In the quiet moments of life, when we are alone with our thoughts and our plate, we often come face-to-face with our relationship with food. For some, this relationship is easy and uncomplicated. For others, it’s a struggle that can feel overwhelming and all-consuming. If you find yourself in the latter category, please know you’re not alone. And more importantly, it’s okay to seek help.
Many people grapple with the idea of pursuing therapy for their struggles with food. This hesitation is understandable. After all, admitting that we need help can be hard, and the prospect of opening up about our deepest insecurities to a stranger can be daunting. You might even question whether your struggles are ‘bad enough’ to warrant professional help.
But here’s the thing – you don’t have to hit rock bottom before you start climbing back up. Therapy isn’t reserved only for those who’ve reached their breaking point. It’s a tool for anyone who needs a little extra support navigating their journey, no matter where they are along the path.
Understanding your Relationship with Food: Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Now, let’s talk about Binge Eating Disorder (BED). BED is a serious but treatable eating disorder characterised by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often very quickly and to the point of discomfort. It’s usually accompanied by feelings of loss of control during the binge and experiencing shame, distress or guilt afterwards.
However, having an unhealthy relationship with food doesn’t always mean you have BED or any other specific eating disorder. But it does mean that your relationship with food is causing you distress, and that’s reason enough to seek help.
Seeking help
The fear of seeking help is common and perfectly natural. We fear judgement, the unknown, and sometimes, we fear the process of healing itself because it means confronting our pain. But remember, a qualified professional is there to guide you, not judge you. They are trained to help you navigate your emotions, understand your triggers, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Working with a professional doesn’t necessarily mean signing up for long-term therapy. Every individual is unique, and so is their healing journey. For some, a few sessions might be enough to gain insight and tools to manage their relationship with food better.
This is where breakthrough sessions come in. These are half-day sessions designed for individuals who may not be ready or able to commit to long-term therapy but know they need guidance and support. These sessions aim to provide immediate strategies and tools to help manage your relationship with food more healthily.
As a therapist specialising in binge eating, I offer these half-day breakthrough sessions. The goal of these sessions is not to ‘fix’ you – because you’re not broken. Instead, we focus on understanding your relationship with food, identifying triggers, and equipping you with practical tools and strategies that you can implement immediately.
The benefits of these sessions are manifold. They offer an opportunity to dip your toes into the therapeutic process without the commitment of long-term therapy. They provide immediate relief and strategies, allowing you to start making positive changes right away. And they serve as a supportive space where you can open up about your struggles, free from judgment or shame.
Your relationship with food: it’s okay to seek help
So, if you’re struggling with your relationship with food, remember this: it’s okay to seek help, even if you think you’re not ‘that bad’. It’s okay to fear the process, but don’t let that fear hold you back from taking the first step. Whether it’s long-term therapy or a half-day breakthrough session, there is help available that fits your needs and comfort level.
Your relationship with food is just that – yours. And just like any other relationship, it’s okay to ask for help when things get tough. After all, we all deserve a relationship with food that’s healthy, balanced, and free from distress.
If you feel like you need support with your eating but are unsure of where to start, feel free to get in touch to see how I can help you.
