Eating Disorder Treatment and Therapy in Chicago
Now accepting in-person appointments in our Chicago office and virtual appointments for anyone in Illinois and Colorado. Insurance is accepted.
Reclaim Your Life: Eating Disorder Treatment Tailored to You
Struggling with an eating disorder is about so much more than food—it can affect every part of your life, from how you feel about yourself to how you connect with others. Whether you’re dealing with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, or another eating disorder, it can feel overwhelming and isolating, making everyday life a challenge.
At Optimum Joy in Chicago, we want you to know you don’t have to go through this experience alone. Our team of caring therapists is here to support you with understanding and compassion. We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your unique needs, helping you rebuild a healthier relationship with food and yourself. We’re here to walk with you in your recovery through every step of the way.
What are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are mental health conditions that involve unhealthy eating behaviors and a difficult relationship with food and body image. The most common types include:
- Anorexia Nervosa: This involves extreme restriction of food intake and an intense fear of gaining weight, and it can lead to severe weight loss.
- Bulimia Nervosa: Individuals with bulimia experience cycles of binge eating followed by purging, which can take a toll on both physical and emotional health.
- Binge Eating Disorder: This disorder is characterized by consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time; it often is accompanied with feeling out of control during these episodes, without purging.
- Body Dysmorphia: It involves an obsessive focus on perceived flaws in appearance and body shape, leading to distress and unhealthy behaviors such as mirror checking.
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): It’s characterized by avoiding or restricting food due to sensory issues or fear, leading to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
The risks of eating disorders can be serious, including health complications like malnutrition, heart issues, other health issues, and anxiety and depression. That’s why early treatment is so important! Seeking help sooner rather than later can set you on a path to recovery and help you develop a healthier relationship with food and yourself.
Signs of an Eating Disorder
If you or someone you know is showing these signs, it’s important to seek support. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and a healthier life.
- Extreme Weight Changes: Significant weight loss or gain, or noticeable fluctuations in weight over a short period.
- Preoccupation with Food: Constantly thinking about food, dieting, or body weight, often leading to obsessive behaviors around eating.
- Restrictive Eating Habits: Avoiding certain foods or food groups, severely limiting food intake, or engaging in ritualistic eating behaviors.
- Binge Eating Episodes: Consuming large amounts of food in a short time, often feeling out of control during these episodes.
- Purging Behaviors: Engaging in self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or diet pills to control weight.
- Negative Body Image: Expressing extreme dissatisfaction with body shape or weight, often coupled with distorted perceptions of one’s appearance.
- Withdrawal from Social Activities: Avoiding social gatherings, particularly those involving food, or isolating oneself from friends and family.
- Physical Symptoms: Experiencing physical signs such as dizziness, fatigue, hair loss, or changes in skin or dental health.
- Mood Changes: Increased irritability, anxiety, or depression, especially related to food or body image concerns.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Frequent stomach aches, constipation, or other digestive problems that don’t have a clear medical cause.
How does therapy help with eating disorder recovery?
Therapy is a primary part of recovery from an eating disorder. Working with a licensed therapist who specializes in eating disorders offers you empathetic and effective support. Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) effectively address the thoughts and emotions driving dysfunctional eating patterns. CBT helps challenge negative thoughts about food and body image, while DBT focuses on managing emotions and building healthier coping skills. At our Chicago clinic, we use these evidence-based approaches to create personalized treatment plans for long-term recovery.
Eating Disorder Specialists
Meet Our TherapistsWhy Seek Help at Optimum Joy
Personalized Treatment Plans
At our clinic, we believe in tailoring treatment to fit each individual’s unique needs. Our personalized eating disorder treatment plans ensure that you receive the support that aligns with your specific challenges and goals.
Comprehensive Therapy Approaches
We offer a range of therapy options, including individual therapy for one-on-one support, group therapy to connect with others facing similar challenges, and family therapy to involve loved ones in the healing process.
Experienced and Compassionate Team
Our therapists who specialize in eating disorder therapy in Chicago are a dedicated team. We understand the complexities of these conditions and are committed to providing compassionate care that empowers you throughout your recovery journey.
Holistic Focus on Recovery
We take a holistic approach to treatment, addressing not just the eating disorder itself but also the emotional and psychological factors that contribute to it. This ensures a healing process that promotes your overall well-being as a whole person.
Safe and Supportive Environment
Our clinic provides a warm, welcoming space where you can feel safe to share your experiences and emotions. We prioritize the creation of an atmosphere of understanding and trust that is essential for effective therapy.
Commitment to Long-Term Success
We’re dedicated to your long-term recovery. Our ongoing support and resources, including follow-up care and check-ins, help to ensure that you have the tools and guidance needed to maintain a healthy relationship with food and with yourself after treatment.
How We Help You Recover: What to Expect in Therapy
1: Initial Call
To start the process, give us a call or fill out an intake form. Our intake team will listen to your needs and pair you with the right therapist.
2: Individual Therapy Sessions
Your licensed therapist will reach out to schedule your first appointment. During regular one-on-one therapy, your therapist will address the root causes of your eating disorders; they’ll also help you focus on developing healthier coping mechanisms and managing triggers, among other goals.
3: Long-Term Recovery Support:
Ongoing care doesn’t stop after therapy sessions—our team is here for follow-up support and recovery maintenance. We help you stay on track and provide the tools you need to maintain your progress with confidence.
What Causes Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are complex conditions with no single cause. They typically develop from a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Genetics can play a role, as some individuals may be more predisposed to developing an eating disorder due to family history. Psychological factors, such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, or a need for control, can also contribute to the onset of an eating disorder.
Environmental influences, such as societal pressures to meet certain body standards, exposure to diet culture, or trauma, can further fuel disordered eating behaviors. Additionally, stressful life events, bullying, or experiences of abuse may increase vulnerability. Because eating disorders are driven by a mix of these factors, treatment often addresses both the emotional and physical aspects of the condition.
Eating Disorder Counseling is Covered by Therapy!
We work with several major insurance providers for exposure therapy including:
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) PPO
BlueChoice
United Health Care
Aetna
Cigna
TRICARE
Don’t have insurance? Not a problem! Visit our Payment & Insurance page to see your payment options and to view a full list of accepted insurance providers.
Begin Your Recovery Today
Take the first step toward healing from an eating disorder with compassionate, effective treatment. To learn if working with a therapist is the right choice for you, fill out our intake form or call us to schedule an appointment today.
