A Program for Binge Eating

Feeling compelled or driven to eat can make you feel out of control and crazy. You vow every morning that today is going to be different and that you aren't going to overeat or binge. But during the day, evening or even in the middle of the night, the urge overwhelms you. And you eat and eat until exhaustion calms you and you find relief. By now you feel physically uncomfortable and guilty that you've succumbed. Once again you promise yourself that tomorrow will be different. But, unfortunately, with the new day, the cycle begins again.

At Chestnut Hill, we understand how painful binge eating is, and we understand how difficult it is for you to control it. We can help you to break the cycle, feel better, and gain control of your eating habits and your life.

• First, a therapist trained in both mental health and nutrition meets with you for an initial evaluation and assessment of your specific needs. A personal history is taken as well as a weight/eating history. It is important during this first session that both therapist and client get to know each other and establish that they can work effectively together.
• Next, your therapist will discuss with you ways that your binge eating has impacted and interfered with your life. She/he will identify with you your goals in therapy.
• During the treatment, your therapist will help you to understand the connections between life circumstances, painful feelings, and your binge eating. You may be asked to do homework to aid in the identification of issues which impact your eating. If you are overweight, your therapist will plan with you a healthy eating and exercise program for weight loss.
• Sometimes depression or anxiety may play a role in your eating patterns. Your therapist will help you decide if you would like to consider medication. We can work with your primary care physician or refer you to one of our own medical specialists for a medication evaluation. This decision is always made with you as an active participant in the process. And your therapist always welcomes active participation by your family physician whose judgment you have come to trust.
• As a result of treatment, you can expect to gain some understanding of what underlies your binge eating cycles. You will learn tools to help overcome these cycles and you are likely to feel more in charge. Instead of expending energy to control your eating, you are likely to lead a happier and more productive life. As a result, the relationships around you are likely to improve.

Remember: Binge eating won't just go away. Its negative impact on your health and happiness can get worse. Binge eating can preoccupy you and intrude into many areas of your life. Let us help you get in control of your eating and get your life back on track!