Understanding Anorexia Nervosa

At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our psychologists and counsellors provide evidence-based therapy for Anorexia Nervosa for children, adolescents and adults across the Sutherland Shire. Sessions are available in person at our Menai practice and via secure online appointments across Australia.

 

Anorexia Nervosa is a serious and complex eating disorder characterised by restrictive eating behaviours, an intense fear of weight gain and significant distress related to body image. It can affect people of any age, gender or background.

 

Without intervention, anorexia can lead to significant medical and psychological complications. Early therapeutic engagement improves recovery outcomes. 

 

Anorexia May Present As:

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• restrictive eating or avoidance of certain foods

• significant weight loss or failure to gain expected weight

• intense fear of weight gain

• body image distortion

• rigid food rules

• excessive exercise

• heightened anxiety around meals

• secrecy around eating behaviours

• perfectionism or high self-criticism

 

For some people, anorexia may occur alongside anxiety, depression, trauma or perfectionistic traits or autism.

 

Across the Lifespan

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In children and adolescents, anorexia may emerge alongside developmental transitions, school stress or social pressures.

 

In adults, it may present as longstanding patterns of restriction, relapse after previous recovery, or renewed distress during periods of life change.

 

Family involvement is often an important component of recovery, particularly for younger people.

 

When to Consider Therapy

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You may wish to seek therapy if eating patterns are:

• becoming increasingly restrictive

• associated with fear or distress

• impacting physical health

• interfering with school, work or relationships

• linked to obsessive thoughts about food or weight

• accompanied by emotional withdrawal or isolation

 

Early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes.

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Anorexia Nervosa Therapy in Menai and the Sutherland Shire

 

At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology, therapy is tailored to stage of recovery and individual needs. Treatment may be delivered as part of a coordinated multidisciplinary plan involving your GP, dietitian or psychiatrist where appropriate.

 

Our clinicians are trained in evidence-based eating disorder therapies, which may include:

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• Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E)

• Family-based approaches

• MANTRA

• Temperament-based approaches

• Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT)

• Schema Therapy

• EMDR where trauma is relevant

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Recovery is not linear. Therapy focuses on restoring physical stability, addressing underlying psychological patterns and supporting sustainable change over time.

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Therapy may be integrated within Child Counselling, Adolescent Counselling, Adult Counselling or Family Counselling, depending on developmental stage and recovery needs.

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Eating disorder therapy at Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology is delivered by clinicians with specialised training in evidence-based treatment approaches, adhering to national clinical guidelines and best-practice standards.

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Related Eating Disorder Information

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You may also find these related eating disorder topics helpful:

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• Bulimia Nervosa

• Binge Eating Disorder

• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

• Body Image and Body Dysmorphic Disorder

• Disordered Eating

• Eating Disorder Therapies

• Eating Disorder Counselling

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Sessions 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.