Eating Disorder Treatment Melbourne
What are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are severe mental health conditions characterised by abnormal eating behaviours, an unhealthy preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape, and a distorted sense of self-image. These disorders can have significant physical, psychological, and emotional consequences if not treated.
Common types of eating disorders include:
Anorexia Nervosa: This disorder is marked by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of body weight, leading to extreme restriction of food intake and significant weight loss. Individuals with anorexia often maintain a dangerously low body weight and may engage in excessive exercise or other behaviours to prevent weight gain.
Bulimia Nervosa: Bulimia involves recurrent episodes of binge eating, during which an individual consumes an excessive amount of food in a short time, followed by compensatory behaviours such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or the misuse of laxatives to prevent weight gain. The cycle of binging and purging often occurs in secret, and individuals may experience feelings of shame or guilt.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED): This disorder is characterised by frequent episodes of eating large quantities of food within a short period, accompanied by a loss of control during the eating episode. Unlike bulimia, individuals with BED do not engage in compensatory behaviours, such as purging or excessive exercise. This can lead to obesity, guilt, and psychological distress.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): ARFID involves an extreme avoidance of food due to a lack of interest in eating, fear of certain food textures, or past negative experiences with eating. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not driven by concerns about body weight or shape but can still result in nutritional deficiencies and significant health issues.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED): This category includes disorders that do not meet the full criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating but still involve harmful eating behaviours. Examples include atypical anorexia nervosa or purging disorder, which may cause significant distress and impairment.
Evidence-based Eating Disorder Care
How Can Therapy Help?
At Balanced Self Clinical Psychology, we offer evidence-based, personalised treatment for eating disorders using Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E). This structured approach helps individuals develop a healthier relationship with food and body image by addressing the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that contribute to disordered eating.
We also integrate the Health at Every Size (HAES®) framework, which prioritises well-being and self-care over weight as a measure of health. Our weight-inclusive approach encourages individuals to cultivate a more compassionate and sustainable connection with their bodies.
Key Areas of Focus
Establishing regular and flexible eating patterns
Reducing restrictive eating, bingeing, and compensatory behaviours
Understanding the impact of body image on eating habits
Overcoming body checking behaviours and self-criticism
Identifying emotional triggers behind disordered eating
Supporting a weight-inclusive, health-focused approach to well-being
Eating disorders can be challenging, but recovery is possible with the right support. If you're struggling with food or body image, Balanced Self Clinical Psychology is here to help.
To learn more or book an appointment, please get in touch. You don’t have to face an eating disorder alone.
For more information on eating disorders please refer to helpful websites below.