Eating Disorders

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. – Psalm 55:22

There are many reasons people develop eating disorders. Maybe you struggle with strong social pressures or had your appearance ridiculed in the past. Maybe you use food to mask pain, or maybe your eating habits give you a sense of control and security. Whatever the case might be, we offer you a safe place for healing. Our hope is that you will find peace in the Lord. When you give your burdens to Christ, along with the guidance and support of Christian counseling, you can find wholeness and recovery.

40% of people have either personally experienced an eating disorder or know someone who has.

How Can Christian Counseling Help?

Christian counseling offers everything secular counseling provides — and much more. We look to Christ for healing of the whole person, not just the physical brain and body, but also the spirit. Because of this, our clients find lasting solutions, even when traditional methods have failed. If you or someone you love has an eating disorder, you are not alone. At Seattle Christian Counseling, we are here to offer support, compassion, and real tools for healing.

Goals of Christian counseling for eating disorders include:

• Establishing a healthy body weight.
• Discovering the cause of your eating disorder and addressing those issues.
• Understanding the impact the eating disorder has on your life.
• Building self-esteem and healthy body image.

Treatment for Eating Disorders in Adolescence

Eating disorders often begin in teen years. It’s during this time that social pressures, stress, and other contributing factors are very high. In fact, 95% of those who have eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25. If your teen has an eating disorder, it’s important to get help right away. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental health issues, and the longer they go untreated, the harder they can be to overcome. Our child and teen counselors will help your teen build better habits, gain confidence, and form meaningful relationships with themselves, others, and with Christ. Click Here  for more information on Christian counseling for children and teens.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 4:7

One thing that most who suffer from eating disorders have in common is feeling like they are out of control. Finding the inner healing and peace necessary for calming your heart and mind is our goal, and through Christ and eating disorder therapy, you can do just that.

Up to 30 million people of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder in the U.S.

Do I Have an Eating Disorder?

The first step to recovery is understanding that there is a problem. Many know they have a problem but are unable to stop unhealthy behaviors. Others deny that what they do is damaging, and some are some place in between. To help decide whether or not you have an eating disorder, your Christian counselor or psychiatric care provider might ask you questions like:

• Do you often make yourself sick because you feel uncomfortable after eating?
• Do you worry you have lost control over how much you eat?
• Have you lost more than 15 pounds in the last three months?
• Do you see yourself as overweight when others say you are too thin?
• Would you say that food controls your life?

Types of Eating Disorders We Treat and Their Symptoms

If it is discovered that you do have an eating disorder, the next step is usually learning more about the specific eating disorder you have. By learning about the disorder and it’s effects, you are better equipped for fighting it and are comforted in knowing that there are people out there who understand what you are going through.

Anorexia Nervosa

If your self-worth is measured by how thin you are, then you might struggle with anorexia. People with anorexia have a strong fear of gaining weight, often causing them to do things like refuse food, exercise excessively, or take diuretics and laxatives. Generally, they also have a distorted perception of their weight, feeling they are overweight even when others say they are extremely thin.

Symptoms of Anorexia include:

• Extreme weight loss
• Fatigue, dizziness, or fainting
• Hair loss or breakage
• Low blood pressure
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Severely reducing calorie intake by fasting, dieting, and excessive exercise
• Preoccupation with food
• Frequent denial of feeling hungry
• Irritability and depression

Bulimia Nervosa

If you have bulimia, you probably consume large amounts of food, then attempt to control your weight by inducing vomiting and using diuretics and laxatives. People can live with bulimia for years without being discovered or getting help because they usually have a healthy weight and show no outward signs of an eating disorder.

Symptoms of Bulimia include:

• Lifestyle rituals involving binging and purging
• Swelling in the cheeks and jaw
• Calluses on the back of hands and knuckles
• Stained or discolored teeth
• Irregular bowel movements
• Self-esteem overly dependent on body image
• Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
• Excessive, strict exercise routine
• Feeling out of control during binging sessions
• Depression

Binge Eating Disorder

If you use food for comfort, causing you to consume large amounts in a short period of time, then you might have binge eating disorder. People who struggle with this disorder battle feelings of shame and often keep the disorder a secret. Like other eating disorders, binge eating disorder can have serious health complications, so it’s important to get help as soon as possible.

Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder include:

• Eating large amounts of food in a specific time-frame (usually 2 hours)
• Eating in secret due to feelings of shame
• Feeling your eating behaviors are out of control
• Frequently eating until you’re uncomfortably full or when you’re not hungry
• Feeling depressed, ashamed, and disgusted with your eating behaviors
• Frequent dieting, typically without much weight loss
• Weight gain and chronic obesity

Our counselors and psychiatric care providers at Seattle Christian Counseling are experienced in helping people overcome all kinds of eating disorders. Whatever your personal experience might be, we are here to guide you to a full recovery.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. – Psalm 139:14

The ultimate goal of Christian counseling for eating disorders is to help you receive the love that God has for you and to know that you are a wonderful, unique creation of God. In doing this, you will find real wholeness, peace, and a new perspective for living a healthy, full life.

Only one-third of individuals struggling with anorexia nervosa in the United States get treatment.

How are Eating Disorders Treated?

Sadly, most who struggle with an eating disorder don’t get the help they need, which is why the mortality rate is so high.  If you or someone you love has an eating disorder, please speak out and get help before it’s too late. Christian eating disorder therapy uses proven counseling methods along with biblical principles, faith, and prayer to offer a holistic approach to wellness. Common counseling methods for eating disorder treatment includes:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy – This counseling method is one of the most effective in treating eating disorders. CBT focuses on your negative self-talk, self-image, and behaviors that contribute to your disorder. You will be given tools for controlling and re-focus your thoughts, while learning healthy behaviors to replace harmful ones.

Family Therapy – Christian counseling for families can help your family better understand what you go through while also helping you understand how your disorder affects those you love. By gaining better understanding, you will gain more support for your recovery.

Counseling for Depression – Almost 50% of those with an eating disorder also suffer from depression. Though the connection and experience of depression are different for each individual, Christian counseling for depression is an important part of a full recovery for many.

Christian eating disorder counselors are trained in the various treatments for eating disorders. Your Christian counselor will work with you to create a plan that suits your unique story and goals for recovery.

If you’re ready to start the journey of healing, contact us today to schedule your risk-free initial session*.

To learn more about Christian counseling for eating disorders or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 206-388-3929 or Contact us Online.