Anorexia

The media constantly project the message that slim people are attractive, sexy, successful and popular. Teenagers (especially girls) are particularly susceptible to this propaganda; body image and “belonging” are very important to them. If they already have a poor self image and low confidence, they may attribute their lack of social skills to their body shape and try to make themselves desirable by starving themselves.

Anorexia often occurs in a family or social environment where adults over control, and their high expectations cause the adolescent to respond with anger and rebellion. The teenager will strive to find their boundaries and some measure of control by refusing to eat in order to feel they have some autonomy. Unable to face the real issues of low self esteem and emotional pain, they substitute an obsessive attitude towards food and body shape.

Puberty is a time when teenagers seek to establish their boundaries – “This is who I am”. If the adolescent cannot break free of the parents’ influence, or is afraid to become independent, they may cling to childhood by attempting to slow their bodies’ growth. In prolonged cases of under nourishment, menstruation stops. Starvation inflicted on a developing body does enormous damage - the body’s defences weaken resulting in exhaustion and illness.

I focus on the person’s life situation; what’s occurring in the family, in school, and among their peers rather than on how many calories they take in every day. I work to identify how this child/adolescent feels disempowered, blocked or out of control. Having established that, I work to help them improve their confidence, body image and sense of self worth. I also provide guidance and advice on healthy eating and lifestyle.

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Weight Loss & Eating Disorders BulimiaFood Substituing Feelings