Understanding Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions characterized by severe disturbances in eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions. These disorders impact physical health, emotional well-being, and daily functioning. Effective treatment requires a comprehensive approach that addresses each disorder’s unique symptoms and underlying causes.
Types of Eating Disorders
At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we address a range of eating disorders, including:
- Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by extreme food restriction, fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image.
- Bulimia Nervosa: Involves binge eating followed by purging to avoid weight gain.
- Binge Eating Disorder: Marked by regular episodes of excessive eating without subsequent purging behaviors.
- Pica: Involves eating non-food items, often linked to nutritional deficiencies.
- Rumination Disorder: Repeated regurgitation of food, which may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out.
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Lack of interest in eating or food aversions related to sensory characteristics of food or concern about aversive consequences of eating.
Our Approach to Eating Disorders Treatment
Kristin Cantella, LMFT, uses a variety of therapeutic approaches to treat eating disorders effectively:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps identify and challenge distorted thoughts related to body image and eating, altering unhealthy eating behaviors and establishing healthier thought patterns.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS helps clients explore different parts of themselves that influence their eating behaviors. This understanding can promote healing from internal conflicts driving the eating disorder.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is effective for those whose eating disorders are related to past trauma. It helps reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact and decreasing reliance on disordered eating as a coping mechanism.
Somatic Therapy
This approach enhances body awareness and helps clients reconnect with physical sensations, such as hunger and fullness cues, which are crucial for recovery from eating disorders.
Nutritional Counseling
Working in collaboration with dietitians, this aspect of treatment ensures that clients develop healthy eating habits and address any nutritional deficiencies.
Family-Based Therapy (FBT)
Particularly effective for younger clients, FBT involves family members in the recovery process, supporting the development of healthy eating habits within a nurturing home environment.
Benefits of Eating Disorders Therapy
Treatment for eating disorders at Touchstone Trauma Therapy offers numerous benefits, including:
- Restored Physical Health: Recovery of normal eating patterns and stabilization of body functions.
- Improved Self-Esteem and Body Image: Clients often develop a more positive body image and increased self-worth.
- Emotional and Psychological Healing: Addressing underlying emotional triggers and trauma that contribute to the eating disorder.
- Enhanced Interpersonal Relationships: Recovery can lead to improved relationships affected by the eating disorder.
Why Choose Touchstone Trauma Therapy?
We provide a supportive and effective approach to treating eating disorders, addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of these conditions. Our holistic care encompasses emotional, psychological, and nutritional health, supporting clients through each step of their recovery journey.
