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Eating Disorders

What Is An Eating Disorder?

An eating disorder involves a damaging relationship with food, eating, exercise and body image. Factors that cause eating disorders include a combination of genetic, biological, psychological and environmental influences.

Eating disorder symptoms may include drastic changes in weight, obsessive thoughts about food and body image, and excessive exercise. The effects of eating disorders on both physical and mental health can be profound, including nutritional deficiencies, organ damage, emotional distress and an increased risk of other serious medical complications.

What Are Different Types Of Eating Disorders?

Our expert team of Psychologists and Psychotherapists are trained to assist with many different types of eating disorders. Examples include:

Anorexia

Anorexia is an eating disorder whereby people try to keep their weight as low as possible. Methods to achieve this include not eating enough food, overexercising and taking laxatives.

Bulimia

Bulimia is a serious condition whereby people try to purge food from their body to prevent themselves from gaining weight. Methods to achieve this include vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating is an over eating disorder whereby people eat a lot of food over a short period of time until they are very full. Many feel that they lose control of how much they are eating and tend to feel guilty afterwards.

Body Image

A person with a negative body image may feel dissatisfied with their appearance and feel compelled to regularly measure or weigh themselves. This can contribute to Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and other conditions.

Eating Difficulties

Eating difficulties often include using the control of food to cope with negative feelings or other difficult situations. These unhealthy eating behaviours can adversely affect a person’s physical or mental health.

Eating Disorder Therapy in 3 Steps

Step 1: Assessment And Understanding

Step 2: Eating Disorder Support

Step 3: Treatment And Plan

Where Can I See An Eating Disorder Therapist Near Me?

We offer therapy sessions in our clinics in London in Finchley (N3 2JU), Hackney (E2 9FN) or Brixton/Clapham (SW2 5UL). Home visits are also available on request.

Wherever you are based, it is possible to have eating disorder therapy near you as we offer online sessions via zoom or telephone consultations. The Oak Tree Practice does not let location get in the way of providing clients with the support that they need and are here to assist those living further afield across the United Kingdom.

Does The Oak Tree Practice Offer Eating Disorder Help?

Yes, our team of 37 therapists have a wealth of experience and are highly qualified to offer eating disorder counselling. Whether you need binge eating disorder treatment or CBT therapy for eating disorders, our team can provide valuable tools and guidance on how to overcome the challenges you are facing.

Whether you are facing bulimia, body dysmorphia or any other difficulty, our eating disorder psychologists and counsellors will tailor their approach to suit your individual needs. Get in touch via our contact form, Whatsapp us on 07926 713 198 or call us on 020 8936 7666 to find out more!

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Client Testimonials For Issues We Have Helped With

My sessions with Ilan have been the vital component in my road to recovery from mental health problems. The conversations we had and the tasks he set really aided me in recovering my confidence remarkably quickly. I would highly recommend Ilan to anyone suffering similar mental health problems as his work undoubtedly has made a profound impact on my health.

I saw Ilan six times to help me with my crippling anxiety and low mood which has been stopping me from performing well at work. I was also starting to withdraw from my friends and family.

Ilan was welcoming and really went out of his way to support me with emails and telephone calls. Since meeting him, I am well on the way to recovery and feel better equipped to deal with my problems and overcome them. Thanks.

Bina has been an absolute godsend following the death of my husband. She is engaging, understanding and quickly adapted to my situation - above all she has shown me there is a light at the end of the tunnel. A true professional that comes highly recommended!

Amy you were simply wonderful, unlike the experiences I received with different psychologists a few years ago which simply added to the pain I was already suffering. Thank you for everything.

From our very first session, I immediately felt comfortable with Bina, which was a big relief. Through our sessions, I was able to better understand and make sense of my anxious thoughts, feelings and experiences because of the empathetic, supportive and educated therapist Bina is. She gave me the skills to be able to recognise and reframe unhelpful thoughts and feelings, which has made my day-to-day functioning much more manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eating Disorders

What Are Key Signs Of An Eating Disorder?

Eating disorder signs include noticeable changes in weight, extreme preoccupation with food, body image dissatisfaction, secretive eating behaviours and irregularities in eating patterns, such as excessive dieting or binge eating. Seeking professional help is crucial for effective treatment.

Can You Help With Eating Disorders In Children?

Yes, our sister practice the Little Bee Clinic offers treatment for eating disorders in teens and children. Our experienced therapists can offer age-appropriate treatment such as Play Therapy or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

How Long Are Therapy Sessions For Eating Disorders?

All of our sessions last 50 minutes. They can be completed in-person, over the phone or online via zoom.

How Do You Know If You Have An Eating Disorder?

If you find yourself constantly preoccupied with thoughts about food, weight or body image, engaging in extreme eating behaviours such as restrictive dieting or binge eating, and experiencing physical or emotional distress related to your eating habits, it is crucial to seek professional help. A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential for an accurate diagnosis and the development of an appropriate treatment plan.

Is Eating One Meal A Day An Eating Disorder?

Eating one meal a day is not inherently classified as an eating disorder. However, extreme patterns of food restriction could potentially indicate disordered eating. If such eating patterns lead to malnutrition, negative impacts on overall well-being or are driven by distorted body image concerns, then seeking guidance from a professional is advisable.

Will The Therapy Session Be Covered By Insurance?

Most of our therapists are covered by insurance. Examples include AXA, Vitality Health, BUPA, WPA, Cigna and Simply Health. Get in touch to find out if your session will be covered.