Do you feel a loss of control when you're around food?
Do you skip meals, or do you rigidly restrict your food intake?
Are you consumed with thoughts about your body shape or your weight?
Many people are aware of what an eating disorder is, but disordered eating may sound less familiar. Disordered eating is not a diagnosis but a phrase used to describe a range of problematic eating behaviors. The signs and symptoms of disordered eating are similar to those of an eating disorder, although they will vary with frequency and severity.
While disordered eating may not result in the extreme symptoms seen in a diagnosable eating disorder, it has the potential to negatively impact a person's life. For example, someone with disordered eating may miss work, school, or personal events because of anxiety or discomfort around food, or because of an obsessive exercise routine. Their obsession with food and exercise may affect their ability to focus or concentrate, impacting their performance at work or school. An eating disorder may look similar or have more serious symptoms impacting the person.
Disordered eating can also take a mental and physical toll on a person. Negative self-thinking can impact their mental health, and their poor eating habits can affect them physically, such as their cardiovascular and intestinal health. Disordered eating also puts the individual at high risk of developing an eating disorder.
If you find yourself struggling with:
- Frequent dieting or obsessive calorie counting
- Rigid food restriction or skipping meals
- Feeling anxiety, guilt, or shame about certain foods or food in general
- Obsessive exercising, or exercise to "punish" for overeating
- Binging and/or purging
- Self-worth or self-esteem because of your weight or body shape and weight
- Feeling out of control around food
… then you may be suffering from disordered eating or meet the criteria for an eating disorder.
What causes people to engage in harmful eating habits can be complex, and vary per the individual. Individual therapy can help people examine their past to understand what led to these behaviors and learn to accept and love themselves as they are. We can work together to create healthier habits and develop coping mechanisms for difficult cues or triggers. I offer individual counseling as well as Eating Disorder Coaching for individuals and families seeking out more help.
If you're struggling with disordered eating, or think you have an eating disorder, and need support and guidance, be sure to work with a licensed therapist than can help you create healthier habits for both your body and mind. Give my office a call today, and let's schedule a time to talk.
Compassionate Eating Disorders Therapist in Alpharetta
Living with an eating disorder can feel overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and socially. Whether it’s anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, or disordered eating patterns that don’t fit neatly into a diagnosis, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. As a licensed eating disorders therapist in Alpharetta I offers compassionate, evidence-based care to help you reclaim a healthy relationship with food, your body, and yourself.
Understanding Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are not simply about food or weight. They are complex mental health conditions often rooted in a mix of biological, psychological, and social factors. Common conditions include:
Anorexia Nervosa – Characterized by restrictive eating and an intense fear of weight gain.
Bulimia Nervosa – Cycles of binge eating followed by purging through vomiting, exercise, or laxatives.
Binge Eating Disorder – Repeated episodes of uncontrolled eating, often accompanied by guilt or shame.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) – Limited food intake not related to body image concerns.
Each person’s experience is unique, and a skilled therapist tailors treatment to meet individual needs.
Comprehensive Eating Disorder Treatment in Alpharetta
Effective eating disorder treatment in Alpharetta involves more than addressing eating habits. It focuses on the emotional and cognitive patterns that drive disordered behaviors. As a licensed therapist I use evidence-based approaches such as:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and replace distorted thoughts about food and body image.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches mindfulness and emotional regulation to reduce binge-purge cycles.
Family-Based Therapy (FBT): Empowers families to support recovery, particularly helpful for adolescents.
Nutritional Counseling Collaboration: Works alongside dietitians for a holistic plan that supports physical health. In addition to my nutrition expertise.
Treatment plans may include individual therapy, family sessions, and referrals to medical professionals for comprehensive care.
Why Professional Support Matters
Attempting recovery without professional guidance can be daunting. As an eating disorders therapist in Alpharetta I provide:
Early Intervention: Prompt treatment improves long-term outcomes.
Relapse Prevention: Learn coping skills to maintain progress and handle triggers.
Whole-Person Healing: Address self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or trauma that often coexist with eating disorders.
Personalized Care for Every Stage of Recovery
Whether you are seeking help for the first time or continuing your recovery journey, therapy is tailored to your specific stage:
Initial Assessment: A compassionate evaluation of your eating habits, emotional health, and medical needs.
Goal Setting: Collaborative treatment goals to restore physical health and emotional balance.
Ongoing Sessions: Regular therapy focused on skill-building, body acceptance, and developing healthy routines.
Maintenance Planning: Strategies to prevent relapse and maintain lasting wellness.
What to Expect in Therapy
During your first few sessions, as your therapist I will listen to your story without judgment. Together, you’ll explore:
Eating behaviors and patterns
Emotional triggers and thought processes
Personal goals for physical and mental health
Therapy is confidential, supportive, and paced according to your comfort level.
Support for Families and Loved Ones
Eating disorders affect entire families. That’s why effective eating disorder treatment in Alpharetta often includes family involvement. Therapists help parents, partners, and siblings:
Understand the nature of eating disorders
Learn supportive communication strategies
Build a nurturing home environment for recovery
Family education reduces guilt and equips loved ones to provide meaningful support.
Why Choose an Alpharetta-Based Therapist
Selecting a local eating disorders therapist in Alpharetta offers many benefits:
Convenient location for in-person sessions
Knowledge of community resources, including nutritionists and medical providers
Flexible scheduling, including evening or virtual appointments
This local connection ensures continuity of care and access to supportive networks in Alpharetta and nearby areas.
Taking the First Step Toward Recovery
Acknowledging the need for help is courageous. By working with a compassionate professional, you can:
Rebuild a positive relationship with food
Strengthen self-esteem and body acceptance
Develop coping skills for stress and emotional triggers
Create a healthier, more fulfilling life
Recovery is not only possible—it’s within your reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: How do I know if I need eating disorder treatment?
If thoughts about food, weight, or body image interfere with daily life, relationships, or health, seeking an evaluation from a licensed therapist is a positive first step.
2: Is therapy confidential?
Yes. All sessions are private and confidential, following HIPAA guidelines to protect your information.
3: Can therapy be combined with medical or nutritional care?
Absolutely. A comprehensive treatment plan often involves collaboration with physicians and registered dietitians for whole-person care.
4: How long does treatment usually last?
The length of treatment varies depending on individual needs and progress. As your therapist I will discuss a customized plan with you.
5: Do you offer virtual therapy sessions?
Many Alpharetta therapists provide secure telehealth appointments, making it easier to maintain consistent care.
6: Can family members participate in therapy?
Yes. Family involvement can be highly beneficial, especially for adolescents and young adults.
7: What if I’ve tried therapy before without success?
Every therapist and approach is different. As your new therapist with specialized training in eating disorders I may offer techniques and perspectives that resonate better with you.
8: Is full recovery really possible?
Yes. With professional support, many people achieve lasting recovery and maintain a balanced relationship with food and their bodies.
Begin Your Healing Journey Today
If you or a loved one is struggling, as an experienced eating disorders therapist in Alpharetta I can guide you toward lasting recovery. Professional eating disorder treatment in Alpharetta provides the tools, compassion, and expertise needed to restore health and well-being. Take the first step—schedule a confidential consultation and start your path to healing today.