Eating Disorders
Have you ever found yourself obsessing over what you ate, skipping meals to “make up” for a treat, or feeling out of control around food?
Maybe you have watched a loved ones’ relationship with eating change and wondered if it is “just a phase” or something deeper.
Eating disorders often begin quietly, masked by diet trends, stress, or the pursuit of health—yet they can quickly take hold, impacting not only the body but also the mind, relationships, and daily life. If any of this feels familiar, you are not alone, and understanding is the first step toward hope and healing.
What Is An Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders often start as mental health issues but can quickly lead to serious physical health problems. Their effects ripple out, impacting not just the person struggling but also their family and friends. Recovery requires patience, compassion, and the right support.
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions marked by ongoing disturbances in eating behaviours, thoughts, and feelings about food, weight, and body shape. These conditions can disrupt daily life and harm physical health and relationships.
Types Of Eating Disorders
The most common eating disorders include:
Anorexia Nervosa (AN)
Restriction of food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and a disturbance in self image
Bulimia Nervosa (BN)
Cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often rapidly and to the point of discomfort, accompanied by feelings of loss of control and distress.
The diagnostic differences between Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa can be somewhat academic about weight. However, both conditions have symptoms of a fear of weight gain, restricted eating, and they can both have symptoms of binge eating and compensatory behaviour such as purging, laxative use and excessive exercise.
One can often move between the two diagnoses at different phases of their life. It is also not uncommon for people who think they have Binge Eating Disorder to have Bulimia Nervosa. This is why we use the Oxford University Psychologist, Fairburn’s transdiagnostic approach to help us understand the three conditions and guide our therapy approach.
Binge Eating Disorder is characterised by binge eating which is distressing and associated with a sense of it being out of control. Compensatory behaviours are not present unlike the other presentations discussed above.
Feeding disorders, such as Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), are discussed separately due to their unique presentation and needs.
Symptoms Of Eating Disorders
Common signs and symptoms of someone with an eating disorder may include:
- Preoccupation with food, dieting, or body weight
- Significant changes in eating habits or rituals
- Excessive exercise or other compensatory behaviours
- Withdrawal from social activities, especially those involving food
- Physical symptoms: fatigue, dizziness, digestive issues, irregular periods, fluctuations in weight (up or down)
- Emotional distress: anxiety, depression, irritability
Symptoms can vary widely between individuals and may change over time.
Causes Of Eating Disorders
There is no single cause; eating disorders result from a complex interplay of factors:
- Genetics: Having a close family member with an eating disorder or mental health issue increases risk. Genetics may account for up to 50-80% of risk in some cases.
- Personality Traits: Perfectionism, impulsivity, and low self-esteem are common risk factors.
- Trauma and Stress: Experiences like childhood trauma, abuse, or big life changes can make someone more vulnerable.
- Sociocultural Influences: Societal pressure to look a certain way, media messages, and involvement in activities that emphasise thinness (like dance or athletics) all play a role.
- Other Conditions: Anxiety, depression, OCD, and diabetes (especially in young women) are often linked with eating disorders.
When To Seek Help?
Seek professional help if you or someone you know experiences:
- Persistent preoccupation with food, weight, or body image
- Significant changes in eating or exercise habits
- Physical symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or rapid weight changes
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities
- Feelings of shame, guilt, or loss of control around food
Early intervention is linked to better outcomes and a shorter duration of illness. If you are unsure whether you or someone you care about might have an eating disorder, please do not wait to seek support.
We offer confidential, compassionate help for individuals and families. Contact us today to book an appointment, ask questions, or simply talk to someone who understands.
“You alone can recover but you cannot do it alone” (Treasure, 2010)
Support for loved ones is a valuable resource for recovery.
How Can Us Help You?
Experienced Therapists
Our processes and quality assurance is led by Dr.Emma Waddington, a UK-trained senior clinician psychologist and Founder of Us Therapy, with over 20+ years of experience in helping individuals in Singapore.
Holistic & Personalised Approach
Our clinicians draw from various therapeutic models to create a holistic approach. At Us, we have seen hundreds of clients and we recognise that each individual is unique. Our approach is tailored to you but always includes customised treatment plans and integrative techniques.
Thorough Assessment
At Us, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive assessment processes. We will undergo a thorough assessment process with you in your first sessions before we come up with a plan for your therapy.
Our Therapists
Therapy Approaches
Therapy is most effective when started early and tailored to the individual’s needs. Most people benefit from a team approach, including psychological, medical, and nutritional support.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is the most researched therapy for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, and is effective for anorexia nervosa. CBT targets unhelpful thoughts and behaviours related to food, body image, and self-worth, helping individuals develop healthier coping strategies.
Family-Based Therapy for Eating Disorders
FBT encourages parents to take use parenting practices to re-establish regular eating routines.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
DBT is useful for individuals with emotional dysregulation or co-occurring self-harm, focusing on mindfulness and distress tolerance
Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA)
MANTRA focuses on the cognitive, emotional and relational factors that maintain anorexia. MANTRA uses motivational interviewing and collaborative goal-setting to help adults understand and change entrenched patterns.
Medical and Nutritional Support
Medical Monitoring: Regular assessment of physical health, including vital signs, blood tests, and management of complications (e.g. electrolyte imbalances, cardiac issues).
Dietitian Involvement: Nutritional rehabilitation and meal planning, addressing malnutrition and restoring healthy eating patterns.
What To Expect
Initial Consultation – A Space to Be Heard
The first session is all about getting to know you. It is a conversation—one where you can share what is been on your mind, what has been feeling difficult, and what you would like support with. Your therapist will ask questions about your background, experiences, and goals, but there is no pressure to answer any questions—just a safe space to begin.
Questionnaires & Onboarding Surveys – Understanding the Full Picture
To help tailor therapy to your needs, you may be asked to fill out some brief questionnaires before or after your first session. These can give insight into things like mood, stress levels, relationship patterns, or coping strategies. They are not tests—just tools to help your therapist understand how best to support you.
Individual Therapy Sessions – Your Journey at Your Own Pace
Each session is a step forward in your journey. Therapy is not just about talking—it is about discovering new ways to navigate life’s challenges, make sense of emotions, and feel like you are getting the most out of your life. Depending on your needs, sessions may focus on:
- Exploring patterns of thought and behavior
- Understanding past experiences and their impact on the present
- Developing practical coping tools
- Strengthening emotional resilience
Feedback Sessions – Reflecting and Adjusting
After the first few sessions (or after assessments), a feedback session provides space to reflect on how therapy is going. This is a chance to talk about what has been helpful, what you would like more of, and how therapy can continue to best serve you.
Intervention – The Heart of Therapy
Intervention is where meaningful change happens. Every therapy journey is unique, and the approach will be shaped around what works best for you. Some common approaches include:
🌱 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helping to identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns, reduce anxiety, and develop healthier ways to cope and new patterns of behaviour.
🧠 Schema Therapy – Deep, transformational work to uncover long-standing patterns that might be keeping you stuck, often rooted in early life experiences.
💙 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Learning to handle difficult emotions with self-compassion and move towards what truly matters in life.
🌊 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – A powerful approach for healing trauma and distressing memories, helping the brain reprocess them in a way that feels less overwhelming.
🧘 Mindfulness-Based Approaches – Building self-awareness, grounding techniques, and ways to manage stress and emotions with greater ease.
Support For Families And Caregivers
Recovery is not a solitary journey—support for loved ones is crucial. At our clinic, we offer the “Developing Dolphins: The Maudsley Model” group for parents and caregivers. This group aims to build skills and confidence in guiding a loved one through recovery. It provides a space for caregivers to share their difficulties, experience a sense of connectedness, and develop a deeper understanding of eating disorders, learning practical ways to support their loved one.
The group is supported by the carer’s book:
Treasure, J., Smith, G., & Crane, A. (2017). Skills-based caring for a loved one with an eating disorder: The new Maudsley method. Routledge.
How To Prevent Relapses?
Relapse is a common challenge in recovery, but several strategies can help:
- Identify personal triggers: Stress, changes in routine, or negative emotions can prompt relapse.
- Develop a coping plan: Work with your therapist to create strategies for managing urges and difficult situations.
- Build a support network: Stay connected with family, friends, and support groups.
- Recognise early warning signs: Mood changes, withdrawal, or changes in eating habits may signal relapse—act early.
- Continue therapy and self-care: Ongoing therapy and self-care practices are key to long-term recovery.
Fees
Individual Counselling Rates
Clinician type
Fees and Duration
Clinic Founder
$310
Principal Psychologist
$290
Senior Clinical Psychologist
$262
Educational Psychologist
$262
Clinical Psychologist
$236
Counsellor
$170
Expressive Arts Therapist
$170
Associate Psychologist
$130
Phone calls / Emails
Clinicians rate pro-rata (10 Mins)
FAQs About Eating Disorders
What are the different types of eating disorders?
The main types are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED) and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) are also recognised.
What are the 10 symptoms of an eating disorder?
- Preoccupation with food or weight
- Extreme dieting or food restriction
- Binge eating episodes
- Purging behaviors
- Dramatic weight changes
- Distorted body image
- Mood swings
- Fatigue or dizziness
- Avoidance of meals
- Withdrawal from social situations
What are the big 3 eating disorders?
Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder.
How to tell if a man has an eating disorder?
Look for similar signs as in women: preoccupation with body image, changes in eating or exercise habits, secrecy around food, mood changes, and physical symptoms. Eating disorders affect all genders.
Recovery is possible, and support is available. If you or a loved one is struggling, reach out—help can make all the difference.
Clinical Guidelines
At Us Therapy, we follow expert guidelines to prioritise evidence-based interventions for eating disorders: