Eating Disorder Therapy and Approaches in Sydney
and the Sutherland Shire

Eating disorder therapy is not the same for everyone. The approach used will depend on the type of eating disorder, your age, what is keeping the eating disorder going and the support you may need at different stages of recovery.

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At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology, our clinicians draw on a range of evidence-based eating disorder therapies for children, adolescents and adults across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. Appointments are available in person at our Menai clinic and via secure telehealth across Australia.

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If you are looking for support with an eating disorder, you can also learn more about our eating disorder counselling and therapy.

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What approaches are used in eating disorder therapy?

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Different eating disorders can require different approaches to treatment. Our clinicians draw on therapies and frameworks including:

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CBT-E (Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)  - An evidence-based form of CBT developed specifically for eating disorders. CBT-E works with the thoughts and behaviours that keep an eating disorder going, including restriction, binge eating, compensatory behaviours and concerns about weight and shape. Learn more about our CBT-E therapy for eating disorders.

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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)  -  An evidence-based treatment developed specifically for adults with anorexia nervosa. MANTRA focuses on the cognitive, emotional, social and relational patterns that can keep anorexia going, 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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How is eating disorder therapy tailored?

 

Your experience with an eating disorder will be different from someone else’s. Therapy starts with understanding what is happening for you, what feels hardest to change and what may be keeping the eating disorder going.

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​If you are a parent, you may be unsure how involved you should be or what to do when meals become difficult. For children and adolescents, parents and caregivers often play an active role in treatment, with guidance around how to support eating and recovery at home.

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For adults, therapy looks beyond eating behaviours alone. You may also be struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, feeling out of control, being highly self-critical, difficulties with body image or experiences of trauma. Therapy can work with these difficulties as part of understanding the eating disorder and what is maintaining it.

 

Our team includes an ANZAED Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician and clinicians with additional training in eating disorder treatment.  Where needed, we work with your GP, psychiatrist or dietitian, or your child’s paediatrician, so that psychological, medical and nutritional care work together.

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Eating disorder therapy in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire

 

Finding the right eating disorder therapy can feel difficult, particularly when you are unsure which approach might be right for you or your child.

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​Our psychologists, counsellors and therapists provide evidence-based eating disorder therapy for children, adolescents and adults across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. 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 clinic 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.