At Malone Collective, we approach disordered eating as a complex condition that exists on a spectrum, ranging from occasional problematic eating behaviors to clinically diagnosed eating disorders. Disordered eating patterns can include restrictive eating, compulsive eating, irregular or inflexible eating patterns, and emotional eating behaviors. These patterns often develop as coping mechanisms but can significantly impact an individual’s physical health, emotional wellbeing, and quality of life.
Individuals struggling with disordered eating frequently experience a preoccupation with food, weight, and body image that becomes intrusive to daily life. Many report feelings of guilt and shame around eating, engage in secretive eating behaviors, or develop rigid rules about food. These patterns can lead to social isolation, nutritional deficiencies, and a disconnection from natural hunger and fullness cues. Over time, disordered eating can evolve into more severe conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder if left unaddressed.
Our assessment process involves a comprehensive evaluation by specialized clinicians who consider physical, psychological, and behavioral factors. We recognize that disordered eating often stems from complex underlying issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, family dynamics, cultural pressures, and neurobiological factors. Our diagnostic approach looks beyond symptoms to understand the unique context and function of each client’s relationship with food.
Malone Collective implements a whole-person treatment philosophy for disordered eating that addresses both the symptoms and their root causes. We believe sustainable recovery requires healing the relationship between mind, body, and food. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to create individualized treatment plans that respect each client’s unique needs and circumstances, integrating medical, psychological, nutritional, and somatic interventions.
Our therapeutic strategies for addressing disordered eating include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E): Specifically adapted for eating concerns, CBT-E helps clients identify and modify distorted thoughts and beliefs about food, weight, and body image.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches emotional regulation skills and mindfulness practices that help clients respond to difficult emotions without using food behaviors.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Focuses on developing psychological flexibility and value-directed behaviors around eating and body image.
Family-Based Treatment: When appropriate, involves family members in the recovery process, particularly beneficial for younger clients.
Our comprehensive approach to disordered eating recovery incorporates:
- Intuitive Eating Training: Relearning to trust body cues and developing a peaceful relationship with food without rigid rules.
- Body Image Therapy: Addressing distorted body perception and cultivating body acceptance and respect.
- Nutritional Rehabilitation: Working with specialized dietitians who understand the psychological complexity of eating disorders.
- Movement Therapy: Reconnecting with joyful, non-punitive physical activity that honors the body’s needs.
- Somatic Experiencing: Addressing stored trauma in the body that may contribute to disordered eating patterns.
If you or someone you love is struggling with disordered eating, Malone Collective offers a supportive, non-judgmental environment for recovery. We understand that healing your relationship with food is a deeply personal journey that requires patience, compassion, and specialized care.
Reach out today to learn how our dedicated team can help you develop a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food and your body. Recovery is possible, and it begins with addressing both the visible symptoms and the underlying factors that maintain disordered eating patterns. We are here to support you every step of the way.