Tonbridge Brief Therapy Centre :: Effective change now

Eating disorders of various kinds have received increased publicity in recent years. Amongst relatively common eating disorders are anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and compulsive overeating. Eating disorders have some features in common with addictions and with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive disorder). A behaviour that may originally have been partly chosen, or which seemed initially only mildly irregular, becomes very much exaggerated and apparently uncontrollable.

Eating disorders are not fixed at birth

People do not inherit eating disorders genetically. Neither are they fixed and unchangeable conditions one has to accept as a life sentence. Many go through phases in which they experience these conditions to a greater of lesser extent; the majority leave them behind permanently sooner or later. For some, however, they prove extremely troublesome and indeed life threatening.

Intelligent therapy for eating disorders

does not encourage sufferers to introspect, nor to blame themselves
does ask clients take responsibility for managing their condition
teaches an understanding of how in general such disorders develop
encourages clients to understand the special ways in which their own disorder has developed
develops an understanding of the larger pattern of human needs
develops strategies for meeting those needs with the client
teaches skills of relaxation and self focus that enable clients to experience their identity as separate from the disorder
teaches skills of imaginative rehearsal that allow new patterns to develop successfully
encourages an optimistic, life-enhancing view

How long does it take?

Eating disorders are known to be stubborn, persistent but also unpredictable, whilst of course people vary widely in their needs, skills, capacities and experience. It’s hence not possible or even advisable to specify set numbers of sessions. However, many people experience marked change over the first 2 to 3 sessions and solve most of their problem in under 6 sessions. Some of course take more and some have multiple additional concerns to be addressed. All clients are encouraged to notice improvements from the outset.