Eating Disorder Therapist | Raleigh, NC and Surrounding Areas

Evidence-based treatments for eating disorders, delivered with compassion

It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions—hope, anxiety, relief—as you begin this journey. But remember, you’re not alone. This is a space where you can openly share your struggles without judgment, knowing that every part of your story is respected. At Zenith Counseling, we’re proud to be the solution for those looking for a compassionate eating disorder therapist in Raleigh, NC.

We are in-network with select insurance providers.

Working with an eating disorder therapist is about rediscovering your ability to nurture and celebrate your body’s true needs and strengths.

Restored Self-Esteem
Therapy helps individuals rebuild their self-image and confidence, allowing them to appreciate their bodies and embrace their worth beyond physical appearance.
Emotional Equilibrium
Engaging in therapy for an eating disorder can bring emotional stability, reducing feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety related to food and eating habits.
Mindful Nourishment
Therapy encourages a healthier relationship with food, fostering mindful eating practices that prioritize nourishment and enjoyment over fear and control.

From the shadows of disordered eating, we’ll nurture a path to balance and self-acceptance.

Trapped in the cycle of an eating disorder, it might feel like you’re lost in a confusing maze of emotions and behaviors, yet there is a route to clarity and freedom.

Engaging with an eating disorder therapist provides you with a compassionate ally who helps you understand the underlying causes of your eating challenges and supports you in developing a healthier relationship with food and your body.

Embark on your journey toward recovery, acknowledging each step as a celebration of your commitment. Together, we will cultivate a nourishing path to self-acceptance and lasting well-being, restoring balance and peace in your life.

Common Symptoms of Disordered Eating and Anxiety About One’s Body:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Weight checking
  • Body checking
  • Dieting
  • Weight fluctuation
  • Food phobia
  • Picky eating
  • Overeating
  • Purging
  • Food hoarding
  • Meal skipping
  • Starvation
  • Food guilt
  • Food rumination
  • Mirror avoidance
  • Exercise anxiety
  • Body shaming
  • Photo fear
  • Hunger blindness

We Don’t Need to Hate Our Body Anymore

With eating disorder therapy, you can transform your struggles, converting challenges into growth, self-doubt into self-care, and restrictions into freedom.

Living with an eating disorder often feels like being trapped in a relentless cycle of anxiety, depression, and dissatisfaction with one’s body and life. At Zenith Counseling, we provide a compassionate and tailored approach to therapy, featuring Kristen Wright, a therapist specialized in eating disorders. We understand that each person’s battle with disordered eating is unique, and so should be their therapy.

The Role of CBT-ED in Adult Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-ED) is recognized as a highly effective treatment modality for adults struggling with various forms of eating disorders. It addresses not just the symptoms, but the underlying issues of anxiety, depression, and life dissatisfaction that often accompany disordered eating. CBT-ED helps patients break free from the cycles of constant dieting, fear, and panic through structured interventions. These include vocabulary building, exercises, logging sheets, and creative interactions that encourage new, healthier habits and routines.

Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for Adolescents

For families and teens, Family-Based Treatment (FBT), also known as the Maudsley method, offers a structured and evidence-based approach. It is considered the first-line treatment for young individuals with disorders such as Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia Nervosa, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Binge Eating Disorder, and Orthorexia. FBT empowers families to support their adolescents through recovery, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach to tackle eating disorders head-on.

Therapy’s Role in Building New Core Beliefs

Eating disorder therapy at Zenith Counseling is about more than overcoming eating disorders—it’s about rebuilding one’s life and self-image. Through CBT-ED, individuals learn to map out their thoughts, record new habits, and create fundamental core beliefs that are practiced both during and between sessions. This method proves particularly effective for clients with neurodiversity issues such as Autism Spectrum and ADHD, athletes, and those suffering from PTSD, offering them a structured yet flexible approach to find balance and joy in their lives again.

HAES and Intuitive Eating: Empowering Frameworks

Aligned with the Health At Every Size (HAES) approach under the guidance of our very own Kristen Wright, we advocate that all bodies deserve to pursue health without bias or stigma. This philosophy integrates seamlessly with our Intuitive Eating approach, where we utilize principles from the book *Intuitive Eating* by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Reach. This method encourages individuals to trust their body’s natural instincts and reject the harmful impacts of diet culture and societal expectations.

Embracing Compassion in Every Aspect

At Zenith Counseling, we believe in nurturing an inner dialogue that promotes balance and well-being. Learning realistic techniques to foster a compassionate self-view can transform how individuals interact with their bodies, food, and others around them. Therapy is a partnership, and our non-biased, supportive environment helps pave the way for meaningful and lasting change.

Therapy is a courageous step towards not just recovery, but a renewed sense of self and joy in living. At Zenith Counseling, Kristen Wright and our team are committed to walking alongside you on this journey, providing the expertise, support, and care you need to reclaim your life from an eating disorder.

Supporting You Every Step of the Way

We believe quality therapy should be within reach, which is why we offer flexible options to fit your needs. Zenith Counseling is in-network with top insurance providers, and we provide private pay options to ensure you can focus on your healing with peace of mind. No matter where you are on your journey, we’re here to support you.

Frequently Asked Questions

I've tried therapy before and didn't like it. How can I be sure this will be different?
Success in therapy often hinges on the connection you have with your therapist. During our 15-minute consultation, we’ll discuss your past experiences with therapy to determine what did and didn’t work for you. This conversation will help us assess whether our therapeutic approach might be a better fit for your needs and goals.
Do I need a medical evaluation before starting therapy for my eating disorder?
Yes, a recent medical evaluation is necessary for everyone beginning therapy. If you haven’t had one in the last six months, we ask that you obtain one within a month of starting therapy. We collaborate closely with your primary care physician to tailor a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. If the idea of visiting a doctor causes you anxiety, we can explore ways to support you during our initial 15-minute consultation.
I’m unsure about the type of therapy I need for my eating disorder. How will this be determined?

During our initial consultation, we will discuss the key components needed to determine the appropriate level of care for your situation. Some circumstances may require more intensive daily support. Our primary concern is your overall well-being and recovery.

Sometimes, therapy begins at one level, and you may decide or we might recommend transitioning to a more intensive care setting if needed.We are committed to ensuring your safety through careful assessment and appropriate care recommendations.