Understanding Disordered Eating—And How Somatic Approaches Can Help

What is Disordered Eating?

Disordered eating isn’t always about extreme behaviours—it often hides in plain sight. It can look like chronic dieting, obsessing over food choices, skipping meals, emotional eating, or feeling guilt after eating. While it may not meet the criteria for an eating disorder, disordered eating can still take a serious toll on your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

The Emotional Roots of Disordered Eating

Many individuals struggling with disordered eating are also navigating stress, trauma, grief, or body image concerns. Eating becomes a way to cope, numb, or find temporary comfort. But the shame and guilt that follow often keep the cycle going.

Why Somatic Approaches Work

Somatic therapy invites the body into the healing process. It’s about more than talking—it’s about feeling. By tuning into the body’s sensations and signals, we begin to:

• Reconnect with hunger and fullness cues

• Release stored tension and stress

• Cultivate body trust and awareness

• Build emotional regulation skills

• Heal from within—not just with willpower, but with compassion

  
  

Moving Toward Nourishment

Healing from disordered eating is not about rigid rules. It’s about creating safety in your body, understanding your emotional needs, and developing a peaceful relationship with food. Somatic practices, mindfulness, and gentle curiosity can be powerful tools in this process.

You don’t have to do this alone. Whether through 1:1 therapy or a self-paced program like Nourish to Flourish, support is available for your journey.