Eating disorder
On this page, you can learn more about recovering from an eating disorder and fostering a positive body image. An eating disorder is a complex condition in which negative thoughts about your body and disordered eating go hand in hand. But at its core, an eating disorder is not really about food itself at all. It is often a way of coping with deeper emotional pain. We believe that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible and would be happy to support you on your journey to recovery and a happy life.
— a holistic perspective
Looking beyond
eating behaviours
An eating disorder is not just a physical problem; it is connected to the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of your life. A negative body image and perfectionism often play a major role. That’s why we focus on restoring balance and wellbeing at all these levels—not just eating behaviours.
The symptoms of an eating disorder can vary depending on the type, but some common symptoms include:
Concerns
● Preoccupation with weight, body shape and food
● Restrictive eating or binge eating
● Excessive exercise
● Feeling out of control
● Fear of gaining weight or seeing changes in your body
● Negative body image
● Social isolation and withdrawal
— TREATMENT METHODS
How we work
An eating disorder is not really about food itself at all. It’s important to understand that an eating disorder is often a complex coping mechanism used to avoid facing underlying pain and emotions. Unhealthy eating behaviours and a troubled relationship with food serve as a way to suppress difficult feelings or gain a sense of control.
People with an eating disorder often feel anxious, lonely, insecure or overwhelmed. Focusing on food, weight and body image offers a temporary distraction from this underlying pain and these emotions. It can be a way to cope with negative thoughts, stressful situations, trauma or other challenges in life.
At Holistische Therapie Rotterdam, we recognise that an eating disorder has deep-seated emotional and psychological causes. This holistic approach focuses not only on addressing eating behaviours, but also on exploring and addressing the underlying pain, trauma or dysfunctional beliefs that contribute to the eating disorder. Together, we work to recognise and understand the underlying emotions and pain that keep the eating disorder going. Through a holistic approach, we can guide you in developing healthier coping mechanisms and finding lasting healing in your relationship with food, but more importantly, in your relationship with yourself.
Individual therapy
We explore what lies beneath eating behaviours: what emotions, beliefs and experiences are involved? Together, we work on developing healthy coping mechanisms, exploring your negative beliefs, and promoting self-acceptance and self-love.
Body-oriented therapy
Body-based therapies, such as body awareness exercises and expressive therapy, can help you develop a positive relationship with your body. These therapies focus on exploring and releasing tension and emotions held in the body.
Mindfulness & self-care
Mindfulness and self-care practices can help you focus on the present moment and cultivate self-compassion. Through meditation, breathing exercises and other mindfulness techniques, you can learn to become more aware of your needs and take better care of yourself.
Trauma therapy
Trauma therapy can be an integral part of the recovery process for an eating disorder, especially when there are underlying trauma-related causes. Through various therapeutic techniques, such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and body-based trauma therapy, trauma therapy can help you process trauma, transform negative beliefs and support your recovery.
— work together towards recovery?
Body image & perfectionism
A
negative body image
often plays an important role in the development and maintenance of an eating disorder. People with an eating disorder often have a distorted view of their own bodies and strive for an unrealistic ideal. This negative body image can lead to a dysfunctional relationship with food and eating behaviours.
Perfectionism is often linked to the development of an eating disorder. People with perfectionist tendencies tend to set high expectations for themselves, including regarding their appearance. This pressure can contribute to a negative body image and the development of dysfunctional eating habits.
It’s important to note that even if you think your symptoms aren’t serious enough, it’s still important to seek help. Early intervention can reduce the impact of an eating disorder and support recovery.
