Feel comfortable in your own body
therapy for eating disorders in nyc
An estimated 20 million women and 10 million men report having an eating disorder at some point in their life
Eating disorders include various psychological conditions that cause unhealthy eating patterns to develop. While eating disorders are most commonly experienced by women and adolescents, they can affect people of any gender and at any stage of life. Eating disorders may begin with an obsession around food, body shape, or weight.
Common behaviors may include restriction of food intake, excessive calorie counting, bingeing, purging (either through excessive exercise, vomiting, or use of laxatives). Individuals who have eating disorders can experience different symptoms which often require professional intervention. Eating disorders can have serious health consequences if left untreated.
Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms of Eating Disorders
- Preoccupation with calories, carbohydrates, fat, and dieting
- Attitudes that indicate weight loss, controlling food and dieting are primary concerns
- Discomfort eating around others
- Skipping meals or eating small portions
- Avoidance from usual social interactions and groups
- Mood swings
- Intense concern regarding body size, shape and image
- Dressing in layers to hide weight loss or body shape
- Resistant or unable to maintain an appropriate body weight
- Rigid when it comes to exercise despite weather, illness, injury or fatigue
- Intense anxiety and distress if unable to exercise
- Consuming large amounts of food in secret
- Excessive feelings of guilt, disgust or depression after overeating
- Lifestyle or rituals surrounding binge-eating episodes
- Feeling a lack of control over ability to stop eating once starting
- Cutting out increasing number of entire food groups, only eating a narrow group of foods
- Spending hours a day thinking about what food might be served at events, family gatherings, etc
Physical Symptoms
- Feeling cold often
- Stomach cramps and digestive issues (constipation, acid reflux, etc)
- Irregular periods for women
- Concentration issues
- Dizziness when standing up
- Fainting episodes
- Fluctuations in weight noticed by others
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Muscle atrophy or weakness
- Swelling around salivary glands
- Fine hair on the body (lanugo)
- Cavities or dental issues due to vomiting
- Dry skin and brittle hair and nails
- Cuts or calluses on tops of fingers (due to repeated vomiting)
- Impaired immune function or getting sick often
THERAPISTS WHO CAN HELP
NYC Therapists Who Specialize in Therapy for Eating Disorders
Connecting with the right therapist is the most important factor in your search. We’re here to help you find a great match.
HOW CAN THERAPY HELP?
There are a variety of different therapeutic approaches to treating eating disorders
Do you feel like the number on the scale, how your body looks, or food takes up too much real estate inside your mind? With the help of our therapists, you can find freedom from the grip of disordered eating and destructive habits. There are many psychotherapeutic approaches to helping individuals with issues surrounding eating, including:
Insight-Oriented Therapy (Psychodynamic)
Insight-oriented therapy is based on the belief that through increased consciousness we can create new life experiences. This therapeutic process involves the therapist and client exploring and gaining a better understanding of how feelings, beliefs, actions, and events from the past may be influencing our current mindset and circumstances. The goal of insight-oriented therapy is to empower you with a sense of clarity so that you have the freedom to make new, adaptive, and healthier choices that support your continuing growth.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This process is focused on addressing thought patterns, physical symptoms, and behaviors. Research shows that CBT is a very effective form of treating a variety of issues. Through compassionate and supportive care, we hope to create a safe space for you to feel comfortable in starting the process toward growth and reducing the feelings of depression and anxiety you may be feeling.
Mindfulness Practices
Through consistent practice, like meditation, we become more focused on the present and understand our experience in the here-and-now. Mindfulness teaches us to shift our attention away from negative thought patterns that lead to the unsatisfactory and problematic thoughts and behaviors and move toward positive and meaningful growth. Mindfulness can be used alone or combined with insight-oriented therapy and CBT.
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Together we can equip you with the skills that allow you to feel comfortable in your own skin and build health habits. To learn more about how we can help, schedule a 30-minute complimentary consultation with a therapist today.