Disordered Eating Counseling

Helping you build a healthier relationship with food, your body, and yourself.

When Food Stops Feeling Simple

For many people, eating becomes complicated. It may start with dieting, stress, or body dissatisfaction—but over time it can turn into cycles of restriction, bingeing, guilt, secrecy, or loss of control. Food becomes tied to emotions. Your body feels like an enemy. Shame grows louder.

Disordered eating isn’t about vanity or willpower. It is often connected to deeper emotional pain, anxiety, perfectionism, trauma, or a need for control during uncertain times.

You don’t have to untangle it alone.

A Safe Place to Talk About What Feels Hard

At River Haven Counseling, we provide compassionate, nonjudgmental support for individuals struggling with disordered eating patterns. Our therapists approach this work with sensitivity and respect—understanding that food and body image are deeply personal and often connected to identity, history, and relationships.

This is not about strict rules or rigid meal plans. It’s about understanding the emotional and behavioral patterns beneath the surface and building sustainable change.

Signs Disordered Eating May Be Affecting You

Disordered eating can show up in many ways, including:

• Restricting food or skipping meals
• Binge eating or feeling out of control around food
• Obsessive thoughts about weight, calories, or body image
• Guilt or shame after eating
• Using food to cope with stress, anxiety, or emotional pain
• Rigid “good” vs. “bad” food rules
• Avoiding social situations involving food

You may look “fine” from the outside while feeling deeply distressed internally. That distress matters.

How Counseling Helps

Therapy focuses on addressing the emotional, behavioral, and relational factors connected to food, body image, and control. Through counseling, you can:

• Understand the root causes of disordered eating patterns
• Develop healthier coping strategies for stress and emotions
• Reduce shame and self-criticism
• Build a more balanced and compassionate relationship with food
• Improve body image and self-acceptance
• Strengthen emotional resilience and self-trust

Healing is not about perfection. It’s about progress and freedom.

What Therapy Looks Like at River Haven

Our approach is individualized and grounded in evidence-based care. Depending on your needs, therapy may include:

• Cognitive-behavioral strategies to interrupt harmful thought patterns
• Emotional regulation skill-building
• Trauma-informed exploration when relevant
• Mindfulness practices to reconnect with internal cues
• Collaborative goal-setting at a pace that feels safe

If appropriate, we may also coordinate with medical providers or dietitians to ensure comprehensive support.

Questions People Often Ask

Is disordered eating the same as an eating disorder?
Not always. Disordered eating exists on a spectrum. Even if you don’t meet criteria for a formal diagnosis, your struggle deserves attention and care.

Do I have to give up all control around food immediately?
No. Therapy is gradual and collaborative. We work at a pace that feels manageable.

What if I feel embarrassed talking about this?
That’s common. Our therapists create a space where honesty is met with compassion—not judgment.

Can recovery really happen?
Yes. With the right support, people develop healthier, more peaceful relationships with food and their bodies.

Why Individuals Choose River Haven Counseling

• Therapists experienced in emotional and behavioral health
• A grounded, respectful approach to body image and food struggles
• Individualized care that honors your pace
• A safe environment for honest conversation

You Deserve a Healthier Relationship With Food

If eating, body image, or control feel like constant battles, support is available. Healing is possible—and it begins with understanding.

Call 701.566.0204 or visit riverhavenfargo.com to schedule an appointment.
Let’s work toward a more peaceful, balanced relationship with food and yourself.