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Understanding Binge Eating Disorder

“Eating disorders are estimated to affect approximately 9% of the Australian population.” National Eating Disorders Collaboration.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is not just about overeating; it’s a serious psychological condition that can deeply affect your mental and emotional well-being. BED is marked by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food quickly, often to the point of discomfort. These episodes are usually followed by intense feelings of shame, guilt, and distress—emotions that can trap you in a cycle of secrecy and isolation. But there is hope. At Bayside Psychotherapy, our compassionate team is here to help you break this cycle and support your journey toward recovery.

Binge Eating Disorder, like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, is a serious eating disorder with significant emotional and physical consequences. Research shows that BED is the most common eating disorder in Australia and a leading factor in the development of obesity. But BED isn’t just about weight—it’s about how you feel inside. Many people struggle silently with BED, fearing judgment and battling a sense of powerlessness over their eating habits. We understand these feelings and are here to provide the support you need to regain control.

Binge Eating Disorder involves consuming an amount of food that far exceeds what most people would eat in similar circumstances. During these episodes, you might feel completely out of control—unable to stop, even when you’re not physically hungry. Many people with BED eat quickly, often alone, driven by intense emotions rather than physical need. The secrecy of these binges can lead to overwhelming feelings of guilt, shame, and depression afterward. At Bayside Psychotherapy, we understand that this cycle can feel impossible to break, but we’re here to support you as you navigate a way out.

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What Triggers Binge Eating?

Binge eating episodes are often triggered by a mix of emotional stress, interpersonal conflicts, and dietary restrictions. Many people use food as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or unresolved trauma. Restrictive dieting can also backfire, leading to intense hunger that triggers binge eating. If you’re struggling with these triggers, know that it’s not your fault—and it’s possible to regain control. Our therapy is designed to help you identify your triggers, develop healthier coping strategies, and move toward a life free from binge eating.
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Take The First Step Towards Recovery

At Bayside Psychotherapy, we know that recovery from Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is about more than just changing your eating habits—it’s about healing emotionally and mentally. We offer comprehensive treatment for BED and related issues like night eating syndrome and emotional eating. With extensive experience, our therapists provide compassionate, tailored support designed to meet your unique needs and help you reclaim your life.

Do you have any questions for us? Get in touch with us through our online contact form.

Call Bayside Psychotherapy on (03) 9557 9113 to find out if we’re able to help you. Your call is completely confidential, and there’s absolutely no obligation.

You can also check availability and book an appointment online:
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Self-hypnosis may also be used in conjunction with counselling or hypnotherapy. You can download our Binge Eating Self Hypnosis recording from our website.

Binge Eating Disorder Treatment

At Bayside Psychotherapy, we understand the complexity and sensitivity required to treat Binge Eating Disorder (BED). If you or a loved one is struggling with binge eating, know that you are not alone. Our team of therapists, including an experienced binge eating psychologist, aim to provide supportive binge eating disorder therapy and endeavour to create an understanding environment where healing can begin.

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Frequently Asked Questions – Binge Eating Treatment

 

Do I Have a Binge Eating Disorder?

Don’t wait—contact us today by calling (03) 9557 9113 or using our contact form. We’re here to help you find the support you need. Or book now if you are ready to begin: Book appointment.

If you think you have a binge eating problem, contact us today by calling 03) 9557 9113 or using our contact form to inquire.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Binge Eating Disorder?

The symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder (BED) often arise from deep-seated emotional and psychological struggles. These may include poor impulse control, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and a distorted body image. Unresolved grief, trauma, and feelings of loneliness or isolation are also common. Physically, BED can lead to digestive issues, joint pain, fatigue, and other health problems, all of which can reinforce feelings of shame and self-hatred.
If you recognise these symptoms in yourself—whether it’s the constant guilt after eating or the physical discomfort and emotional pain—consider reaching out for binge eating disorder therapy. Our therapy can address both the psychological roots and physical consequences of BED, helping you find relief and recovery.

Associated problems can include digestive complaints, guilt, shame, joint pain and degeneration, self-hatred, fatigue, depression and more. Eating problems are also common in individuals who experienced sexual or emotional abuse in their younger years.

Can Binge Eating Be Dangerous?

Binge eating can create a dangerous cycle where the desire to control weight leads to restrictive dieting, which then triggers more intense binge eating episodes. This cycle not only increases physical health risks, such as significant weight gain and related issues, but also exacerbates feelings of shame, guilt, and self-loathing, which can deepen depression and anxiety. Binge eating isn’t just about food—it’s an illness that can take over your life, making you feel out of control and isolated. Approximately 3.5% of adult women and 2% of adult men suffer from binge eating disorders, so you’re not alone in this struggle. Unfortunately, many people hide their behaviour out of embarrassment, which can lead to untreated emotional issues and further isolation..

When people binge eat, their actions are beyond their control, and it is very much an actual illness. Approximately 3.5% of adult women and 2% of adult men suffer from binge eating disorders. 

Binge eaters tend to hide their behaviour from family members and friends because they feel ashamed and embarrassed about what they do when they’re in a state of binging. This can lead to emotional problems if left untreated. 

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What Options are there for Binge Eating Disorder Treatment?

Treating Binge Eating Disorder (BED) effectively often involves therapies tailored to your specific needs. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a common approach that helps you understand the connections between your thoughts, feelings, and actions, particularly how they contribute to your binge eating cycle. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) focuses on mindfulness and developing skills to manage distress, regulate emotions, and improve your relationships.

For those looking to explore deeper, long-term psychotherapy might be the right path, especially if you’ve already tried other methods. In some cases, more severe or persistent BED may require medical or inpatient treatment.

We’re here to guide you through your options and find the best fit for your recovery. Call us on (03) 9557 9113 or use our contact form to start your confidential therapy journey.

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In addition to therapy, some self-help resources may complement your therapy sessions.

Binge eating therapy sessions can be conducted securely online by video conferencing software, and can easily be booked online.

There’s also the option to come into our Highett clinic for your appointment.

Note: This information is informative only and is not to be used for diagnosis or substitution of appropriate assessment and/or treatment by a registered practitioner. Information on this page and our entire site should not be construed as implying that our therapists are specialists in treating any condition whatsoever. While some of our therapists may have experience working with people suffering from a specific condition, not all of our therapists do. We do not guarantee any particular level of performance, cure or management of symptoms. Each case is unique and responds differently with collaboration between client and therapist being crucial. Always seek appropriate assessment from a qualified professional such as a GP, psychiatrist, clinical psychologist or social worker especially if you are acutely distressed.

Here are a couple of blogs written on this topic you might find useful:

7 Tips To Break Away From Binge Eating
How to stop eating junk food

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