Eating Disorder Therapy Approaches in the Sutherland Shire

At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, a range of evidence-based approaches are used within eating disorder therapy to support recovery across different stages of life. Appointments are available in person at our Menai practice, working with people across the Sutherland Shire and Sydney.

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If you are seeking support, you can learn more about our eating disorder counselling page.

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What approaches are used in eating disorder therapy?

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Eating disorder therapy is rarely a single type of therapy. Treatment involves integrating different approaches depending on diagnosis, developmental stage, medical needs and individual presentation. Our clinicians deliver therapy aligned with national clinical guidelines and best practice standards.

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Approaches we draw on include:

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CBT-E (Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) — A specialist form of CBT developed for the treatment of eating disorders. CBT-E focuses on the patterns of thinking and behaviour that maintain the eating disorder, including dietary restriction, body image concerns and the rules people develop around food. Used with adolescents and adults.

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FBT (Family-Based Therapy) — A structured, evidence-based treatment most commonly used with children and adolescents experiencing anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Parents and caregivers take an active role in supporting nutritional restoration and recovery, working alongside the clinical team.

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MANTRA (Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults) — A specialist treatment developed for adults with anorexia nervosa. MANTRA focuses on the cognitive, emotional, social and relational patterns that maintain the eating disorder, with a strong emphasis on the person's values and recovery goals.

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TBT-S (Temperament-Based Therapy with Supports) — A neurobiologically-informed treatment for anorexia nervosa and restrictive eating disorders that works with each person's underlying temperament traits, rather than against them. Family members and supports are actively involved in helping the person apply skills outside session, building practical strategies for recovery in everyday life.

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DBT-E (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Eating Disorders) — An adaptation of DBT for eating disorders, focused on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and reducing impulsive behaviours around food. Particularly useful where eating disorder behaviours are connected to difficulty managing intense emotions.

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RO-DBT (Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) — Used where emotional overcontrol, perfectionism and rigidity maintain the eating disorder, particularly in restrictive presentations. RO-DBT focuses on building openness, flexibility and social connection.

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Schema Therapy — An integrative approach that addresses long-standing patterns developed earlier in life and how they continue to influence emotional regulation, self-image and relationships. Often used where the eating disorder is connected to deeper patterns of self-criticism, shame or unmet emotional needs.

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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — In eating disorder therapy, ACT focuses on helping people respond differently to difficult thoughts and emotions about food, body and self, while taking practical steps toward recovery aligned with their values.

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RAVES framework — A structured framework supporting the practical work of food and meal mechanics in eating disorder recovery. RAVES focuses on Regular eating, Adequate intake, Variety, Eating socially, and Spontaneity — building each element progressively to support a more flexible and sustainable relationship with food.

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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) — Used where trauma is present and affecting recovery. EMDR can help reduce the intensity of distressing memories and the emotional and physical responses connected to them, supporting other eating disorder treatment.

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A developmentally informed framework

 

For children and adolescents, therapy places parents or caregivers in an active role in supporting nutritional restoration and recovery, within a structured and collaborative framework.

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For adults, therapy may address behavioural patterns, emotional regulation, overcontrol, perfectionism, identity, relational dynamics and values-based action.

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Where trauma, attachment difficulties or longstanding relational patterns are present, therapy may integrate trauma informed approaches and attachment informed therapy.

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Multidisciplinary collaboration

 

Eating disorder recovery requires coordinated care.

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We work closely with GPs, psychiatrists, paediatricians and accredited dietitians to ensure medical, psychological and nutritional needs are addressed throughout therapy.

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This collaborative approach supports safety, accountability and sustainable progress over time.

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How is eating disorder therapy tailored?

 

Our lead eating disorder clinician is ANZAED-credentialed, recognising specialist training and clinical experience in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders. Our broader team also provides eating disorder therapy under clinical guidance.

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For children and adolescents, therapy places parents or caregivers in an active role supporting nutritional restoration and recovery, within a structured and collaborative framework.

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For adults, therapy may address behavioural patterns, emotional regulation, overcontrol, perfectionism, identity, relational dynamics and values-based action.

 

Where trauma, attachment difficulties or longstanding relational patterns are present, therapy may integrate trauma-informed approaches and attachment-informed therapy.

 

Eating disorder recovery requires coordinated care. We work closely with GPs, psychiatrists, paediatricians and accredited dietitians to ensure medical, psychological and nutritional needs are addressed throughout therapy.

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Eating disorder therapy in the Sutherland Shire

 

Our clinicians provide eating disorder therapy in Menai and across the Sutherland Shire, including Miranda, Caringbah, Engadine and surrounding suburbs.

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Appointments are available in person at our Menai practice and via secure online appointments across Australia.

 

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