Psychologist for eating disorder counselling in Melbourne or by telehealth
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that can have serious physical and emotional consequences. They are characterised by a distressing or debilitating relationship with food and body image and can manifest in various forms, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating, and other specified feeding or eating disorders. We are able to provide compassionate and effective counselling for those struggling with eating disorders, available in Melbourne or via telehealth.
Understanding eating disorders
Eating disorders are not just about food; they are often a way of coping with emotional distress, and can be tied to feelings of control, perfectionism, or self-worth. Symptoms can vary widely but commonly include obsessive thoughts about food and body weight, extreme dietary restrictions, binge eating, purging, and excessive exercise. These behaviours can lead to severe physical health problems and emotional turmoil.
How we treat eating disorders
Our treatment approach at Cova Psychology is tailored to the individual, recognising that each person’s experience with an eating disorder is unique. Our psychologists use a range of evidence-based therapies to address both the symptoms and the underlying emotional issues. Treatments may include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns related to food, body image, and self-worth.
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): DBT helps in managing emotions and reducing impulsive behaviours that often accompany eating disorders.
- Family-Based Therapy (FBT): Particularly effective for adolescents, FBT involves family members in the treatment process to support recovery.
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions: These interventions help in developing a more compassionate and non-judgmental relationship with the body and food.
Each treatment plan is developed in collaboration with the client, ensuring that it meets their specific needs and goals. To learn more about our team and their specialisations in treating eating disorders, visit our Who We Are page.
Our support for eating disorder recovery
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, the team at Cova Psychology is here to help. We offer a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment to support your journey to recovery. Our services include:
- Individual therapy sessions: Focused on addressing the specific needs and challenges related to eating disorders.
- Nutritional counselling: In collaboration with dietitians to ensure a holistic approach to recovery.
We offer both face-to-face sessions in Melbourne and telehealth consultations to make our services accessible to everyone. Click here to book an appointment. For more information about how we can assist you, visit our FAQs page.
In case of emergency, please contact emergency services on 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.