Coping Resource Center
Eating Disorder Therapy Houston
Psychotherapy to help you restore your relationship with food and yourself.
Treatment for Eating Disorders Can Help You:
Feel more comfortable in your body
Transform your approach to eating
Stop obsessing over food
Gain a sense of peace and balance
Get your life back
You are not alone
Living with an eating disorder can feel incredibly isolating, leaving you trapped in a constant cycle of worry and obsession over food and eating. The societal stigma can create a growing sense of disconnection from yourself. It often feels like an exhausting uphill battle; no matter how hard you try, you’re left feeling like nothing you do is ever good enough and there is no way out.
When you eat, guilt, shame, and fear take over. You feel as though you’ve lost control and failed, constantly worrying about what you eat. When loved ones express concern, you feel misunderstood and compelled to hide your behaviors. Internally, you feel confused, lost, and unsure of where to go.
Although you feel tortured by your eating habits, the idea of giving them up can seem terrifying. It is hard to imagine a life not consumed by thoughts about food and what you eat. It doesn’t have to be this hard anymore.
Therapy can help you by providing you with a safe and comfortable environment to rebuild your relationship with food and yourself. With the right help and support, you can feel good about your body, yourself, and your relationship with food.
You can finally feel content and fulfilled.
Eating Disorder Therapy In Texas
What Are Eating Disorders?
The core issue in eating disorders is often control:
- Trying to control food and body shape through restrictive eating, excessive exercise, or
- Feeling a lack of control around food may lead to binge eating or eating impulsively or chaotically.
But eating disorders are not just about food. They often involve other emotional struggles, like:
- Body image issues, where a person has a distorted view of their body, seeing flaws where others don’t.
- Perfectionism which can make someone feel like they have to be “perfect” in every aspect of their life, including how they eat or look.
- Impulsivity, which can lead to feeling out of control when eating or eating in unhealthy patterns.
- Shame, which is often tied to feeling “not good enough” or fearing judgment from others.
- A disconnect from yourself, where you feel like your value is determined by your weight, food habits, or how you look.
Eating Disorder Therapy In Texas
Eating Disorders vs. Disordered Eating
Disordered Eating
Disordered eating refers to patterns of unhealthy eating, like extreme dieting, skipping meals, or overeating, that cause distress but don't necessarily meet the criteria for an eating disorder. It’s often a sign that something deeper is going on emotionally or mentally, but it might not be as severe or long-lasting as a full-blown eating disorder.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders, on the other hand, are serious, clinically diagnosed conditions like anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. They involve extreme behaviors around food and can have significant physical, emotional, and psychological consequences.
The main difference is severity. Disordered eating may cause distress, but eating disorders typically require more intensive treatment and have a bigger impact on overall health. Often, disordered eating might be an early warning sign that someone is developing an eating disorder, body image issues, or general preoccupation with food.
Eating Disorder Therapy In Texas
Understanding Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that impact a person’s physical health, emotional well-being, and social functioning. At the Coping Resource Center, we provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy to help individuals and families navigate these challenges. Below are descriptions of common eating disorders and related behaviors, along with information about how therapy can support recovery.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is marked by extreme restrictive eating behaviors, often driven by an intense fear of gaining weight or a desire to maintain a specific body image. People with anorexia may set rigid rules about what they eat, how much they eat, and how they exercise. Over time, these patterns can lead to severe malnutrition, dehydration, and dangerous health complications such as:
- Dizziness or fainting from low blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Slowed heart rate
- Loss of menstrual periods in women
Anorexia can have life-threatening consequences, but recovery is possible with appropriate intervention and support. Therapy focuses on addressing the underlying psychological factors and building a healthier relationship with food and body image.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors intended to “undo” the calories consumed. These compensatory actions may include:
- Self-induced vomiting
- Misusing laxatives or diuretics
- Overexercising to extreme levels
During binge episodes, individuals often feel out of control and consume large quantities of food in a short time. Feelings of guilt, shame, or self-disgust frequently follow. Over time, bulimia can lead to serious health risks, including electrolyte imbalances, digestive issues, and damage to the esophagus or teeth from frequent vomiting. Therapy can help individuals break these cycles, improve self-esteem, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Binge-Eating Disorder
Binge-eating disorder is the most common eating disorder and is characterized by recurring episodes of consuming unusually large amounts of food. During these episodes, people often feel a loss of control and may eat rapidly, even when not hungry. Signs of binge-eating disorder include:
- Eating secretively or hiding food
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- Experiencing shame, guilt, or distress after binge episodes
Unlike bulimia, binge-eating disorder does not involve compensatory behaviors such as vomiting. Binge eating can lead to physical health issues such as weight gain, diabetes, and heart problems. Treatment helps individuals understand their emotional triggers, build mindful eating habits, and develop healthier ways to cope with stress.
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
ARFID involves an extreme avoidance of certain foods or a very limited range of food intake. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not motivated by a desire to lose weight or change body image. Instead, it may stem from:
- Fear of choking, vomiting, or other adverse effects from food
- Sensory sensitivities, such as strong aversions to certain textures, smells, or appearances of food
- General lack of interest in eating or food
ARFID can lead to nutritional deficiencies, poor growth in children, and social or family disruptions. Therapy focuses on reducing anxiety around food, increasing dietary variety, and addressing any underlying sensory or emotional issues contributing to the disorder.
Orthorexia
Orthorexia is an unhealthy obsession with eating only foods deemed “pure,” “clean,” or “healthy.” While initially well-intentioned, this fixation can spiral into anxiety and rigidity that disrupt a person’s quality of life. Warning signs of orthorexia include:
- Spending excessive time researching and planning meals
- Avoiding foods perceived as “unhealthy” to the point of social isolation
- Feeling guilt or distress when deviating from dietary rules
Though orthorexia is not formally recognized as a distinct eating disorder in diagnostic manuals, its impact on physical and emotional well-being is significant. Over time, it can lead to malnutrition, stress, and strained relationships. Therapy helps individuals challenge perfectionistic thinking, develop balance, and reconnect with the joy of eating.
Over-Exercising
Over-exercising, also known as compulsive exercise, often occurs alongside eating disorders, but it can also appear without accompanying disordered eating. It involves excessive physical activity driven by feelings of guilt, anxiety, or a need to control weight or body image. Unlike healthy exercise, over-exercising becomes harmful when it:
- Becomes obsessive and time-consuming
- Interferes with daily responsibilities, relationships, or sleep
- Causes physical pain, injury, or extreme fatigue but continues despite these issues
- Feels obligatory rather than enjoyable or restorative
This behavior can strain the heart, muscles, and joints, and may lead to long-term physical damage. Therapy helps individuals reframe their relationship with movement, addressing the underlying emotional drivers and fostering healthier, balanced habits.
How Do I Know If I Struggle with Eating Issues?
Eating disorders can affect individuals of all genders, races, ethnicities, and body types. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward understanding whether you might be experiencing disordered eating patterns or a diagnosed eating disorder.
Here are some common signs that may indicate the presence of an eating disorder:
- Emotional Responses to Eating: Feeling guilt, shame, or distress after eating.
- Secretive Behaviors: Hiding food, eating secretly, or avoiding eating with others.
- Significant Weight Changes: Severe weight loss or weight fluctuations in a short period.
- Preoccupation with Food and Dieting: Spending excessive time and energy thinking about food, researching diets, or trying to lose weight.
- Loss of Control: Experiencing a sense of helplessness during meals or while eating.
- Conflicted Interactions: Arguing with loved ones who express concern about your eating habits or health.
- Rigid Rules: Establishing strict rules about when, how much, or what types of food to eat.
- Meal Skipping: Regularly skipping meals or severely limiting food intake.
- Body Image Concerns: Wearing clothes to hide your body or obsessively tracking weight and calories.
- Disruptive Coping Strategies: Using purging behaviors (self-induced vomiting, laxatives, fasting, etc.) or drinking large amounts of water before meals.
- Compulsive Exercise: Engaging in excessive or obligatory exercise despite physical exhaustion or injury.
Eating Disorder Therapy In Texas
How We Can Help
At the Coping Resource Center, we understand the unique challenges each individual faces with eating disorders. Our team of skilled clinicians offers a safe, supportive environment for clients to explore their relationship with food, exercise, and body image. Through evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Family-Based Therapy (FBT), we help clients regain control of their lives and achieve long-term recovery.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you or your loved one on the path to healing.
Eating Disorder Therapy In Texas
Common Co-Occurring Conditions
Eating disorders often exist alongside other mental health challenges, which can intensify symptoms and create additional obstacles to recovery. Addressing these co-occurring conditions is an essential part of comprehensive treatment. Commonly co-occurring conditions include:
Mood Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Substance Use Disorders
Impulse Control Disorders
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors and Self-Harming Behaviors
How We Can Help With Co-Occurring Disorders
At the Coping Resource Center, we specialize in treating eating disorders and the co-occurring conditions that often accompany them. Our holistic approach ensures that all aspects of your mental health are addressed. We provide evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care to address both eating issues and the underlying conditions that contribute to them.
We offer both individual and family therapy for eating disorders. Our experienced clinicians collaborate with you to create a personalized treatment plan, empowering you to build healthier coping strategies, improve self-esteem, and develop lasting recovery. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, trauma, or other challenges, we are here to support you every step of the way.
If you or someone you care about is struggling, please contact us. Healing is possible, and we’re here to help.
ABOUT US
Why Work With
Coping
Resource Center
We believe therapy should be action-oriented. It’s not just what happens inside the session but how it applies to your life outside of therapy.
Our goal is to provide you with the support and tools you need to create meaningful change in your life!
Dr. Liz Ross | Founder
PH.D.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Our practice is built on:
Integrity
We’re committed to offering you the most advanced and effective treatments tailored to your needs. We invest in the latest tools and treatment options, including virtual reality for exposure therapy, to ensure you receive the highest standard of care.
EMPATHY
Our clinicians understand what you’re facing. We listen, believe, and validate your experiences. If you’ve faced medical issues or trauma that others might have dismissed we offer the support you need to overcome challenges and live with peace of mind.
Collaboration
We help you get the results you need. You are the center of your own care, and we offer practical tools and strategies to help you cope with and manage each challenge that arises. We work as a team to ensure you are matched with the best therapist for your care.
We offer real human connection, grounded in science and focused on results.
OUR THERAPY TEAM
Match With An Eating Disorder Therapist
Coping Resource Center
How Eating Disorder Treatment Works
Personalized Assessment
Your treatment journey begins with a comprehensive initial assessment. During this session, we take the time to understand:
- Your struggles: The specific challenges you currently face with eating and body image.
- Your history: How your eating patterns and relationship with food have evolved over time.
- Your emotions: What feelings or stressors might contribute to disordered eating patterns.
- Your goals: What you hope to achieve in therapy, whether it’s rebuilding a healthy relationship with food, improving self-esteem, or finding freedom from negative thoughts.
This thorough assessment allows us to create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Family Involvement
Family support plays a crucial role in recovery. We have an individual and family therapist who can work collaboratively with you and your family to help create a comprehensive, personalized plan towards healing and recovery. At the Coping Resource Center, we encourage family involvement through joint sessions and family education. These sessions:
- Help loved ones understand the challenges of eating disorders.
- Provide tools for supporting recovery at home.
- Foster open communication and reduce conflict or misunderstandings.
- Healing old wounds and re-establishing healthy family connections
Collaborative & Coordinated Care
Eating disorders affect both mental and physical health, which is why a multidisciplinary approach is often necessary. We prioritize open communication and collaboration with other professionals involved in your care. We work closely with:
- Medical Providers: To ensure physical health concerns such as nutritional deficiencies or medical complications are being addressed.
- Dietitians: To support your nutritional needs and help develop a balanced, healthy approach to eating.
By maintaining open communication with your care team, we ensure that your treatment is cohesive and holistic, addressing all aspects of your recovery.
Empowering Your Recovery
Find a Supportive Space
Therapy provides a nonjudgmental and empathetic environment where you can express your feelings openly. Our therapists are here to listen, support, and guide you toward your therapy goals.
Learn Helpful Coping Strategies
Coping through food is often a way to manage overwhelming emotions. In therapy, you’ll gain insight into the role of your eating disorder and learn healthier ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and other triggers.
Have a More Positive Outlook
Distorted beliefs about food, weight, and self-worth often fuel eating disorders. We guide you in identifying and challenging these negative thought patterns, replacing them with balanced, realistic perspectives that promote self-acceptance, hope, and contentment.
Restore Your Relationship with Yourself
We help you develop a positive and compassionate relationship with your body and food. You deserve the freedom to enjoy food without guilt, accept and love yourself as you are, and feel confident in your own skin.
Enhance Relationships and Reconnect
Eating disorders can strain relationships with loved ones. Treatment helps you rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and deepen connections with those who matter most.
Feel More Content and Free to Enjoy Life
As you progress in recovery, you’ll find greater freedom to enjoy life without the burden of disordered eating. Therapy can help you rediscover joy in everyday experiences and provide clarity and confidence to pursue your goals.
Eating Disorder Therapy In Texas
Questions About Eating Disorder Therapy
How do I know if I need treatment for an eating disorder?
Can I recover from an eating disorder?
How long does treatment take?
Do I need to be underweight to have an eating disorder?
What if I don’t feel “sick enough” to seek help?
Will my family be involved in treatment?
What therapies do you use to treat eating disorders?
Do I need a dietitian or medical provider during treatment?
What if I also struggle with anxiety or depression?
What are some benefits of treatment?
How do I get started?
Coping Resource Center
With support, recovery is possible
- Develop a healthier relationship with food and your body
- Feel more in control of your thoughts about food
- Experience greater self-compassion and reduced feelings of shame or guilt
- Build coping skills to navigate triggers and stressors
- Reconnect with activities and relationships that bring joy and fulfillment
- Discover a healthy and balanced relationship with food
Coping Resource Center
Take The First Step
If you’re ready to get started, you can book online using our secure booking platform.
Have questions? Schedule a free 15 minute consultation, submit a message via our contact form, or call us.
Please note: Not all our therapists can be booked online. If you’re unable to book with a specific provider, please contact us via the contact form or by phone.
Call Us
832-278-1849
Visit Us
2211 Norfolk St Suite 455, Houston, TX 77098
admin@copingresourcecenter.com
Not sure what you need or which therapist you would like to see?
Fill out the contact form and we will be in touch ASAP.
