Eating Difficulties and Food Related Concerns

Food can become tangled with emotions in complicated ways. Sometimes eating brings comfort, distraction or a sense of control. Other times it leads to guilt, secrecy or loss of confidence. Many people who reach out to Bayside Psychotherapy have spent years trying diets, plans or self-help strategies without lasting change. It can feel confusing when willpower and logic aren’t enough.

Our therapists help people understand what drives their relationship with food and body image. We look beneath the eating patterns to explore the emotional stress, anxiety or conflict that might be keeping them in place. Therapy offers a private space to untangle this and move towards a calmer relationship with food, body and self.

Sessions are available in person at our Bayside Highett clinic and online.

Please note we do not provide treatment for anorexia.

Understanding Disordered Eating

Eating difficulties are rarely just about food. They often develop as ways to manage stress, loneliness or self-criticism. Over time, those coping patterns can become rigid, making everyday meals or social situations stressful. Therapy helps you understand what’s behind the struggle, so food no longer carries the full weight of your emotions.

Some people come to therapy when they are exhausted from the cycle of bingeing and guilt. Others feel stuck in constant self-judgement about weight or eating habits. Whatever form it takes, we work gently to help you find insight and relief at your own pace.

Approaches We Use

Treatment may include psychotherapy to explore emotional roots, CBT to shift unhelpful thoughts and habits, or hypnotherapy to support focus and calm. Your therapist will talk with you about what feels right and begin there. We aim to help you rebuild awareness, balance and choice around food without harsh rules or pressure.

What to Expect in Therapy

The first step is often simply talking about what eating and food mean for you. Together, we look at what triggers the behaviour, what emotions appear around it, and how those patterns developed. As understanding grows, people often find that eating and self-care start to feel less rigid and more natural.

Therapy is confidential and paced according to your needs. You can attend sessions face-to-face or online, whichever feels more comfortable.

A Thought on Change

Lasting change tends to happen through understanding, not force. As you learn more about why eating feels so charged, the behaviour itself begins to shift. Our aim is to help you reconnect with your own sense of stability and self-compassion for the parts that have been overshadowed by the struggle with food.

When You’re Ready

If food has become a source of stress or shame, you don’t have to face it alone. When you’re ready, you can book a confidential session or call 03 9557 9113 to talk with our reception team. We’re here to help you find a steadier relationship with food and yourself.

Types of Eating Problems We Commonly See

You can learn more about each eating concern by visiting the pages below.