An Eating Disorder Is More Than an Eating Disorder

At Decades Counseling, we know eating disorders are more than just food struggles—they’re often rooted in trauma, anxiety, or low self-worth. For teens and young adults, triggers like social media’s unrealistic body ideals, bullying, or family stress can spark disordered eating. Healing requires a team: therapists to address emotional roots and dietitians to guide nutritional recovery. Without both, progress can stall. Recently, our friend Dr. Allo, a Los Angeles-based psychiatrist specializing in eating disorders, gave our Austin team a virtual presentation. Drawing on his experience, he shared what his team finds most successful in treating eating disorders, inspiring our approach to help clients heal.

Eating Disorders: A Hidden Struggle

A good percentage of the population face eating disorders like Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN), Binge Eating Disorder (BED), or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) in their lifetime. Yet, many—34.5% with AN, 34.5% with BN, and 62.6% with BED—don’t seek help due to stigma. Social media often worsens this for young people, fueling comparison and perfectionism. Dr. Allo stressed that trauma, like cyberbullying, can drive these disorders, and we’re committed to creating a safe space to address these deeper issues.

Healing with EMDR and a Team Approach

Dr. Allo highlighted that trauma significantly increases eating disorder risk, making therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) vital. EMDR helps clients process traumatic memories—such as bullying or gender-related stress—that fuel disordered eating, fostering emotional healing. Our therapists pair EMDR with evidence-based methods like Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E) or family-based treatment (FBT) for teens. We also collaborate with Joyfull Nutrition Therapy, an exceptional Austin dietitian group, to create meal plans that restore health and challenge restrictive habits. For example:

• Anorexia Nervosa (AN): EMDR addresses trauma, while CBT-E or FBT supports weight gain (1-2 lbs/week outpatient).
• Bulimia Nervosa (BN): EMDR and CBT-E reduce bingeing/purging, with SSRIs (like Prozac) as needed.
• Binge Eating Disorder (BED): EMDR tackles triggers, paired with CBT or medications like Vyvanse.
• ARFID: EMDR explores sensory or trauma-related aversions, with dietitians ensuring balanced nutrition.

This holistic approach—EMDR, therapy, and nutrition—helps clients heal mind and body, reducing relapse risk.

Start Your Journey Today

Inspired by Dr. Allo’s insights, Decades Counseling is here to guide you toward recovery with personalized care. Ready to take the first step? Call us at (512) 222-7124 or email hello@decadescounseling.com to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together with partners like Joyfull Nutrition Therapy to help you find balance and healing.

Source: American Psychiatric Association (2023). The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Eating Disorders.