Anyone tried therapy for emotional eating?

Hey everyone,

I've been on CC for about a week, and counting everything I eat has really made me notice how much of my eating is "emotional," or maybe just psychological.  When I'm in a bad mood, my attitude towards food becomes "F-- it," and beyond that, when I know that food is available (like at a party, let's say), I can't ignore it.

Can anyone relate to these issues?  Has anyone tried therapy to deal with them?  Has therapy worked for anyone? I'd really like to know!

I don't have an answer for you, but my husband is a psychologist and I know that it's a real problem and you can get help. I actually just emailed him at work because I've eaten 3 chocolate chip cookies and wanted more, so I have a brand new pan that I just took out of the oven. I don't really want to eat them, but I feel like I can't stop myself right now......AAAAAAAAH

I just started seeing a counselor along with doing my diet and exercising.  I've found myself sabotaging myself with binges that I know are emotionally driven and I want to address those issues as I lose the weight.    I've only gone one time so far but I think it will be  a key component of my journey.  

Do you have any advice in how to find a therapist who specializes in these kinds of issues?  So far, I keep coming across people who specialize in "eating disorders" but I'm not sure that's the right specialty for this issue. 

I went to therapy for binge eating (sometimes it was tied to emotions but not often) and it didn't exactly help.  The more I talked and thought about it the more I binged and I just felt worse over time.  I imagine if you found a really good therapist that it might really help though. 

The most important thing about a counselor is that you feel comfortable with them.  You have to shop around for them cause if they don't give you the right vibe, it won't work.   Other than that I don't think it would hurt to find someone who specialized in eating disorders but I don't think it's necessary.  My counselor is a family counselor, she's all new agey and talks about my chakras opening up.   

That works for me cause I'm the type of girl who believes in chakras :).

I can relate totally!- that "**** it" attitude when i am having a bad day, not in the mood to watch what i am eating or if i am just not feeling 100% is the reason i constantly relapse and dont stick to my guns when it comes to my eating habits.  Its definetely emotional for me and if you know its emotional for you i recommend keeping a journal, even if its for just a week.  While recording what you are eating and when, try to write down why you are eating!  are you hungry, lonely, bored, depressed?  Sometimes i will even go for a snack but really be thirsty!  Weird, but not really when im sick of drinking water i just want something to taste. 

The point is, after writing down these things honesty for a few days you can probably help yourself curb the emotional eating by isolating the reasons why you are doing it.  Seeing a therapist cant hurt either but hes probably going to ask you to try and figure out the same things that are going to go in that journal anyway. 

I am not suggesting medications in any way but, i am narcoleptic and due to the nature and severity of the symtoms that i experience i suffer from some depression, lack of motivation in addition to chronic fatigue (imagine trying to lose weight feeling like that all the time) my doctor put me on some mild anti- depressants to control those feelings and i can honestly say that my "**** it" attitude is not as bad as it used to be.  But before you start looking for "help"- help yourself and try to figure out why you are doing what you are doing to yourself.  i hope this helps

I can definitely relate to this.  I have had a problem with emotional eating for years.  I eat when I am happy, sad, angry, you name the emotion and it is a reason to eat.  I eat when I am bored.  I go through times when I am right on track and can make myself stick to my guns.  Then there are times when I will be depressed and won't give a flip about myself and therefore will eat whatever I choose. 

Recently I had a birthday and saw myself in a different light.  I decided that it is time to stop fooling around and get my act together. 

You can definitely find a counselor to help you.  I personally would find someone who specializes in eating disorders.  They may be able to find the root of your problem.  You could also try support groups.  I know it sounds weird, but if your problem is serious enough to you...then talking to other people with the same problem could be beneficial to you.  Just food for thought.