Psychological Support for Eating Disorders
Compassionate and Evidence-Based Support for Eating Disorders
Struggling with an eating disorder can feel isolating and overwhelming, but recovery is possible with the right support. At The Thriving Bee Psychology, treatment focuses on providing compassionate, individualized care for those dealing with eating disorders, including binge eating, restrictive eating, and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).
Eating disorders often stem from a complex mix of emotional, psychological, and social factors. Whether you feel trapped in a cycle of binge eating, are managing restrictive eating patterns, or are struggling to feel safe around food, this space is dedicated to helping you understand and address these challenges in a way that feels supportive and empowering.
Understanding Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are not just about food; they are deeply tied to emotions, self-perception, and coping mechanisms. Common eating disorders that The Thriving Bee Psychology specializes in include:
Binge Eating Disorder: Episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short time, accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, or loss of control.
Restrictive Eating: A pattern of eating very little, avoiding certain food groups, or feeling intense fear about gaining weight.
ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder): Fear or avoidance of certain foods due to sensory sensitivities, past negative experiences, or concerns about texture, taste, or safety.
Each person's experience is unique, and treatment is tailored to meet your specific needs, challenges, and goals.
Treatment Approaches at The Thriving Bee Psychology
Careful consideration is given to choosing approaches that are both evidence-based and adaptable to individual needs. Two of the primary therapeutic approaches used are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) and Schema Therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E)
CBT-E is a gold-standard treatment for eating disorders and is highly effective in addressing disordered eating patterns. Key focuses include:
Breaking unhelpful cycles such as binge eating, emotional eating, or restrictive eating patterns.
Understanding and challenging distorted beliefs about food, weight, and self-worth.
Developing a balanced, sustainable approach to eating, free from guilt or fear.
CBT-E provides practical tools to help manage triggers, regulate emotions, and regain a sense of control over eating behaviors.
Schema Therapy for Eating Disorders
Schema Therapy delves into the underlying emotional patterns that drive disordered eating behaviors. It works to:
Identify and address deep-rooted schemas, such as perfectionism, fear of failure, or feeling unworthy.
Explore how past experiences and unmet needs contribute to current challenges.
Cultivate self-compassion and emotional resilience, creating healthier ways to cope with life's challenges.
This approach helps uncover the emotional "why" behind disordered eating and supports long-term healing and growth.
The Thriving Bee Psychology Focuses on:
Providing a safe, non-judgmental environment where you feel truly heard.
Offering tailored treatment plans based on your personal experiences, needs, and goals.
Supporting individuals of all ages, from children to adults, with eating disorders and related challenges.
Offering Telehealth psychology services for flexibility and accessibility.
About
Jessica is a compassionate psychologist specialising in the treatment of eating disorders and body image concerns. With advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E) and Schema Therapy for Eating Disorders, Jessica is well-equipped to provide comprehensive and effective care for individuals struggling with these issues. Jessica also works with children and adults struggling with ARFID and restricted eating. She is registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and is credentialed by the Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED), a professional organization dedicated to research, education, and clinical practice in the field of eating disorders. Jessica’s affiliation with ANZAED, as well as her dedication to continuing professional development and supervision ensure that she adheres to the highest standards of professional practice and stays updated with the latest advancements in her field.