Eating Disorder Therapy in Sydney and Australia-wide

Evidence-based psychological treatment for eating disorders and body image difficulties

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect both physical and psychological wellbeing. I provide clinical psychology therapy for a range of eating disorders in-person in Surry Hills, Sydney, and Australia-wide via Telehealth, using evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E), Schema Therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions.

What are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders involve persistent disturbances in eating behaviour, along with distressing thoughts and emotions about food, weight, and body image. They can significantly impact physical health, relationships, and quality of life. Eating disorders are not a choice — they are complex conditions with psychological, biological, and social contributors.

Eating disorders I work with include:

Anorexia Nervosa — restriction of food intake, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image
Bulimia Nervosa — cycles of bingeing and compensatory behaviours (e.g., purging, excessive exercise)
Binge Eating Disorder — recurrent episodes of eating large amounts, often with distress and a sense of loss of control
Body image concerns and disordered eating patterns that cause significant distress

Eating Disorder Treatment

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E)

CBT for eating disorders addresses the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that maintain disordered eating. It targets the overvaluation of shape and weight, dietary restraint, and avoidance, with the aim of building a healthier relationship with food and body.

Schema Therapy

Schema Therapy explores deep-seated beliefs and emotional patterns that often underlie eating disorders — such as beliefs about worthiness, control, or perfectionism. It addresses emotional needs that may be expressed through food and eating behaviours.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT supports the development of psychological flexibility and self-compassion, helping to disengage from rigid rules about food and the body, and move towards values-based living. It is particularly helpful in addressing shame, self-criticism, and identity concerns.

Mindfulness-Based Approaches

Mindfulness helps develop greater awareness of physical hunger, fullness, and emotional states, supporting more flexible and compassionate responses to food and the body.

Multi-Disciplinary Approach

Eating disorder treatment often benefits from a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach. I am happy to work collaboratively with your GP, dietitian, psychiatrist, or other treating clinicians to support your care. Clients with a diagnosed eating disorder are eligible to obtain an Eating Disorder Management and Treatment Plan (EDP) from your GP or psychiatrist. An EDP grants individuals up to 40 Medicare-rebated psychology sessions per calendar year.

What to Expect From Therapy

Therapy for eating disorders is a collaborative process, paced to your needs. Together, we will:

Understand the factors maintaining your eating difficulties and develop meaningful goals
Work on changing the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that keep the eating disorder going
Build self-compassion and a healthier relationship with food, body image, and emotions
Develop practical strategies to manage difficult moments and support long-term recovery

Sessions are 50 minutes and offered in-person in Surry Hills, Sydney, or via Telehealth Australia-wide.

FAQs about Eating Disorder Treatment

No. If your relationship with food, eating, or your body is causing significant distress — even without a formal diagnosis — therapy can help. A formal diagnosis can help access further financial support through an Eating Disorder Management and Treatment Plan provided by your GP or psychiatrist.
You can access services with a referral, or without. A GP referral under a Mental Health Treatment Plan allows access to 10 Medicare-rebated sessions per calendar year, and a referral under an Eating Disorder Management and Treatment Plan (which requires a formal diagnosis) allows you access to up to 40 Medicare-rebated sessions. You can also self-refer and attend privately.
Psychological therapy primarily focuses on thoughts, emotions, and behaviours rather than nutritional prescriptions. However, food plans can be developed in conjunction with a dietitian, and adherence to these plans can be worked on in therapy. While meal plans can be a part of therapy, they are not usually the main focus. If dietary guidance is needed, a referral to a registered dietitian and a GP or psychiatrist is typically recommended.
Yes. Evidence-based psychological treatments, particularly CBT-E, have strong evidence for improving eating disorder outcomes. Recovery is possible.