Eating Disorders
In Australia, around one million people are currently suffering through an eating disorder.
Under recent Medicare changes, eating disorder sufferers are now eligible for 40 psychological sessions rebatable under Medicare. Consistent treatment is vital for changing behaviours and thinking.
What is Eating Disorder Treatment?
Eating disorder treatment is a specialised, multi-disciplinary approach to psychotherapy that helps individuals safely change unhealthy behaviours, reframe their relationship with food, and address the underlying psychological distress driving the condition.
At Armchair Psychology in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, we provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy for conditions including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder. Consistent, professional treatment is vital for breaking destructive cycles and achieving long-term recovery.
Understanding the Scope of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders do not discriminate. In Australia, approximately one million people are currently suffering from an eating disorder. While these conditions are often stereotypically associated with young females, the reality is that around 20% of those diagnosed are male.
Common Underlying Causes
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions. They are rarely just about food; they are often a way of seeking control when life feels overwhelming. Common contributing factors include:
Psychological Factors: Low self-esteem, perfectionism, or using food restriction/bingeing as a coping mechanism for emotional pain.
Social Pressures: An extreme focus on body image and societal or peer pressure to be thin.
Environmental Triggers: Major life changes, trauma, or high-stress transitions.
Biological Factors: Genetics and family history can increase an individual’s vulnerability to developing an eating disorder.
Have A Free Chat With One Of Our Psychologists
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Our Psychologists
How We Help at Armchair Psychology
At our Edgecliff clinic, we focus on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Building Trust: We start by establishing a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable discussing deeply personal struggles.
Evidence-Based Therapy: We utilise targeted psychological frameworks to help you identify and slowly dismantle unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.
Collaborative Care: Because eating disorders severely impact physical health, our psychologists frequently work in collaboration with your GP, dietitians, and your family to ensure you have a comprehensive support network.
Important Medicare Update: 40 Rebatable Sessions
Recovery takes time, and the Australian government recognises this. Under recent Medicare changes, eligible patients with an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDP) from their GP or psychiatrist can now access up to 40 psychological sessions per year that are rebatable under Medicare. Our team is fully equipped to provide this critical, long-term support to help you or your loved one navigate the path to recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eating Disorder Treatments
Do I need a referral from a doctor before booking?
You do not need a referral to book a private session at our clinic. However, because eating disorders severely impact physical health, we strongly recommend seeing a General Practitioner (GP) concurrently.
Additionally, to access the 40 Medicare-rebated sessions under an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDP), you must be assessed and referred by your GP or a psychiatrist first.
Am I "sick enough" to need therapy?
A hallmark symptom of an eating disorder is the persistent, loud belief that you are not “sick enough” to deserve help. You do not need to be visibly underweight or meet the strict criteria for Anorexia to need treatment. If your thoughts about food, exercise, or body image are causing you distress, consuming your mental energy, or interfering with your daily life, you are absolutely deserving of support.
Do you treat severe cases, or will I need to go to a hospital?
Armchair Psychology provides outpatient therapy. This is highly effective for mild to moderate eating disorders, or as “step-down” support after a hospital stay. However, if your eating disorder has caused severe medical instability, or if outpatient therapy is not providing enough structure to interrupt dangerous behaviours, we will work closely with your medical team to help you transition into an intensive day program or inpatient facility to stabilize your physical health first.
What happens if I relapse during or after treatment?
Relapse is not a failure; it is a very common and entirely expected part of the recovery journey. Healing your relationship with food and your body is rarely a straight line. If you experience a setback, our psychologists do not judge you or make you start from square one. Instead, we treat the relapse as valuable data—it helps us identify hidden triggers and refine your coping strategies so your recovery becomes even more resilient.
How is treating an eating disorder different from regular therapy?
Standard “talk therapy” is often not enough to treat an eating disorder. Eating disorder treatment is highly specialized and action-oriented. We use targeted frameworks like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) to actively interrupt restrictive, bingeing, or purging behaviours. It also requires a multidisciplinary approach, meaning we will regularly collaborate with your GP and a specialised dietitian to ensure both your mind and body are healing.
Can parents or partners be involved in the sessions?
Yes. For adolescents, family involvement is often a mandatory and critical component of recovery (utilising approaches like Family-Based Treatment). For adults, having an educated, supportive partner or family network can significantly improve your chances of long-term recovery. We will discuss the safest and most effective level of family involvement during your initial assessment.
General FAQs
Why should I see a psychologist?
If you want to find out how to move your life forward, and achieve happiness – you should see a psychologist.
By being empathic but independent, the psychologists at Armchair Psychology can give you a crucial understanding of how to achieve your personal and emotional goals.
How many sessions will I need?
After our first few sessions together, we should be able to evaluate how much time you will need. However, there is no hard and fast rule, and this is a process that is a part of your journey.
Life’s important journeys can take time – it’s important to remember that.
How often will I have sessions?
However, sometimes more frequent sessions, or spacing them further apart, makes more sense in terms of your growth. That is something which can be discussed during your sessions with your psychologist.
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