Eating Disorder Therapy in Lanham, MD - Therapy and Counseling

A person with an eating disorder in Lanham, MD.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a serious eating disorder caused by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often rapidly, and to the point of discomfort. When left untreated, BED can lead to serious physical health complications, depression, anxiety, and significant impairment in quality of life.

Access Health Services provides comprehensive, compassionate support to help individuals overcome binge eating patterns and develop a healthier relationship with food and their bodies.

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What is a Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge Eating Disorder involves complex patterns of behavior and emotion that can significantly impact physical and mental health. Common signs and symptoms include:

Recurring episodes of overeating large amounts of food.
Losing control during binge episodes.
Eating more quickly than normal.
Eating until uncomfortably full.
Eating large amounts when not physically hungry.
Feelings of shame, disgust, or guilt after binging.
Eating alone due to embarrassment.
Significant emotional distress about binging.
Pattern of emotional or stress eating.
Difficulty identifying hunger and fullness cues.

Person with an eating disorder eating food.

What is Anorexia & Bulimia?

Anorexia Nervosa:

Characterized by extreme calorie restriction, fear of weight gain, and a distorted body image.
People with anorexia frequently lose substantial weight and become malnourished, which can result in serious health problems like weakened bones, organ damage, and heart problems.

Bulimia Nervosa:

Individuals with bulimia might appear to be a healthy weight, making the disorder more difficult to identify. However, it can cause severe health problems, such as electrolyte imbalances, digestive issues, and heart conditions.
Defined by cycles of binge eating followed by purging through vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives.

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Who Can Benefit from Eating Disorder Treatment?

Individuals struggling with binge-eating episodes.
Those with emotional eating patterns.
People with food and body image concerns.
Individuals seeking recovery from BED.
Those with stress-related eating behaviors.
People with co-occurring anxiety or depression.
Those seeking to change their relationship with food.
Those seeking sustainable lifestyle changes.

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Woman with an eating disorder eating and watching TV in a Lanham, MD.

How Access Health Services Helps Address Eating Disorders

Therapy and
Counseling Sessions

Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions focused on understanding triggers and developing healthy coping strategies.
Group Support: Structured group sessions providing peer support and shared learning experiences.

Specialized Treatment
Approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Evidence-based techniques for changing thoughts and behaviors around food.
Mindful Eating Practice: Developing awareness of hunger, fullness, and eating patterns.
Emotional Regulation: Learning to manage emotions without using food.

Aftercare and
Ongoing Support

Regular Check-ins: Monitoring recovery progress and addressing challenges.
Skill Reinforcement: Ongoing practice of healthy eating behaviors.
Relapse Prevention: Strategies for maintaining recovery.
Support Network: Connection to recovery resources and groups.
Long-term Planning: Development of sustainable wellness practices.

Benefits of Eating Disorder Therapy

Reduced Binge Episodes: Decreased frequency and severity of binges.
Healthier Relationship with Food: More balanced eating patterns.
Improved Self-Esteem: Greater body acceptance and self-worth.
Reduced Anxiety: Less food-related stress and worry.
Better Emotional Control: Improved ability to manage triggers.
Enhanced Self-Awareness: Better understanding of hunger and fullness.
Better Coping Skills: Healthy alternatives to emotional eating.
Better Physical Health: Improved overall wellness.

Eating Disorder Treatment FAQ

How long does BED treatment typically take?

Recovery timelines vary by individual, but most clients begin seeing improvements within 3-6 months of consistent treatment.

Does insurance cover eating disorder treatment?

Many insurance plans provide treatment for eating disorders. Contact Access Health Services or your provider for specific coverage details.

What happens in a BED therapy session?

Sessions typically include exploring triggers, developing coping strategies, addressing underlying emotional issues, and building healthy eating patterns.

How do I start treatment at Access Health Services?

Please contact the clinic to schedule an initial consultation with Asongtia Ntongawah to discuss your concerns and develop a treatment plan.

Is full recovery from BED possible?

Yes, with proper treatment and support, many people achieve lasting recovery from binge eating disorders and develop healthy, sustainable eating patterns.