megan@carleycounselingservices.com

(972) 275-6590

megan@carleycounselingservices.com

(972) 275-6590

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Eating Disorders

Nourishing Recovery

Compassionate Eating Disorder Therapy

Welcome to Carley Counseling Services, where Megan Carley, LCSW-S, specializes in providing compassionate and effective therapy for individuals struggling with eating disorders. With expertise in the field, Megan is dedicated to helping clients navigate their unique challenges, fostering a path towards recovery and a healthier relationship with food and body image.

Whether you are dealing with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder or other related concerns, Megan offers a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your experiences, uncover underlying factors contributing to your eating disorder and develop strategies for healing. Together, we will work towards restoring your well-being, promoting body positivity and creating a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Understanding Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that impact a person’s relationship with food and their body. They involve a range of unhealthy eating behaviors, thoughts and emotions that can have severe physical and emotional consequences. These disorders often stem from a combination of genetic, psychological, social and cultural factors, and they can affect individuals of any age, gender or background.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. Individuals with anorexia often have a relentless pursuit of thinness and engage in restrictive eating behaviors to maintain an extremely low body weight. This disorder goes beyond mere dietary choices and is rooted in complex psychological factors, societal pressures and genetic predispositions. Understanding anorexia nervosa involves recognizing its multifaceted nature and the impact it has on an individual’s physical and emotional well-being.

Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia

Identifying the signs and symptoms of anorexia can be crucial in recognizing the presence of this disorder. Common indications include:

  • Significant weight loss
  • Intense preoccupation with body weight and shape
  • Strict dietary restrictions
  • Excessive exercise
  • Refusal to maintain a healthy weight
  • Distorted body image
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Obsession with calorie counting
  • Social withdrawal
Health Consequences of Anorexia
Anorexia nervosa can have severe physical and psychological consequences if left untreated. The restrictive eating patterns can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, weakened immune system, cardiovascular issues, bone density loss and hormonal disruptions. Individuals with anorexia may also experience psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and social isolation.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a complex eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise or the misuse of laxatives. Individuals with bulimia often experience feelings of guilt, shame and a loss of control during these binge-eating episodes. This disorder is driven by an unhealthy preoccupation with body weight and shape, and it can significantly impact an individual’s physical and emotional well-being.
Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of bulimia is crucial in identifying this eating disorder. Common indications include:

  • Binge eating followed by purging behaviors
  • Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
  • An obsession with body weight and shape
  • Distorted self-image
  • Secretive behaviors related to food
  • Dental problems
  • Swollen salivary glands
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Electrolyte imbalances
  • Fluctuations in weight
Health Consequences of Bulimia
Bulimia nervosa can have significant health consequences if left untreated. The recurrent episodes of binge eating and purging can lead to electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, gastrointestinal problems, dental issues, esophageal damage and hormonal imbalances. Additionally, individuals with bulimia may experience psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and feelings of guilt and shame.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a serious eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time, accompanied by a feeling of loss of control. Unlike other eating disorders, individuals with BED do not engage in compensatory behaviors such as purging or excessive exercise. Binge eating episodes are often driven by emotional distress, and individuals may use food as a way to cope with their feelings. BED can result in significant distress and impairment in various areas of life.
Signs and Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder can help in identifying and seeking appropriate treatment. Common indications include:

  • Consuming an unusually large amount of food in a short period
  • Feeling a lack of control during these episodes
  • Eating rapidly without physical hunger
  • Eating to the point of discomfort
  • Experiencing guilt, shame or distress afterward
  • Secretive eating behaviors
  • Frequently think about food
Health Consequences of Binge Eating Disorder
Binge Eating Disorder can have several health consequences if left untreated. The recurrent episodes of overeating can lead to weight gain and obesity, which increase the risk of developing various physical health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and certain types of cancer. The disorder can also result in emotional distress, low self-esteem, social isolation and exacerbation of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Other Related Eating Disorders

Signs and Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is characterized by an avoidance or restriction of certain foods or food groups, leading to nutritional deficiencies and impaired functioning. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not driven by body image concerns but is often associated with sensory sensitivity, fear of choking or vomiting, or an aversion to certain textures, smells or tastes. Individuals with ARFID may experience weight loss, nutritional deficiencies and significant distress or impairment in daily life.
Orthorexia Nervosa
Orthorexia Nervosa is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with eating “healthy” or “pure” foods. Individuals with orthorexia may develop rigid rules and rituals around food, obsessively researching and avoiding certain ingredients they deem “unhealthy.” This obsession with healthy eating can become so extreme that it negatively impacts their social life, psychological well-being and overall quality of life. Orthorexia can lead to nutrient deficiencies, social isolation and an unhealthy fixation on food choices.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED), formerly known as Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS), is a category that encompasses various eating disorders that do not meet the full criteria for specific diagnoses. OSFED may include presentations such as atypical anorexia nervosa (where weight is not significantly low), purging disorder (recurrent purging without binge eating) or night eating syndrome (consuming a majority of daily food intake during nighttime). Although the specific symptoms may vary, individuals with OSFED still experience significant distress and impairment related to their eating behaviors.

Night Eating Syndrome
Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is characterized by a pattern of consuming a significant portion of daily food intake during the nighttime hours. Individuals with NES may experience a loss of appetite in the morning, consume little or no breakfast and have difficulty controlling their food intake in the evening or during nighttime awakenings. NES is often associated with emotional distress, insomnia and disrupted circadian rhythms.

Comprehensive and Individualized Therapy

Megan takes a comprehensive and individualized approach to eating disorder therapy, tailoring her treatment plans to meet each client’s unique needs. She utilizes evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to address the underlying factors contributing to the eating disorder and promote lasting change.

During therapy sessions, Megan creates a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their relationship with food, body image and self-esteem. She helps individuals develop healthier coping strategies, challenge negative thoughts and beliefs related to their body image and establish a more balanced and intuitive approach to eating.

Support for Recovery

Recovering from an eating disorder is a journey that requires support and guidance. Megan is committed to walking alongside her clients throughout their recovery process, providing continuous support, encouragement and insight. She understands the unique challenges individuals face on this path and is dedicated to helping them build resilience, self-compassion and a positive body image.