What is an eating disorder?
Eating disorders aren’t about food at all. Like most symptoms, eating disorders begin as a coping tool for dealing with, regulating, or numbing painful emotions. People with eating disorders use food to feel in control and to cope with painful emotions such as anger, self-loathing, vulnerability, and fear. The overlap between use of food as a means of self-soothing and trauma is high. Best practices for treatment of disordered eating or an eating disorder addresses the symptoms as well as helps the client heal past trauma and find other tools for coming in to and feeling good about their bodies and selves.
What are the effects of an eating disorder?
[ic_add_posts post_type=’testimonial’ tdept=’eating’]
People suffering from eating disorders fixate on food and body weight as a way to gain control of their lives. Counting calories, using laxatives for weight control, and developing eating habits based on moods and feelings are often signs that someone is suffering from an eating disorder. Overeating to the point of sabotaging ones health and body image is also a dangerous and common manifestation of disordered eating that can leave individuals feeling shameful and alone in their symptoms.
How PTI can help
At PTI, we use cognitive behavioral, drama, play, and art therapy treatment interventions to address unhealthy eating practices and the distorted, negative thoughts that trigger them. We go beyond the symptoms of eating disorders to address the underlying causes, such as childhood trauma and low self-esteem. We also help patients recognize their emotional triggers and teach them to manage those triggers in appropriate ways, such as practicing good nutrition, managing a healthy weight, and relaxation techniques. Even if your relationship with your body isn’t a loving one and never has been, it is never too late to start treating yourself better.