How I Approach Eating Disorder Treatment by Dr. Deborah Simpson, Ph.D.
If you're reading this, welcome. You may be wondering if your relationship with food and your body is unhealthy, or you may be worried about someone you love. Taking the first step toward understanding an eating disorder can be incredibly difficult. And starting treatment can feel daunting. But here’s what I want you to know: you can do hard things.
Eating disorders can impact every area of life, physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, work, and school. Even when someone recognizes the harm an eating disorder is causing, it can be hard to imagine how to move forward. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to have it all figured out. The good news is that eating disorders are treatable, and the earlier treatment begins, the better the outcomes.
A Personalized, Evidence-Based Approach
When I meet with someone struggling with an eating disorder, I understand that part of them may want to get better, while another part may be terrified of letting the eating disorder go. This internal conflict is common, and it deserves a safe space for exploration. My role is to help you work through that ambivalence, with compassion and curiosity, so we can begin to loosen the eating disorder’s hold and create space for a fuller, more vibrant life.
Treatment is not one-size-fits-all. We’re all individuals, and your recovery journey will be shaped around what’s best for you. That said, I often draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E), a highly effective, evidence-based approach for treating anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. CBT-E focuses on re-establishing regular eating patterns while addressing the beliefs and behaviors that maintain the disorder.
Supporting Families and Adolescents
When working with adolescents, I often incorporate Family-Based Treatment (FBT), another research-supported approach. FBT involves parents in the recovery process, putting them in charge of meals and guiding them in reducing disordered behaviors like bingeing, purging, or over-exercising. As the adolescent makes progress, control is gradually and thoughtfully returned to them.
Walking the Path Together
Recovery is not easy, and it’s not supposed to be. But it is possible, and you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you’re just beginning to explore whether something is wrong or you're ready to take the next step in treatment, I’m here to support you with honesty, empathy, and evidence-based care.
It’s okay to feel scared. You can take things one step at a time.