Do you struggle with disordered eating? If so, you’re well aware of just how much of an impact that restrictive eating, compulsive eating, and other unhealthy eating patterns have on your life. They can take a significant toll on your overall well-being.
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of Eating Disorders, such as biological, behavioral, emotional, psychological, and social factors.
Identifying the hidden triggers of disordered eating is key to recovery success, and Psychodynamic therapy can help discover and uncover these triggers and begin to achieve eating disorder recovery.
What Psychodynamic Therapy Is
Psychodynamic therapy has been around for well over a century. It stems from theories developed by Sigmund Freud in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
It’s different from other therapies in that it seeks to analyze a person’s current patterns and behaviors by examining their past experiences and the unconscious processes that originate from them. Thus, a therapist and a patient can get to the root of the unconscious emotional triggers that are causing their disordered eating.
Studies have suggested those with eating disorders often have unresolved childhood emotional conflicts. Psychodynamic therapy enables a person to unearth the psychological roots of childhood trauma and go through emotional insight development.
Psychodynamic therapy requires the client to be willing to engage in deep self-reflection. The client will be asked to evaluate past experiences from a new perspective.
Because this work is so sensitive and tender, the therapist will work with the client to establish trust as they navigate deep-seated thoughts and help them deal with unhealed past emotional traumas that may affect their present-day behaviors.
How Psychodynamic Therapy Works
Psychodynamic therapy relies heavily on free association. You will spend many sessions talking about the first thoughts and feelings that come to the conscious.
During sessions, you’re welcome to talk about the following:
- What goes on during your daily life, and how you battle back against routine stressors
- How you’ve dealt with conflicts in the past and how you believe they’ve impacted you
- The various dreams and nightmares you’ve had over the years and what they mean to you
- Fears and anxieties that you think have stopped you from reaching your full potential in life
- Any other life experiences that have stuck with you over time and affected your body and mind
Unlike other sessions, which typically follow structured formats, these sessions will flow freely and move in many directions. As you become more comfortable opening up to your therapist, you’ll share more of your life experiences with them.
By doing this, you will shine a spotlight on the defense mechanisms you’ve developed to combat stress, anxiety, fear, and other negative thoughts and emotions.
How Psychodynamic Therapy May Help Those with Disordered Eating
Psychodynamic therapy can treat a wide range of mental health conditions. For example, some therapists will turn to it to assist those struggling with depression, anxiety, or relationship issues.
It might also work wonders for those with disordered eating and severe eating disorders. You probably didn’t just wake up one day with a complicated disorder that you couldn’t get under control. Rather, it’s slow and develops over time, often unknown to the client that is suffering from it.
Our therapists will assist in unpacking emotions and identifying behaviors that are not serving your recovery.
Who To Count on for Psychodynamic Therapy
Would you like to take advantage of psychodynamic therapy and everything it offers to someone with a disordered eating? Make sure you turn to the right therapist for assistance.
J Lewis Therapy will provide you with a therapist who understands the ins and outs of eating disorders and their common causes. Based on your initial evaluation, we will also help you determine which type of therapeutic treatment is ultimately the most helpful, depending on your specific disorder. Reach out to us at 347-718-2681 to schedule an appointment so you can seek the professional help you need.
FAQs
Have more pressing questions? Look for answers to them below.
Who Can Benefit From Psychodynamic Therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy can benefit many people, including those living with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions. It might also help anyone who wishes to unpack their past experiences and the impact they could be having on their lives today.
How Soon Does Psychodynamic Therapy Start To Work?
Psychodynamic therapy will work in minor ways almost immediately but won’t produce long-term results overnight. You will need to spend months, in many cases, exploring your past experiences before you begin to see results that will help create lasting changes. Getting to the root of such deep-seated issues takes patience, and everyone’s timeline is different.
What Is Psychodynamic Therapy’s Success Rate?
The success rate of psychodynamic therapy is difficult to pinpoint because it depends on various factors. Although certain studies have shown that it may be as high as 70%, each patient responds to it differently, and results vary from one individual to the next.
Jill Lewis MA, LCSW, CGP, and current fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. Jill brings all parts of herself to her practice. She’s authentic, genuine, attentive, attuned, and works to be perceptive in every interaction with her clients. She challenges and gently encourages her clients who are struggling but also willing to put the work in for a brighter future.
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