Disordered Eating + Exercise

What is it?

Disordered Eating: This term encompasses a range of irregular eating behaviors and attitudes towards food, weight, and body shape.
Disordered Exercise: This refers to unhealthy exercise behaviors that are driven by an obsession with weight loss, body image, or the need to "burn off" calories.

While they may not meet the criteria for a clinical eating disorder, disordered eating and exercise can still lead to physical health issues, emotional distress, and disruption of daily life. Early recognition and support are essential to help individuals develop healthier relationships with food and exercise and improve their overall well-being.

What are the symptoms / What does it feel like?

Disordered Eating

Restrictive Dieting: Extreme calorie restriction, food avoidance, or rigid dieting practices.
Binge Eating: Consuming large amounts of food in a short period, often accompanied by a loss of control.
Compulsive Eating: Eating in response to emotional distress or stress.
Yo-Yo Dieting: Repeated cycles of weight loss and regain.
Preoccupation with Food: Constantly thinking about food, calories, or meal planning.
Body Dissatisfaction: Excessive concern about body shape or size, often accompanied by negative self-image.

Disordered Exercise

Excessive Exercise: Engaging in exercise to an extreme degree, beyond what is necessary for overall health.
Compulsive Exercise: Feeling compelled to exercise even when injured, ill, or exhausted.
Exercise as Punishment: Using exercise as a form of punishment for eating or as a way to "make up for" indulging in food.
Rigid Exercise Routine: Following a strict and inflexible exercise schedule, even in the face of other life priorities.
Negative Impact on Life: When exercise disrupts daily life, relationships, or job responsibilities.

What are the treatment options?

The choice of treatment depends on individual needs and preferences. In many cases, a combination of therapeutic approaches may be used to address disordered eating and exercise patterns comprehensively.

What to expect at your appointment:

Here's what you can generally expect:

Warm Welcome and Safe Environment: You'll be welcomed into a safe, nonjudgmental, and confidential space where you can openly discuss your concerns.
Discussion of Disordered Eating and Exercise Behaviors: You'll have the opportunity to share details about your disordered eating and exercise patterns, including the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors involved.
Exploring Triggers and Underlying Factors: The psychologist will help you explore the triggers and underlying emotional or psychological factors contributing to your disordered eating and exercise patterns.
Assessment: Depending on your needs, the psychologist may conduct assessments or questionnaires to gain a better understanding of your specific challenges and mental health.
Goal Setting: Together with the psychologist, you'll establish treatment goals that are focused on promoting healthier relationships with food and exercise.
Treatment Options: You'll discuss various treatment options, which may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based approaches, or other evidence-based therapies designed to address disordered eating and exercise behaviors.
Nutritional Guidance: If applicable, the psychologist may work alongside a registered dietitian or nutritionist to provide guidance on balanced eating practices.
Emotional Well-Being: The psychologist will address emotional well-being, helping you manage emotional triggers, develop healthier coping strategies, and improve self-esteem.
Body Image Concerns: If body image issues are involved, strategies for improving body acceptance and self-image may be discussed.
Self-Care and Coping Skills: You'll learn practical self-care techniques and coping skills to manage stress, emotions, and challenges related to disordered eating and exercise.
Confidentiality: You'll receive information about the limits of confidentiality, ensuring that your privacy is respected while addressing necessary exceptions, such as safety concerns.
Collaborative Approach: Therapy for disordered eating and exercise often involves a multidisciplinary approach, and your psychologist may collaborate with other healthcare professionals when needed.
Next Steps: Together, you and the psychologist will outline the next steps in your therapeutic journey, including scheduling regular sessions and establishing a plan for your ongoing treatment.

Anything else important to mention:

Patience and Progress: Understand that progress may take time, and it's common to experience ups and downs during your journey to recovery. Be patient with yourself and celebrate even small victories.
Consistency Matters: Attending sessions regularly and actively engaging in your treatment plan can significantly enhance its effectiveness. Consistency in both attendance and practice of recommended strategies is key.
Homework and Practice: Depending on your therapy approach, your psychologist may assign homework or exercises to practice between sessions. These tasks are designed to reinforce what you learn in therapy and promote lasting change.
Self-Care Is Crucial: Continue to prioritize self-care practices outside of therapy. This includes getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in physical activity that's appropriate for your health, and managing stress.
Open Communication: If you're experiencing any challenges or doubts about your treatment, don't hesitate to share them with your psychologist. Honest and open communication is essential for tailoring your therapy to your unique needs.
Relapse Prevention: Discuss strategies for preventing relapse with your psychologist. Understanding potential triggers and having a plan in place can help you navigate challenging moments.
Seeking Support: If you're struggling between sessions or facing urgent concerns, reach out to your psychologist or a crisis helpline for immediate assistance. Your psychologist is there to support you not just during sessions but throughout your journey.
Support System: Consider involving loved ones in your recovery process, if appropriate. Friends and family can provide valuable support and understanding as you work toward healthier patterns.
Set Realistic Expectations: Recognize that perfection is not the goal. Recovery is about progress, not instant transformation. Be kind to yourself as you navigate the path to improved well-being.
Cultural Sensitivity: If cultural or identity factors play a role in your concerns, discuss them openly with your psychologist. They can tailor the treatment to be culturally sensitive and relevant to your experience.