Eating Disorders Psychologist

What is an Eating Disorder?

An eating disorder is characterised by an unhealthy relationship with food and, in some cases, body image. It is not a lifestyle choice, “picky eating”, or an extreme diet, but a serious, complex mental illness requiring professional treatment. 

Eating disorders are characterised by unhealthy and unhelpful thoughts, feelings, or behaviours relating to food, eating, body weight, and/or size. Their potential implications extend from medical complications to psychiatric issues, disability, stigma, and social isolation, and can become life-threatening if not treated.

Eating disorders are common and can occur in any person. More than 1 million Australians have an eating disorder and this is around 4x more prevalent in biological women than men. Sometimes the cause isn’t easy to identify, but these disorders may be associated with or triggered by stressful life events, genetic predisposition, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and negative role models or media/social media influences. The risk of developing this type of disorder also increases with a history of trauma (e.g. sexual abuse). 

Signs of an eating disorder may include:

• Dissatisfaction/obsession over one’s weight or body shape

• Extreme food restriction

• Overeating

• Self-induced vomiting

• Over-exercising

• Excessive use of laxatives or diet pills

• Intrusive/controlling thoughts about food/mealtimes/calorie counting

• Guilt, anxiety, or shame related to eating

The most common eating disorders include:

Anorexia nervosa – characterised by severe food restriction and starvation, intense fear of gaining weight

Bulimia nervosa – characterised by binge-eating and intentional vomiting

Binge-eating disorder – consuming large portions of food in an uncontrolled way and over short periods

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder – characterised by food restriction/aversion/avoidance that’s not associated with body image disturbance

Body dysmorphia – excessive preoccupation and dissatisfaction with physical appearance causing distress or functional impairment

Disordered eating – a spectrum of behaviours that may include fasting, skipping meals, binge eating, self-induced vomiting, laxative/diet pill/enema/diuretic misuse, and more

How Can We Help?

Every person is unique, and we take the time to understand their individual experiences and concerns to tailor the most effective approach to support them.  Our treatment is tailored depending on the client’s specific needs, in terms of treatment type, intensity, and frequency.

Seeking professional treatment from an appropriately trained psychologist is important for sustained recovery. At Reach Psychology, our clinically trained practitioners use a range of coordinated, evidence-based treatments including:

• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy Enhanced (CBT-E)

• Family Based Treatment (FBT)

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Eating Disorder (DBT-ED)

People who are experiencing an eating disorder or a body image disorder need understanding and compassion. Our treatment approach may differ over the course of the illness and is dependent on our client’s changing psychological, nutritional, physical, and psychosocial needs. 

When to Seek Help

Our eating disorders psychologist in Bayside, close to Hampton and Brighton, is here to help as you navigate to overcome an eating or body image disorder. We also offer Telehealth services for your convenience if you are further afield or unable to attend our clinic location. 

From the initial, earliest “at-risk” stage, to maintaining your recovery and everywhere in between, we offer a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment to help you meet the challenges and take steps towards better health, improved quality of life and a happier you.

Please Reach out to us today.