Restore balance and rebuild a healthy relationship with food and self.

Eating should be nourishing, not a source of fear, guilt, or control. Sowka Psychotherapy & Consultation provides compassionate, personalized eating disorders treatment in Florida for individuals struggling with eating disorders. Our approach focuses on healing the mind and body while fostering self-acceptance and confidence. Therapy can help you identify triggers, challenge unhealthy thoughts, and build positive coping strategies. A healthier, more balanced life is possible, and support is here for you.

Coping with an Eating Disorder

Coping with an eating disorder is often a long and complex journey, but with the right strategies, it is possible to find recovery. Here are some important strategies for coping with an eating disorder:

  • Developing a healthy relationship with food and body image
  • Building a strong support system of family, friends, or therapists
  • Practicing mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress
  • Establishing regular meal routines and seeking nutritional guidance
  • Using cognitive-behavioral therapy to address harmful thoughts and behaviors
  • Engaging in self-care practices that nurture the mind and body

Frequently Asked Questions

What are eating disorders?
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that involve persistent patterns of unhealthy eating behaviors and a preoccupation with food, body image, or weight. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. These disorders often have serious physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. Individuals with eating disorders may struggle with extreme control over their food intake, leading to dangerous health effects.
What are the different types of eating disorders?
The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa involves extreme restriction of food intake, often accompanied by a distorted body image and an intense fear of gaining weight. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviors like vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use to prevent weight gain. Binge eating disorder involves recurring episodes of overeating without compensatory behaviors like purging. Other forms, such as avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), can also occur and involve emotional or sensory-based reasons for avoiding food.
What causes eating disorders?
Eating disorders are complex and can arise from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Family history of eating disorders, mental health issues (e.g., anxiety or depression), and societal pressures related to body image are all contributing factors. Traumatic events, emotional distress, or a desire for control can also play significant roles in the development of eating disorders. Individuals may also turn to food-related behaviors as a way to cope with stress, emotions, or life challenges.
How are eating disorders diagnosed?
Eating disorders are diagnosed by healthcare professionals through a comprehensive assessment. This process typically involves a physical examination, lab tests to check for any nutritional deficiencies or complications from disordered eating and a psychological evaluation. Standardized diagnostic criteria, such as those outlined in the DSM-5, are used to determine the presence of an eating disorder.
What treatments are available for eating disorders?

Treatment for eating disorders often includes a combination of medical care, nutritional counseling, and psychotherapy. Medical treatment may address any physical complications from disordered eating, such as malnutrition or dehydration. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is commonly used to help individuals identify and change the thoughts and behaviors contributing to the eating disorder.

Family-based therapy and group therapy may also be beneficial. Nutritional counseling is important to help individuals develop healthier eating habits and restore normal eating patterns. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to address underlying mental health issues like depression or anxiety.

Begin Your Healing Journey Today

Struggling with stress, anxiety, or life’s challenges? Sowka Psychotherapy & Consultation is here to help you find balance. Contact us today to start your journey toward healing.