Anorexia Treatment

Full recovery from anorexia is possible. You may or may not have had a diagnosis but if you’re struggling then the first step is to reach out.

Anorexia Nervosa is a serious mental health condition characterised by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. It can affect anyone, regardless of gender or age. Those with anorexia typically engage in extreme efforts to restrict their food intake and may have an obsessive preoccupation with weight, calories, and food.

Some of these may sound like your experience:

  • Significantly restricting your food intake

  • Exercising excessively

  • Preoccupied with your body weight, shape, and size

  • Preoccupied with food and dieting

  • Socially withdrawn or isolating yourself

  • Having food rituals

  • Experiencing anxiety and depression

You are not alone. Recovery is possible.

Anorexia presents in a number of different ways. Counselling and Psychotherapy for anorexia needs to see the person, not just the symptoms, and tailor therapy to the individual’s needs.

Restricting type

Those with this form of anorexia will severely restrict their calorie intake and may engage in excessive exercise in order to maintain a low body weight

Bingeing/Purging type

This involves restriction of calories but episodes of binging, followed by compensatory behaviours to maintain a low weight (vomiting, taking laxatives, excessive exercise).

Atypical anorexia

Individuals with atypical anorexia usually present with all of the usual symptoms of anorexia nervosa but are not underweight.

Anorexia in males

Whilst not always the case, anorexia in males tends to emerge in men who are focused on physical fitness. Excessive exercise is very common in these cases and, coupled with restricting food intake, can result in becoming dangerously underweight.

Upon diagnosis, the immediate next step is to seek out professional help.

Counselling/Psychotherapy form part of the interventions needed, whilst other treatments (such as dietitian support) can play a pivotal role in recovery. Seeking help as early as possible plays a significant part in increasing the chances of successful recovery.

Eating disorder treatment typically encompasses three elements:

  • Counselling and psychotherapy

  • Nutritional education

  • Medical interventions

As an online eating disorder therapist, I provide evidence-based counselling and psychotherapy for anorexia, which includes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Positive Psychology. Treatment may involve collaboration with medical professionals and the family (where appropriate).

As part of therapy, I will help to establish normal patterns of eating and address other issues that may also be present. This includes anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem, perfectionism, trauma, and interpersonal issues. Relapse prevention is also an important part of treatment so that you can live a rich, meaningful life.

What does online therapy for anorexia involve?

Anorexia is associated with serious and life-threatening consequences, including physical, hormonal, mental, and emotional consequences

Physical complications:

  • Malnutrition due to the body being deprived of essential nutrients needed for normal functioning. Side-effects include dizziness, weakness, and fatigue.

  • Cardiovascular Problems such as low heart rate, low blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart failure.

  • Gastrointestinal Problems including digestive problems and constipation from lack of nutrients and inadequate food intake.

  • Muscle Atrophy in which muscle tissue is broken down due to insufficient nutrition.

  • Bone Health Issues such as bone density loss, which leads to a higher risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

  • Menstrual cycle disruption including amenorrhea (loss of period in females).

  • Infertility in both men and women.

    Mental and emotional complications:

  • Depression and anxiety

  • Cognitive impairment such as difficulties in concentration, memory, and decision-making.

  • Social withdrawal resulting in isolation and negatively affecting relationships

  • Obsessive Thoughts about food, weight, and body image, which can have a large impact on daily life and activities.

    Life-Threatening Consequences:

  • Electrolyte Imbalance

  • Suicide Risk

  • Heart failure

  • Hypothermia

  • Liver failure

  • Seizures

I provide online counselling and psychotherapy for anorexia, using a compassionate, evidence-based approach.

Recovery is about more than just getting rid of symptoms. It’s about helping you to thrive and live the full, meaningful life the eating disorder has been stealing from you.

There is hope.