Counselling is one of a range of treatments used to assist with an array of conditions and ailments, including anorexia.
What is Anorexia?
Anorexia or anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that is considered a serious psychological condition. It is characterised by an unhealthy obsession with body appearance and weight gain, with sufferer's avoiding food and any association with eating in general. Though the condition is most commonly associated with adolescent females, anyone can develop the anorexia, and it can persist into adulthood. Anorexia can have serious physical and psychological consequences for an individual's health, particularly over a lengthy timeframe. This includes fertility, cardiac health and bone density; amongst others.
Anorexia Symptoms
Common physical and behavioural symptoms commonly associated with anorexia can include any of the following:
- Depression
- Excessive focus on body weight and appearance
- Fine body covering of hair (lanugo)
- Irregular menstrual cycles in females
- Little interest in food
- Refusal to eat
- Significant weight loss
- Unrealistic fear of weight gain
How Counselling Works
Counselling is a confidential, participatory talking therapy that can be used to address a wide range of psychological problems. This is achieved with the aid of counsellor - a trained professional who will attempt to give the client a new perspective on their problems by:
- Facilitating self understanding
- Listening and giving advice
- Offering ongoing support
After an initial assessment of a patient - which is intended to identify the nature and scope of the problem being experienced - the counsellor will develop a number of goals to be worked toward. These are periodically evaluated and may be redefined according to circumstance. There is no defined length for counselling to take place over, but may involve weeks or years of regular sessions.
Counselling for Anorexia
Counselling for anorexia focuses on the psychological elements of the condition, which may also involve the sufferer being admitted to hospital. One of the chief goals of counselling an anorexia sufferer will be to alter the patient's unhealthy desire to be thin. Issues that would typically be addressed in a counselling session include eating behaviour, self confidence and identifying the triggers that led to the condition. Managing a sufferer's attitude to eating and their health in general would also be addressed.
To learn more, consult with a counsellor near you. Find out about other natural treatments for anorexia nervosa.
Originally published on Aug 30, 2010
