As with all OCDs, the obsession becomes the subject of the thought patterns or behaviours; in the case of eating disorders, it is extreme control over what is consumed, and when the act is performed, anxiety levels are temporarily relieved until the next build up.
The source of the anxiety is frequently unrelated to food, appearance, or body image, but rather to a lack of control or an accumulation of anxiety in other areas of the sufferer’s life.
People around the sufferer, carers, and many professional bodies, unfortunately, often focus on the problem, the eating (or lack thereof), and try to control the sufferer’s eating for them.
However, as you can probably imagine, if someone else is attempting to take control of the same thing you are, you will become even more adamant that you are in charge.
As a result, many traditional therapies and the people around the sufferer can exacerbate the problem, despite their best intentions.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy helps by reducing anxiety levels and helping the client bring about positive changes in those areas which are causing the underlying anxiety and/or depression and not focusing on the eating.