It is the time of year that many are working on New Year’s resolutions. While others may resist this type of goal setting or have already changed course, deciding to forgo the pressure of such plans altogether. And, with the multi-billion dollar diet industry marketing to us at every turn, it is all too common that weight loss or changing our bodies, is at the top of the goal list for many.
Despite the more recent “body positive” movement, we have a long way to go before the size and shape of our bodies isn’t viewed as something to be changed. We need a more accurate understanding of what affects size and weight, as well as more compassionate beliefs and attitudes toward ours and others’ bodies. Judgment, shame, and stigma still lead the way for many. Combined with other mental health issues, physical inabilities and typical daily human stuggles, it is not hard to understand that issues, such as overeating and binge eating, as well as other types of eating disorders are at an all time high.
According to The National Eating Disorders Association, Binge Eating Disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States. It is characterized by, “frequent and persistent episodes of binge eating accompanied by feelings of loss of control and marked distress in the absence of regular compensatory behaviors (G. Terence Wilson, PhD; Denise E. Wilfley, PhD; W. Stewart Agras, MD;).”
People use food, whether it is compulsive overeating or restricting intake, to help ease their inner turmoil and psychological conflicts. Food might be used to soothe emotions, either consciously or unconsciously. This happens when managing these feelings is too overwhelming, and a habit has formed when eating to avoid the full emotional experience of what they are facing. Unfortunately, this is a short-term solution that often leads to other health concerns.
Luckily, there are effective treatments and ways to address Binge and Compulsive eating disorders. Some therapy treatments options are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as Interpersonal Therapy (IPT). Each of these therapies involves exploring patterns, to properly identify the root cause of this behavior and helps us effectively plan to get you the help you need.
- CBT focuses on patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
- IPT focuses on relational patterns, such as how our relationship dynamics impact our thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
In the words of writer and noted speaker, Geneen Roth, “Emotional eating is a language of its own, like hieroglyphics or braille. Instead of trying to understand it, we’re more likely to try to ignore it or shut it up. But we can’t rid ourselves of emotional eating until we listen to what it has to say.” Since our relationship with food is expressing a true need, Our Binge Eating Disorder therapy method will focus on working to understand the need that the eating behavior is expressing, and addressing these issues in healthier ways.
As you can see, there is help to overcome all types of eating challenges. Our team uses evidenced-based treatments, which we have found to be one of the best methods of therapy for binge eating support. Do not hesitate to message us today and set up a time to talk! Make 2023 the year that you learn healthier ways of coping!