Living with an eating disorder becomes all encompassing. On one of the spectrum there is Anorexia Nervosa then at the other is Bulimia Nervosa. Both are usually shrouded in secrecy, planning, guilt, shame to name a few. Food is the most abuse anxiety drug.
I can assume that if you are reading this page then you are already looking for information and support. There are many websites that can provide you with all the information that you may need about the various forms of eating disorders, the symptoms and what to look out for. I can recommend the National Centre For Eating Disorders (NCFED) as a reputable source of information.
What I can offer here is hope, and I will hold that hope for you until you are ready to hold it for yourself. Whether the relationship with food is about control or self-sabotage, working together we will gain an understand of what is the root cause that is causing the behaviour. With the understanding we can resolve them, allowing you to form a healthy relationship with food.
There are a lot of misconceptions around eating disorders. The stereotypical image is that of a teenage girl that is just skin and bone. The truth however is very much different, a person living with Bulimia can be overweight and that can help hide the behaviours. A person can be obsessive and restrictive with food, as with Anorexia, but present as just very health conscious and trying to maintain a certain weight. Low even hide under the radar, and just high enough to ensure that the restriction and control thrive. It is a very fine balancing act.
The disordered eating that is part of the ED that can be seen as abnormal by onlookers, but the person it very normal, and can
I offer various tools and techniques for clients to use in conjunction with the sessions in which we will explore the various aspects that present for the client. I also offer help and support to family or friends also. An eating disorder can not be overcome in isolation, the help and support of those around the person it vital. There may be cases when other professionals may need to be involve with treatment plans etc.
Working on the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours (the conscious) we empower the client to take the appropriate control back over their life.
As each case is very individual, and there can be many facets, internal conflicts and self-sabotage heightening the resistance of the ED. Please do not underestimate the power of the Eating Disorder it can be very entrenched. I will always start with the 4 session program, however they may be the requirement for additional sessions.