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Eating Disorders2021-07-12T15:51:31+10:00

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia or Binge Eating Disorder are typified by an obsession with food, weight and body appearance and it is a very strong signal that all is NOT well psychologically with the individual. People who suffer from eating disorders typically come from a highly controlled family background – where attitudes to food and body image are paramount.

People who suffer from eating disorders are usually in a state of conflict and the disorder manifests either as a means of trying to stay in control or signifying a lack of control. Individuals with eating disorders almost always suffer from low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and body dissatisfaction.
There are three categories of eating disorders – with different associated symptoms and behaviours:

Anorexia Nervosa

Is typified by severe weight loss often in conjunction with excessive exercise, leading to starvation. Sufferers of Anorexia may purge (vomit), use laxatives, refuse to eat and these behaviours are generally very secretive.

Bulimia Nervosa

Is a cycle of binge eating followed by purging. Purging refers to regurgitation, the misuse of laxatives and/or unnecessary exercise. Individuals with Bulimia are not necessarily either overweight or underweight making it hard to detect.

Binge Eating Disorder

Is frequent overeating of excessively large amounts of food in one go, without compensatory measures such as purging or exercise. Individuals with binge eating disorder are typically overweight or obese.

How do I know if I have an eating disorder?

Eating disorders are always psychological by nature and are not always reflected by body size. You may find yourself obsessing about food (eating too much or not eating enough), have a strong sense of body dissatisfaction (or body dysmorphia – where you have an unrealistic perception your actual size). Obsession with exercise. Secretive behaviour such as binging, purging or laxative abuse. Feelings of needing to maintain strict control or feelings of being out of control. Poor self-esteem and the need to present yourself as perfect. Feelings of failure and not being good enough. Other self-harm behaviours. Continual self-criticism, feelings of shame and continually striving for perfection.

Can counselling help with eating disorders?

Counselling is one of the best available options to treat eating disorders because it provides an opportunity to uncover the reason why the eating disorder has occurred in the first place. Eating disorders are always a sign of psychological distress, whether it be low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, family or relationship conflicts or fear of failure. Seeking counselling provides the opportunity to understand the emotional conflict that is driving the eating disorder. Counselling provides you with the opportunity to:

  • Understand the psychological causes that have created your eating disorder
  • Learn strategies to deal with obsessive thoughts and behaviours
  • Get support and psycho-education around eating disorders
  • Learn how to identify and manage triggers that drive eating disorders
  • Repair unhealthy self-esteem

Why choose People Psychology Melbourne CBD?

At People Psychology Melbourne CBD all of our psychologists are skilled at finding out the reasons for your eating disorder and highly adept at treating the underlying causes. Our therapists take a holistic approach to your treatment and are happy to work with other allied health professionals e.g. GP’s, or dieticians to get you on the road to recovery.

People Psychology Melbourne CBD is conveniently located on the corner of Collins and Swanston Street and A.H. and Saturday appointments are also available.

To find out how we can help call today on 03 9133 0996

Reach Out To Us Now

In the aim to provide a safe and comfortable space for you to share and explore your concerns with our psychologists, we strive to make sure our office is easily accessible to clients and those interested in taking advantage of our services. We know that the decision to seek help is already a huge step, so we try to make sure the rest of the steps that involve documentation and travel aren’t as difficult. This could hopefully help you and our clients focus on their treatment and their therapy.

People Psychology Melbourne CBD is situated in the Melbourne City Landscape. We’re very near to Flinders St. Station and several public transport methods – and we have our own tram shop located right outside of 280 Collins St. for those who need it.

Commonly Asked Questions

What is Counselling?2022-02-16T12:32:29+11:00

Counselling is in itself a professional and confidential service offered by psychologists to assist a person in becoming more emotionally healthy and self-aware. Couples, individuals, and families can seek counselling to help them address all sorts of issues in their lives. During counselling, you have the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of your life, your situation, and everyone around you.

What is a Psychologist?2022-02-16T12:32:29+11:00

Psychologists are trained to study the science of mental processes and human behavior through research findings. Research-based methods are used to help people reduce stress and change ways in their behavior and thinking that can harm them. These methods will hopefully help facilitate self-awareness and a better outlook in life.

All People Psychology psychologists have at least four years of university experience. They also have completed two more years of further education, or two years of supervision from a registered psychologist. Our psychologists who hold a specialist title such as Clinical Psychologist have completed at least six years of university education.

Given their practice, psychologists are trained to be able to use a wide variety of therapy and counselling methods. This means the clients themselves play an important part in making these sessions work as the psychologists will try to understand the thoughts, actions, and feelings of their patients.

Psychologists however do not use drug-based treatments and do not prescribe medication. They can consult the help of trained professionals such as GPs who may be able to prescribe medication when necessary.

Can People Psychology write psychological evaluations and reports?2022-02-16T12:32:29+11:00

Your dedicated People Psychology practitioner is capable of writing a psychological report, which is sometimes needed for situations such as TACs, Work Cover claims, and court proceedings. These psychological reports cost a fee separate to your psychological consultations. We will however make sure to discuss the nature of these costs with you in detail prior to writing the report. This also means you have to pay for the report in full before you get your copy.

Is Counselling Confidential?2022-02-16T12:32:29+11:00

As stated in the Psychology Board of Australia’s Code of Ethics, all counselling sessions are confidential and private. The information you share during these sessions will only be used for assessing, diagnosing, and treating your situation.

However, there are limitations to these rules. For instance, if there’s an immediate risk to you or people you know, or if your file has been subpoenaed, then we’re obligated to share your file.

Is Counselling for Me?2022-02-16T12:32:29+11:00

Counselling is for anyone who wants to take their first step towards a renewed perspective in life. Counselling can help you develop the skills necessary to understand and cope with various issues that are happening around you and the people you live your life with.

What can I expect from my first counselling session?2022-02-16T12:32:29+11:00

It’s natural to feel nervous if you’ve never attended a counselling session before. However, it’s important to understand that it more or less is a session done through conversation. Your People Psychology practitioner may ask “What brings you here today?” and use it as a springboard for you to open up about your current situation, your views in life, and your life in general. Your psychologist may eventually explain what you can expect from the rest of the counseling sessions in addition to the strategies he or she thinks may help you cope and adjust to your situation.

How many counselling sessions will I need?2022-02-16T12:32:29+11:00

Everyone is inherently different, and as such we all have our own ways of coping with issues. This means people who seek counselling don’t get the same treatment. Sometimes, people get to resolve their issues with a small numbers of sessions. Sometimes, others prefer to work on their long-term emotional development and as such schedule sessions regularly.

What are the opening hours of a People Psychology Practice?2022-02-16T12:32:29+11:00

In our Melbourne CBD office, we offer day, evening and Saturday appointments. Practice hours are: 8am – 9pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 6pm on Saturdays.

How much will it cost?2022-02-16T12:32:29+11:00

We offer very reasonable rates for both counselling and group workshops. Concessions apply for health care card holders and pensioners. For further details on pricing, please contact our Client Specialist Team.

Can I get a Medicare or Private Health Insurance Rebate?2022-02-16T12:32:28+11:00

Yes. People Psychology provides Medicare Rebates and Private Health Insurance Rebates. To find out more, please contact us.

How do I get my rebate?2022-02-16T12:32:28+11:00

Rebates for Medicare and some private health insurers can be paid directly into your bank account at the conclusion of your session.

Find out more information about Medicare’s Easyclaim System.

What type of counselling and therapies do you use?2022-02-16T12:31:43+11:00

People Psychology psychologists are capable of mixing and matching various kinds of treatment depending on the situation of the client. These may include: Psychological Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Hypnosis, Emotion Focused, Narrative, Psychodynamic, Systemic, Schema Therapy, Solutions-Focused, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing.

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