Exploring Therapy Specialties: Eating Disorders
by Patricia McGuire, LPC-MHSP
7/15/2025
In therapy, I work with individuals facing a variety of concerns and challenges including depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, eating disorders, and body image concerns. I believe treating each individual uniquely and holistically is key to the therapeutic relationship and path of healing. (Take a look at all my specialties here).
Eating disorders often emerge from a complex interplay of factors rather than a single cause. These can include genetic predispositions, societal pressures regarding body image, trauma, emotional distress, and difficulties in managing stress or emotions. Additionally, relational dynamics and internalized beliefs about self-worth frequently contribute to the development and maintenance of disordered eating behaviors. Treating eating disorders can certainly not be contained to one small blogpost, so please reach out with further questions.
Eating disorders may involve medical complications and can become life-threatening. It is very important to find trusted, eating disorder-trained clinicians to help you navigate the treatment of your eating disorder.
Treatment for eating disorders typically involves a comprehensive approach that addresses both psychological and physical components, including working with a dietitian, therapist, and medication provider if needed. In therapy, we will utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) along with other therapies to help you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors related to food and body image.
Working with a dietitian for nutritional counseling is also an essential component of healing from an eating disorder. Dietitians can provide education and support for restoring healthy eating habits and body weight if necessary. Medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of anxiety or depression that often accompany eating disorders.
Support from understanding family and friends can significantly enhance recovery, fostering an environment of understanding and encouragement as you work towards a healthier relationship with food and your body.
Here is a framework of intentional guideposts and goals I use when working with clients with eating disorders:
enhance self-worth and assertiveness
increase mental, emotional, & behavioral flexibility
increase emotional awareness & distress tolerance skills
develop greater relational connections
decrease avoidance
re-establish appropriate relationship with food and body movement
Eating disorders develop in a “perfect storm” of circumstances and are often complex and unique to each individual. Together, we can cultivate a therapeutic space of gentleness, thoughtful accountability, tangible goal-setting, and compassionate curiosity to help you move towards your flourishing life, free from the noise and challenge of an eating disorder.
Go deeper: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/get-help/
If you’d like to explore these ideas further, connect with Patricia McGuire here
