​Anorexia Therapy
in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire

Anorexia nervosa can feel exhausting. Thoughts about food, eating and your body may take up much of your day. You might find it difficult to concentrate, enjoy meals or spend time with others without worrying about what you will eat.

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At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology, our psychologists and counsellors provide anorexia therapy for children, adolescents and adults across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. Appointments are available in person at our Menai practice and online across Australia.

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What is anorexia nervosa?

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Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder involving restricted eating and an intense fear of gaining weight or behaviours that prevent weight gain. It also changes how you experience your weight or body shape.

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You may feel compelled to eat less, follow strict food rules or exercise even when you are tired or unwell. These patterns can become difficult to change, despite their impact on your physical health and everyday life.

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Signs of anorexia nervosa

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You might notice:

• Eating less, skipping meals or cutting out foods

• Feeling anxious before meals or guilty after eating

• Becoming increasingly focused on weight, body shape or exercise

• Finding it difficult to eat without following particular rules

• Avoiding meals with other people

• Exercising despite tiredness, illness or injury

• Feeling cold, tired, dizzy or finding it difficult to concentrate

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For parents, changes in your child or teenager may include avoiding foods they previously enjoyed, withdrawing from family meals or becoming distressed when encouraged to eat. You may find yourself unsure whether to step in, give them space or approach things differently.

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When to reach out

 

You may recognise that eating has become difficult while still wondering whether you are unwell enough to need therapy. Part of you might want things to change, while another part feels frightened of eating more or letting go of familiar rules.

 

For parents, it can be difficult to know how to respond when conversations about food become tense or your child does not see a problem.

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You do not need to wait for a crisis. If restricted eating is affecting you or your child, your GP can assess physical health needs alongside psychological therapy.

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How can anorexia therapy help?

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Therapy begins with understanding what is keeping the eating disorder going. Depending on your needs, sessions may focus on restoring regular and adequate eating, reducing rigid food and exercise rules and working through fear of weight gain and difficulties with body image.

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For children and adolescents, parents and carers may take an active role in supporting eating and recovery at home, with guidance from the clinician.

 

Our clinicians draw on evidence-based approaches for anorexia nervosa, including CBT-E, MANTRA and Family-Based Treatment (FBT). Attachment-informed and trauma-informed approaches may also inform therapy where relevant.

 

We work alongside your GP, dietitian, psychiatrist or other members of your treating team where appropriate.

 

Our team works regularly with eating disorders and includes an ANZAED Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician. You can learn more about our eating disorder therapy approaches.

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What does recovery from anorexia look like?

 

Recovery includes restoring physical health and developing more flexibility around food and eating. It can also mean spending less time thinking about food or exercise and having more space for relationships, school, work and the things you enjoy.

 

For parents, this may mean seeing your child take part in family meals, friendships and activities with less distress around eating.

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How do I find an anorexia therapist near me?

 

If you have been searching for an anorexia therapist, anorexia psychologist, anorexia counselling or anorexia treatment near you, our psychologists and counsellors provide anorexia therapy for children, adolescents and adults across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire.

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We see clients from Menai, Sutherland, Miranda, Caringbah, Gymea, Kirrawee and Engadine, as well as the St George area, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and other areas of Sydney.

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Appointments are available in person at our Menai practice in the Sutherland Shire and via secure telehealth 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.