Eating Disorders and Therapy

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. They can significantly impact physical health, emotional well-being, and daily life. However, with the right support, recovery is possible.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what eating disorders are, the different types, their impact on mental and physical health, and how therapy for an eating disorder can play a vital role in healing.

What Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by disordered eating behaviors, distressing thoughts around food and body image, and, in some cases, significant health risks. Eating Disorders are not just about food, and they are often impacted by emotional, psychological, and social factors.

Common Types of Eating Disorders

• Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by intense fear of gaining weight, food restriction, and a distorted body image.
• Atypical Anorexia Nervosa: Involves all the same psychological and behavioral traits as anorexia, including food restriction and intense fear of weight gain, but the individual does not fall into the “underweight” category. Despite not meeting traditional weight criteria, atypical anorexia can be just as medically serious.
• Bulimia Nervosa: Involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors like vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use.
• Binge Eating Disorder (BED): Repeated episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort, without purging behaviors.
• Orthorexia: An obsession with “clean” or “healthy” eating that leads to rigid food rules, fear of “unhealthy” foods, and, in some cases, nutritional deficiencies and social isolation. While not yet classified as a formal diagnosis in the DSM-5, orthorexia is widely recognized as a harmful and restrictive eating pattern.
• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): An extreme avoidance of certain foods due to sensory sensitivities, fears of adverse reactions (choking, vomiting, digestive symptoms, allergic reactions etc.), or lack of interest in eating, leading to nutritional deficiencies.
• Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED): Disordered eating behaviors that don’t fit the exact criteria of the above disorders but still cause significant distress and health concerns.

Eating disorders can develop due to a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. They often co-occur with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma, and other mental health concerns.

How Eating Disorders Affect Mental and Physical Health

Eating disorders impact nearly every aspect of a person’s life, including their physical health, emotional well-being, and relationships.

Physical Effects of Eating Disorders

• Nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Heart complications, such as irregular heartbeat or low blood pressure
• Hormonal imbalances, which can affect menstruation and bone health
• Fatigue, dizziness, and weakened immune function

Mental and Emotional Effects

• Increased anxiety or depression
• Obsessive thoughts about food, weight, and body image
• Social withdrawal and isolation
• Guilt, shame, loneliness, and hopelessness
• Difficulty concentrating and maintaining daily responsibilities

How Therapy Can Help with Eating Disorders

Recovery from an eating disorder is possible, and therapy can play a key role in healing. Since eating disorders are often come along side emotional and psychological challenges, therapy can help individuals address these concerns and develop a healthier relationship with food, body and self.

Types of Therapy for Eating Disorders

Below are a list of a few of the therapy modalities that are shown to be effective when working with eating disorders and disordered eating. Each person is unique and and different therapy styles will be helpful depending on each person’s differing needs and preferences.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E)

Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E) is an evidence-based approach that helps individuals challenge negative thought patterns related to food, weight, and self-worth. It also helps build coping strategies to manage emotions and eating behaviors.

2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is particularly helpful for individuals struggling with emotional regulation. DBT teaches skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT helps individuals move away from rigid thinking patterns and work toward recovery by focusing on values-based living. It encourages self-compassion and acceptance rather than fighting against thoughts and emotions.

4. Trauma-Informed Therapy

Since eating disorders often develop alongside trauma, therapy that addresses underlying trauma can be an essential part of healing. Somatic practices and other trauma-focused approaches can support long-term recovery.

5. Intuitive Eating and Embodiment Work

For those recovering from disordered eating, reconnecting with their body and body’s cues can be transformative. Intuitive eating helps individuals move away from rigid food rules and instead learn to trust (or re-trust!) their body’s needs.

The Importance of a Weight-Inclusive Approach

Many traditional treatment models have focused on weight as a primary measure of recovery. We take a non-diet, weight-inclusive and weight-neutral approach. Our work focuses on healing relationships with food and body and supporting sustainable, compassionate recovery.

Eating Disorder Resources in Calgary, Alberta

If disordered eating is affecting your mental health, reaching out for support is a crucial step toward healing. Listed below are a few resources available to those living in Calgary, Alberta.

• Calgary Eating Disorder Program – Provides treatment and support for individuals struggling with eating disorders.
• The Calgary Silver Linings Foundation -Offers therapy groups for individuals and families as well as peer mentorship
• Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta (EDSNA) – Offers support groups in Alberta
• Eating Disorder Nova Scotia – Offers virtual support and peer mentoring across Canada
• National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) – Provides a directory of resources as well as a helpline

Finding Support for Eating Disorder Recovery

Seeking help for an eating disorder can feel overwhelming, but taking the first step toward therapy is a powerful act of self-care. Whether you are personally struggling or supporting a loved one, compassionate, evidence-based treatment can provide the tools needed for long-term healing.

We offer therapy for individuals in-person in Calgary and virtually throughout Alberta who are navigating eating disorders, disordered eating, body image concerns, and related mental health challenges.

Book a Consultation

If you’re ready to start your healing journey, reach out to see if therapy with us is right for you. You don’t have to go through this alone—support is available. Head over to our Contact Page to get in touch.

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