Food, Feelings & the Therapy Room: Why Eating Disorders Often Go Undetected in Mental Health Work
- Becky Stone MBACP DIP Couns NCFED
- May 12
- 4 min read
Updated: May 20
Guest blog by Becky Stone, Eating Disorder Therapist
Written for Churchill Square Counselling, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent. UK
“I didn’t come to therapy for my eating. But now I’m starting to wondering if that’s part of the problem.”
This is something I hear often as an eating disorder therapist.
People walk into therapy for anxiety, depression, burnout, and trauma. But underneath the surface, there’s another story unfolding, one that’s rarely spoken about until later: disordered eating patterns that are quietly impacting mood, energy, sleep, and emotional regulation.
The truth is, eating disorders are one of the most misunderstood and invisible mental health conditions. They rarely show up in isolation. And they often go unspoken, especially when the person doesn’t “look unwell.”
Understanding the Full Spectrum of Eating Disorders and Mental Health
When most people think of eating disorders, they think of anorexia. But it’s far more complex than that. Here's a quick overview:
Anorexia nervosa: Often characterised by restriction, fear of weight gain, and body image disturbance. But it doesn’t always involve weight loss.
Bulimia nervosa: Recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by behaviours to “compensate,” such as vomiting, over-exercise, or laxatives.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED): The most common eating disorder in the UK, characterised by recurrent binge episodes without compensatory behaviours.
ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder): Often sensory-based, ARFID is more common in neurodivergent clients and involves fear or avoidance of certain foods.
OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder): For those who don’t meet full diagnostic criteria, but are still experiencing distressing patterns.
Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorder
Even if someone doesn’t meet criteria for a clinical diagnosis, disordered eating can still have a massive impact on mental health.
Therapists working with anxiety, trauma or depression may see clients who:
Skip meals
Go long periods without eating
Feel shame around food or fullness
Emotionally restrict, binge, or over-control what they eat
Use food to self-soothe or self-punish
Often, the client doesn’t name these behaviours as part of the problem, because they’re so normalised. But food and mood are deeply connected.
The Gut-Brain Connection: Science Behind Food and Feelings
Here’s where the neuroscience gets powerful:
Around 90% of serotonin (the feel-good neurotransmitter) is produced in the gut lining.
The gut and brain communicate constantly via the vagus nerve, which means that what you eat affects how you think, feel, and regulate emotions.
Poor nutrition, restrictive eating, or chaotic blood sugar can lead to mood swings, irritability, low motivation, and anxiety spikes.
A disrupted microbiome (often caused by stress, antibiotics, or under-eating) can directly impact mental health and immune response.
Food isn't just fuel. It's information for the brain.
When You’re Anxious, Eating is the Last Thing You Think About
When someone is anxious or in distress, food can feel like a low priority. But ironically, this is when the body needs stable blood sugar and consistent meals the most.
Skipping food when anxious can:
Increase cortisol
Lead to shaky, irritable feelings
Spike adrenaline and panic
Disrupt sleep and gut rhythm
For some clients, eating small and frequent meals, especially those that include protein, slow-release carbs, and healthy fats, can more effectively regulate mood than caffeine, sugar, or avoidance.
Tips for Clients Entering Therapy
Here’s what I often encourage clients and therapists to explore together:
1. Ask: "When did you last eat?"
Before diving into emotional work, check in. A dysregulated brain struggles to process anything on an empty stomach.
2. Watch for patterns, not just weight.
Clients in larger bodies can have restrictive or binge-purge behaviours. Never assume from appearance. Look for routine, rituals, fear, or secrecy around food.
3. Consider mood and gut health.
Has the client experienced IBS-like symptoms, bloating, fatigue or fogginess? These can be tied to the nervous system and microbiome.
4. Introduce food as part of emotional recovery.
For example, you might say:
“What we eat can help stabilise our mood. Let’s think together about how you’re nourishing your brain as part of this healing process.”
5. Gentle meal planning helps.
Especially for clients in early recovery. Small steps like planning snacks, pairing protein and carbs, or simply eating within 1–2 hours of waking can make a huge difference.
Foods That Support Serotonin and Mood:
Oats and whole grains – steady energy, good for blood sugar
Bananas – natural prebiotics, support gut health
Eggs, turkey, and salmon – rich in tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin
Leafy greens and broccoli – gut-boosting fibre and nutrients
Yoghurt and kefir – probiotic foods (or lactose-free alternatives)
Pumpkin seeds and nuts – magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats
Dark chocolate boosts mood in moderation and supports dopamine
Plenty of water – hydration is key for brain function
Why This Blog Matters for Therapists and Room Renters
If you’re a therapist looking to rent a room at Churchill Square Counselling, you’ll be stepping into a space that supports integrated, whole-person mental health care.
Eating disorders don’t always come through the door with a name. But if we stay curious, open, and aware of the body–mind connection, we’ll catch the patterns before they escalate.
Working in a space like this, alongside professionals like Derek, allows therapists to collaborate, refer, and support clients through the full spectrum of emotional and physical well-being.
About Becky Stone
I’m a trauma-informed eating disorder therapist based in Canterbury, UK, working with both teens and adults. I specialise in binge eating, emotional regulation, neurodivergence, and body image recovery. I often collaborate with other mental health professionals across the UK to support clients holistically, especially those who may not recognise disordered eating patterns right away.
If you would like to find out more about Becky click here Contact Becky
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