Binge Eating Disorder Treatment

Binge eating is a distressing experience that causes an individual to feel shame and guilt over their perceived lack of control over eating. People who binge eat often hide their disordered eating from others and believe they should be able to control their eating and weight. Often this means that people with binge eating disorder don’t reach out for support.

Our professional team at Peaceful Mind Psychology have a special interest in the treatment of eating disorders, including binge eating. Our psychological approach is evidence-based, promising the best possible outcomes. Our psychologists are well-trained and experienced in binge eating disorder therapy and understand how complicated life can feel if you’re struggling with an eating disorder.

How to Recognise Binge Eating Disorder in Yourself or a Loved One

People with binge eating disorder experience semi-frequent to regular episodes of actual or perceived over-eating. These episodes can be felt as if you’re “out of control” over the amount and type of food that you’re eating. They can also feel like the episodes come out of the blue. Most commonly after an episode of binge eating, an individual will experience feelings of guilt and shame.

  • Overeating
    Over-eating can be subjective or objective. That is, some people feel like they’ve eaten too much food, while other people have objectively eaten an excessive amount of food. Overeating occurs regularly and may involve rituals or specific patterns, such as having to watch a particular show while eating or consuming snacks in a specific order.
  • Guilt or shame
    A binge episode is almost always followed by internal feelings of shame or guilt.
  • Dieting or restricting
    There will likely be periods of dieting, or giving up perceived  “bad” foods. This may even be successful for a short while, however, these periods are typically followed by binging.
  • Mood or event triggers
    Binge eating is often followed by specific events or moods that make the individual vulnerable to binging. For example, binging may occur when you’re home alone or after you’ve had an argument with a loved one.

Eating Disorders Can Be Caused by Many Factors

Eating disorders, such as binge eating can arise from multiple factors, including biological, social, cultural, and psychological factors. Often they start with poor body image and are nearly always triggered by strict dieting. It is not uncommon for people with eating disorders to experience a life stressor or difficulty in relationships before becoming unwell. Research also shows that eating disorders are more likely to arise if there is a family history. Experiences in childhood, such as having a parent who diets, bullying or trauma, and engaging in a sport focused on body weight, are also risk factors for developing an eating disorder.

At Peaceful Mind Psychology we are well acquainted with the various factors that contribute to an unhealthy relationship with your body and food. We work with you to understand your “story”. Once we understand your personal story, we work together with you to shift factors that are contributing to maintaining your eating disorder.

About Peaceful Mind Psychology

Peaceful Mind Psychology is the largest practice in Melbourne that treats eating disorders. Our team is thoroughly trained in eating disorder therapy – CBT-E for eating disorders. Our psychologists are experienced in treating anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and other unspecified feeding eating disorders.

If you’re looking for a professional and warm approach to eating disorder treatment in Melbourne, we’re here to support you in overcoming your eating disorder.

Our Eating Disorder Treatments are Evidence-Based and Comprehensive

Several well-researched treatments are effective in treating eating disorders including bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating. Binge eating disorder in particular is best treated with Cognitive-behavioural Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E). However, Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Guided CBT Online, Psychoeducation, and Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) have also been proven to be effective in binge eating disorder treatment.

Research shows that your chances of recovery are far higher with CBT-E than using other methods of support, such as self-help books, or familial support. Our professional team is experienced and trained in CBT-E to help you on the road to recovering from your eating disorder.

As part of our comprehensive treatment approach to eating disorders, we collaborate with a multidisciplinary team which can include dieticians and GPs. We are well connected with like-minded health professionals who are educated in eating disorder treatment.

We work hard within these multidisciplinary teams to achieve your therapy goals.

A woman receiving therapy with a female psychologist

A Better Life is Just Around the Corner

We know how difficult it can be to ask for help, but it is the first step to recovery. You can start by speaking to your GP about your eating struggles or by making an appointment with a psychologist trained in eating disorder treatment.

If you feel you’re ready to speak with one of our psychologists, you can contact our practice today.

It can be difficult to Find a Psychologist that is right for you. However, our Melbourne Psychology Clinic makes it easy for you: We personally match you with one of our lovely and professional Melbourne Psychologists based on your needs and personality. We also offer psychologists who are professionally trained in Clinical Psychology.

Peaceful Mind Psychology has practice locations in Prahran, Hawthorn, and Armadale; all of which are comforting and relaxing. Our psychologists are also friendly and relatable, making it easy to open up and talk about your struggles. While our psychologists are well-trained in eating disorder therapy, they also take the time to adapt their approach to the individual. We know that every person is unique and we collaborate with you to achieve your goals and hopes.

Additional Resources:

To find free and confidential resources to help you learn more about eating disorders, we highly recommend researching:

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