Eating disorder therapy with dogs in Ballarat

Occurrence of eating disorders has been steadily growing in Australia over the past decade. Increasingly, young men and gender diverse individuals are also experiencing disordered eating in addition to a high number of females. Common diagnosable eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Physical symptoms can involve drastic weight fluctuations, fatigue, hair loss, and gastrointestinal issues, while emotional symptoms often include anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and an obsessive preoccupation with body image and control over food intake.

Eating disorders and disordered eating patterns may occur in isolation or as co-occurring symptoms of other health challenges. Often individuals engaging in disordered eating are also experiencing other mental health challenges, which makes their care and treatment layered in complexity.

Mental health support for eating disorders

Often eating disorder treatments require the coordination of different medical and allied health professionals to support and individual. Barking Mad Company can work collaboratively with dietitians, medical practitioners, and other health professionals to ensure a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to your care. Currently, two of the most prominent psychological treatments supported by evidence include CBT-E (and enhanced version of cognitive behavioural therapy) and FBT (family-based therapy). Incorporating animal-assisted therapy can further reduce anxiety and has the potential to engage individuals who have been reluctant to seek help.

Support from medicare may be available for up to 40 psychology treatment sessions in a 12-month period to individuals with a diagnosed eating disorder. Collaboration with your GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist is required to develop a management plan for you. Clients wishing to work with Barking Mad Company for their eating disorder treatment should contact us to discuss next steps either directly or via their medical practitioner.

Therapy dogs for eating disorder recovery

At Barking Mad Company, we understand that engaging in therapy for an eating disorder can feel overwhelming, which is why we offer canine-assisted eating disorder treatment to create a safe and supportive space. Our therapy dogs help clients feel more at ease during sessions, reducing stress and promoting emotional connection. Incorporating dog-assisted eating disorder therapy into treatment can provide comfort, encourage positive behavioural changes, and support individuals in their recovery journey. By integrating animal-assisted recovery for eating disorders into evidence-based therapies like CBT-E and FBT, we aim to make the process of healing more approachable and effective.

Be sure to have a look at our other animal therapy services and treatment areas, including positive psychology and phobias.

A multidisciplinary approach, including animal-assisted therapy, can help reduce anxiety and foster engagement in treatment for eating disorders.
Anorexia

Anorexia nervosa is characterised by intense fear of weight gain, distorted body image, and severe food restriction, leading to significant weight loss. Symptoms may include sudden or significant weight loss, fatigue, dizziness, hair thinning (or soft ‘lanugo’ hair growing on limbs), excessive exercise or refusal to eat. Diagnosis is based on behavioural, physical, and psychological assessments by a qualified health professional, often requiring collaboration between psychologists and other medical professionals to manage physical and psychological symptoms together

Bulimia

Bulimia nervosa is marked by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use. Symptoms include fluctuations in weight, dehydration, dental issues, and gastrointestinal problems. Diagnosis involves assessing eating behaviours, emotional distress, and physical health through clinical interviews and standardised psychological assessments. Individuals with binge eating problems may present with either significant weight loss or weight gain, depending on the patterns of their behaviour. Bulimia can co-occur with anorexia or an individual previously diagnoses with one (most commonly anorexia) may later develop the other.

Binge eating

Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food within a short time, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control, guilt, or distress. Symptoms include rapid eating, eating when not hungry, and eating alone due to embarrassment. Diagnosis is made through clinical evaluation of behavioural and emotional patterns. Binge eating may often occur as a compensatory behaviour alongside sustained stress or other mental ill health. Loss of control is a key indicator often experienced with binge eating symptoms.

Emma Cotsell, Psychologist, Barking Mad Company

If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, you don’t have to face it alone. At Barking Mad Company, we provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy in collaboration with medical and allied health professionals to ensure you receive comprehensive care. With options like CBT-E, FBT, and animal-assisted therapy, we create a supportive environment tailored to your needs.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey to recovery.

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