Anorexia Therapy
We take a personalized approach to talk therapy because we believe that every individual experiencing anorexia is unique.
What Is Anorexia?
The Mayo Clinic describes Anorexia as "an eating disorder characterized by abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of weight.” Those experiencing Anorexia often have a very rigid approach to weight and shape, which results in extreme measures like food restriction, excessive exercise, and other methods like diet aids, diuretics, or enemas.
Physical symptoms include very low body weight, anemia, heart problems, bone loss, a lack of period in females, low testosterone in men, digestive concerns, and more.
Due to some people’s natural body composition, though, some individuals may not appear as thin as we may envision. Mental symptoms include emotional and behavioral issues due to a lack of nutrients as well as the concerns that Anorexia is covering up.
We believe that Anorexia is not about the food and one’s appearance. This is the external manifestation of the inability to cope with emotional problems like family and interpersonal distrust and the inability to access emotions. It is a way to exert perfectionism on yourself to control what can’t be controlled.
What to Expect During Therapy for Anorexia
During therapy for Anorexia, we work with you to step outside the safety box, learn how to better access emotions, and build strong interpersonal relationships. We help you release the rigidity you hold over yourself to experience food freedom and body acceptance.
While we find that those seeking therapy for Anorexia do best in individual therapy, we always recommend participating in group sessions to build community with others who have had similar experiences.
We also believe that, for best, long-lasting change, therapy is a long-term commitment. When you commit to putting in the work to challenge your preexisting beliefs and find freedom outside the refuge that Anorexia provides you, we commit to helping you through it.
Start A Healthy Approach To Navigating Anorexia
Email jill@jlewistherapy.com or by calling (347) 563-5736.