Eating Disorder Therapy

Understanding ED

Eating disorders (ED) are patterns around food, body image, and control that can be difficult to manage and begin affecting your daily life and health.

Eating disorders include:

• Pica: Eating non-edible substances
• Rumination Disorder: Regurgitation of food
• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Restriction of food, usually caused by the sensory experience of foods that leads to a nutritional deficit.
• Anorexia: Restriction of food leads to low body weight, along with a disturbance of how one’s body shape is experienced. There are two subtypes of anorexia, including the restricting type and binge eating/purging type.
• Bulimia: Recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by purging
• Binge Eating Disorder: Recurrent episodes of binge eating

If you believe you may have an eating disorder (ED), learning to connect with yourself, regulate your nervous system, and process memories and beliefs can help you feel safer in your body and in the world. Our therapists are nonjudgmental and are dedicated to helping you find tools and practices that work for you in your everyday life. We offer sessions in Palm Beach County, Miami, and virtually to provide you with the most convenient support possible.

Signs and Symptoms

Some common signs and symptoms include:

• Rapid weight change
• Secrecy surrounding eating habits
• Hair loss
• Frequent trips to the bathroom, especially after eating
• Dry skin, hair, or brittle nails
• Mood swings or irritability
• Substance use (substance abuse)

These are some common signs. Not all of these signs may be present. 

Impact

Some impacts of eating disorders include:

• Malnutrition
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Low self-esteem
• Depression
• Strained relationships
• Guilt and fear
• Low blood pressure
• Hormonal imbalances

The impact may vary depending on the type of eating disorder.

ED Therapy at Evolve

The Sovereign Body Method approaches eating disorders by focusing on the importance of creating safety within the body. This approach helps you feel more grounded and in tune with your body’s signals while allowing you to release stored energy through gentle physical movements.

Instead of imposing strict rules on yourself, you will learn to manage your internal states, which will enable you to decrease anxiety and better understand what your body is communicating and respond in ways that promote greater stability.

Types of Psychotherapy

The most effective types of psychotherapy for treating eating disorders include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help you identify and change negative thoughts and beliefs that lead to mental health conditions. You will also be able to change unwanted behaviors and learn to cope and overcome cravings.
• Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT): IPT is a strongly supported evidence-based treatment for bulimia. IPT focuses on the relationship between the eating disorder and interpersonal relationships. With IPT you can have improved relationships with food, people, and your mood.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT can help you learn to manage emotions that may lead to self-harming behaviors.
• Motivational interviewing (MI): MI can help you identify your reasons for change and help you take action.

All the above interventions can be used within the Sovereign Body Method. Your therapist will provide all necessary information on the recommended therapy for you so you can make an informed decision. 

Family-Based Therapy

At Evolve, we believe that having supportive individuals join a client on their therapy journey can be immensely beneficial. We welcome any family member that the client wishes to bring into therapy.

Family therapy can help clients with ED and their families:

• Improve communication and support
• Reduce ED symptoms
• Improve family relationships and communication
• Improve the quality of life

Family counseling is a safe and effective treatment for eating disorders, helping both clients and their families lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Medications

Medications are not the first line of treatment for eating disorders. However, at times, they may be helpful in conjunction with a counseling treatment program.

Typically, the most effective medication for eating disorders is antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft).

Other medications, such as antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, have also been shown to help in the treatment of eating disorders.

Eating Disorder Therapy Duration

The time it takes to see results from eating disorder treatment varies from person to person. For some individuals, completing phase one, where they learn to regulate their emotions and connect with their bodies, can lead to significant change. For others, it may be necessary to process past traumatic memories or negative beliefs to feel better.

Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Our licensed mental health professionals specialize in evidence-based therapies for eating disorders using our proprietary body-based method. With the right support, you can overcome disordered eating.

Your therapist will be there to support you every step of the way.

If you’re ready to start ED therapy, contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation. We’ll work with you to help you achieve your goals. We offer therapy virtually or in person in Brickell, Downtown Miami, and West Palm Beach, FL.