How does CBT help with eating disorders?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Enhanced (CBT-E) is the gold standard for eating disorder treatment in adults.

CBT-E for eating disorders initially focuses on empowering the individual to understand the nature of their eating disorder, which includes understanding reinforcing factors to the eating disorder.

Once the patient is comfortable with the knowledge of how their eating disorder works, together with a trained psychologist you will work through, and take informed steps towards changing your patterns of behaviour, whilst simultaneously addressing and unpacking unhelpful or distressing thoughts and emotions.

As you progress through therapy, your psychologist may address obstacles to recovery, including: low self-esteem, unhelpful perfectionism and difficult relationships.

No two people have the same eating disorder journey and every recovery timeline is different, but at the end of therapy you should expect to be maintaining normal eating patterns, including being able to eat a variety of foods and eat socially.

While you may experience a degree of anxiety eating certain meals, this anxiety is not overwhelming and continues to dissipate as you naturally continue to progress post-treatment with the tools and strategies you have will develop with your psychologist..

Located in three locations including Armadale, Hawthorn and Prahran, Peaceful Mind Psychology offers CBT for eating disorders, specifically CBT-E with professional psychologists which have taken a dedicated interest in the treatment of eating disorders.

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So, how can we help you with CBT for eating disorders?

At Peaceful Mind Psychology our team are professionally trained in providing CBT-E for eating disorders.

Our whole clinic has a special interest in eating disorders, our psychologists also undertake regular training and supervision in the field, to ensure we’re able to provide clients with the best possible treatment.

In addition to having expert training, we’ll also match you with a psychologist that best meets your unique needs, personality and preferences because we understand how important the therapeutic relationship is.

Some of our treatment options include the following:

  • Individual treatment with an eating disorder trained psychologist. This is the most common method of eating disorder treatment. Individual treatment proves useful for people suffering from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, as well as Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS).
  • Support for families. Having a loved one struggle with an eating disorder can take its toll on their loved ones. At Peaceful Mind Psychology, our team is experienced supporting the patient and their support network. Experience has shown us this is an incredibly important step in creating the foundations for recovery. It will equip them with knowledge about the process of CBT for eating disorders as a method of treatment and teach them how best to support you at home.
  • Group therapy sessions: we also offer group therapy sessions for clients who are recovering from their eating disorder. Group therapy has been scientifically proven to benefit an individual’s recovery process while they undertake treatment for their eating disorder.
    Group therapy often provides a safety net and allows clients to find their voice alongside others who are in a similar position.

 

Two women embracing one another providing support

Why cognitive behavioural therapy?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT, is one of the most well-researched therapies in the field of psychology.

CBT is highly effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, addictions and eating disorders.

CBT takes a holistic approach to the treatment of mental health difficulties by addressing different aspects of an individual’s behaviours, thoughts and feelings.

The CBT framework is based on the principle that our behaviours, thoughts and feelings are all interconnected and bidirectionally influence each other.

At Peaceful Mind Psychology, our psychologists are well trained and experienced in the delivery of CBT therapy.

We commonly use CBT to treat those suffering from anxiety, depression, stress, trauma and addiction. We’ve witnessed first hand successful recoveries across a broad spectrum of individuals ranging in age, gender, sexuality, religion and education.

If you suffer from an eating disorder and your daily life, work or relationships are being impacted, it might be time to consider help.

Speak with an eating disorder therapist today

If you are ready to take the first step and get help for an eating disorder, we are here for you.

To get started on your pathway to recovery, or if you have any questions, give us a call on 1300 766 870.

We’re located in three locations in Armadale, Prahran and Hawthorn.

To book an appointment, you can call us directly or you can contact us via our online enquiry form.

We are open from 8am-8pm, offer Saturday appointments and also offer online telehealth.

Start recovery today and take the first step towards freedom and peace.

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Resources

The Butterfly Foundation has an abundance of fantastic resources online which can assist your recovery journey alongside receiving expert, professional treatment.

If you are experiencing an acute crisis please do not hesitate to call one of the following

Ambulance:  000

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800