Other Details About Eating Disorder Therapy

It’s important to seek help as soon as you or a loved one recognize disordered eating patterns or body image distress. Early signs may include obsessing over calories, exercising to “earn” food, avoiding social events that involve eating, or experiencing intense shame or anxiety around food and body.

If you’re navigating this yourself or supporting a loved one, early intervention creates the best chance for long-term recovery—especially in an outpatient setting. The sooner you begin, the sooner we can help you or your family move toward healing.

When should someone seek help for an eating disorder?

Eating disorder therapy at Houston Healing Collective goes beyond symptom management—it’s about creating a more peaceful, authentic relationship with food, your body, and yourself. Our therapists draw from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy (DNMS), and psychoeducation to address the underlying trauma and attachment wounds that often fuel eating disorders.

We’ll work together to dismantle harmful food beliefs, challenge societal pressures, and quiet the relentless inner critic that drives the disorder. Support may also include meal support sessions—either in-office or out in the community—to help normalize eating, reduce anxiety, and bring more freedom to your relationship with food. Whether you’re an individual or a parent supporting a teen, your experience will be fully personalized, collaborative, and grounded in compassion.

What should I expect from eating disorder therapy?

Recovery is possible. While healing from an eating disorder takes time and often involves navigating complex emotional and relational patterns, we’ve seen countless clients move toward lives of freedom, confidence, and authenticity. With compassionate, targeted care, you or your loved one can heal your relationship with food and your body.

Can eating disorders be cured?

Eating disorders are serious and can lead to both physical and emotional complications if left untreated—including heart issues, bone loss, kidney problems, and long-term psychological distress. But beyond the medical risks, untreated eating disorders can rob people of joy, connection, and self-worth. Seeking help isn’t just about survival—it’s about creating a more meaningful, fulfilling life.

What are the risks of not treating an eating disorder?

Treatment length varies from person to person and depends on the type and severity of the eating disorder, as well as your unique goals and circumstances. At Houston Healing Collective, we tailor the frequency and duration based on what works best for you and adjust as your needs evolve.

How long does treatment typically last?

While medication isn’t a primary treatment for eating disorders, it can be helpful in managing co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, or OCD. If medication becomes part of your treatment plan, we’ll coordinate with a trusted psychiatrist to ensure care is aligned and supportive. Ketamine has also been shown to be helpful for eating disorders.

Is medication a part of eating disorder treatment?

Dietitians play a critical role in recovery by helping clients normalize eating patterns, address nutritional needs, and reduce food anxiety. We partner with highly experienced eating disorder dietitians and provide referrals tailored to your needs. Our therapists will work closely with your dietitian and any other providers involved in your care to ensure you’re fully supported every step of the way.

What is the role of dietitians in treating eating disorders?

Finding the right fit matters. You deserve a therapist who truly understands eating disorders and offers compassionate, individualized care. At Houston Healing Collective, we provide a trauma-informed, collaborative approach that incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), and Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy (DNMS).

We do not accept insurance, which allows us to provide flexible, personalized care without constraints. We encourage you to connect with us directly for a discovery call to see if we’re the right fit for your healing journey.

How do I choose the right therapist or treatment center?