals
- Limiting food intake, skipping meals, or avoiding certain food groups
- Eating large amounts of food in a short period of time
- Engaging in self-induced vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics, or over-exercising to compensate for eating
- Avoiding social situations that involve food or eating, and may become isolated from friends and family
- Engaging in specific rituals or behaviors around food
Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size (HAES)
At SCS, we support intuitive eating as well as Health at Every Size (HAES) in our approach. Intuitive eating involves developing a relationship with food where you learn to recognize and respond to your body's signals of hunger, fullness, and satisfaction. It rejects diet culture and the idea that certain foods are "good" or "bad", and instead focuses on eating a wide variety of foods that feel satisfying and nourishing to your body. Intuitive eating is not a diet or a prescriptive set of rules, but rather a flexible and personalized approach to eating that promotes sustainable health and well-being. It encourages people to focus on taking care of their physical and mental well-being, rather than trying to achieve a certain body size or weight.
Our HAES-aligned therapists prioritize clients' overall health and well-being. We recognize that weight stigma and discrimination can have negative impacts on mental and physical health, and work to create a safe and supportive space for clients of all body sizes. We also help clients cultivate self-compassion, develop improved relationships with food and exercise, and work towards their individual health goals without focusing on weight loss or achieving a specific body size.
Our therapists provide a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings around food and body image. We work with our clients to develop effective coping strategies to manage negative emotions and behaviors, and to promote self-care, self-compassion, and self-acceptance. Treatment for eating disorders also includes nutritional counseling and medical management in collaboration with other healthcare providers. We understand that eating disorders can be a sensitive and difficult topic to discuss, and we strive to create a supportive and caring environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered in their journey towards recovery.
We also work with family members who have a loved one with an eating disorder.