Counselling for Anorexia Nervosa and Restrictive Eating
in Menai and the Sutherland Shire

When eating becomes more restricted or controlled, it can begin to affect more than just food. Some people notice increasing anxiety around eating, rigid patterns, or a strong need to maintain control around food or weight. Over time, these patterns can feel difficult to shift, even when the person wants things to be different.

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At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our psychologists and counsellors work with people across the Sutherland Shire who are experiencing anorexia or patterns of restrictive eating. Sessions are available in person at our Menai practice and via secure online appointments.

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Understanding anorexia

 

Anorexia is a complex eating disorder that often involves restrictive eating, fear around weight gain, and distress related to body image.

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It is not only about food. For many people, these patterns are connected to how they manage emotions, cope with stress, or experience a sense of control.  ​Over time, anorexia can affect physical health, emotional wellbeing, and relationships. 

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What this can look like

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Anorexia can present in different ways.  Some people may experience:

• Restrictive eating or avoidance of certain foods

• Significant weight changes or difficulty maintaining weight

• Fear or anxiety around eating

• Rigid food rules or routines

• Distress related to body image

• Excessive exercise

• Secrecy around eating behaviours

• Perfectionism or high self-criticism

 

For some, these experiences may sit alongside anxiety, perfectionism or neurodiversity.

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Across the Lifespan

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Anorexia can affect people at different stages of life and may present differently depending on age and circumstances.

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In children and adolescents, it may develop alongside school pressures, social experiences, or developmental changes.  Family involvement is often an important part of therapy, particularly for younger people.

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In adults, it may reflect longer-standing patterns, periods of relapse, or changes linked to life transitions.

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When to Consider counselling

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You may wish to seek counselling if eating patterns are:

• Becoming increasingly restrictive

• Associated with fear or distress

• Impacting physical health

• Interfering with school, work or relationships

• Linked to persistent thoughts about food, weight or control

• Accompanied by withdrawal or isolation

 

Often, people notice these patterns becoming more established or harder to change over time.

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Anorexia counselling in Menai and the Sutherland Shire

 

At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our psychologists and counsellors work with people experiencing anorexia and restrictive eating.  All clinicians have completed specialised training in eating disorders.

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We focus on understanding each person’s experience and working in a way that feels manageable and appropriate over time. Our clinicians draw on evidence-based approaches, including CBT-E, MANTRA, family-based approaches, and attachment- and trauma-informed ways of working.

 

Where appropriate, therapy may also involve collaboration with a GP, dietitian or psychiatrist to support coordinated care.

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Getting Started

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​Appointments are available in person at our Menai practice in the Sutherland Shire, or via secure online sessions across Australia.

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If you’re unsure where to begin, our Client Care Team can assist. Call 02 8519 4197 or use the button below to request an appointment.