Counseling for an Unhealthy Relationship with Food

Your relationship with food is about so much more than what’s on your plate. At Allium Counseling, we help adults and teens who feel stressed, anxious, or stuck in patterns around food and exercise that don’t feel healthy, even if it’s not a full-blown eating disorder.

What an Unhealthy Relationship with Food Might Look Like for You

You may notice yourself…

• Thinking about food most of the day, what you “should” or “shouldn’t” eat.
• Feeling guilty or ashamed after eating certain foods.
• Frequently starting new diets, only to feel frustrated or “off track” a short time later.
• Exercising in a way that feels punishing rather than enjoyable.
• Avoiding social events because you’re worried about food being served.
• Using food to cope with stress, boredom, or emotions, or avoiding food entirely when you feel overwhelmed.
• Feeling like your self-worth depends on your body size, shape, or fitness level.

If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

How We Help

Our therapists use a combination of cognitive, behavioral, relational, and mindfulness-based approaches to help you create a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food, exercise, and your body.

Some of the ways we can help include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helping you notice and change unhelpful thoughts and beliefs about food, eating, and your body.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Teaching practical skills to manage emotions and reduce black-and-white thinking around food choices.
• Interpersonal Psychotherapy – Because relationships with others can influence our eating habits, we explore patterns and build healthier connections.
• Mindfulness Practices – Including mindful eating, gentle awareness of hunger and fullness cues, and Intuitive Eating® principles to help you reconnect with your body’s wisdom.

Support for Adults at All Stages of Life

• College students balancing academics, work, and social life, while navigating changing eating habits and body image pressures.
• Young professionals juggling career stress who find themselves skipping meals all day, then overeating at night.
• Parents including moms and dads navigating body image changes after pregnancy or lifestyle shifts, while trying to model healthy habits for their children.
• Midlife adults managing changes in metabolism, health, and priorities while building a more peaceful relationship with food.
• Older adults adjusting to changes in appetite, activity level, or health needs with curiosity and self-compassion.

Support for Teens

• Building confidence in making food choices that fuel both body and mind.
• Learning how to not compare what and how you’re eating with others, and to know and trust what your body needs.
• Navigating pressures from social media, peers, or sports about body shape, size, or eating patterns.
• Developing coping skills for stress, anxiety, or self-esteem challenges that may influence eating habits.

Whole-Person Support

We understand that struggles with food are often connected to other mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, or low self-esteem. Our therapists address these issues alongside your relationship with food so you can feel more balanced and empowered in every area of life.

At Allium Counseling, we meet you where you are, offering compassion, practical tools, and a safe space to explore what food and body peace can look like for you.

Contact us today to schedule your free, 20-minute consultation and take the first step toward a healthier relationship with food.