Therapy for Atypical Anorexia
People may not look at you and see an eating disorder. They see someone who looks 'normal.' But they don’t see how much you are struggling on the inside - how sick you are.
The things you are doing to lose weight, sometimes even given to me by a weight loss professional. It wouldn’t be acceptable if my body looked different.
You hate your body.
Your day is consumed with thoughts and anxieties around food. You obsess over your food rules, on top of dealing with the shame that comes with all of it.
You can’t remember the last time you went out with friends for a meal and really enjoyed yourself. Worst of all, you even start to notice how isolated you feel.
You know food should be easier than this!
Symptoms of Atypical Anorexia
Symptoms of atypical anorexia are no different than those of anorexia. The only difference being the size of the person experiencing the symptoms. Which sucks. It doesn’t mean that you are any less sick than others or that your eating disorder is any less serious. Anorexia may look like:
Not eating enough throughout the day to fuel your body.
Putting yourself through hell to try and change your body.
Being preoccupied with calories, diet rules, and the number on the scale
Feeling foggy, forgetful, or struggle to maintain attention
Your skin feels more dry than usual, your nails are brittle, or your hair is thinning.
Experiencing stomach cramps or other gastrointestinal issues.
Therapy for Atypical Anorexia Can Help
You should not have to live like this, you deserve help. Atypical anorexia treatment can be the answer you're looking for. You can live a life free from stress and anxiety around food and food rules. You deserve to learn to accept your body as it is and to be comfortable in your skin.
I strongly believe that everybody has the right to pursue health and happiness. No matter what their body looks like, everyone deserves to feel good. And that includes mental health. I understand that if this were just about the food, this wouldn’t be so hard. If so, this would have been over years ago. Unfortunately, he emotions and experiences that are driving this don’t just go away.
My Approach to Therapy for Atypical Anorexia
My approach to treating the eating disorders is HAES (Health at Every Size) informed. As a HAES therapist, my approach is strongly based in anti-diet beliefs. I believe in the power of a genuine therapeutic relationship and its ability to heal. This is something you and I will develop in our counseling journey. I also believe that healing has to be more than changing or replacing thoughts. Instead, to recover from an eating disorder, it means really embracing body acceptance.
Beginning Therapy for Atypical Anorexia in St. Louis, MO
You don’t have to live with food rules controlling you. Counseling can help you find peace with food and your body and reconnect with the world around you. You can look forward to a time where you can go out to eat with your friends without worrying about what you are eating. Imagine: letting yourself have fun. This is a true possibility of our work together. Therapy for atypical anorexia can help you regain control of your life. To start your journey, follow these three steps:
Meet with me, Erin, for a 20 minute consultation
Set up your first appointment to start your journey to freedom from your eating disorder.
Other Mental Health Services Provided Embodied Self Counseling in Missouri
Therapy for Atypical Anorexia is not the only service provided at my counseling clinic in St. Louis, MO. I provide eating disorder treatment for a variety of disorders, including Binge Eating Disorder, Anorexia, and Bulimia. In addition, I provide counseling for body image, anxiety, compulsive exercise and perfectionism treatment. I also offer eating disorder treatment for men. Additionally, I am experience in working with athletes and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. All of my services are available via online therapy in Missouri and online therapy in Wisconsin in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.