Eating Disorders

Signs and Symptoms of an Eating Disorder

Skipping meals or making excuses for not eating
Adopting an overly restrictive vegetarian diet
Excessive focus on healthy eating
Making own meals rather than eating what the family eats
Withdrawing from normal social activities
Persistent worry or complaining about being fat and talk of losing weight
Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws
Repeatedly eating large amounts of sweets or high-fat foods
Use of dietary supplements, laxatives, or herbal products for weight loss
Excessive exercise
Calluses on the knuckles from inducing vomiting
Problems with loss of tooth enamel that may be a sign of repeated vomiting
Leaving during meals to use the toilet
Eating much more food in a meal or snack than is considered normal
Expressing depression, disgust, shame, or guilt about eating habits
Eating in secret

Do You Believe I Can Recover from my Eating Disorder?

Yes! At Clarity Counseling Center in Wilmington, NC, we firmly believe that recovery from an eating disorder is possible, although it can be quite challenging. Our dedicated relationship therapists are here to guide you through each step of your treatment journey with compassion and expertise.

To recover from an eating disorder, one must experience food and exercise in ways that are not ruled by concerns over size, shape, and numbers. Emotions and life experiences should be navigated using strategies that do not compromise one’s health or well-being. Being recovered allows one to model for others how to eat a variety of foods and move for joy rather than compulsion. Once recovered, the relationship with one’s body thrives with authentic self-acceptance.

What Causes Eating Disorders?

The exact cause of eating disorders is unknown. As with other mental health issues, many factors, such as genetics, are likely. Certain people may have genes that increase their risk of developing eating disorders. People with first-degree relatives — siblings or parents — with an eating disorder may be more likely to develop this problem as well, as these disorders often run in families. Current research indicates that there are significant genetic contributions to eating disorders.

Psychological and emotional health is also a significant cause. People may have temperaments that make them more vulnerable to developing eating issues. Hypersensitivity, feeling big, low self-esteem; feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life; depression, anxiety, anger, stress, or loneliness make individuals more vulnerable.

Society can also cause significant harm to how individuals suffering see themselves. Success and worth are often equated with being thin in popular culture. Peer pressure and what we see in the media may fuel a distorted idealogy.

Schedule An Appointment

So, What’s the Treatment for Eating Disorders?

At Clarity Counseling Center in Wilmington, NC, we understand that no two eating disorder journeys are the same. That's why we offer tailored treatment programs specifically designed for each individual. As some of the best relationship therapists in Wilmington, we utilize effective counseling services alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies to address the complexities of eating disorders.

Our holistic approach includes nutrition counseling and may incorporate other therapeutic modalities as needed. We aim to enhance our clients' quality of life by improving cognitive and emotional awareness and regulation. In addition, we encourage a collaborative team approach that involves clients, family members, psychiatrists, nutritionists, and primary care physicians to provide comprehensive support throughout the treatment process.

At Clarity Counseling Center, we treat various eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge-purge disorder, binge eating disorder (BED), avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Our network of nutritionists and counselor allies in the community ensures seamless collaboration for effective treatment.

If you're seeking support for an eating disorder, reach out to us today to connect with a therapist who can guide you on your path to recovery!

What’s CBT for Eating Disorders like?

CBT is a structured treatment that focuses on the present and the future. The cognitive-behavioral model emphasizes the critical role of thoughts (cognitive) and actions (behavioral) in maintaining an eating disorder. Examples of keeping factors include:

Cognitive Factors – over-evaluation of weight and shape, negative body image, core beliefs about self-worth, negative self-evaluation, perfectionism
Behavioral Factors – weight-control behaviors including dietary restraint, restriction, binge-eating, purging behaviors, self-harm, body checking, and body avoidance

Individuals with eating disorders often hold a negative or distorted view of themselves and their bodies. These highly critical thoughts can result in feelings of shame, anxiety, or disgust that often trigger weight control behaviors and fuel a cycle of negative self-evaluation. Guided by a therapist, CBT helps the individual examine which specific factors maintain their disorder and set personalized goals addressed throughout the various phases of CBT.

The Phases of Cognitive Behavior Therapy:

CBT stresses education and skills training that help patients understand themselves and their eating disorders so that healing can occur. Three phases of CBT may unfold throughout the inpatient, partial hospital, and IOP programs, and some or all of them may take place during outpatient therapy.

Behavioral Phase: The patient and therapist work together to formulate a plan for stabilizing eating and eliminating symptoms. Because emotions often intensify during this phase of treatment, tools (coping strategies) for managing these feelings become a vital part of the work. CBT includes in-session activities and “homework” to practice new behaviors.

Cognitive Phase: As treatment progresses, cognitive restructuring techniques (e.g., techniques aimed at recognizing and changing problem thinking patterns) are introduced. Thoughts and beliefs that perpetuate the issues (“I will only be happy if I can lose this weight”) are identified, and work aimed at developing new perspectives and ideas (“my self-worth doesn’t depend on my size or shape”) begins. Additionally, broader concerns such as relationship problems, body image, self-esteem problems, and emotion regulation are addressed during this stage of treatment.
Maintenance & Relapse Prevention Phase: The final stage of CBT concentrates on reducing triggers, preventing relapse, and maintaining the progress made so far.
Even though CBT focuses on eliminating symptoms, the overall goal of the treatment is to assist the patient in making their return to a healthy and fulfilling life. So, very often, once symptoms are stabilized, treatment will expand to include other areas of concern and conflict that can help individuals move towards holistic healing and emotional well-being.

What’s the Role of Nutrition Counseling in ED Treatment?

The role of nutrition services is significant in treating an eating disorder. Our dietitian partners work with patients who are often terrified of eating to help them achieve a balanced pattern of nutrition and reach their goals.

If you feel as if you may be suffering with your own self image due to an eating disorder, we are here to help! These things can be difficult to deal with, just know you are not alone, and you are perfect just as you are!

Take the first step toward healing and building a positive relationship with food and yourself. Contact us today to connect with a therapist in Wilmington, and let us support you on your path to wellness!

What They’re Saying

“Karin, I just wanted to say thank you for helping me on this journey. I appreciate the way you listen and validate my feelings. You’ve provided me with so many insights into what’s really going on and are always encouraging me to take positive steps in the right direction. And thank you for pushing me to see Kati. I am optimistic that together, I will make great strides towards achieving my goal of a healthy relationship with food (and people of course)!”

- Former Client