Healing Your Relationship With Food and Body
Eating disorders and body image difficulties involve unhealthy thoughts and behaviors around eating, weight, and self-perception. These conditions negatively affect physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and daily function. Common eating disorder experiences include:
Restrictive eating, fear of weight gain
Episodes of binge eating
Compensatory behaviors (purging, excessive exercise)
Obsessive thoughts about food, shape, or weight
Negative self-evaluation or body dissatisfaction
Even when a formal diagnosis is not present, disordered eating patterns and body image distress can cause significant distress and benefit from professional treatment.
Support for Recovery and Self-Acceptance
At Serene Mind Counseling & Evaluations, we use evidence-based therapeutic approaches to address disordered eating and body image concerns. Therapy focuses on helping individuals:
Understand Underlying Triggers
Explore emotional, cognitive, and environmental factors that contribute to unhealthy eating patterns and body dissatisfaction.
Build Healthier Eating Patterns
Learn strategies to reduce fear foods, normalize eating behaviors, and restore a balanced approach to nutrition and daily meals.
Improve Emotional Regulation
Develop tools for managing distress, anxiety, shame, or perfectionism that often maintain disordered eating behaviors.
Reframe Body Image
Challenge unrealistic societal beauty standards and internalized body criticism, replacing them with more compassionate, realistic thinking.
Relapse Prevention & Long-Term Support
Gain coping strategies to sustain progress and prevent return to old patterns during life stressors or transitions.
Types of Body Image and Eating Concerns We Treat
Our therapists work with a wide range of disordered eating and body image issues, including but not limited to:
Anorexia Nervosa – Restrictive eating and intense fear of weight gain
Bulimia Nervosa – Repeated binge eating with compensatory behaviors
Binge Eating Disorder – Frequent episodes of uncontrollable eating
Disordered Eating – Patterns that interfere with daily life
Body Image Distress – Negative thoughts and feelings about appearance
Every person’s experience is unique, and treatment is tailored to your symptoms, history, and recovery goals.
Evidence Based Recovery
Our therapists integrate a variety of evidence-informed methods to support individuals and families:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps adjust unhelpful thoughts and behaviors
Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Techniques – Supports present-moment awareness and acceptance
Emotion Regulation Skills – Strengthens resilience during distress
Narrative and Interpersonal Approaches – Helps reframe self-story and social dynamics
Together, these approaches help clients build a healthier relationship with food, their bodies, and their inner experiences.
Flexible In-Office & Online Therapy Options
We offer flexible care options for clients across Florida:
In-Office Eating Disorder & Body Image Therapy
Virtual Sessions (Telehealth)
Secure online therapy available throughout Florida
Ideal for individuals who prefer privacy, comfort, or schedule flexibility
Online therapy ensures that high-quality support is accessible regardless of location.
What to Expect in Your First Session
Your first therapy session focuses on assessment and collaborative planning. In this session, you can expect:
A private, judgment-free space to share your experiences
A discussion of challenges with food, body image, and mood
Identification of personal goals for therapy
Creation of a treatment plan aligned with your recovery journey
Your comfort and sense of safety are priorities from the very first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between disordered eating and an eating disorder?
Disordered eating includes unhealthy patterns that may not meet full diagnostic criteria but still interfere with well-being. Eating disorders are diagnosable clinical conditions with specific criteria.
Can therapy help without medication?
Yes. Therapy alone can significantly improve eating patterns, body image, emotional regulation, and quality of life. Some individuals also benefit from integrated care including nutrition support and medical oversight.
Is family involvement part of treatment?
For adolescents or young adults, including supportive family members can be helpful. Treatment plans are individualized based on client needs.
Meet Our Eating Disorders & Body Image Therapists
Our licensed clinicians are experienced in working with eating concerns and body image struggles:
Mrs. Stephanie, Eating Disorder & Body Image Therapist
Mrs. Nikki, Eating Disorder & Body Image Therapist
Ms. Caitlin, Eating Disorder & Body Image Therapist
Ms. Mica, Eating Disorder & Body Image Therapist
Each therapist brings compassion, evidence-based expertise, and a commitment to supporting lasting recovery.
