Eating Disorders

Understanding the relationship with food, body, and self — and finding a path toward healing

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves in relation to food, weight, and body image. They are not about vanity, willpower, or control. They are often rooted in emotional pain, distress, trauma, and a deep struggle with self-worth.

Eating disorders can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Many individuals suffer in silence, feeling ashamed or afraid to ask for help.

At SGI Psychology in Preston (Northern Suburbs of Melbourne), our psychologists provide effective, evidence-based support for people experiencing eating disorders and disordered eating patterns.

Common types of eating disorders

Eating disorders may include:

Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge Eating Disorder
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)

Disordered eating can also exist without meeting full diagnostic criteria, yet still cause significant distress and harm.

How eating disorders can affect you

Eating disorders can impact every area of life, including:

physical health and energy
mood and emotional wellbeing
concentration and memory
relationships and social life
sense of identity and self-worth
work or study performance
connection with your body

People may experience:

intense fear of weight gain
rigid food rules
bingeing, purging, or restriction
preoccupation with food or body image
guilt or shame around eating
loss of hunger or fullness cues
secrecy or withdrawal from others

These patterns are not choices. They are signs of distress and unmet needs.

How therapy can help

Psychological therapy can help you:

understand the emotional drivers behind eating behaviours
reduce shame and self-criticism
rebuild trust in your body
develop a healthier relationship with food
regulate emotions without using eating behaviours
address underlying trauma, anxiety, or perfectionism
strengthen identity beyond weight or appearance
reconnect with values and meaning

Recovery is not about perfection. It is about building safety, flexibility, and self-respect.

Approaches we use

Your psychologist may draw from:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT-E)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Trauma-informed care
Schema Therapy
Mindfulness-based approaches

Where appropriate, we collaborate with GPs, dietitians, and other health professionals to support holistic care.