Disordered Eating & Body Image Counselling in Cairns

Struggles with eating and body image can feel overwhelming and isolating. Whether it’s cycles of restriction, overeating, constant dieting, or feeling unhappy in your own skin, these challenges can take a toll on your physical health, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing.

At The Heart Centred Therapist in Cairns, I provide compassionate, non-judgmental support for people experiencing disordered eating and body image concerns. Together, we’ll work towards creating a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food, your body, and yourself.

• Preoccupation with food, calories, or dieting
   
• Restrictive eating or frequent binge eating
   
• Feeling guilt, shame, or anxiety around eating
   
• Negative self-talk about your body
   
• Comparing yourself to others or feeling “not enough”
   
• Using food as a way to cope with stress or emotions
   
• Physical health concerns related to eating patterns

• Fixation on body image and weight
   

Disordered eating and body image concerns are complex, but recovery is possible with the right support. I take a holistic, trauma-informed approach that looks at the bigger picture. This includes your emotions, thoughts, body, and nervous system.

Some of the approaches I may draw on include:

A leading, evidence-based therapy for eating disorders. CBT-E helps identify unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours that keep you stuck in cycles of disordered eating. Together, we’ll:

• Challenge unhelpful beliefs about weight, shape, and control
   
• Build healthier eating behaviours
   
• Develop tools to cope with emotions without relying on food
   
• Strengthen self-worth beyond appearance
   

A gentle, body-based tool that helps reduce emotional distress and calm the nervous system. EFT can be particularly helpful if eating feels tied to stress, anxiety, or past experiences. It works by:

• Lowering cravings and emotional triggers
   
• Releasing feelings of shame or self-criticism
   
• Supporting self-compassion and acceptance
   

Through counselling, you can begin to:

• Break free from the cycle of dieting and restriction
   
• Reduce shame, guilt, or anxiety around food
   
• Reconnect with hunger, fullness, and your body’s signals
   
• Develop a more compassionate inner voice
   
• Explore deeper issues that may be fuelling your struggles
   
• Move toward body acceptance and self-respect
   

I understand that opening up about eating and body image can feel vulnerable. My role is to provide a safe, respectful space where your story is heard and valued, without judgment.

If you’re tired of battling with food or your body image, support is available. 

Book a counselling session in Cairns today and take the first step towards a healthier, more compassionate relationship with yourself.