Therapy for Anorexia
What is Anorexia Nervosa (Anorexia)?
Anorexia nervosa is a mental illness that can cause people to spend most of their time thinking about food and their body, struggle with fear around weight gain, body image heavily impacts their sense of self worth, and they are not eating enough for their energy needs. Anorexia can cause health complications and may also be deadly if left untreated. Whether you are personally struggling or are worried about your loved one, living with anorexia feels exhausting.
Eating disorders — including anorexia — do not discriminate, and they impact people of all ages, races, body sizes, and genders. Contrary to what many people think, Anorexia nervosa can occur in folks of all shapes and sizes! It's important to note that while the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual labels this as 'atypical anorexia,' it is a very common presentation of anorexia that we treat in our practice. Please know that if you are struggling with an unhealthy relationship to food and your body, then you are 100 percent "sick enough" to receive therapy and pursue recovery — no matter what your mind may be telling you!
Eating disorders — including anorexia — do not discriminate, and they impact people of all ages, races, body sizes, and genders. Contrary to what many people think, Anorexia nervosa can occur in folks of all shapes and sizes! It's important to note that while the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual labels this as 'atypical anorexia,' it is a very common presentation of anorexia that we treat in our practice. Please know that if you are struggling with an unhealthy relationship to food and your body, then you are 100 percent "sick enough" to receive therapy and pursue recovery — no matter what your mind may be telling you!
If this resonates with you-we can help!
Our team at The Eating Disorder Center in Rockville, Maryland has therapists that truly specialize in helping teens and adults to recover from anorexia and reclaim their lives. Recovery is possible!
We provide therapy for anorexia in Rockville, Maryland, serving Bethesda, Potomac, Gaithersburg, and Olney. We also provide therapy for anorexia virtually throughout Maryland, Virginia, Florida, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, and California.
We know that part of you may be scared to recover, while part of you desperately wants to be free from this. With specialized therapy geared towards helping you to recover from anorexia, you don't have to continue to feel so trapped.
Our team at The Eating Disorder Center in Rockville, Maryland has therapists that truly specialize in helping teens and adults to recover from anorexia and reclaim their lives. Recovery is possible!
We provide therapy for anorexia in Rockville, Maryland, serving Bethesda, Potomac, Gaithersburg, and Olney. We also provide therapy for anorexia virtually throughout Maryland, Virginia, Florida, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, and California.
We know that part of you may be scared to recover, while part of you desperately wants to be free from this. With specialized therapy geared towards helping you to recover from anorexia, you don't have to continue to feel so trapped.
Symptoms of Anorexia
- Preoccupation with weight
- Fear of weight gain
- Rigidity around food (food rules, avoidance, and rituals)
- Restriction of food intake (under-eating based on energy needs)
- Body image concerns, and self esteem/mood is very tied to body image
How can we help?
At The Eating Disorder Center we are highly skilled in providing therapy for individuals who are struggling with anorexia. We help clients to make peace with food, their bodies and ultimately themselves. We will work as part of a treatment team to help you to recover from anorexia, which may include a physician, dietitian, and/or psychiatrist.
We use evidence-based treatment methods, including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) skills, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and modified FBT treatment. We are also Health At Every Size (HAES) informed. If there is co-occurring trauma we also offer EMDR therapy for trauma and eating disorders. We help clients to uncover the underlying functions of the eating disorder and find more values-aligning ways of coping. We help individuals with anorexia to make peace with food, their bodies, and ultimately themselves.
We pride ourselves on being action-oriented therapists, setting recovery goals, and doing exposures with clients, such as eating meals or snacks together. We value collaboration with other local eating disorder treatment providers. Many of our therapists are also personally recovered from eating disorders.
We are thankful to have helped many people to recover from anorexia.
We use evidence-based treatment methods, including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) skills, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and modified FBT treatment. We are also Health At Every Size (HAES) informed. If there is co-occurring trauma we also offer EMDR therapy for trauma and eating disorders. We help clients to uncover the underlying functions of the eating disorder and find more values-aligning ways of coping. We help individuals with anorexia to make peace with food, their bodies, and ultimately themselves.
We pride ourselves on being action-oriented therapists, setting recovery goals, and doing exposures with clients, such as eating meals or snacks together. We value collaboration with other local eating disorder treatment providers. Many of our therapists are also personally recovered from eating disorders.
We are thankful to have helped many people to recover from anorexia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by restriction of food intake, intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted perception of body weight or shape. It affects both physical and mental health and can occur in people of any age, gender, or body size. Anorexia is a complex mental health condition.
What are the signs and symptoms of anorexia?
Symptoms may include significant food restriction, skipping meals, rigid food rules, fear of gaining weight, preoccupation with body size, excessive exercise, and denial of the seriousness of low weight. Physical signs can include fatigue, dizziness, hair thinning, cold intolerance, and changes in heart rate or menstruation.
How do I know if I have anorexia?
If thoughts about food, weight, or control are dominating your life, and eating feels increasingly restrictive or anxiety-provoking, it may be anorexia. Many individuals do not recognize the severity of their symptoms. A professional evaluation at The Eating Disorder Center can help determine whether anorexia or another eating disorder is present.
What causes anorexia?
There is no single cause of anorexia. It typically develops from a combination of genetic vulnerability, personality traits, dieting or food restriction, cultural pressures, trauma, and difficulty managing emotions. Anorexia is not caused by vanity or willpower—it is a serious mental health condition.
What are the health risks of anorexia?
Anorexia carries significant medical risks, especially when untreated. These can include heart complications, bone loss, hormonal disruptions, electrolyte imbalances, fertility issues, and increased risk of anxiety, depression, and suicide. Early intervention greatly improves medical and psychological outcomes.
How is anorexia treated?
Effective treatment for anorexia involves a multidisciplinary approach that may include therapy, nutrition support, medical monitoring, and psychiatric care. Treatment is tailored to each individual’s needs and stage of recovery. At The Eating Disorder Center, care is compassionate, structured, and focused on long-term healing.
Can anorexia be cured? / What does recovery look like?
Recovery from anorexia is possible, though it often requires time and ongoing support. Recovery involves restoring adequate nutrition, reducing eating-disorder behaviors, improving body image, and developing healthier coping strategies. Progress is not always linear, but meaningful, lasting recovery can be achieved.
Can you have anorexia and not be underweight?
Yes. Anorexia can occur at any body size. Some individuals experience the same intense fear of weight gain, restrictive behaviors, and psychological distress without being visibly underweight. Medical and mental health risks can still be serious regardless of body size. A person’s weight alone does not determine the presence or severity of anorexia, which is why professional assessment is important.
How do I help someone with anorexia?
Supporting someone with anorexia starts with compassion and concern, not criticism. Encourage them to seek professional help and avoid focusing on weight or appearance. The Eating Disorder Center works with individuals and families to provide education, guidance, and supportive treatment options.
What triggers anorexia or a relapse?
Triggers can include stress, major life changes, dieting, body image pressures, trauma, or feeling a loss of control. Relapse does not mean failure—it signals a need for additional support. Recognizing early warning signs and maintaining ongoing care can help prevent relapse.
Therapy for anorexia in Rockville, Maryland, Serving Potomac, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Montgomery County. Specializing in the treatment of anorexia, in Annapolis, Chevy Chase, Germantown and Olney.
Therapy for anorexia in Arlington, Virginia. Serving McLean, Vienna, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Leesburg, Purcellville, and Herndon. Specializing in the treatment of anorexia.