Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of body shape and size. Individuals often become preoccupied with food, calories, or exercise and may restrict eating, skip meals, or develop obsessive rituals around food. Some also experience cycles of bingeing and purging. While anorexia is more common among teens and women, it can affect individuals of any age, gender, or body size. Those struggling often hide their behaviors, wearing bulky clothing or claiming to have already eaten. Treatment focuses on addressing both the emotional and physical components of the disorder, restoring nourishment, and rebuilding self-compassion.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

ARFID involves persistent difficulty meeting nutritional needs, but unlike anorexia, it typically isn’t driven by body image concerns. People with ARFID may avoid certain foods due to sensory sensitivities (like texture or smell), lack of interest in eating, or fear of negative physical reactions such as nausea or vomiting. Therapy helps individuals expand their range of safe foods, reduce anxiety around eating, and improve overall nourishment and wellbeing.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States. It involves episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period, often accompanied by feelings of being out of control. These episodes are typically followed by guilt, shame, or self-criticism. Over time, the cycle can lead to both emotional distress and physical health challenges. Treatment focuses on interrupting the binge cycle, addressing emotional triggers, and helping individuals rebuild a healthy, trusting relationship with food.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia is defined by a recurring cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise. Without intervention, bulimia can cause serious medical complications, including digestive issues, electrolyte imbalances, and heart problems. Effective therapy supports recovery by establishing healthier eating patterns, reducing shame, and addressing the emotional and relational roots of the disorder.

Orthorexia

Though not formally recognized in diagnostic manuals, orthorexia describes an obsession with “healthy” or “pure” eating. A person may create strict food rules and feel anxiety, guilt, or panic if they deviate from them. Social life and relationships often suffer as the person avoids situations where they can’t control their food choices. While healthy eating is often praised culturally, orthorexia can mirror other eating disorders in rigidity, distress, and self-judgment. Therapy focuses on flexibility, balance, and reconnecting with joy in nourishment.

Post-Surgical Eating Disorders

Following bariatric or weight-loss surgery, individuals sometimes develop disordered eating patterns such as grazing, overeating, or extreme restriction. The adjustment to new eating guidelines can be difficult, especially when approached with a “diet mindset.” Rapid weight loss, body changes, and nutritional deficiencies can all trigger disordered thoughts or behaviors. Therapy helps build sustainable, balanced eating habits and supports emotional adjustment throughout recovery.

Body Image Concerns

Body image issues occur when a person becomes preoccupied with perceived flaws or imperfections, leading to constant body checking or comparison. Despite reassurance from others, individuals often struggle to see themselves as they truly are. These concerns can arise in adolescence or adulthood and affect people of all genders. Therapy focuses on cultivating self-compassion, challenging distorted beliefs, and developing a more peaceful relationship with one’s body.

Exercise Addiction

While movement is vital to wellbeing, it can become harmful when driven by obsession or used to manage emotions. Exercise addiction may involve intense workouts despite injuries, fatigue, or social withdrawal, often accompanied by anxiety about body image. Therapy addresses the emotional and cognitive patterns behind over-exercising and helps clients reconnect with rest, balance, and self-care.

Improving Your Relationship with Food

Even if you don’t have a diagnosed eating disorder, you may still struggle with food-related anxiety, restriction, or guilt. Chronic dieting, food fear, or overthinking about what or how much to eat are signs that your relationship with food might need care. Therapy offers a way to reset, helping you reconnect with your body’s natural hunger cues, build trust in yourself, and find freedom in nourishment again.