CBT For Eating Disorders
Anyone who develops an unhealthy relationship with food can be classed as suffering from an eating disorder. There is no single definition of an eating disorder, as both eating too little or too much can have physical and mental health consequences.
A person with an eating disorder will commonly be obsessed with their weight or the shape of their body and will believe they are overweight, even though this often isn’t the truth.
If left unchallenged, this unrealistic perception of their appearance may lead to an eating disorder.
Anorexia (skipping meals, consuming very few calories and reaching near-starvation) and bulimia (a cycle of binge eating and purging the body by vomiting or the use of laxatives) are the most common eating disorders. They can both have devastating consequences on the mental and physical wellbeing of an individual suffering from these conditions.
How cognitive behavioural therapy can help to overcome an eating disorder
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a form of verbal counselling that can help people recover from an eating disorder.
CBT is an evidence-based therapy that is often the first line of treatment for eating disorders. The therapy helps individuals recognise the unhelpful thoughts and beliefs they have towards food, and how their behaviours are driven by an overconcern of their weight and body shape.
Once these unconstructive thoughts are identified, the client and therapist can explore the ways in which the negative thoughts surrounding food can be replaced with a healthier attitude towards their diet, appearance and size.
A professional CBT therapist will help their client to develop strategies, such as keeping a food diary to monitor situations that could trigger the eating disorder. By having an awareness of the behaviours that contribute to the persons attitude towards food, they will learn coping mechanisms that can help to prevent a relapse.
Speak to our experienced therapists
Our professional and accredited CBT therapists have a range of strategies to help clients overcome their eating disorders by showing them how to re-evaluate their thoughts with realism.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Interventions have successfully helped hundreds of clients understand the intricacies of eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia. The cognitive approach is highly effective in improving a person’s relationship with food and their weight and body size, allowing them to open the door to a brighter and healthier future.
