Overview of Eating Disorder Treatment
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, behaviours and overall relationship with food, body image and self-worth. They can impact physical health, psychological wellbeing, and day-to-day functioning, often becoming overwhelming without appropriate support.
Eating disorder therapy focuses on understanding the underlying emotional, cognitive and behavioural factors that maintain symptoms, and on supporting individuals toward recovery, stability, and improved quality of life. Our approach emphasises early intervention, collaboration with medical and dietetic professionals, and creating a safe, non-judgemental therapeutic space.
Eating disorders can occur at any age and affect people of all genders, backgrounds and body sizes. With the right support, individuals can develop healthier coping strategies, restore balance, and rebuild a positive and compassionate relationship with food and their body.
Our Approach to Eating Disorder Treatment
We offer neuro-affirming, evidence-based treatment that supports individuals experiencing:
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Binge Eating Disorder
- Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders (OSFED)
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
- Disordered eating patterns
- Body image concerns
- Exercise or movement compulsions
Therapy is tailored to each person's needs, goals, and stage of change.
Sessions may incorporate:
- CBT-E (Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy)
- ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills (DBT-informed)
- Family-Based principles for youth (FBT-informed)
- Body image and self-esteem work
- Emotional regulation and coping strategies
- Psychoeducation for clients and families
We work closely with GPs, paediatricians, psychiatrists and accredited dietitians. This ensures treatment remains medically safe and keeps all supports aligned in the client’s recovery journey.
Eating Disorder Treatment Plans (EDPs)
As part of the Eating Disorder Medicare Pathway, clients may be eligible for up to 40 rebated sessions per year (10 dietitian + 30 psychology).
We support clients through:
- GP review requirements
- Monitoring symptom severity
- Treatment planning
- Progress reviews
- Communication with other providers (with consent)
If you are unsure whether you qualify for an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDP), our team can guide you or speak directly with your GP.
Common Reasons to Seek Support
People often reach out for help when experiencing:
Eating-related concerns
- Restriction, skipping meals, or rigid food rules
- Binge eating or loss of control with food
- Purging behaviours (vomiting, laxatives, over-exercise)
- Fear of weight gain or intense body image distress
- Avoidance of food textures, smells or eating environments
- Feeling out of control or preoccupied with food
- Eating in secret
- Compensatory behaviours
Body-related concerns
- Negative or distorted body image
- Body checking or body avoidance
- Fear of judgement or comparison
- Low self-esteem or self-criticism
Emotional and psychological impacts
- Anxiety or depression connected to food or weight
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Shame, guilt or perfectionism
- Feeling overwhelmed, stuck or hopeless
- Social withdrawal
Physical symptoms that may also appear
- Fatigue, dizziness, fainting
- Changes to menstrual cycle
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Heart palpitations
- Cold intolerance
If any of these sound familiar, support can make a significant difference.
How Eating Disorders Affect Daily Life
Eating disorders can influence every part of a person’s life, including:
- Relationships – withdrawing from friends or family, avoiding shared meals
- School or work – difficulty concentrating, fatigue, or reduced performance
- Physical health – medical complications requiring GP or hospital support
- Mental health – heightened anxiety, low mood, or feelings of isolation
- Identity & self-worth – over-reliance on shape, weight or eating behaviours to cope
Recovery involves learning new ways to manage emotions, build resilience, and create a fulfilling life outside of the disorder.
Support for Families & Carers
Families play a meaningful role in recovery. We provide:
- Guidance on supporting loved ones
- Psychoeducation on eating disorders
- Strategies for mealtime support
- Communication and boundary support
- Guidance around school or workplace needs
Parents and caregivers often need support too — and we are here for that.
What Treatment Looks Like
Your psychologist will work with you to:
- Build safety and stabilise symptoms
- Identify triggers and maintaining factors
- Strengthen emotional regulation
- Challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs
- Rebuild trust with food and the body
- Reduce guilt, shame and avoidance
- Develop coping tools that align with your values
- Support long-term recovery and relapse prevention
Therapy is paced gently and collaboratively, always respecting your autonomy.
You Are Not Alone
Eating disorders thrive in isolation, but recovery grows with connection and support. Many people feel overwhelmed or unsure whether they “deserve” help — but reaching out is an important and brave first step.
Recovery is possible, and you don’t need to do it alone.
Contact Us
If you or someone you care about is experiencing disordered eating or concerns around food or body image, we are here to help.
Call us on (07) 5520 7705 or submit an enquiry to book an appointment.
