Helping Eating Problems using psychotherapy at 1066 Therapy
covering East Sussex, Battle, Hastings, Bexhill, Rye, Heathfield, Hailsham, Eastbourne, Crowborough, Brighton, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Ashford and Kent.
I am often asked for help with eating problems such as anorexia, bulimia, or other eating problems. I have helped people with these problems at my practice just outside of Battle, East Sussex.
Please click here for problems with weight control, comfort eating, binge eating or over-eating.
Is it really ‘a problem with food’?
Most people with these problems, think (or have been told) that food is the problem, in and of itself. Often when we seek help for an eating problem, the focus is usually on food. Most approaches are about ways in which we can try to manage our ‘issue with food’. This type of approach, although sometimes helpful in the short term, may not always result in permanent changes. The main reason for this is that food is usually NOT the actual problem. The unhealthy behaviour with food is a secondary symptom of an underlying (primary) problem.
Eating problems as a ‘way of coping’
Firstly, having any eating problem or disorder is NOT a character flaw or weakness. Eating problems are usually ‘coping mechanisms’ which have developed because, underneath, we have some emotional discomfort. Perhaps we feel anxious; or have low self-esteem. We may feel ‘out of control’, or stressed out, for instance. And we tend to feel increasingly ‘compelled’ to carry out our unhealthy behaviour with food.
This is usually a new perspective for my clients asking for help with their eating problems. This is especially the case if they have had any therapy for this problem beforehand. Things usually become clearer as we work through things together though.
What causes eating problems?
One thing to remember is that babies aren’t born with eating problems. Certainly not emotional ones anyway. The underlying primary (emotional) causes are generally unresolved emotions from negative past experiences. We may also have negative ‘core beliefs’ about ourselves. These experiences are usually from early life. The events are sometimes long-forgotten by the time we develop an eating problem. In fact, we don’t usually connect them to our current issues. We tend to store these unresolved emotions and core beliefs subconsciously (i.e. outside of conscious awareness). This makes it more difficult in many ways if we have eating problems.
However, it is possible to resolve even long-standing, subconscious compulsions using appropriate therapy.
How can I help?
I offer different therapy approaches but I have found that Lifespan Integration therapy tend to produce the most effecive results when working to resolve and heal the underlying emotions.
Please browse my site for information on the various therapies / approaches that I practise.
Call or text me now on 07722783490 to book your free 30 minute initial consultation.
