Disordered Eating Treatment

Treating disordered eating requires a comprehensive and individualized approach that addresses both the behavioral and emotional aspects of food and body image. Effective treatment does not focus solely on food habits, but on the deeper feelings, thoughts, and relational patterns that drive these behaviors.

For many, recovery involves rebuilding trust in the body, learning to identify emotional triggers, and finding healthier ways to cope with stress or negative self-perception. Treatment can be provided in various settings, from outpatient therapy to higher levels of care, depending on symptom severity and the person’s support system.

There is no single treatment that works for everyone with disordered eating. Each person’s experience is unique, shaped by their personality, family environment, cultural background, and personal history. For some, therapy may begin with addressing anxiety and perfectionism; for others, it may involve processing trauma or building self-esteem. The most effective treatment plans are collaborative and flexible, tailored to meet the individual’s emotional, psychological, and physical needs. Progress often happens gradually, but with consistent support, recovery is entirely possible.

Here is a list of the various therapeutic approaches. Your therapist will determine which is most beneficial, depending on your needs and circumstances.

Family-Based Therapy is a well-established treatment for adolescents struggling with disordered eating. In this approach, parents are empowered to actively support their child’s recovery. The therapist works closely with the family to create a structure around meals, encourage healthy eating patterns, and gradually return control over food choices to the adolescent as they stabilize. FBT emphasizes teamwork, open communication, and parental guidance to ensure adolescents feel supported rather than judged. This collaborative model helps strengthen family bonds and create an environment conducive to lasting change.

Emotionally Focused Family Therapy is designed to help families navigate the complex emotions that often accompany disordered eating. It focuses on fostering emotional safety, empathy, and stronger attachment between family members. Many individuals with disordered eating experience shame or fear of disappointing loved ones, which can lead to isolation. EFFT helps parents and caregivers recognize and respond to their child’s emotional needs in a supportive way, reducing conflict and enhancing trust. This approach allows families to work through difficult emotions together and rebuild a foundation of understanding and compassion.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most widely used and effective treatments for disordered eating. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge distorted beliefs about food, weight, and body image. For example, someone may believe their worth depends on their size or that eating certain foods makes them “bad.” Through CBT, clients learn to reframe these thoughts and replace rigid, all-or-nothing thinking with more balanced perspectives. The therapy also incorporates practical skills, such as establishing regular eating patterns, managing anxiety around food, and developing coping tools for triggers. Over time, CBT promotes self-awareness and reduces the power of unhelpful thought patterns that perpetuate disordered eating.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is particularly useful when disordered eating coexists with intense emotions or impulsive behaviors. DBT teaches mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness—skills that help individuals manage overwhelming feelings without turning to food restriction, bingeing, or other harmful behaviors. The therapy encourages self-acceptance while simultaneously promoting change, emphasizing that the two can coexist. DBT’s structured approach helps clients reduce shame, strengthen self-compassion, and build resilience in the face of emotional distress.