Find An Eating Disorder Therapist in Anna Maria, FL.

Anorexia, bulimia and compulsive overeating are some of the most challenging cases in counseling. There is a huge socio-cultural dynamic bombarding us everyday with messages about the the ideal body and weight loss, while at the same time encouraging us to eat food that isn't healthy. Helping clients see these dynamics and not fall prey to them is a big part of the therapeutic process. Eating disorders usually require a combination of cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy and family/couples therapy. I also highly recommend group therapy and support groups when they are available.

Disordered eating is rooted in perfectionism and shame. Shame is a powerful, painful emotion and it makes sense why we try our best to avoid it, even if the measures we take to avoid it are at times destructive. However, you can learn healthy ways to deal with these feelings and problems that lead to more enjoyment out of life and a healthy mind and body. Healing starts with self-compassion, understanding your disorder, and taking steps to overcome the disorder and change your behavior. We'll focus on the underlying issues AND take actionable steps to change your behavior.

While I don’t specialize in eating disorders, I understand the ways that past trauma, perfectionism, control, and issues around worth and identity can impact our behaviors. Eating disorders, substance use, pornography addiction... the list could go on. We all go through pain, and we gravitate towards behaviors that promise control and relief from that pain. But, deep down, you probably know that long-term this story doesn’t end well. You probably need not only deep healing, but new strategies for coping with your present and building a hopeful future. At Lion Counseling, our mission is to help you escape the cages that hold you back and become the lion God created you to be.

While most eating disorder issues are treated by cognitive behavioral methodologies or specialized outpatient/inpatient programs, Grey Matters International and the work of Kevin J. Fleming, PhD provide relief first and foremost for the brain of one suffering from an eating disorder----without giving them medication. We believe that the neural circuitries responsible for the compulsive behaviors with eating are not necessarily only a neurotransmitter issue but of overused neural networks that affect the harmonization, balance, and decisions of the whole brain. Contact kevin@kevinfleminphd.com or 877-606-6161 to learn more about this safe and effective alternative.