Eating Disorders

I help individuals navigate the challenges of eating disorders - whether it’s restrictive eating, bingeing and purging, or the exhausting pursuit of 'perfect' health. If you’re reading this, you may feel stuck in guilt, body dissatisfaction, or secrecy. Counseling can help you reclaim peace with food, your body, and yourself.

Together, we'll work to untangle harmful beliefs, rebuild self-worth, and cultivate a relationship with food rooted in nourishment, not fear.

Understanding Eating Disorders: Types We Address

1. Anorexia Nervosa

Marked by extreme food restrictions, intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted body image. We’ll focus on:

- Challenging “all-or-nothing” thoughts about food and self-worth.

- Gradually reintroducing feared foods in a safe, structured way.

- Addressing underlying anxiety or perfectionism.

2. Bulimia Nervosa

Cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors (purging, over-exercising). Using CBT, we’ll:

- Identify emotional triggers for bingeing.

- Develop healthier ways to manage stress through grounding techniques.

- Repair the physical and emotional effects of purging.

3. Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Episodes of consuming large amounts of food quickly, often accompanied by shame. Together, we’ll:

- Uncover how stress, trauma, or loneliness contribute to bingeing.

- Develop mindful eating practices to reconnect with hunger cues.

- Foster self-compassion to reduce post-binge guilt.

4. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Limited food intake due to sensory sensitivities or fear of choking/vomiting. We’ll:

- Gradually expand food variety using exposure therapy.

- Address nutritional deficiencies impacting mood and energy.

- Make mealtimes feel safer and more manageable for children and adults.

5. Orthorexia

An obsession with 'clean' eating that leads to anxiety, guilt, and social isolation. We’ll work on:

- Balancing nutrition with flexibility and joy.

- Challenging rigid food rules that isolate you socially.

- Rediscovering pleasure in eating beyond labels or macros.

My Approach to Recovery

At Warner Counseling, I blend CBT with Family Systems Theory to address the roots of disordered eating:

- Cognitive Restructuring: Shift beliefs like “I’m only worthy if I’m thin” to “My worth isn’t defined by my body.”

- Mindfulness Practices: Reconnect with your body’s signals through guided meditation or sensory exercises.

- Family Involvement: Help loved ones understand eating disorders without blame, fostering supportive home environments.

- Skill-Building Homework: Journal emotions, triggers, and victories to recognize patterns and celebrate progress.

What Clients Experience

Many ask: “Will I ever feel ‘normal’ around food again?” While healing takes time, clients often achieve:

- Reduced Obsession: Less time fixated on calories, weight, or meal planning.

- Improved Body Image: Gradual acceptance and appreciation for their body’s strength.

- Healthier Relationships: Rebuilding trust with loved ones around shared meals.

- Emotional Freedom: Learning to manage stress or sadness without turning to food.

Why Choose Warner Counseling?

As a Flower Mound therapist specializing in eating disorders, I offer:

- Nonjudgmental Space: No diets, no judgment - just compassionate support.

- Holistic Focus: Addressing how relationships, trauma, or cultural pressures contribute to disordered eating.

- Collaborative Care: Coordination with dietitians or physicians if needed.

Take the First Step Toward Freedom

You are more than your body or what you eat. Together, we’ll cultivate self-compassion, challenge harmful narratives, and rediscover the joy of living beyond the scale.