Eating Disorder Treatment

Binge Eating & Compulsive Overeating

Image of a mountain, representing the difficulties of overcoming binge eating disorder

“I am out of control around food.”

“I eat when I’m sad or angry. Then I get sad and angry about my eating.”

“I’ve given up trying to take care of my body.”

If these statements describe you, then you may be struggling with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) or Compulsive Overeating. These conditions are very similar. However, compulsive overeating takes place throughout the day, whereas Binge Eating happens during short periods of time.

Real change is possible.

Image of a female feeling confident about facing her binge eating disorder after a therapy session at Monarch Wellness and Psychotherapy
Image of a mountain, representing the difficulties of overcoming binge eating disorder

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

BED is a term for when people have a tendency to eat very large amounts of food in very short time periods. Some people might plan for a binge, stocking up on favorite foods, and look forward to eating it. Others feel unexpectedly carried away by an overwhelming urge to eat.

In either case, people with BED often feel a great sense of shame and guilt about the binge. They may go to great lengths in order to hide it from other people and they may try to avoid thinking about it.

Someone with binge eating disorder does not try to get rid of the calories in any particular way. They often make promises to themselves that they won’t do this again. Of course, without support and effective craving-management techniques, these end up being false starts. Ultimately, they only make the person with binge eating disorder feel worse.

Image of a mountain, representing the difficulties of overcoming binge eating disorder

Compulsive Overeating (co)/Emotional Eating

Compulsive overeating, also known as emotional eating, is very similar to binge eating disorder. However, someone with compulsive overeating does not limit their food consumption to a discrete period of time (a binge). Rather than eating a great deal of food all at once, a person with emotional eating often eats large qualities of food throughout the day. Food may be used to numb feelings, soothe anxiety, or may serve any number of emotional purposes.

People with compulsive and emotional eating may yo-yo-diet. They may go through periods of time where they attempt, and even succeed, in losing weight. But because overeating helps them feel better, their issues with food always come back. Food will remain a problem until these emotions are discussed in therapy.

Image of a female hiking a mountain trail feeling confident about facing her binge eating disorder after a therapy session at Monarch Wellness and Psychotherapy

Understanding Binge Eating Disorder & Compulsive Overeating

Shame and guilt often accompany binge eating and compulsive overeating, but there are biological reasons behind these behaviors. Humans aren't used to having unlimited access to desired foods, leading to a "get it now" mentality. For others, food acts as a "reward," especially during emotional challenges. Genetics and life experiences can amplify this, creating a strong "eating disorder voice" that drives binge eating.

These food behaviors often make people feel bad about themselves. So they may turn to food in order to soothe or numb their feelings of guilt and shame. This causes binge eating and compulsive overeating to become a vicious cycle: you feel bad about your eating, then eat more because you feel bad.

Specific symptoms of BED & CO

    • Weight gain

    • Possible high weight

    • Possible gastric rupture

    • Mobility issues

    • Thinking about food a great deal of the time

    • Guilt

    • Shame

    • Depression

    • Anxiety

    • Avoiding doctors

    • Avoiding exercise

    • Spending a great deal of money on food

    • Eating in secret

    • Eating for emotional reasons

Image of a female standing on a mountainside looking with her arms out feeling free from binge eating disorder after a therapy session at Monarch Wellness and Psychotherapy

Our Approach to Binge Eating Disorder (BED) & Compulsive Overeating (CO)

Monarch therapists know how to break this cycle. During eating disorder treatment, we use evidence-based techniques to understand and fight the urges to overeat. Our compassionate team of therapists tailor their approach to each individual they see. We work to hard reduce shame and guilt by helping you to understand the very normal things that are causing you to overeat. Then, we give you real-world strategies for fighting food cravings and weathering emotional storms.

To treat binge eating disorder & compulsive overeating, we use the following tools:

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

    Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is focused on balancing accepting your eating disorder. DBT stresses having compassion for yourself as you are while challenging yourself to make changes in your behavior. It also offers concrete tools for managing strong feelings, improving relationships, and learning how to live in the present.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you to understand the thought patterns that keep you stuck in your eating disorder. You may have received messages that you aren’t good enough, or that it doesn’t matter how hard you try. You even might think, on some level, that you don’t deserve to be happier than you are. CBT helps you to discover and rewrite these damaging mental scripts.

  • Psychodynamic Therapy

    Psychodynamic therapy understands our present as rooted in our past. A therapist works to help you to address issues from childhood and throughout your life that may play out in your relationship to food today. It isn’t uncommon for people with BED or CO to have dealt with some sense of deprivation or loss. By figuring out what drives the eating behavior, a psychodynamic therapist can help you to find healthier ways to meet your needs.

Image of a female standing on a mountainside looking with her arms stretched up feeling free from binge eating disorder after a therapy session at Monarch Wellness and Psychotherapy

Healing from Binge Eating Disorder & Compulsive Overeating

After working with Monarch therapists, clients report feeling in control and on top of their lives. Our clients are able to feel joyful about what they eat because they eat what they truly want in a mindful way. They no longer feel guilt and fear about their eating. They extend compassion towards themselves and treat themselves like they matter. Don’t put your life on hold, reach out to us to begin treatment today.

Ready to start your healing journey?

Schedule an appointment with Monarch Wellness and Psychotherapy today. We’re here to support you every step of the way toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.