Counseling for Eating Disorders
The McNulty Difference
When it comes to treating eating disorders such as Binge Eating Disorder, ARFID (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder), bulimia, or anorexia, our team of therapists has a combined decades of experience and they’re passionate about helping people with something that has become so common in both women and men in modern American society. Each professional brings unique skills and expertise to the table, helping their clients achieve long-term recovery from their eating disorders.
Here are some ways that a therapist works to help individuals combat their eating disorders:
- Understanding the Therapeutic Process: When you embark on therapy for your eating disorder, your therapist will provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors around food, body image, and self-esteem. The therapeutic process is a collaborative one, with the therapist acting as your guide and ally throughout your journey.
- Comprehensive Assessment: To create a tailored treatment plan, your therapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your biological, psychological, and social well-being. This assessment will help identify underlying issues, triggers, and unhealthy patterns related to your eating disorder. By gaining a deeper understanding of these factors, therapy can target the root causes of your disordered eating behaviors.
- Research-Backed Approaches: At McNulty Counseling and Wellness, our therapists utilize evidence-based practices, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These approaches have shown remarkable effectiveness in helping individuals with eating disorders.
- Empowerment and Self-Discovery: Therapy for eating disorders is not solely about addressing symptoms; it is an empowering journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Through therapy, you’ll gain insights into the underlying factors contributing to your eating disorder, develop a healthier relationship with food and your body, and uncover your unique strengths and values.
- Holistic Support: At McNulty Counseling and Wellness, we provide holistic support that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of your eating disorder. While therapists do not provide nutrition counseling, our clients have the option of working with a nutritionist who specializes in disordered eating. This interdisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care that meets your individual needs.
- Building a Supportive Relationship: Throughout your therapy journey, you’ll establish a strong therapeutic alliance with your counselor. Your therapist will offer guidance, empathy, and validation, creating a safe space for you to express your emotions and fears. Together, you’ll work collaboratively towards your recovery goals, celebrating milestones and navigating challenges along the way.Overall, a mental health counselor can provide comprehensive care and support to individuals struggling with eating disorders, addressing both the psychological and emotional aspects of their condition. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it’s important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional specializing in treating these conditions. McNulty Counseling and Wellness has Licensed Counselors who specialize in treating eating disorders and Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioners who work together as a team. Call us today and regain your freedom from disordered eating. Let’s get started!To learn more about different eating disorders, please read below!
Research shows nearly two-thirds of people who complete cognitive behavioral or family-based treatment for eating disorders have an excellent response!
Help with Eating Disorders
At McNulty Counseling and Wellness, we understand that overcoming eating disorders can be a challenging and complex journey. That’s why we offer a unique approach to nutrition counseling, where our Registered Dietitian works closely with you to provide comprehensive support and care to individuals struggling with eating disorders.
Eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating, can have serious physical and mental health consequences. Dina is committed to providing compassionate care and support to individuals struggling with eating disorders, helping them to achieve long-term recovery and improve their overall health and well-being.
Our Registered Dietitian is specially trained to work with individuals with eating disorders, providing nutrition counseling tailored to their needs and challenges. Dina helps her clients develop a healthy relationship with food, learn coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety, and improve their body image by exploring current habits, bringing attention to them, and helping them ultimately create a new and healthy lifestyle and relationship with food.
If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, we invite you to contact us today to learn more about our nutrition counseling services. We understand what works for one person may not work for another so Dina will help you build a custom-tailored plan based on your individual needs. Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to help you overcome your eating disorder and achieve optimal health and well-being.
*Depending on the severity of your eating disorder, Dina may recommend enlisting the help of a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Some clients coming to Dina already have a therapist, some clients never need one, and ultimately the choice will be up to you. If you’d like her to, Dina has experience in collaborating with your mental health provider should you request it! Each client’s situation is unique and we respect the wishes of each and every client.
What is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, which involves consuming a large amount of food in a short period of time, typically within two hours or less, accompanied by a sense of loss of control over eating during the episode. People with BED often eat when they are not hungry and continue to eat even when they feel physically uncomfortable or full.
BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States, and it affects people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. It can lead to significant physical and emotional health problems, including obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
It’s important to note that not everyone who overeats has Binge Eating Disorder. It’s normal to occasionally overeat or indulge in your favorite foods, but BED is characterized by recurrent episodes of overeating that cause significant distress and interfere with daily life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with Binge Eating Disorder, it’s important to seek professional help. Treatment for BED typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, nutrition counseling, and medication management. A Licensed Counselor or a Registered Dietitian from McNulty Counseling and Wellness can provide specialized care to help you overcome the challenges of BED and achieve long-term recovery. Our in-house Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner can help you find the right medication to help you along the way.
Anorexia and Bulimia
Anorexia and bulimia are both serious eating disorders that can have significant physical and psychological consequences. While there are some similarities between the two disorders, there are also some important differences.
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by a distorted body image, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a persistent restriction of food intake that leads to significant weight loss. People with anorexia often have a distorted perception of their body size and shape and may see themselves as overweight even when they are underweight. They may engage in restrictive eating behaviors, such as limiting the types or amounts of food they eat, and may also engage in excessive exercise or other compensatory behaviors to control their weight.
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors to avoid weight gain, such as purging (vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics), fasting, or excessive exercise. People with bulimia may eat large amounts of food in a short period of time, often in secret, and may feel a sense of loss of control during these episodes. They may also have a distorted body image and an intense fear of gaining weight.
One key difference between anorexia and bulimia is the presence of binge eating and compensatory behaviors. While people with anorexia may restrict their food intake, they typically do not engage in binge eating or purging behaviors. People with bulimia, on the other hand, often experience cycles of binge eating and purging, which can lead to significant physical and psychological consequences.
Another difference between the two disorders is weight loss. While people with anorexia often have significant weight loss, people with bulimia may maintain a normal weight or even be overweight. This can make it more difficult to identify bulimia, as it may not be as obvious as the physical symptoms of anorexia.
Both anorexia and bulimia are serious eating disorders that require professional treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it’s important to seek help from a qualified healthcare provider. Treatment may involve a combination of psychotherapy, nutrition counseling, medication, and other supportive therapies to help individuals achieve long-term recovery.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
What is Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)?
ARFID is an eating disorder characterized by highly selective eating habits, avoidance of certain foods, and/or a limited range of food preferences. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not driven by concerns about body image, weight, or shape. People with ARFID may experience significant distress and anxiety around food, which can lead to social isolation, malnutrition, and other health issues.
Our Comprehensive Treatment Approach
At McNulty Counseling and Wellness, we believe in a holistic approach to treatment, addressing both the emotional and nutritional aspects of the disorder. Our evidence-based therapies include:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Our therapists work with clients to identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs related to food while developing healthy coping strategies to reduce anxiety and improve eating habits.
- Family-Based Treatment (FBT): We involve family members in the treatment process, educating them about ARFID and equipping them with the tools to support their loved one’s recovery journey.
- Nutrition Counseling: Our registered dietitian can collaborate with clients to create personalized meal plans that promote balanced nutrition and gradually expand food variety.
- Exposure Therapy: We help clients gradually face their food-related fears through guided exposure exercises, building their confidence and tolerance for a wider range of foods all while reframing their maladaptive thoughts and emotions around the anxiety inducing triggers.
