Therapy for

Anorexia Recovery

Anorexia Nervosa is serious mental health disorder.

Anorexia nervosa is more than a simple desire to be thin. It is a mental health disorder with profound physical and psychological consequences. The hallmark feature of anorexia is severe food restriction, leading to significant weight loss. Individuals with anorexia often have an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and a relentless pursuit of thinness that overrides concerns about their health.

There are two subtypes of anorexia nervosa, each with its specific characteristics:

  1. Restricting Type: Individuals with this subtype primarily achieve weight loss through dieting, fasting, or excessive exercise.

  2. Binge-Eating/Purging Type: In addition to restrictive behaviors, individuals engage in binge eating or purging behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives.

“Atypical” anorexia nervosa represents a variation of the traditional disorder where individuals exhibit the same restrictive behaviors and intense fear of weight gain but do not meet the low-weight criteria typically associated with anorexia. These individuals are often undernourished and face serious health consequences, despite not being classified as “underweight” according to conventional standards. However, “Atypical” is a misleading label as the majority of those with Anorexia do not have low body body weight. At Stark Therapy Group we do no diagnosis based on a person’s weight. We believe Anorexia is Anorexia no matter the person’s body weight.

Effective treatment for anorexia nervosa necessitates a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder. The primary goals of treatment are to restore a healthy weight, correct nutritional deficiencies, and address the underlying emotional and cognitive factors driving the disorder.

What to expect while working on eating disorder treatment with Stark Therapy Group:

  • Exploring Root Causes

    We are Fat-positive/Weight Neutral therapists. We delve into the underlying causes of eating disorders, which may include factors like trauma, social pressures/injustices, unclear identity, and emotional distress. Therapists help clients address these root causes and develop more aligned coping mechanisms.

  • Supportive Environment

    Our therapists work to create a safe and non-judgmental space for our clients to share their experiences and emotions related to their bodies and food. They encourage open and honest dialogue without shame or blame. We explore all of the intersectional components that can create complex relationships to food and body.

  • Joyful Eating

    Eating Disorder therapy often incorporates principles of intuitive eating, which encourages individuals to listen to their body's hunger and fullness cues, rather than following external diet rules or restrictions. We often encourage clients to find additional support through working with a Registered Dietitian who also specializes in Eating Disorders. We have a preferred provider list we will supply you with.

  • Cultural Competence

    Our Therapists are constantly working to be culturally competent and aware of how societal attitudes about weight and body size intersect with other identities, such as race, gender, and sexual orientation. They take these factors into account in their approach. They are willing to be wrong and seek repair when mistakes are made. YOU are the expert on your experiences and identities.

  • Collaborative Treatment

    Our therapists work collaboratively with our clients, allowing them to actively participate in their treatment plan and recovery journey. This approach empowers clients to make choices that align with their values and goals.

Have additional questions? Visit our FAQ section to find your answers.

Our treatments are based on science and trauma informed:

  • Health at Every Size (HAES) is a movement promoting well-being and body acceptance without focusing on weight loss. It recognizes that health is multidimensional and influenced by various factors beyond weight. HAES emphasizes self-compassion, joyful movement, intuitive eating, and respectful care. It challenges the societal norm equating thinness with health and advocates for body diversity and inclusivity. HAES encourages individuals to adopt sustainable habits and prioritize their overall well-being rather than pursuing a specific body size or appearance. It aims to reduce weight stigma and create a supportive environment where everyone can pursue health and happiness without judgment.

  • Brainspotting is a therapeutic technique that targets and processes unresolved trauma and distressing experiences held in the brain and body. It was developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003. Brainspotting uses the field of vision and eye positioning to access and activate deep emotional and physiological healing. By identifying specific "brainspots" that correlate with the traumatic or distressing experiences, our therapist helps the client engage in focused attention and body awareness to facilitate processing and resolution. Brainspotting can be effective for a range of mental health issues, including trauma, anxiety, phobias, and performance enhancement. It is a gentle, non-invasive approach that supports the body's natural healing processes.

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic approach developed by Richard Schwartz that views the mind as composed of various subpersonalities or "parts." According to IFS, each part has its own unique perspective, emotions, and behaviors. The goal of IFS therapy is to facilitate communication, understanding, and harmony among these internal parts. The therapist helps the client identify and engage with different parts, allowing them to express themselves, be understood, and heal. The IFS approach emphasizes self-leadership, self-compassion, and the belief that each part has positive intentions. By fostering cooperation and balance among parts, individuals can experience greater emotional well-being and integration.