What are the Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety?

High-functioning anxiety is a unique and often hidden form of anxiety that impacts many people, especially the women I work with. On the outside,  these people may appear successful, organized, and in control of their lives, but on the inside, they struggle with significant anxiety. They may not even recognize what they feel is anxiety or realize how anxiety therapy could help.  Recognizing the signs of high-functioning anxiety is important in order to get the right support and understanding to those silently battling this condition. From perfectionism and overthinking to excessive planning and difficulty relaxing, the signs of high-functioning anxiety offer insights into the inner world of those who may be silently grappling with intense worries and fears. 

Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety

High-functioning anxiety is a form of anxiety where people appear to be doing well in their daily lives, but are struggling with significant anxiety. It can be challenging to know someone is experiencing anxiety as they may appear successful, organized, and in control. However, some signs and behaviors that may indicate high-functioning anxiety include:

Perfectionism

Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. While it may drive high levels of achievement, it can also create pressure and self-criticism when you don’t meet your own standards. Anxiety therapy can help you understand the negative beliefs and fears driving perfectionism. Perfectionism makes it difficult to have a balance of self-compassion and accomplishments. 

Overthinking and Worrying

You might constantly think about and analyze yourself or others in situations. People with high-functioning anxiety might use overthinking as a way of giving themself a sense of control that they can change an outcome. In reality, it activates your nervous system and puts you in a constant state of anxiety.  

Difficulty Relaxing

People with high-functioning anxiety often struggle to relax because of the constant mental chatter in their heads and an underlying fear of losing control. They also feel they have to constantly be productive to achieve their goals and be worthwhile so when they do try to relax or wind down they feel guilty. 

Excessive Planning

Excessive planning is a common coping skill for people with high-functioning anxiety. It helps them reduce uncertainty and avoid unexpected situations that may trigger anxiety. It also helps them avoid being vulnerable, embarrassed, or looking stupid in situations. 

Procrastination

Procrastination for those with high-functioning anxiety can provide temporary relief from all the decisions and choices they feel they have to make. They get a temporary break from all the pressure they feel when they are trying to achieve their goals. 

Physical Symptoms

People with anxiety may experience physical symptoms due to the body's stress response. These symptoms can include headaches, muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, digestive issues, and shortness of breath.

Constant Need for Reassurance

Those with high-functioning anxiety often want reassurance because their anxiety fuels self-doubt and the need for validation. Despite appearing composed on the outside, they may be overwhelmed by fear of not being good enough. 

People-pleasing

People with high-functioning anxiety often engage in people-pleasing behaviors as a way to manage their anxiety and avoid conflict. They fear rejection, criticism, or disappointing others, so they go to great lengths to accommodate the needs and desires of those around them. 

Overcommitment

Those with high-functioning anxiety often over-commit to responsibilities due to a fear of disappointing others and because they want validation for what they do.  They may struggle to say "no" to avoid conflict and to maintain an image of a successful person. 

Anxiety Therapy in Utah for High-Functioning Anxiety

Anxiety therapy can be incredibly helpful for those dealing with high-functioning anxiety. In anxiety counseling or anxiety therapy, you'll have a safe space to talk about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. As an anxiety therapist, I  will work with you to identify the root causes of your anxiety and help you recognize unhelpful thought patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Together, you'll develop ways to manage stress, set healthier boundaries, and challenge perfectionistic tendencies. Anxiety therapy gives you tools to help you relax and have more self-compassion, and find more balance in your life. 

Start working with an anxiety therapist in Utah 

You can manage your anxiety better and live the life you want without anxiety always holding you back. Anxiety therapy can help. This Utah Counseling Clinic has an anxiety therapist specializing in high-functioning anxiety. To begin anxiety treatment follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation

2. Meet with a therapist for anxiety

3. Begin coping better

Why Do I Keep Binging?

If you've ever felt the overwhelming struggle of binge eating, you have probably spent some time trying to figure out why you find yourself doing it. You’re frustrated with yourself and don’t understand why you keep going back to it. You try to focus on eating healthy but in the end, you go right back to your binge foods. Part of binge eating disorder treatment is understanding the reasons why you binge. If you can understand more about why you do it, you are in a better position to make changes. 

Common reasons people binge eat

Every person has their own individual reasons for why they find themselves stuck in the binge cycle over and over. These are some of the common reasons people resort to binge eating but it doesn’t mean it encompasses all of your triggers to binge.

Emotional Stress:

One of the leading causes of binge eating is emotional stress. When you feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or even happy, you may turn to food as a way to comfort yourself or to manage strong feelings.  It works temporarily by numbing your emotions. Usually when it’s over you feel worse and the painful emotions are still present. 

Dieting and Restriction

Ironically, dieting and restricting foods can often lead to binge eating. When you tell yourself you can't have something, you will naturally want it more. When you deprive yourself of certain foods, your body will start to crave them more. You create a binge-restrict cycle by restricting foods that you enjoy. 

Unmet Physical Hunger

Ignoring or suppressing physical hunger cues can result in binge eating. When you wait too long to eat, you become overly hungry and might binge. Additionally, it can create feelings of anxiety or desperation, which may drive you to consume larger quantities of food than you would under more moderate hunger conditions. Consequently, it's crucial to honor your body's hunger signals to maintain a healthier and more harmonious relationship with food.

Negative body-image

Negative body image can be such a painful experience and can play a role in your experience with binge eating. When you're not feeling great about your body, it's natural to look for ways to find comfort, and sometimes that comfort comes in the form of food. It can feel like a brief escape from those unsettling thoughts about your appearance. Negative body image can also contribute to engaging in dieting and restriction, leading to a cycle of binge eating. 

Coping with Trauma: 

Binge eating can sometimes become a way of coping with past traumas. When you've experienced difficult or traumatic events, you might use food as a way to cope with the feelings that come up with thinking about the trauma. You might use food to soothe and comfort yourself. You might use binging as a way to numb painful emotions. Binging can provide relief from emotional pain and distress. It can briefly numb difficult feelings that feel like too much to handle. 

Unconscious eating 

In the intuitive eating approach, unconscious eating refers to eating without being fully aware of the experience. It involves consuming food mindlessly, often while distracted by other activities like watching TV, working on the computer, or scrolling through your phone. Unconscious eating can lead to overeating or binging because you're not tuned in to your body's hunger and fullness cues. 

Binge eating disorder treatment in Utah can help you understand your binge eating

Binge eating disorder treatment, especially with the intuitive eating approach, can offer practical ways to break the binge-eating cycle. Working with a binge eating disorder therapist involves delving into your personal history with food, and your body. Therapy for binge eating takes into account how past experiences and trauma, may have affected your relationship with food. My aim is to help you develop healthier ways to deal with your emotions, practice self-compassion, and help you have a better relationship with food. 

Start working with a binge eating disorder therapist in Utah 

If you're ready to take a step towards a healthier relationship with food and overcome binge eating, reach out today. You don't have to face this journey alone. Let's work together to break free from the cycle of binge eating, This Utah Eating Disorder Clinic has a binge eating disorder therapist that specializes in binge eating disorder treatment. To begin counseling follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with an eating disorder therapist

3. Start healing from binge eating

Online Eating Disorder Therapy in Utah 

Online therapy in Utah gives you access to a therapist without leaving your home. No more long drives or traffic jams to worry about. You can have sessions from your comfy space. Plus, online therapy offers flexible scheduling, so you can fit it into your busy life. It's private and secure, ensuring your personal information stays confidential. Most importantly, it's an effective way to work on your mental well-being. So, if you're considering therapy but worried about the logistics, give online therapy in Utah a shot – it's convenient, accessible, and can truly make a positive difference in your life.

Online counseling also means wherever you are located in Utah, that means we can work together. I work with clients in Salt Lake City, Logan, Heber City, St. George, Cedar City, and more. 

About the Author

About the Author: Ashlee Hunt, LCSW, is a dedicated eating disorder therapist and the founder of Maple Canyon Therapy, an eating disorder clinic in Utah. Ashlee holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Bachelor's degree in Family Life and Human Development from Southern Utah University, where she first developed her passion for understanding the complexities of human behavior and relationships. Building on her strong foundation, she pursued a Master's degree in Social Work from Utah State University, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in the lives of women struggling with eating disorders. With her compassionate approach and extensive education, Ashlee is committed to helping her clients on their journey to recovery and emotional well-being.

Understanding Different Types of Eating Disorders

As an eating disorder therapist who works with women struggling with eating disorders, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact they can have on a person's physical, emotional, and mental health. Eating disorders can take many forms, and it's essential to understand the differences between each type to get the best treatment and support you need. To help you decide what support and treatment you need, this post will describe the different types of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder,  orthorexia nervosa, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED).  By increasing our understanding of these conditions, we can work towards reducing stigma and ensuring those struggling with eating disorders get the help they need to recover and thrive.

What are the types of eating disorders?

These are common eating disorders that individuals struggle with. All but orthorexia nervosa are diagnosable mental health disorders recognized by the DSM-5. It’s essential for you to know that if you don’t feel like you fit in any of these categories but know you have a problematic relationship with food and your body, you still deserve help. Your experience and condition are not any less valid because it doesn’t fit perfectly into one of these categories. 

Anorexia Nervosa 

Anorexia nervosa is the eating disorder that people most commonly recognized. It's usually the one you learn about in health and nutrition so sometimes it's seen as the most common eating disorder even though it's not. Anorexia is a serious and life-threatening eating disorder. Symptoms of anorexia include persistent restriction of food types, calories, or entire food groups. Anorexia can lead to dangerously low body weight but it can also be normal body weight or "overweight". People that are "overweight" but have anorexia symptoms are often given the subtype of "atypical anorexia." Although I typically work with women, anorexia also impacts men. People with anorexia may have an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even when they are already underweight. They may engage in excessive exercise or other behaviors to burn calories and lose weight. People with eating disorders often have a body image issues and don't see themselves accurately. Anorexia can have serious physical and psychological consequences, including malnutrition, organ damage, and other physical consequences. Mental health conditions with anorexia include depression and anxiety. 

Binge Eating Disorder 

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States.  BED involves frequent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time.  These binges often feel out of control.  Unlike bulimia, people with BED do not engage in compensatory behaviors such as purging, fasting, or excessive exercise after a binge episode. BED is an eating disorder that experiences a great deal of shame and embarrassment because of behaviors. They have a fear of seeking help for fear of judgment.  These binges cause feelings of guilt, shame, and distress, which can cause more binges.  People with BED often believe they need more willpower in order to stop binging. Society often reinforced this belief as well. The reality is BED is often the consequence of the previous restriction of food. 

Bulimia Nervosa 

Bulimia nervosa is a type of eating disorder involving recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, or excessive exercise. People with bulimia may feel a lack of control during binge episodes and may engage in purging behaviors in an attempt to compensate for the calories consumed during the binge. Bulimia is extremely dangerous and has serious physical and psychological consequences, including electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular issues along with anxiety and depression. 

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a relatively new diagnosis in the field of eating disorders. ARFID involves a persistent and often extreme avoidance or restriction of certain foods or food groups. Individuals with ARFID may experience significant anxiety or disgust when faced with certain foods, and they may have a limited range of acceptable foods or textures. Unlike anorexia nervosa, individuals with ARFID may not have a distorted body image or be trying to lose weight.  However, ARFID can still have serious physical and psychological consequences, including nutritional deficiencies, weight loss or failure to gain weight, and social isolation. People with ARFID struggle with the sensory experience of food. People with autism or ADHD are more likely to have ARFID than those who don't have these diagnoses. 

Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED)

Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) is a diagnosis given to individuals who experience disordered eating behaviors that do not meet the full criteria for anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, or binge eating disorder.  OSFED has become the catch-all for other disordered eating behaviors. OSFED can include a wide range of eating disorder symptoms, such as binge eating, purging, and restrictive eating, driven by body image and weight concerns. Despite not meeting the full criteria for a specific eating disorder diagnosis, OSFED still often has serious physical and psychological consequences. People with OSFED may struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem. OSFED doesn't seem to many people like a legitimate eating disorder even though it is, and it's just as concerning as all the other eating disorders. 

Orthorexia Nervosa 

Orthorexia nervosa is a type of eating disorder that involves an obsession with healthy eating and an extreme fixation on consuming foods that are perceived as pure, clean, or natural.  Orthorexia is not yet recognized by the DSM-4 as an eating disorder but this doesn't mean it isn't problematic or treatable. People with orthorexia become preoccupied with the quality and purity of their food, and may experience significant anxiety or distress when faced with foods that they deem unhealthy or impure. People with orthorexia may only eat organic or vegan foods.  The obsession with healthy or clean eating, can lead to rigid dietary restrictions and limit the types of food they can eat. This can in turn lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and social isolation.

Eating Disorder Treatment Options 

When it comes to eating disorders, it’s important to seek the right level of care for you. Some people with eating disorders need day treatment or hospitalization before they are able to work toward outpatient therapy. Alone with therapy, if you are struggling with an eating disorder, you need to see your primary care provider, meet with an eating disorder dietitian for nutritional counseling, and maybe even receive medication management. These treatment options are therapy approaches that I use with my clients when they are stable enough for an outpatient level of care. 

EMDR for Eating Disorders 

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy approach that can be helpful in treating trauma and other emotional or psychological issues that may be related to the development of an eating disorder. EMDR is a structured therapy focused on recalling memories or past experiences paired with bilateral stimulation, which helps with the processing and resolution of these experiences. When it comes to eating disorders, EMDR can be used to help you process and resolve any underlying experiences or negative beliefs about yourself or your body that could be contributing to disordered eating behaviors. You may have experiences where you were shamed for your body shape or size which contributed to you using food to change what you looked like.  EMDR can help reprocess and resolve these negative beliefs and memories. 

Research has shown that EMDR is effective for treating those with eating disorders, particularly when used with other psychotherapy models.  However, it is important to note that EMDR is not a standalone treatment for eating disorders and should be used in addition to other treatment approaches. 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of therapy that can be helpful in treating eating disorders because it promotes psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and aligning behaviors with your values. In the context of eating disorders, ACT can help you identify and accept difficult thoughts, emotions, and body sensations related to disordered eating behaviors, rather than trying to suppress or avoid them. This can be important for those who struggle with anxiety, depression, or shame related to their eating disorder, as avoiding or suppressing these feelings can actually make eating disorder symptoms worse. 

Health At Every Size

The Health at Every Size (HAES) approach is a weight-inclusive approach to health. HAES recognizes that health is far more complex and can't be determined just by body weight or size. Instead, HAES focuses on the importance of promoting healthy behaviors rather than focusing on weight loss or body size. A HAES approach can help those in eating disorder recovery to develop and practice self-compassion towards their bodies and focus on promoting healthy behaviors rather than obsessing over weight or body size. This can involve developing a positive relationship with food and exercise and using an intuitive eating approach. 

Intuitive Eating 

Intuitive eating is the best approach to eating disorder recovery. Intuitive eating is an approach that focuses on developing a healthy and positive relationship with food and your body.  It involves paying attention to internal hunger and fullness cues, rather than following strict diets or other rules around food. When it comes to eating disorder recovery, intuitive eating can be helpful in promoting a more positive approach to food and eating. People with eating disorders may have a strained relationship with food and a negative body image. They also struggle with restrictive eating patterns followed by binge episodes. Intuitive eating can help individuals to develop a more balanced and flexible approach to food and to reconnect with their internal hunger and fullness cues.

Eating Disorder Therapy in Utah can help

As an eating disorder therapist, I know how powerful therapy can be when you are struggling with an eating disorder. Therapy can help you gain an understanding of the root causes of your eating disorder and the areas of your life that are keeping it alive and well.  By exploring these underlying issues in therapy and learning the coping skills to work through them, you can begin to change their relationship with food and improve their overall mental health. Eating disorder therapy is about providing you with support and safety in a non-judgmental space. You can work through the challenges of recovery and find a way to ditch your eating disorder forever. With the help of a skilled therapist and your desire to recover, process, you can recover fully from your eating disorder and start enjoying your life again. 

Begin working with an eating disorder therapist in Utah

You don’t have to try and recover from your eating disorder alone. You deserve the help of someone that can help you through it. Eating disorder therapy can help. This Utah Counseling Clinic has an eating disorder therapist specializing in helping women fully recover from their eating disorders. To begin counseling follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with a caring therapist

3. Start recovering from your eating disorder

Online Eating Disorder Therapy in Utah

When you are struggling with an eating disorder, it’s important to work with a therapist who has experience in treating eating disorders. Not every location in Utah has a therapist that fits the bill. This is why I offer online therapy in Utah. Online eating disorder therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy without having to travel to a therapy session.

Online counseling also means I work with clients all over the state of Utah. I work with clients in St. George, Cedar City, Logan, Heber City, Provo, Salt Lake City, and more.

Other mental health services available at Maple Canyon Therapy 

Eating disorder therapy isn’t the only counseling service provided by this Utah Counseling Practice. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include anxiety therapy, binge eating disorder treatment, EMDR therapy, birth trauma therapy, counseling for college students, and body image therapy. 

About the Author 

Ashlee Hunt is a licensed clinical social worker at Maple Canyon Therapy near Provo, Utah. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a bachelor's degree in family life and human development both from Southern Utah University. She received her masters degree in social work from Utah State University. Ashlee has been working with eating disorders since 2013 and has worked with eating disorder clients at all levels of care. She worked in an inpatient psychiatric hospital for eating disorders and learned to help women recover from their eating disorders fully. 

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What Triggers High Functioning Anxiety?

What causes and triggers High-Functioning anxiety isn’t always obvious. In fact, anxiety triggers can be really sneaky and you don’t notice them until later. Sometimes it’s hard to notice them at all because they can be something you’ve dealt with for what seems like forever. Figuring out your anxiety triggers and anxiety therapy are important steps in helping you overcome high-functioning anxiety. You'll be surprised at how many everyday situations can unknowingly set off your anxiety. Whether it's work stress, relationship stuff, or even certain social situations, we'll take a close look at each trigger and discuss ways to manage them.

Triggers or Causes of High-Functioning Anxiety

Everyone has their own unique experiences with anxiety symptoms. This isn’t a comprehensive list so if this doesn’t fit for you, that’s ok! It just means you have different triggers that can be explored and understood more fully.

Fear of Failure

High-functioning anxiety is often fueled by an overwhelming fear of failure. These people set exceptionally high standards for themselves, creating a constant need to excel in every aspect of life. The fear of falling short of their own expectations can be paralyzing, leading to relentless self-doubt and anxiety. The women I work with experience fears of failing as a mom, employees, partners, and more. They constantly worry that they aren’t giving or doing enough. This fear of failure leads to anxiety symptoms. 

Past Painful Experiences or Trauma 

Experiencing a painful event or traumatic experience in the past can lead to anxiety in several ways. First, these painful memories can act as emotional triggers, making certain situations, people, or places bring back the distressing event, causing anxiety. Those with high-functioning anxiety fear a similar negative experience might happen again. Fear of repeating these painful experiences can make you feel on edge, expecting danger, and leading to ongoing anxiety. Negative thought patterns can make you believe negative outcomes will happen despite evidence that says otherwise.  

Need for Control

The fear of uncertainty leads to coping with anxiety through a need for control. This desire for control is often linked to perfectionism, leading to constant worry about not meeting the high standards you or others have set for you. Overthinking and ruminating are anxiety symptoms that are common as you try to gain a sense of control by analyzing things that happened in the past or future situations that may come up. Doing this only makes anxiety worse.  Avoiding uncertainty becomes a way of coping, but it really makes anxiety worse in the long run. . Strained relationships and difficulty adapting to change also contribute to anxiety. 

Stress and Burnout 

Chronic stress and burnout can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being, leading to worse anxiety. When you experience ongoing stress, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that might result in anxiety symptoms. Juggling overwhelming pressures, worries, and responsibilities can overload your mind making it tough to manage your thoughts and emotions well.  This, combined with feeling physically and emotionally drained and having trouble sleeping make anxiety symptoms worse.  When you are stressed and burned out your coping skills might not feel like they work anymore. This can lead to feeling more helpless and powerless to deal with anxiety, and you guessed it, this leads to more anxiety.  Negative ways of thinking and not having supportive relationships can all add to the anxiety cycle amid stress and burnout.

Anxiety Therapy in Utah can help your high-functioning anxiety 

I totally get that high-functioning anxiety can be tough to handle, but anxiety therapy can really make a big difference. Anxiety therapy isn't about judging or fixing you – it's about understanding what's going on and learning better ways to deal with it. In anxiety treatment, we'll work together to figure out what triggers your anxiety and how it affects your life. We'll explore those racing thoughts and the constant worry that might be holding you back. And you know what? It's okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes; we all do. Anxiety creates a safe space where you can talk openly about your experiences without worrying about judgment from me. You might think, "I'm a high achiever, I can handle this on my own." But trust me, it's okay to ask for help. Therapy isn't about making you feel weak; it's about empowering you to take control of your anxiety and find balance in your life.

Start working with an anxiety therapist in Utah today 

You deserve the support and help to work through your high-functioning anxiety. You don’t have to keep trying to figure it out yourself. Anxiety therapy can help. This Utah Counseling Clinic has an anxiety therapist who specializes in high-functioning anxiety. To begin anxiety treatment follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with a therapist for anxiety

3. Begin finding relief from anxiety symptoms

The Importance of Finding the Right Eating Disorder Therapist for You

It feels incredibly vulnerable when you are struggling with eating disorder symptoms and realize that you might need help. You feel embarrassed and terrified that you’ll be judged if you open up about what you are experiencing and feeling. Finding the right eating disorder therapist is essential in your journey to eating disorder recovery. When you are feeling tender and afraid on the inside, you need a place where you know you’re going to be safe. You need to be able to find the one that you connect with you and is the best fit for your personality and your struggles. 

Treating eating disorders is a specific specialty that requires specific training and knowledge to be able to help you overcome your eating disorder. The truth is when you work with a therapist without this specialty, it can harm you. Eating disorders are mental health condition that directly impacts your physical health. Finding a therapist that can help you navigate both is going to make a huge difference in your healing. Let’s talk more about why it’s important to find the right eating disorder therapist for you. 

The right eating disorder therapist knows the best approach to therapy

Eating disorders require a specific approach to have the best outcomes for success. I have worked with many clients that worked with a general therapist before deciding they needed to find a therapist that specifically treated eating disorders. There’s no doubt that their therapists were doing the best they could with the knowledge they had. However, without having experience in treating eating disorders, the clients shared they didn’t seem to make progress in the ways they wanted to.

Eating disorders are complex mental health diagnoses. They involve multiple factors that contribute to their development and knowing how to deal with each of these is important. Underneath eating disorders there may be anxiety, depression, and traumatic experiences that are part of the equation. Body image issues and low self-esteem also contribute to eating disorders. On top of all of that, people with eating disorders often have medical conditions to stabilize on top of their eating disorders. A good eating disorder therapist will know that this is not a quick process and will focus on helping you become medically stable and consistently eating first before jumping into working through trauma and other aspects of eating disorder recovery. 

The right eating disorder therapist will help you find the best coping strategies

When you're struggling with an eating disorder, finding effective coping skills is crucial for managing difficult emotions, triggers, and behaviors related to food and body image. A skilled eating disorder therapist can help you identify and develop coping skills that are specific to your unique needs and eating disorder behaviors. They can teach you skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and problem-solving, which can help you manage difficult emotions and cope with the triggers that can fuel disordered eating behaviors. With the support of a skilled eating disorder therapist, you can develop a range of coping strategies that work for you as a unique person with unique needs, and help you overcome your eating disorder. Over time, you can learn to replace maladaptive coping mechanisms with healthier ones and gain the tools and skills you need to maintain your eating disorder recovery throughout your life. 

The right eating disorder therapist will provide a supportive and safe environment

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is that you feel safe in eating disorder therapy to make progress in recovery. The right eating disorder therapist will provide the right environment for you to not feel judged but for you to feel accepted and validated. You deserve to feel heard and understood. The best eating disorder therapist for you will help you feel hopeful for your recovery and help you trust that you can do it even if it’s hard. A skilled eating disorder therapist will be aware of the unique issues and circumstances that someone with an eating disorder will have and will know how to address and work through them. You need a therapist that will have the resources and information to provide you with more understanding of your eating disorder. With the help of the right eating disorder therapist, you can gain a better understanding of the underlying issues driving your disordered eating behaviors and develop more self-awareness that can be incredibly valuable in the recovery process.

The right eating disorder therapist will know they can’t do it all

Because eating disorders are complex, they often require more than just meeting with a therapist once a week. A good eating disorder therapist will know to recommend you to other providers to support you such as a dietitian, a psychiatrist, and a medical provider. All of these areas are important in being able to ensure you are in the best position for a full recovery. There are times when seeing a therapist once a week is not enough to support someone with an eating disorder. An experienced eating disorder therapist will be able to properly evaluate if you need more structured support because they know they can’t do it all. Eating disorder recovery requires a team approach and you deserve to work with people that specifically know how to treat all angles of your eating disorder. 

Trust your gut when it comes to finding the right eating disorder therapist for you

The most important thing I can emphasize to you is to trust your gut when it comes to picking the right eating disorder therapist for you. This is the most valuable thing that I want my clients to learn in eating disorder recovery, and that is to learn to listen to their own needs and opinion on what’s best for them. Eating disorders disconnect you from your identity and numb your desires as they are often focused on pleasing everyone else. You don’t have to people-please when it comes to your eating disorder recovery. You don’t have to do that in healing from your eating disorder. You get to decide what is right and what feels best. Trust that. You are the expert on yourself and what you need. If something doesn’t click or feel right, you get to choose someone else. Keep having hope that you will find the right therapist that you feel comfortable with and who knows exactly how to help you. 

Eating disorder therapy in Utah can help you heal

Working with the right therapist in eating disorder therapy can help you overcome your eating disorder. You can learn to work through your anxiety around food and why you don’t trust yourself eating. You can have more self-compassion for yourself and stop being so critical of yourself for everything. Eating disorder therapy can help you understand how your past experiences may be contributing to how you feel about yourself and your body. Eating disorder counseling can help you leave your eating disorder behind and live a happy and fulfilling life. 

Start working with an eating disorder therapist in Utah

You don’t have to keep feeling this way. You don’t have to feel stuck and overwhelmed by eating and your body. Eating disorder therapy can help. This Utah Counseling Practice has an eating disorder therapist who specializes in treating eating disorders. To begin therapy follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with a therapist for eating disorders 

3. Begin recovery

Online eating disorder therapy in Utah

It’s important to be able to have an eating disorder therapist you connect with regardless of where you live. Many cities in Utah don’t have an eating disorder therapist who has specialized training and experience in treating eating disorders. This is why I provide online therapy in Utah. Online eating disorder therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy without you having to travel or commute to a therapy office. 

Online counseling also means I work with clients all over the state of Utah. I work with clients in Cedar City, St. George, Provo, Heber City, Salt Lake City, Logan, and more. 

Other mental health services at Maple Canyon Therapy,

Eating disorder therapy isn’t the only counseling service provided by this Utah Counseling Clinic. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include anxiety therapy, binge eating disorder treatment, body image therapy, birth trauma therapy, EMDR therapy, and therapy for college students. Reach out for a free 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help. 

About the Author

Ashlee Hunt is an eating disorder therapist and founder of Maple Canyon Therapy near Provo, Utah. Ashlee has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a bachelor's degree in family life and human development from Southern Utah University. She obtained her master's in social work from Utah State University. Ashlee has worked with eating disorders at all levels of care including in a psychiatric eating disorder hospital. She understands how important eating disorder recovery is and knows the proper steps to help her clients get there. 

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• 3 Topics to Address in Eating Disorder Therapy 

4 Surprising Truths About Eating Disorder Therapy

Coming to terms with the fact that you have a problem with your relationship with food and experiencing negative body image, can be a painful experience. You might be scared to ask for help and consider going to therapy. It feels terrifying to let someone in and for them to know what you are experiencing and struggling with. Part of you wonders if this is even worth the work. You may believe that the only way of surviving your life is with your eating disorder or your disordered eating. 

I get that it is hard to ask for help. It’s difficult to do this all on your own. Worrying about being judged makes sense when you’ve not told many people about your intimate thoughts and experiences around your eating disorder. You might wonder if any of this will even be worth it. I want you to know it is worth it, and you’ll be surprised by what you gain from the experience. 

What you have to gain from eating disorder therapy

Everyone gains something unique and different for themselves in eating disorder recovery. There is so much to look forward to on the other side of your eating disorder. Here are some of the things you can gain from eating disorder counseling. 

1. You’ll learn you are loved regardless of what your body looks like 

When you are in the midst of your eating disorder, you hold onto so many beliefs about your body. What it looks like, what it says about you, and how it impacts your worth. The women I work with believe that they will be judged or criticized if they gain weight. This holds so much power over them and can keep them engaged in their eating disorders. Through eating disorder therapy, you can accept that you can’t control what other people think and feel about your body. You will find freedom in knowing that the relationships you want to be will still hold the love and respect for you no matter the number on the scale or the size of your jeans. You are valued, loved, and respected because of who you are and that is not dependent on your appearance. 

2. You will heal through your relationships 

Healing from your eating disorder involves healing in your relationships. There will be relationships that heal through therapy that have needed improving or mending. There will also be relationships that become safer and more secure. You will find healing and hope in those relationships. Your relationships in eating disorder therapy will evolve and can become so much deeper. While some relationships will provide healing and hope, there will be some relationships that you come to realize don’t serve you, and it’s ok to let those go. You’ll learn to set boundaries and take care of yourself without resorting to people-pleasing. 

3. You can do harder things than you ever thought you could

I have worked with many women who have had terrible experiences and have been through so much trauma in their lives and yet overcoming their eating disorder feels impossible. They don’t always realize it in the beginning but their disordered eating behaviors were how they learned to cope with all of the terrible things that happened to them. If they could focus on changing their body or controlling food, they could manage their anxiety. What you will gain from eating disorder counseling and recovery is being able to recognize you can do what feels impossible. You can cope with your emotions outside of food. You can do hard things, and you will end up ok. In fact, you’ll end up better and happier than you’ve ever been. It doesn’t mean the process is fast or easy but it is worth all of the work. 

4. Life is so much better without an eating disorder 

Being in your eating disorder isn’t as good as it gets. You don’t need it to be able to deal with life. Life is so much better when you are fed, nourished, and freed from anxiety. Eating disorder recovery means letting go of perfectionism and being able to have more self-compassion and self-acceptance for yourself. There is so much to enjoy about your life when you aren’t consumed by calories, your weight, and everything else. You’re going to be so glad you chose eating disorder recovery and can find greater purpose and meaning on the other side. 

Eating Disorder Therapy in Utah is worth it 

Even though recovering from your eating disorder can be scary, it’s worth it. Even though you aren’t sure what life will be like without it, you’ll be ok. I have never met someone who has fully recovered from their eating disorder that has regretted doing so. You will be able to experience a better life without your eating disorder. Eating disorder therapy provides you with a safe and secure environment to talk about what you’re really struggling with you. You can count on not ever being judged here.  Eating disorder counseling will help you develop the skills to cope with your feelings. It can help you improve your relationships, feel better about yourself, and stop hating what you see in the mirror. 

Begin working with an eating disorder therapist in Utah 

You don’t have to keep struggling like this. You don’t have to spend so much of your thoughts thinking about food and weight loss. You can make peace with your body, and eating disorder therapy can help. This Utah Counseling Clinic has an eating disorder therapist specializing in eating disorder therapy. To begin counseling follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with a therapist for eating disorders 

3. Start eating disorder recovery

Online eating disorder therapy 

When you are struggling with an eating disorder, it's important for you to be able to have the assurance that the therapist you work with knows how to help you. There are many parts of Utah that don’t have an eating disorder therapist in their town, and this is why I provide online therapy in Utah. Online counseling is convenient and just as effective as in-person therapy without having to travel or commute to a therapy appointment 

Online counseling also means that I work with clients all over the state of Utah. I work with clients in Cedar City, St. George, Heber City, Provo, Salt Lake City, Logan, and more. 

Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy 

Eating disorder therapy isn’t the only counseling service provided by this Utah Counseling Center. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include EMDR therapy, binge eating disorder treatment, body image therapy, anxiety therapy, counseling for college students, and birth trauma therapy. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help. 

About the Author 

Ashlee Hunt is a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Maple Canyon Therapy near Provo, Utah. She has a master's degree in social work from Utah State University. Ashlee also has two bachelor's degrees, in psychology, and family life and human development from Southern Utah University. Ashlee has been treating eating disorders since 2013 and has worked with eating disorders at all levels of care. She has worked at an inpatient eating disorder psychiatric hospital helping women navigate eating disorder recovery. 

Other blog posts by Maple Canyon Therapy

• How To Stop Binging: Tips From a Binge Eating Disorder Therapist in Utah 

• 4 Reasons to Ditch the Scale: Advice from an Eating Disorder Therapist in Utah 

• 5 Things I’ll Never Say Because I’m an Eating Disorder Therapist 

• What to Do If You Suspect Your College Student Has An Eating Disorder

• Why College Students Develop Eating Disorders 

• 3 Topics to Address in Eating Disorder Therapy 

• What I Love About Being An Eating Disorder Therapist 

• A Common Fear In Eating Disorder Therapy 

What is the Difference Between Generalized Anxiety and High-Functioning Anxiety?

Anxiety can affect people in different ways, and there are different types of anxiety disorders. We are gonna chat about two common types Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and High-Functioning Anxiety. Although they share some similarities, there are some differences. Regardless of differences and similarities but can be treated and helped through anxiety therapy.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): GAD is a recognized condition in the mental health field, listed in the DSM-5. It involves excessive worrying about everyday events and situations, often lasting for extended periods, sometimes even months or years. People with GAD find it challenging to control their worries, which can significantly impact their daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Physical symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, fatigue,  insomnia, and difficulty concentrating are common with GAD.

High-Functioning Anxiety: While it's not an official diagnosis, we use the term "high-functioning anxiety" to describe those who appear successful and capable on the outside but experience significant anxiety internally. They can excel in their careers, maintain relationships, and fulfill responsibilities, all while dealing with considerable stress and pressure. They may experience the same symptoms of GAD but it just looks different on the outside. Those with high-functioning anxiety can have difficulty controlling their worry but might channel it to being productive or achieving something.

Differences between GAD and High-Functioning Anxiety

Symptom Severity

GAD tends to cause more intense and persistent anxiety, like an ongoing background of worry that affects various aspects of life. On the other hand, high-functioning anxiety indicates that individuals can manage their anxiety differently and continue with their daily activities.

Diagnosis

GAD is a formally recognized diagnosis, but high-functioning anxiety is more of a descriptive term used to characterize how anxiety manifests in certain people.

Impact on Functioning

Although people with GAD can still manage daily tasks, their anxiety can make it challenging and impact their overall well-being. While it may seem like those with high-functioning anxiety might seem to be doing well externally, internally they might be dealing with significant stress and turmoil.

Awareness and Coping

Those with high-functioning anxiety may be aware of their anxiety and find ways to cope with it by disguising it because they are productive and high achieving.  People with GAD might find it more challenging to control their worries, leading to feelings of overwhelm.

Please know that both forms of anxiety are valid experiences, and seeking support from an anxiety therapist can be beneficial if you dealing with either type. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, reaching out for anxiety therapy is a step toward getting the care and support needed. 

Anxiety therapy in Utah can help you cope with anxiety better

If you're struggling with anxiety, know that you don't have to face it alone. Seeking help through anxiety therapy can truly make a difference in your life. It's completely okay to reach out for support, and taking this step shows incredible strength. Through anxiety counseling, you'll have a safe and understanding space to explore your feelings and concerns. A compassionate anxiety therapist can work with you to identify triggers and coping skills providing you with practical tools to manage your anxiety in daily life. Remember, anxiety therapy isn't about judgment; it's about growth, healing, and finding ways to live a more fulfilling and balanced life. You deserve to experience peace and happiness, and with the right support, you can get it. 

Start working with an anxiety therapist in Utah 

You can find relief from your anxiety. You can learn to cope with anxiety through anxiety therapy. This Utah Counseling Center has an anxiety therapist who specializes in high-functioning anxiety. To begin anxiety treatment follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with a therapist for anxiety

3. Cope with anxiety better

About the Author 

Ashlee Hunt, LCSW, is a compassionate anxiety therapist and founder of Maple Canyon Therapy in Utah. She holds bachelor's degrees in psychology and family life and human development from Southern Utah University, as well as a master's degree in social work from Utah State University. With a passion for mental health, Ashlee helps women overcome anxiety by providing a safe space to explore triggers and develop coping skills.. With up-to-date treatment methods and a dedication to professional growth, Ashlee is committed to supporting her clients on their journey toward emotional well-being. Outside of therapy, she enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs and riding her ebike through Snow Canyon State Park.

How To Stop Binging: Tips From a Binge Eating Disorder Therapist in Utah

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder, and it impacts many people across the globe. BED involves regular episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time. These binge eating episodes lead to feeling out of control with food and are often followed up with feelings of guilt and shame. While BED is a complex mental health condition, stress, trauma, and past experiences can have a negative effect on one's physical and mental health. 

The women I work with that struggle with binge eating, not only feel guilt and shame for their behaviors but also take a hit to their self-esteem. They can’t understand why they can be successful in areas of their lives but this is an area they can’t stop struggling in. They hate their bodies and are terrified of the weight gain that might come from binges. If you are like them, you desperately want to stop binging. The good news is, there’s help and it’s possible to stop the cycle of binging with the help of eating disorder therapy. 

How do I stop the urge to binge?

Binge eating can be hard to let go of. It might seem like no matter how hard you try, you just keep binging. One thing that people don’t realize about binging is that is often a result of restriction. Having a history of dieting and cutting out food groups, can lead to vicious cycles of binge eating. Stopping the urge to binge can be hard, but there are things you can do that can help. Here are some ideas on how to stop the urge to binge:

Practice mindfulness:

Mindfulness techniques, like meditation and deep breathing, can help you be more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. This can help you recognize the triggers that lead to binge eating and learn to respond to them in a more helpful way. 

Eat regular meals:

Skipping meals or restricting food will lead to intense hunger and increase the likelihood of binge eating. Eating regular, balanced meals throughout the day can help reduce the urge to binge.

Find coping skills that work:

Binge eating can be a way of coping with difficult emotions or stress. Finding alternative coping strategies, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or creative activities, can help you manage these emotions without turning to food.

Meet with a binge eating disorder therapist:

Binge eating disorder is a complex mental health issue that often requires professional help from someone with the right training and experience. Reaching out to a therapist who specializes in treating eating disorders can help you work through why you are prone to binge. We can provide you with support, compassion, and guidance on how to overcome the urge to binge.

Why can’t I stop a binge?

There are several reasons why someone may find it challenging to stop a binge. Every person has a unique experience with binge eating but here are some possible reasons:

1. Chemical imbalances: Binge eating disorder has been associated with chemical imbalances in the brain, specifically involving the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is involved in reward and pleasure. These imbalances may make it difficult for some people to stop a binge once they start. 

2. Emotional triggers: Binge eating can be triggered by emotional distress, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. These emotions can be overwhelming and hard to manage, leading to an intense urge to binge eat as a way of coping.

3. Habitual behavior: Binge eating can become a habitual behavior that is difficult to break, especially if it has been a struggle for a long time. The brain may become accustomed to the pattern of binge eating and perceive it as the norm.

4. Restrictive eating: Restrictive eating patterns, such as skipping meals or following a strict diet, can increase the likelihood of binge eating. This is because the body may go into a state of deprivation and intense hunger, leading to an overwhelming urge to eat large amounts of food.

5. Lack of coping skills: Some people may lack healthy coping skills to deal with emotional distress or stressors in their lives. This can lead to binge eating as a way of self-soothing or coping with these difficult feelings.

Why do I binge at night?

Binge eating at night can have several possible causes. Here are some common reasons why someone may binge eat at night:

1. Emotional triggers: Nighttime can be a hard time for people who struggle with binge eating disorder. Nighttime might bring on emotions such as loneliness, stress, or anxiety. These emotions can trigger a desire to eat as a way of coping with these feelings.

2. Fatigue and lack of energy: After a long day, you may feel fatigued and lack the energy to engage in other activities, leading to a higher desire to eat as a form of entertainment or distraction.

3. Lack of structure and routine: Nighttime can be less structured and routine than daytime,  leading to boredom or a lack of focus. This can trigger a desire to eat as a way of filling time or relieving boredom.

4. Caloric restriction during the day: If someone is following a restrictive diet or skipping meals during the day, they may feel intensely hungry at night, leading to a higher likelihood of binge eating.

5 Reasons to work with a binge eating disorder therapist 

Working with a binge eating disorder therapist can be incredibly beneficial for several reasons:

1. Specialized eating disorder expertise: Binge eating disorder therapists have specialized training and expertise in treating binge eating disorder. They can help you understand the root causes of your binge eating behavior and develop skills for overcoming it.

2. Individualized treatment: Binge eating disorder therapists will work with you to develop an individual treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. They can help you identify triggers and develop coping skills that work for you.

3. Support and encouragement: Binge eating disorder therapists provide support and encouragement throughout the treatment process. They can help you manage relapses and celebrate successes, providing motivation to continue working toward recovery from binge eating.

4. Addressing other issues: Many individuals with binge eating disorder also struggle with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Binge eating disorder therapists can help address these issues.

5. Help with eating disorder recovery: Working with a binge eating disorder therapist can provide you with the tools and resources you need to achieve long-term recovery. They can help you develop a plan to not only cope but to help you overcome your past trauma that may be contributing to needing to cope with emotions using food. 

Binge eating disorder treatment in Utah can help 

With the guidance and support of an eating disorder therapist, you can learn to break free from binge eating and develop a healthy relationship with food and body image. Binge eating disorder treatment in Utah can provide you with the tools you need to have a happier, healthier life. You have unique experiences and needs and binge eating disorder treatment can be tailored to get exactly what you need. 

Start binge eating disorder treatment in Utah

You don’t have to keep struggling with binge eating. You can find peace with food and your body image. Binge eating disorder treatment can help. This Utah Counseling Practice has a binge eating disorder therapist specializing in treating binge eating disorder. 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with an eating disorder therapist 

3. Begin eating disorder recovery 

Online Eating Disorder Therapy 

It’s important to be able to have access to a therapist specializing in what you are struggling with. When you are struggling with an eating disorder, you need to trust you are going to get help from someone who knows how. Not every town in Utah has an eating disorder therapist, this is why I offer online therapy in Utah. Online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy but much more convenient. 

Online counseling means I work with clients all over Utah. I work with clients in St. George, Cedar City, Provo, Heber City, Logan, Salt Lake City, and more. 

Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy 

Binge eating disorder treatment isn’t the only counseling service offered at this Utah Counseling Practice. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include eating disorder therapy, anxiety therapy, body image therapy, counseling for college students, birth trauma therapy, and EMDR therapy. Reach out for a 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help. 

About the Author 

Ashlee Hunt is an eating disorder therapist and founder of Maple Canyon Therapy near Provo, Utah. Ashlee has a master's degree in social work from Utah State University in Logan, Utah. She has two bachelor's degrees from Southern Utah University in Cedar City in psychology and family life and human development. Ashlee loves helping women overcome binge eating and to be able to feel better about themselves. She knows how women who struggle with binge eating disorder feel shame and wants to help them develop self-compassion instead. 

Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy

• Eating Disorders: you deserve treatment

• 5 Things you should know about eating disorders

• 5 Things To Look For In an Eating Disorder Therapist

• Why You Shouldn’t Comment on Anyone’s Body

• 4 Reasons Not to Compliment Weight Loss

3 Parks in Logan, Utah to Cope with Anxiety Symptoms

When anxiety symptoms arise, finding solace in nature can be a powerful coping mechanism. Logan, Utah, is home to several parks that offer serene environments to help alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of calm. From the captivating scenery of Canyon Entrance Park to the inviting open spaces of Willow Park, and the tranquil beauty of Mack Park in Smithfield, each park provides a unique setting to soothe the mind and restore inner peace. Whether through mindful walks, embracing the beauty of nature, or seeking moments of solitude, these parks offer havens where individuals can find respite and engage in activities that support their well-being. In addition to anxiety therapy, explore these three parks in Logan, Utah, and discover how they can serve as invaluable resources to cope with anxiety symptoms and cultivate a sense of tranquility amidst the natural world.

1. Canyon Entrance Park

Canyon Entrance Park is a beautiful natural retreat located in Logan, Utah. Nestled at the entrance of Logan Canyon, this park offers stunning scenery, outdoor recreational activities, and a tranquil environment for visitors to enjoy. The park features a diverse landscape characterized by towering cliffs, lush forests, and a flowing river, all of which contribute to its natural charm. As an anxiety therapist, I recommend someone dealing with anxiety visit the park can provide a much-needed respite and a chance to reconnect with oneself. The peacefulness of the park, coupled with the soothing sounds of the Logan River and the tranquil ambiance of the hiking trails, can help reduce anxiety symptoms and promote a sense of relaxation in coping with anxiety. 

2. Willow Park 

As the name suggests, the park is adorned with numerous willow trees that provide shade and add to the park's natural aesthetics. The park's well-maintained lawns and open spaces create a welcoming environment for picnics, outdoor games, and leisurely strolls. When you are in anxiety treatment, utilizing grounding skills is important in managing your anxiety symptoms. Take advantage of the park's paved walking paths and engage in mindful walks. As you stroll through the park, focus your attention on the sensations of your body in motion, the sights and sounds of nature around you, and the feeling of the ground beneath your feet. Paying attention to the present moment can help shift your focus away from anxious thoughts and bring a sense of grounding and peace.

3. Mack Park

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic beauty surrounding Mack Park located in Smithfield, Utah.  The park is often adorned with beautiful trees, creating a serene atmosphere and offering shade on hot summer days. The green spaces and walking paths provide opportunities for leisurely strolls, jogging, or simply enjoying the fresh air and natural surroundings. Find a secluded spot in the park where you can be alone with your thoughts. I recommend taking time to relax and calm yourself, especially after an anxiety counseling session. take this time to reconnect with yourself and enjoy the peacefulness of the surroundings. Practice self-reflection, mindfulness, or engage in calming activities such as reading or listening to calming music.

Working with an anxiety therapist in Utah can help

Working with an anxiety therapist in Utah can be critical in addressing and managing anxiety symptoms. Anxiety therapy can help you understand your anxiety and its underlying causes. Through anxiety treatment, you can gain insight into your anxiety triggers, develop coping skills and learn better ways to manage anxiety symptoms. Whether through cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, or other evidence-based approaches, an anxiety therapist provides a safe and supportive environment to explore and process anxious thoughts and emotions.

Start anxiety therapy in Utah 

Don't let anxiety hold you back from living the life you want. Reach out to an anxiety therapist in Utah today. This Utah Counseling Clinic specializes in helping women struggling with anxiety symptoms and has a therapist for anxiety that can help. To begin anxiety treatment follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with an anxiety therapist

3. Begin finding freedom from anxiety

The Truth About Emotional Eating

You feel stressed but you don’t feel hungry but you find yourself mindlessly eating anyway. It feels frustrating to you that despite not being hungry you still find yourself doing this more often than you would like. You wonder what’s wrong with you and why you can’t seem to get over this habit you have. You try and tell yourself next time you’ll try harder to get it together. You feel guilty for eating this way and just want to make it stop. You’ve probably tried to become more strict with yourself but then eventually have gone back to the same pattern of eating as before. You may be experiencing emotional eating. Despite the guilt you feel or even what society tells you about food, it’s normal for people to use food to self-soothe. It does become problematic when emotional eating is your primary coping skill for dealing with your emotions. 

What is emotional eating?

Emotional eating is when you use food as a response to dealing with your emotions including stress, anxiety, sadness, anger, and even happiness. Emotional eating is not cued by physical hunger and is often done when you aren’t even hungry at all. This way of eating can lead to feelings of guilt and shame. It can start to result in a loss of self-esteem and confidence. Many people start to fear weight gain and try to control their food intake further. It usually backfires and makes emotional eating worse. It can be difficult to overcome or manage emotional eating without the support and guidance of an eating disorder therapist. 

What is an emotional eater?

An “emotional eater” is often a derogatory term that is used to describe someone that uses food to cope with emotions despite not being biologically hungry. Someone that is an emotional eater might use food to soothe themselves and to deal with stress or boredom. Emotionally eating can also occur as a way of trying to distract or procrastinate doing things that you might not want to do. Emotional eaters tend to try pleasure and satisfaction through food when they can’t find it elsewhere. People with ADHD might be more prone to emotional eating than those that don’t have this diagnosis. 

Signs of Emotional Eating

Everyone uses emotional eating differently but there are some common signs and symptoms of emotional eating. Here are some of them: 

• Eating in response to emotions

• Intense cravings for certain types of food

• Using food as comfort or to destress

• Feeling guilty or ashamed after eating

• Eating alone or in secret 

• Eating past the point of physical fullness 

• Fear of judgment for the way you eat

How do I stop eating emotionally?

It is difficult to overcome emotional eating on your own. You likely emotionally eat because it serves a purpose or helps you cope with difficult emotions. It can be hard to give up emotional eating when you don’t feel you have other ways of coping or don’t recognize the other areas of stress in your life. Here are a few tips to try to combat emotional eating: 

1. Identify your triggers

Notice the people, places, or situations that make you prone to emotionally eat. Create a plan on how you want to cope with these triggers without emotionally eating 

2. Make sure you’re eating enough

I find that some people believe they are eating emotionally but part of the problem is they aren’t eating enough so they keep thinking about food and believe they’re emotionally eating but maybe part of the problem is restricting. 

3. Coping Skills for emotional eating

Utilize other coping skills to deal with emotions such as stress and boredom. Use mindfulness, journaling, talking to a friend, or deep breathing as new ways to practice dealing with emotional discomfort. 

4. Work with an eating disorder therapist 

There’s usually more of a reason why you might be using emotional eating as a way of coping with emotions. You don’t have to have an eating disorder to work with an eating disorder therapist. An eating disorder therapist specializes in helping people improve their relationships with food and find different ways to cope. 

What to do instead of emotional eating?

There are many different alternatives way of dealing with your emotions that don’t involve emotionally eating consistently. The most important thing to do instead of emotional eating is to find something that works for you. This could take trial and error before finding something that you find to be effective and helpful. Some people enjoy walking or yoga as a way to deal with their emotions. Other people might find calling or talking to a friend about what they feel to help them work through their stress. Watching a tv show or playing a musical instrument can be something that could be helpful. Finding what works for you and being able to deal with the underlying emotions that keep causing your to emotional eat will make the difference in recovering from emotional eating. 

Therapy for emotional eating in Utah can help

If you find yourself feeling stuck with the pattern of emotional eating and nothing seems to help, therapy for emotional eating may be helpful. Many people resist going to therapy when they know they might need extra help because they are worried they will be criticized or judged. Some of the women I have worked with have also worried that they would have to continue dieting or that therapy would encourage them to lose weight and that simply hasn’t worked. Therapy for emotional eating is designed to help you make peace with food and yourself not to encourage you to further restrict or withstand your cravings. I believe therapy is about helping you work through the emotions you are feeling in healthy and helpful ways while understanding how past experiences or hurt may be contributing to these issues. 

Work with an eating disorder therapist in Utah 

You don’t have to keep struggling with the cycle of emotional eating. You can find relief from guilt and shame and learn to deal with your emotions in different ways. Therapy for emotional eating can help. This Utah Counseling Clinic has an eating disorder therapist specializing in emotional eating. To begin counseling follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with a therapist for emotional eating 

3. Find relief from constant emotional eating

Online Eating Disorder Therapy in Utah

When you are dealing with emotional eating or disordered eating, you must have access to a therapist who specializes and knows exactly how to treat this. Many cities in Utah don’t have access to an eating disorder therapist. This is why I offer online therapy in Utah. Online counseling is safe, effective, and much more convenient than trying to travel to an in-office appointment. 

Online counseling also means I work with clients who struggle with emotional eating from all over the state of Utah. I work with clients in St. George, Cedar City, Heber City, Provo, Salt Lake City, Logan, and more. 

Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy 

Eating disorder therapy isn’t the only counseling service offered at this Utah Counseling Practice. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include EMDR therapy, binge eating disorder treatment, body image therapy, anxiety therapy, birth trauma therapy, and counseling for college students. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help. 

About the Author 

Ashlee Hunt is an eating disorder therapist and founder of Maple Canyon Therapy near Provo, Utah, and an online therapist throughout the state of Utah including St. George, Cedar City, Provo, Heber City, Logan, and Salt Lake City. Ashlee has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a bachelor's degree in family life and human development from Southern Utah University. She obtained her master's in social work from Utah State University. Ashlee has been working with women to improve their relationship with food and become intuitive eaters since 2013. She has worked with women who struggle with emotional eating, disordered eating, and eating disorders through all levels of care including an eating disorder psychiatric hospital. Ashlee believes women can heal by offering themselves more self-compassion and working through their negative beliefs.

Other Blog Posts You Might Like:

• 4 Reasons to Ditch the Scale: Advice from an Eating Disorder Therapist in Utah 

• 5 Things I’ll Never Say Because I’m an Eating Disorder Therapist 

• How EMDR Therapy Can Treat Eating Disorders

• How To Start Eating Disorder Recovery