Understanding Anorexia
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, a distorted body image and persistent restriction of food intake. People with anorexia often judge their self‑worth almost exclusively by their body shape and weight. Enhanced cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT‑E) is a manualized treatment designed to address the key features of anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders. CBT‑E focuses on modifying eating habits and attitudes toward shape and weight and has stages that help stabilize eating patterns, address body concerns and plan for setbacks.
Therapists Offering Anorexia Therapy Support
About Anorexia Therapy
Why seek therapy?
Anorexia can lead to severe physical and psychological consequences, including malnutrition, depression, anxiety and social withdrawal. Therapy provides professional support to restore a healthy weight, challenge disordered eating patterns and improve self‑esteem.
How therapy helps
CBT‑E and other evidence‑based therapies address the cognitive and behavioural aspects of anorexia. Sessions begin with education about nutrition and the effects of starvation, then focus on developing regular eating patterns. Therapists work with clients to identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs about weight and shape, enhance coping with daily events and moods, and plan for relapse prevention. Family involvement may be incorporated, especially for younger clients.
Benefits of Anorexia Nervosa Therapy
Improve Eating Habits
Therapy helps establish regular meals and snacks, reducing restrictive behaviours. Education and behavioural experiments encourage gradual weight restoration.
As eating normalizes, physical health improves and energy levels increase, supporting further progress.
Address Body Image Concerns
CBT‑E targets the overvaluation of shape and weight. Through cognitive restructuring and exposure exercises, you learn to view your body more realistically and kindly.
Improved body image reduces the urge to restrict and enhances self‑acceptance.
Enhance Emotional Resilience
Therapy explores underlying emotions such as anxiety, perfectionism and low self‑esteem. You learn coping skills to manage stress and regulate emotions without using disordered eating.
Greater emotional resilience supports long‑term recovery and healthier relationships.
Take the first step toward recovery
Start Feeling Better.
Recovery from anorexia is possible with the right support. Empire Psychotherapy offers evidence‑based treatment and a compassionate environment to help you reclaim your health and self‑worth.
Our Approach to Anorexia
We use CBT‑E and other evidence‑based therapies to address anorexia. Therapy is tailored to your unique needs and may include nutrition education, cognitive restructuring, exposure to feared foods and relapse prevention planning. For adolescents, we involve families to support refeeding and recovery. Sessions can be in person or online for flexibility.
Common Questions About Anorexia Nervosa Therapy
What is CBT‑E?
CBT‑E is an enhanced form of CBT designed to treat eating disorders. It addresses the factors that maintain disordered eating by focusing on eating patterns, body image and coping skills.
Do I have to gain weight right away?
Weight restoration is an important goal, but therapy proceeds gradually. Your therapist and medical team work with you to set safe targets.
Will my family be involved?
Family involvement is common, especially for teens. Family‑based approaches empower parents to support recovery.
How long does treatment take?
For those not significantly underweight, CBT‑E typically involves about 20 sessions over 20 weeks. More sessions may be needed if you are underweight.
Can therapy be done online?
Yes. We offer virtual sessions to make care accessible across Ontario.
History of Anorexia Nervosa Therapy
Medical literature has documented self‑starvation for well over a century, but for decades treatment emphasised physical restoration through enforced feeding and rest. Psychological factors were often misunderstood or ignored, leading to high relapse rates and a sense of shame for those affected. By the late 20th century, researchers recognised that restrictive eating is maintained by rigid beliefs about weight and body image. This insight paved the way for cognitive and behavioural interventions, including the development of enhanced cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT‑E) which targets both eating patterns and unhelpful attitudes about shape and weight.
Modern anorexia therapy combines CBT‑E with nutritional counselling, mindfulness and family‑based approaches to address the medical, psychological and relational aspects of the disorder. Studies demonstrate that CBT‑E is one of the leading evidence‑based treatments for eating disorders. Therapists work collaboratively to stabilise eating patterns, challenge distorted thoughts and equip clients with relapse‑prevention strategies. Family involvement supports recovery by improving communication and reducing blame. With the expansion of online therapy across Ontario, individuals with anorexia can now access specialised support regardless of location, reducing barriers to care and promoting lasting recovery.
Recovery is possible with support and patience.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
If anorexia is affecting your life, reach out to Empire Psychotherapy. Our team provides compassionate, evidence‑based care in Hamilton and online.