Eating disorders are complex and deeply personal illnesses that affect both the mind and body. They often arise from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors—and can impact people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
At Ezer Psychotherapy, we specialize in providing evidence-informed therapy for eating disorders and body image concerns. Our goal is to help individuals restore a healthy relationship with food, body, and self through a compassionate, collaborative approach rooted in both science and hope.
Eating Disorder Therapy & Treatment Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota
Helping You Walk in Freedom, Recovery is Possible
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Types of Eating Disorders Treated
Eating disorders can take many forms. Some of the most common include:
Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by restriction of food intake and an intense fear of gaining weight.
Bulimia Nervosa: Cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED): Recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control, shame, or distress.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Involves highly selective eating patterns that may lead to nutritional deficiencies and anxiety around food.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED): Disordered eating that causes significant distress but does not meet full criteria for another eating disorder diagnosis.
Whether symptoms are new or long-standing, early intervention and the right support can lead to meaningful recovery.
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Treatment Approaches
Family-Based Treatment (FBT)
FBT, also known as the Maudsley Approach, is the gold-standard treatment for adolescents with eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. FBT empowers parents and caregivers to take an active, supportive role in their child’s recovery. The focus is on restoring physical health first, then gradually helping the individual regain independence with eating while strengthening family communication and emotional connection.
Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E)
CBT-E is an evidence-based, flexible treatment for adolescents and adults with eating disorders. It addresses the unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that maintain disordered eating—such as rigid food rules, body dissatisfaction, and perfectionism—while promoting self-compassion, emotional regulation, and lasting behavioral change.
Christian-Based Psychotherapy
Faith-based therapy for clients who desire to integrate their Christian values and spiritual beliefs into the healing process.
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Whole-Person Approach to Recovery
Recovery from an eating disorder involves more than changing behaviors—it’s about healing the relationship between mind, body, and spirit. Therapy at Ezer Psychotherapy may include:
- Integrating faith-based values for clients who wish to include spirituality in their healing process
- Collaboration with a dietitian, medical provider, and psychiatrist as part of a multidisciplinary care team
- Family therapy and parent support to strengthen relationships and support long-term recovery
- Education on body image, nutrition, and self-compassion
Signs of an Eating Disorder
Eating disorders are complex medical and psychological conditions—not choices. They can affect individuals of any age, gender, body size, or background. Early recognition is one of the strongest predictors of successful recovery. If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you love, seeking support sooner rather than later can make all the difference.
Physical Signs
Noticeable changes in weight (loss, gain, or rapid fluctuations)
Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or fainting
Fatigue or low energy
Gastrointestinal issues (bloating, constipation, stomach pain)
Feeling cold frequently or having poor circulation
Sleep disturbances
Hair thinning or loss; dry skin or brittle nails
Menstrual irregularities or loss of menstruation
Slowed heart rate, palpitations, or other medical concerns
Behavioral Signs
Skipping meals or eating very small portions
Avoiding eating around others
Cutting out entire food groups without medical need
Excessive focus on “healthy,” “clean,” or “safe” foods
Eating in secret or hiding food
Rigid food rituals (cutting food into tiny pieces, extreme slowness, etc.)
Excessive or compulsive exercise, even when sick, injured, or exhausted
Repeated dieting or “detoxes”
Using the bathroom immediately after meals
Checking the body repeatedly in mirrors or avoiding mirrors completely
Emotional and Cognitive Signs
Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming “unhealthy”
Feeling guilt, shame, or anxiety around food
Believing you are “not sick enough” to seek help
Persistent negative thoughts about body shape or appearance
Irritability, mood swings, or withdrawal from relationships
Difficulty concentrating or feeling “foggy”
Strong need for control or perfectionism
Comparing your body or eating to others frequently
Feeling disconnected from hunger and fullness cues
Signs in Children & Adolescents
Eating disorders in young people often look different. Parents and caregivers may notice:
Slowed growth or delayed puberty
Becoming unusually picky with foods previously enjoyed
Sudden fear of certain foods or textures
Increased irritability around mealtimes
Avoiding family meals
Declining performance in school or activities
Social withdrawal or increased secrecy
New interest in dieting, fitness, or calorie tracking
When to Seek Help
If you recognize several of these signs—whether mild or severe—it’s time to reach out. Eating disorders rarely resolve on their own, and early treatment dramatically improves outcomes. You do not need to hit a crisis point to deserve support.
At Ezer Psychotherapy, PLLC, we provide evidence-based eating disorder treatment, including Family-Based Treatment (FBT), CBT-E, and faith-integrated care for those who want it. Support is available for individuals and families across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota.
Service Area:
Virtual Treatment via Therapy for Eating Disorders across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota
Ezer Psychotherapy, PLLC provides virtual therapy for adolescents, young adults, and families across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. Our licensed therapists offer compassionate, evidence-based care through secure online sessions—so you can access support from the comfort, convenience, and privacy of your own home.
Whether you’re in Minneapolis, Edina, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Lakeville, Apple Valley, Rosemount, Roseville, Elk River, Big Lake, Bloomington, Burnsville, Lake Elmo, Ramsey, Anoka, Andover, St. Paul, Woodbury, Orono, North Oaks, Medina, Victoria, or Excelsior (Minnesota); Mequon, Shorewood Hills, Whitefish Bay, Waunakee, Merton, Fox Point, Richfield, Madison, Eau Claire, Hammond, Hudson, Milwaukee, or Bristol (Wisconsin); or Fargo, West Fargo, Horace, Bismarck, or Calio (North Dakota) or somewhere else in these three states—you can receive professional therapy designed to help you thrive.
Experience the flexibility of online therapy without sacrificing connection, trust, or quality of care.