Eating disorder counseling is available to treat the three main types of eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Counseling varies from psychotherapy to nutrition.   

People with these eating disorders are usually hiding from emotions, filling a void, and/or trying to cope with everyday stresses. We'll look briefly at three eating disorders. Then we'll look at counseling options, including what to ask when talking with a counselor.

Bulimia
Bulimics eat large quantities of food in one sitting and then vomit, fast or use enemas, laxatives or exercise in an attempt to lose weight. See the symptoms of bulimia here.

Anorexia
Anorexics self-starve themselves because they are unusually sensitive to being perceived as fat. Those with the disorder weigh at least 15% less than their normal body weight. See the symptoms of anorexia here.

Binge Eating
Also known as compulsive overeating, binge eating is uncontrollable eating and the resulting weight gain. According to WebMD, binge eaters use food as a "way to cope with uncomfortable feeling and emotions,"

Consequences of Eating Disorders
Here are the most common physical consequences of an eating disorder:

  • Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis)
  • Irregular heart rhythms
  • Kidney problems
  • Brain abnormalities
  • Gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, diarrhea, acid reflux

Getting eating disorder counseling is crucial to avoid health problems such as these.  

Treating Eating Disorders
According to the National Eating Disorders Association www.nationaleatingdisorders.org,

"The most effective and long-lasting treatment for an eating disorder is some form of
psychotherapy or psychological counseling, coupled with careful attention to medical and
nutritional needs."

Eating disorder counseling takes many forms and may require trial and error before success. Some form of counseling or psychotherapy is crucial for success.

Who Provides Counseling?
A licensed health professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, medical doctor or nutritionist—anyone with experience in dealing with eating disorders—should be sought for counseling.
Individual Counseling/Therapy is one-on-one treatment with a licensed therapist or psychologist trained in eating disorder recovery.
One approach is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing the way you think about yourself and the addiction. CBT often employs role-playing and coming up with ways to avoid negative thoughts.
Psychoanalytic therapy tries to gain access to the subconscious, digging deep for the underlying problems of the patient, which can include social and cultural factors.
Psychological counseling should address both the eating disorder symptoms and the root psychological, interpersonal, and cultural factors that contributed to the eating disorder.

Selecting an Eating Disorder Counselor
These tips for selecting an eating disorder counselor are provided by the National Eating Disorder Association. 

  • What is your experience in treating eating disorders?
  • Are you a member of the Academy of Eating Disorders (AED)? Are you licensed?
  • What is your treatment style?
  • How do you assess the quality outcomes of the treatment you provide?
  • What factors do you use when deciding on an individual treatment plan?
  • Will I get a medical evaluation before treatment begins?
  • How long will the treatment process take?
  • Will my insurance pay for treatment?
  • Do you consult other professionals in the course of my treatment?
  • What is my diagnosis?
  • Are there physical and/or psychiatric complications that also need to be treated?
  • What role will family and friends play in the treatment process?
  • What are the benefits and risks of the treatment?

Other Aspects of Counseling
Eating disorder counseling can and should include other treatment approaches.
Dieticians or Nutritionists are a must for anyone with an eating disorder. You'll need help in  improving your health and eating habits. According to something-fishy.org, "they will help you to incorporate healthy behaviors into your everyday life. Their goal should not be to "change" your habits overnight, but to teach you over a period of time how to promote a healthier relationship with the food you consume."

Serious eating disorder cases will need Inpatient Treatment Programs. These are hyper-focused and last from several weeks to several months with a team of professionals (doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, etc.) providing 24/7 care.  
Outpatient Treatment Programs are often performed at mental health clinics or hospitals with "sessions" occurring daily or weekly depending on your needs. Again, you'll meet with doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists who will evaluate and address your treatment needs.
Group Support often takes place in inpatient, outpatient or a therapist's office and is a moderated by a professional. Other support groups like Eating Disorders Anonymous www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org and Overeaters Anonymous www.oa.org are less formal, free, and anonymous. . These organizations have meetings throughout the country and even offer online (Facebook) and phone meetings.
In group support meetings, people discuss issues and the daily challenges they face. The goal is to learn from and support one another on the path to recovery. 
Summary

Eating disorder counseling is crucial for success if you are suffering from bulimia, anorexia, or binge eating disorder. The health stakes are too high to ignore treatment. If you or someone you love suffers from one of these disorders, find a treatment center using recoverycorps.org's database.