Philadephia Anorexia and Bulimia Counseling

Anorexia and Bulimia Treatment and Counseling in Philadelphia, PA

Many people link Hollywood and eating disorders because more and more celebrities are speaking about their fight with anorexia or bulimia. Just to name a few, Russell Brand, Shawn Johnson, Hilary Duff, Zoe Kravitz, Lily Collins, Kesha, Zayn Malik, Elton John, Demi Lovato, and Jane Fonda have struggled against a warped self-image and compulsive eating habits.

But anorexia and bulimia do not just plague celebrities. About 30 million fight them in America today. These eating disorders occur in men and women. They usually develop during the teen or early adult years, but people of all ages can have bulimia or anorexia.

Eating disorders can be mischaracterized as a picky phase that people grow out of, but this minimizes the seriousness of bulimia and anorexia. It may also bolster a stereotype that prevents people from receiving the treatment they need. The truth is that bulimia and anorexia are psychiatric disorders that can severely harm people’s physical and psychological well-being. It is of the utmost importance that people receive the treatment they need.

Even though effective interventions are available, only about 10 percent of people find the help they need to treat their eating disorder. Nutritional, psychological, and medical treatments can be individualized to meet each client’s symptoms and needs. It takes courage to acknowledge an eating disorder and reach out for help, but if you or a loved one is struggling with body image and disordered eating, you are not alone.

Thriveworks Philadelphia offers counseling for bulimia and anorexia because we want everyone who is suffers with an eating disorder to receive the treatment they need. Our therapists and psychologists understand the medical and psychological risks that people face, and we are committed to offering holistic care.

Anorexia and Bulimia: Associated Health Risks

Friends and family members with good intentions may applaud how someone with anorexia or bulimia appears so thin and healthy. These compliments, however, can unintentionally and unfortunately encourage the disordered eating. Culturally, people often associate thinness and health, but the reality is that they are not the same. A slim body can also be a very unhealthy body. In fact, anorexia and bulimia are associated with increased risk of substantial health challenges.

Many of the health risks associated with bulimia threaten a person’s digestive system. Bulimia may cause ulcers, higher risks of gastric rupture, tooth decay, gastroesophageal reflux disease, kidney disease, electrolyte imbalance, and constipation. Bulimia may also cause heart disease.
Anorexia holds the highest death rate of any psychiatric disorders. It can damage a person’s cardiovascular system, resulting in low blood pressure, low heart rate, and increased risk of an abnormal heartbeat and heart failure. Anorexia can also lead to infertility and a disrupted menstrual cycle. Other health risks associated with it include premature osteoporosis, endocrine disruptions, premature osteoporosis, anemia, kidney damage, and even death.

Classifying Anorexia and Bulimia

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) has classifications for several different types of eating disorders, but bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are likely the most recognizable. While they share many similarities, they are separate diagnoses with their own classifications.

The DSM-5 classifies anorexia nervosa according to the following criteria:

  • Experiencing disdain for one’s body weight and size while being incapable of perceiving one’s low body weight.
  • An acute and illogical fear of gaining weight that leads to intentional efforts that hinder healthy weight gain and/or maintenance.
  • Strictly limiting food intake to achieve a substantially lower body weight in relationship to normal standards that account for a person’s physical health, age, sex, and developmental trajectory.

The DSM-5 classifies bulimia nervosa according to the following criteria:

  • Repeated times of binge eating, including,
    • Eating, in a certain amount of time, food that is clearly more than most people could eat during the same amount of time and under similar circumstances.
    • Uncontrollable food consumption during the binge.
  • Responding to food consumption with repetitive, unhealthy, compensatory actions that attempt to impede weight gain, such as over-using medications like diuretic and laxatives; self-induced vomiting; fasting for too long or too often; or exercising with extreme methods.
  • A self-perception that is consumed with one’s body shape and weight.

Therapists and Psychologists for Bulimia and Anorexia Help

If you recognize any of the behaviors or attitudes from the list of symptoms in your own life, it may be time to reach out for help. At Thriveworks Philadelphia, we know that making the first call takes courage, and we want to support our clients from the moment they decide to pursue treatment.

When you call our office, a person will answer and help schedule an appointment that is convenient for your schedule. We offer evening and weekend sessions, and many of our clients can see their counselor the following day. We also accept many forms of insurance.

Thriveworks Philadelphia has counseling appointments available for bulimia and anorexia. Our goal is to help each client find the medical and psychological care they need. Call today to get started.

Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

People Love Our Providers!

Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 21 5 1 21 reviews. See all reviews
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Happy

★★★★★
I look forward to speaking with Kameil each week . She's such a helpful & caring therapist & I'm happy she's accompanying me on my journey.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Great clinicians!

★★★★★
Tim Sosin is an exceptional clinician to work with and serve you. As someone that has worked with Tim, I can attest to his commitment to serving his clients. He works diligently to learn and become competent about evidence based and top notch approaches that insure the highest quality of care. Tim has a welcoming empathy that is expressed to all, and helps you feel all the more comfortable as you approach the counseling process. He willing comes alongside of you in your journey. Tim collaborates well with others, as being a trust source of knowledge. I have learned specifically about the EMDR modality from Tim, and have been encouraged by his passion about this approach. I whole heartedly trust recommend entrusting clients to work with and be treated by Tim. He is simply exceptional is his devotion to high quality care!
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Book with Lavonda!

★★★★★
Lavonda is a great therapist - very patient and kind.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Council

★★★★★
I going to thrive works since March of 2018 I first I was like I am not sure if therapy was for me or not I use to go when I was a teenage so it’s been a while so I have my first session with Laura she was very laid back and easy to talk to she was like mother figure someone I can talk every thing went well until end of October of 2018 when she resign from Thriveworks I was sad cause I couldn’t see her no more but now I am see Jeanette Frye, she is very nice and helpful person at first I was really shy to talk to her cause I was like oh great a new therapist but as time went on I was able to open up and connect with Jeanette and she tell her what I needed help or how was I feeling
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

I am very happy meeting with Alan Goldberg.

★★★★★
I am very happy meeting with Alan Goldberg. The location is very convenient as well. I am comfortable speaking about all topics I desire
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Abraham is very attentive

★★★★★
So far Abraham is very attentive and I am already feeling better and feel more in control of my life even after just three sessions. He has suggested I read a book and has helped me monitor my day which has been especially helpful
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

The best…

★★★★★
The best...
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

So far so good

★★★★★
So far so good
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Great experience with individual therapy

★★★★☆
Great experience with individual therapy, but had a tough time scheduling couples therapy.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

👍🏼

★★★★★
👍🏼
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Thriveworks has been very accommodating in terms of scheduling

★★★★★
Thriveworks has been very accommodating in terms of scheduling and allowing me to meet with someone who fits my style of therapy. Based on seeing Mary and having her explain her style of therapy that address the foundation of particular issues, I’m very optimistic about a bright future!
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Happy with how welcoming and supportive the group is

★★★★★
My comments may be limited to Mary specifically, but my onboarding and scheduling process was seamless. While relatively early on, I only have positive things to say. I’m very happy with how welcoming and supportive the group is. While waiting for my first session I was also greeted by another counselor to make sure that I was taken care of. The only point I would recommend improving about the process is ensuring the initial three months is automated from the date of first appointment and not the date of scheduling the first appointment. The latter may be significantly before the first session.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

They made me feel very comfortable.

★★★★★
They made me feel very comfortable. I look forward to more sessions.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

A nurturing team for couples and individual therapy.

★★★★★
A nurturing team for couples and individual therapy.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

I loved my first appointment.

★★★★★
I loved my first appointment. Everything was on time and easy and I’m looking forward to being a part of a therapy plan in the coming months.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Natalie was awesome

★★★★★
Natalie was awesome and I felt very comfortable during my intake. I think she and I are going to work very well as therapist and client.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Great experience

★★★★★
Great experience
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Natalie was great.

★★★★★
Natalie was great. She made me feel welcome and hopeful.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Easy to set up appointment

★★★★★
Easy to set up appointment and so far so good
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

The therapist I worked with

★★★★★
The therapist I worked with (Natalie) was very welcoming and attentive during our session. I feel that she understood the concerns I have been experiencing and communicated them back to me very effectively.
Thriveworks Counseling Philadelphia (Walnut St.)

Great non-judgemental environment.

★★★★★
Great non-judgemental environment.
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Thriveworks Counseling

Schedule your first appointment with a Thriveworks Counselor or Life Coach!

  • 1518 Walnut St
    Philadelphia, PA 19102

  • Mon-Fri:7AM-9:30PM
    Saturday:7AM-6PM
    Sunday:8AM-5PM

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