Eating problems
Support when your relationship with food, body or weight becomes difficult, working alongside other professionals when needed.
What is it?
Our relationship with food is about more than nutrition. It is tied to feelings, body image, the need for control and past experiences. Food can sometimes become a way of coping with difficult emotions.
Eating problems can take different forms, such as strict restriction, episodes of eating that feel out of control, compensating behaviours after eating, or constant preoccupation with food and weight. Because they can also affect physical health, they often call for several professionals working together.
Common signs
- Thinking constantly about food, weight or body shape
- Clearly restricting food or skipping meals
- Eating a large amount in a short time while feeling out of control
- Guilt, shame or an urge to compensate after eating
- Avoiding eating in front of others
- Strong dissatisfaction with your body
These signs alone do not mean a diagnosis; an assessment takes place in an in person or online session.
How can therapy help?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) works on noticing the thoughts and habits that keep eating patterns going, and on building a more flexible relationship with food and the body. Psychodynamic (psychoanalytically informed) therapy makes room to understand the emotional meaning of the eating problem and its links to relationships and past experiences.
With eating problems, psychological support is often not enough on its own. Building a joint plan with a physician, a dietitian and, when needed, a psychiatrist is important. We discuss this collaboration together at the start.
Approaches I use in this area
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
A structured approach that looks at the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviour and works on changing unhelpful cycles.
Read more02Psychodynamic (psychoanalytically informed) therapy
An approach that explores how past experiences, relationship patterns and feelings outside our awareness shape the present.
Read moreWhen is extra support needed?
Rapid and marked weight loss, dizziness, fainting, palpitations, frequent vomiting or laxative use can carry serious physical risks and need a doctor without delay. Where medication may be needed, I refer to a psychiatrist. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or there is immediate danger, call 112.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have an eating problem?
If thoughts about food and your body are affecting your daily life, health or relationships, it may be worth seeking support. An assessment can only be made in sessions and, when needed, together with a doctor.
Why are a dietitian and a doctor also needed?
Eating problems can affect physical health. Monitoring nutrition and physical condition allows the psychological work to move forward on safe ground.
Are online sessions suitable for eating problems?
In many cases online sessions can work well. Where physical risks are high, in person support with medical follow up may come first.
Every process is personal. Therapy does not guarantee a specific outcome, but it offers a safe space for change.
Related areas of work
- Stress and burnoutWorking together on how long term stress and burnout affect your body, mood and relationships.
- Grief and lossSessions that accompany you through grief after losing someone close, a separation or a major life change.
- Sleep problemsPsychological support when falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up rested feels hard.
Whenever you feel ready, I am here
Get in touch with any questions or to book a session. You will usually hear back on the same day.