Eating Disorders

Various Eating Disorder Treatments

Loudoun Wellness Center works with individuals to ameliorate disruptive symptoms of eating disorders. From restrictive to bingeing, providers assess and alter thoughts along with behaviors impinging on your goals. For restrictive symptoms, the individual will participate in Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E). CBT-E investigates what factors are maintaining the disorder. For example, concerns about weight, body appearance, or the experience of “being in control” contribute to the preservation of the disorder. Schemas (our view of the self/world) are ruminated upon, leaving one to experience automatic negative thoughts or images about self. This can contribute to a multitude of behaviors including restricting food intake, laxative use, and/or excessive exercise. CBT-E has been found to be effective with binge eating disorders as well.

Binge-eating and bulimia disorders are treated with forms of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for Eating Disorders. The underpinnings of DBT highlight mindfulness (awareness) skills and emotions experienced prior to and during episodes. This insight is effective in understanding vulnerabilities to overeating/bingeing. Skills to “surf” the urge to binge are additionally taught when intensity occurs.