If you struggle with both Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), you already know how loud and convincing your thoughts can feel. Thoughts about food, routines, body image, or “something bad will happen if I don’t do this” can take over quickly. The goal isn’t to get rid of these thoughts, because that often backfires. Instead, evidence-based approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teach something different—and far more effective.
ACT is especially helpful for co-morbid AN and OCD because traditional approaches like cognitive restructuring (challenging or debating thoughts) can sometimes unintentionally strengthen obsessive thinking. When you engage deeply with a thought—arguing with it, analyzing it, or trying to prove it wrong—you are still giving it attention and importance. This can keep the cycle going: an intrusive thought leads to anxiety, which leads to mental engagement, followed by temporary relief, and then the thought returns stronger. ACT interrupts this cycle by shifting the goal from changing thoughts to changing your relationship with thoughts.
One of the core skills in ACT is cognitive defusion—learning to step back from your thoughts instead of getting tangled in them. Rather than saying, “I shouldn’t eat outside my routine or something bad will happen,” you can practice saying, “I am having the thought that I shouldn’t eat outside my routine or something bad will happen.” This small shift creates space and helps you recognize that a thought is not a command, not a fact, and not who you are. You might remind yourself, “I am having a thought, not stating a truth,” “I cannot control all my thoughts,” “I am not my thoughts,” and “This is part of being human.”
Mindfulness plays a central role in this process and is strongly supported in research for both OCD and eating disorders. Mindfulness is not about clearing your mind; it is about observing what is already there without reacting. You might notice sensations like anxiety in your chest, thoughts about needing to follow a routine, or fear about eating certain foods. Instead of trying to fix or avoid these experiences, you practice allowing them. Over time, this builds the ability to feel discomfort without needing to act on it.
When you choose not to engage with obsessive thoughts, something important happens. The anxiety may rise at first, but it will peak and then fall on its own. This process is well-supported in exposure-based therapies and is often referred to as habituation or inhibitory learning. If you instead argue with the thought, seek certainty, or follow the rule, you unintentionally reinforce the idea that the thought is important and must be obeyed.
Distress tolerance becomes essential in these moments. For example, when a routine is broken ~ such as eating outside of a set time or eating foods that feel unsafe ~ anxiety will likely increase. Your mind may urge you to fix the situation or return to what feels safe. ACT encourages you to stay with the discomfort anyway. You might tell yourself, “This is uncomfortable, but I can handle it,” “My body is reacting, and that’s okay,” and “This feeling will pass.” By doing this, you learn through experience that you are okay even without following the thought.
Over time, this creates new learning. You might notice, “I ate in the morning. I felt some discomfort in my stomach while digesting, which makes sense because my body is working. Now that feeling has passed, and I am ok. My body has not changed ~ this was just a fear.” This kind of experience helps your brain learn something new without needing to argue with the original thought.
It is also important to normalize the human experience. Everyone has intrusive thoughts. Research shows that most people experience strange or unwanted thoughts at times. The difference in OCD and eating disorders is not the presence of these thoughts, but how much meaning and control we give them. You are not broken ~ your brain is trying to protect you, even if it is doing so in an overactive way. ACT helps you respond with openness, flexibility, and self-compassion.
Ultimately, the goal is not just to reduce symptoms, but to build a life guided by your values rather than your fears. This may look like eating with others even when it feels difficult, letting go of rigid routines, nourishing your body consistently, and choosing connection over control. Each time you notice a thought, choose not to engage with it, and act in line with your values instead, you weaken the cycle and strengthen your freedom.
You do not need to win the argument with your thoughts, and you do not need to eliminate them. You can learn to notice them, step back from them, let them pass, and choose your actions anyway. At Healing Stones Therapy, we specialize in evidence-based approaches like ACT to support individuals navigating eating disorders, OCD, and anxiety. Learn more at healingstones.life for therapy in Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Oklahoma, wiht online support for eating disorders and OCD. We are physically located in Wyoming and provide telehealth sessions out of state. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aenta, Unitedhealth Care and much more. You are not alone in this, and change is absolutely possible.
Healing from an eating disorder takes more than willpower, it takes understanding, structure, and compassionate support. At Healing Stones Therapy, we specialize in helping individuals find freedom from emotional eating, binge eating, and feeling out of control with food.
We know that recovery can be a long and painful process when faced alone. That’s why we walk beside you, offering collaborative, evidence-based outpatient treatment that helps you reconnect with your body, rebuild your relationship with food, and rediscover hope.
CBT-E (Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is the gold standard psychological treatment for eating disorders. It’s a structured, evidence-based approach designed to help people understand and change the patterns of thinking and behavior that keep eating difficulties in place.
At Healing Stones Therapy, our clinicians use CBT-E to help you:
CBT-E empowers you to become your own therapist over time, learning lifelong tools for balance, nourishment, and emotional regulation.
We believe healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Our collaborative outpatient treatment team brings together professionals from multiple disciplines to create a holistic and supportive experience:
Together, we create a safe space for transformation, where every part of you is supported in recovery.
At Healing Stones Therapy, we understand that healing from an eating disorder is deeply personal. Everyone’s story is different, and every recovery path looks unique. That’s why we design individualized treatment plans that align with your current needs, goals, and readiness for change.
You don’t have to face recovery alone. We are here to hold your hand through each step, providing empathy, structure, and a nonjudgmental space to grow.
Healing does not come from pressure or harshness, it grows from compassion, acceptance, and hope.
Many of our clients struggle with emotional eating, binge eating, or feeling out of control around food. These patterns often arise as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or unmet emotional needs.
Through gentle therapeutic exploration and CBT-E strategies, we help you:
Our goal is not perfection, it’s progress toward peace, balance, and self-kindness.
Recovery from an eating disorder is a journey of courage and patience. At Healing Stones Therapy, we provide the supportive outpatient environment you need to heal, body, mind, and spirit.
Let us help you move toward freedom, nourishment, and self-acceptance.
Learn more about our CBT-E outpatient treatment and compassionate care approach on our website.
As the founder of Healing Stones Therapy in Laramie, Wyoming, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of psychotherapy in treating eating disorders. Our team is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals across Wyoming, including Laramie, Cheyenne, and Casper; Nevada, including Reno, Sparks, and Las Vegas; and Utah, including Salt Lake City and St. George. We specialize in helping those struggling with various eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). In this guide, I'll share insights into our approach and the positive outcomes we've seen in eating disorder treatment across both states.
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect individuals across all age groups and genders. At Healing Stones Therapy, we recognize the profound impact these disorders can have on a person's physical, emotional, and social well-being. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where healing can begin and flourish.
At Healing Stones Therapy, we utilize a range of evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to each individual's needs. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of eating disorders.
At Healing Stones Therapy, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the eating disorder. Our holistic approach incorporates a range of therapeutic modalities to address mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Our team includes registered dietitians who work closely with clients to develop a healthy relationship with food. Our nutritional counseling approach is based on the principles of intuitive eating and Health at Every Size (HAES). We help clients move away from restrictive dieting and disordered eating patterns, towards a more balanced and nourishing approach to food.
Mindfulness-based practices are integrated into our treatment programs to help individuals develop a more accepting and compassionate relationship with their bodies. These techniques can be particularly helpful in managing anxiety and reducing the intensity of eating disorder thoughts and urges.
While eating disorders are often associated with young women, we recognize that these conditions affect individuals of all ages and genders. At Healing Stones Therapy, we offer specialized treatment approaches for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Our team is trained to address the unique challenges faced by male clients and members of the LGBTQ+ community who are struggling with eating disorders. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and understood.
If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, know that help is available. At Healing Stones Therapy, we offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your unique situation and how our team can support your recovery journey. Don't let fear or uncertainty hold you back from seeking the help you deserve. Reach out to us today, and let's take that first step towards healing together. Remember, recovery is possible, and you don't have to face this challenge alone. To schedule your free consultation or learn more about our services, please call us at (307) 370-3784. We're here to support you on your journey to recovery and a healthier, more fulfilling life.
