Therapy for Bulimia
Compassionate Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa
Recovery is Possible
Bulimia can feel like being caught in a cycle you didn’t ask for and can’t seem to stop. You may feel stuck in secrecy, shame, and exhaustion—eating in ways that don’t feel like you, and then trying to undo it. Maybe you’re afraid of what would happen if you stopped. Maybe it feels like this is the only way to get through life right now.
You’re not alone—and there is a way forward.
Whether you're a teen, a college student, or someone who's been quietly struggling for years, therapy can help you step out of the cycle, reconnect with yourself, and build new ways of coping.
Understanding Bulimia
Bulimia is often misunderstood by society at large—but in truth, it’s a deeply complex and adaptive way of coping. The cycle of binging and purging may be driven by emotional overwhelm, perfectionism, self-criticism, or a need to numb out.
For many, the eating disorder becomes a way to manage anxiety, trauma, or feelings of not being enough. It may offer relief in the short term—but it can also leave you feeling trapped, ashamed, and disconnected from your body.
Therapy is not about forcing you to “just stop.” It’s about understanding what the eating disorder has been doing for you—so we can find new ways to meet those same needs with compassion and care.
How I Approach Bulimia Treatment
There’s no shame here. No lectures. No “just eat normally” advice.
As an eating disorder specialist with a decade of experience—especially with younger adults and teens—I work to create a therapy space where you feel safe, supported, and understood. Together, we’ll move at a pace that honors both your desire for change and the part of you that might be afraid to let go.
My approach includes:
Evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and parts work
Trauma-informed care that focuses on nervous system regulation and emotional safety
Body liberation frameworks to build a sense of empowerment
A nonjudgmental, collaborative relationship where you set the pace
This work isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about helping you come home to yourself.
Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia
Bulimia can impact every area of life—your body, emotions, relationships, and sense of self. Some signs are visible. Many are hidden.
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Frequent fluctuations in weight
Gastrointestinal issues or acid reflux
Sore throat or dental erosion
Fatigue, dizziness, or lightheadedness
Irregular menstrual cycles or hormone imbalances
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Intense guilt, shame, or self-criticism after eating
Anxiety or depression
Perfectionism and black-and-white thinking
Emotional numbness or overwhelm
Feeling out of control around food
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Binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, laxatives, over-exercise)
Secretive eating behaviors or food hoarding
Skipping meals or extreme dieting
Avoiding social situations involving food
Mood changes or withdrawal from others
Family Support
Bulimia often begins during early adult years—when life is already full of pressure, transition, and identity shifts. I specialize in working with younger clients and understand how isolating this struggle can feel, especially when parents or friends don’t fully get it.
For adolescents and college-aged clients, I incorporate family involvement in ways that build understanding—not control. Parents and caregivers can be powerful allies in recovery, especially when they’re supported, too.
Whether you’re a teen, a caregiver, or a young adult trying to make sense of it all, therapy offers a space to be seen and supported without judgment.
What Therapy for Bulimia Looks Like
Therapy is tailored to you. Together, we’ll gently explore:
What drives the binge-purge cycle and how to interrupt it safely
The emotional function of food-related behaviors
Building distress tolerance and self-regulation skills
Rebuilding trust with your body and hunger cues
Navigating shame, self-image, and perfectionism
Planning for sustainable recovery and relapse prevention
There are no rules here, no forced timelines. You bring your full self, and we go from there.
You Can Step Out of the Cycle
Let’s Take the First Step Together
Bulimia can make life feel chaotic, lonely, and out of control—but you are not your behaviors. You are a full, complex person with a story that deserves to be heard and held.
Recovery is possible. You can learn to live in your body without punishment. You can feel connected to yourself again.
If you’re ready to explore healing—or even just wondering what therapy could look like—I’d be honored to walk with you. You don’t have to do this alone.