Eating Disorder Counselling Support

It is estimated that 4% of 16-25 year olds suffer from bulimia each year, with an additional 1% of 10-20 year olds suffering from anorexia. Eating disorders have become a common health problem that affects both women and men. Understanding that the issue does not centre on the food but on suppressed emotional problems helps gain acceptance, and enables sufferers to benefit from the counselling support that is available to those experiencing eating disorder issues.
What is an Eating Disorder?
An eating disorder is not about food. It is an issue that affects the quality of life of individuals who are unable to cope with difficult emotional issues, problems and blocks and who target the difficulty of internal emotional expression outwardly at the diet they consume and the way in which the consumption of food is controlled.There are many forms of eating disorder, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder.
Identifying Symptoms
Eating disorders are far more complex than most people may initially realise. Although dramatic weight loss or gain may appear to be the focus of the issue the problem is centred on emotional difficulties. Obsessing about food and calories, developing usual food rituals, experiencing anxiety over eating in the company of others and displaying mood swings are all signs that there are problems going on inside on an emotional level.Support Services
Millions of people are affected by obsessive thoughts about weight, body image and food. Whilst most people simply experience problems concerning weight gain some individuals are unable to cope with the additional emotional issues and consequently develop an eating disorder. There are a large number of eating disorder support services available. These include self-help groups run by experienced volunteers who are able to offer knowledge, guidance and support, and there are also trained professionals who provide information, care and support through the counselling process.What Counselling Support Provides
A trained counsellor is able to provide emotional support to individuals experiencing internal emotional pain and difficulty in expressing personal issues, thoughts and feelings. With encouragement acknowledgement of the problem can be made and negative behaviour, that is connected to food, can be identified and explored.A counsellor or therapist will also be able to challenge the distorted view that is held about food, weight and/or body image and appearance. They will also work with the individual to develop a more appropriate pattern of eating that maintains good health and a balance in diet. He/she will also provide support in body acceptance so that an individual is able to respect their body no matter the shape or size. By doing this personal identity is accepted, beyond being a body, and this encourages confidence and a positive shift in thinking with regards to eating and staying healthy.
Re: Voluntary Counselling Opportunities
Hi, I am interested in a Masters in CBT and would like to gain experience and skills as a Volunteer. I am completing my…
Re: Paid Counselling Opportunities
Hi my name is Miriam and I am interested in counselling job. I have done level 2 counselling and level 2 safe guarding course. I…
Re: Becoming a counsellor: A guide
Hi, I have had the goal of going into counseling since I did my GCSEs. I completed an a-level in psychology and I will soon be…
Re: The Person Centered Approach to Counselling
Could someone please help me with this, I’m currently studying for my level 3 and getting abit confused. How…
Re: Voluntary Counselling Opportunities
Hello I am interested in working in Alcohol and Addiction Councelling / Training. I have 25 years continuous sobriety…
Re: Voluntary Counselling Opportunities
I have sucessfully completed my Level 3 diploma in counselling (CPCAB) and have started level 4. I live and work part…
Re: Using your Personal Qualities, Skills and Knowledge
Please can you tell me or guide me as to what is meant by: absence of personality disturbance, in a…
Re: Voluntary Counselling Opportunities
hello i am currently training in level 3 cpcab counselling. I am very interested in volunteering for any counselling…
Re: What is Lay Counselling?
I have a social auxiliary qualification and Hiv and aids counseling certificate and also an N5 educare qualification. Do I qualify for…
Re: The Importance of Self-Counselling
Am grateful to be here am looking for your guidance on self counseling and I will very grateful. Thanks yours Bacurana