Why DOES BINGE EATING HAPPEN? How can emdr help?
What is a Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort, accompanied by a feeling of lost control during the bingeing and experiencing shame, distress, or guilt afterwards. Unlike bulimia, there's no regular use of compensatory behaviours, such as purging, to offset the binges.
The EMDR Approach
EMDR therapy focuses on the role of distressing memories in shaping our mental health. It's based on the premise that the mind can heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma. Through EMDR, patients are able to reprocess traumatic memories, potentially reducing their lingering effects.
EMDR and Binge Eating: The Connection
The connection between EMDR and binge eating disorder hinges on the understanding that, for many individuals, binge eating is not solely about food or weight. It's often a coping mechanism for dealing with emotional distress rooted in past traumatic experiences. Trauma, for some, distorts self-image and can lead to a dysfunctional relationship with food and body image.
How EMDR Works for Binge Eating Disorder:
1. **Identification of Traumatic Memories**: The therapy begins with identifying the foundational memories and experience(s) related to the eating disorder. These might include instances of bullying, body shaming, or other traumatic events impacting self-esteem and body image.
2. **Desensitization**: Through guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, the therapist helps the patient revisit these traumatic memories in a safe space, aiming to desensitize the person's emotional response.
3. **Reprocessing**: The central component of EMDR lies in reprocessing these memories. The goal is to alter the negative beliefs associated with them (e.g., "I am unworthy") into positive ones (e.g., "I am deserving of respect and healthy choices").
4. **Application to Daily Life**: The final phase involves reinforcing these positive beliefs and applying coping strategies to reduce the incidence of binge eating in response to emotional distress.
The Efficacy of EMDR for Binge Eating Disorder
Recent research into EMDR's effectiveness for binge eating disorder is ongoing. Preliminary studies and clinical reports suggest it is a valuable tool in the therapeutic setting, especially for individuals whose eating disorder is closely linked to traumatic experiences.
EMDR offers a promising avenue for treating binge eating disorder, particularly for those whose unhealthy eating behaviours are intertwined with past trauma. As with any therapy, the key to success lies in a holistic approach that addresses the symptoms and the underlying emotional turmoil driving them.
