Eating disorders occur when people take concerns over weight and body image to an extreme, developing abnormal eating habits and/or excessive distress over body weight or shape. They often lead to numerous physical and emotional problems. There are three main types of eating disorders:
1) Anorexia Nervosa (AN): is characterized by a distorted body image most often seeing oneself as much heavier than actual weight, as well as a tendency to restrict (and sometimes exercise compulsively) leading to significant weight loss.

2) Bulimia Nervosa (BN): BN is typically marked by eating excessive quantities of food followed by purging by using laxatives, enemas, diuretics, vomiting, and/or excessive exercise. This is often done secretly resulting in feelings of both shame and relief.

3) Eating Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS): This category includes several variations of AN and BN, including Binge-eating disorder.

Eating disorders don’t usually go away on their own and leaving them untreated can have serious consequences, possibly even death. The development of full-blown eating disorders is usually preceded by very strict dieting, occasional bingeing, and/or weight loss, and the longer these patterns continue, the more deeply ingrained they become and the more difficult they are to treat. Research shows that early intervention is very important. As soon as abnormal eating behaviors seem to be having a destructive impact on someone’s functioning or self-image it is time to seek professional help.

At Heritage, we have therapists trained specifically to work with eating disorders. Our therapists play a vital role in a multidisciplinary team of professionals that may be needed to provide adequate care. Other professionals on the team might include a nutritionist, physician, psychiatrist, and/or family therapist.

Our therapists help identify the psychological issues that need attention. They help the client identify situations and issues that trigger eating disorder thoughts and behaviors and work to change those destructive thoughts and behaviors. Psychotherapy will also focus on exploring the psychological issues that underlie the eating disorder. Other areas of focus might include improving coping and interpersonal skills and addressing problematic relationships.

In most cases, eating disorders can be successfully treated by health and mental health professionals trained in working with these disorders. However, intervention is not often instantly effectively, and clients and their families may need to commit to long-term treatment.