Supporting a partner who struggles with an Eating Disorder

Are you concerned about your partner’s constant obsession with food and the appearance of their body? Do you notice them constantly weighing themselves? When you feel as if you have to monitor your partner’s eating it can feel more like a job than a relationship. They lie to you about how much they have ate or how much they exercised and they refuse to eat out with you for fear of not knowing the calorie count. You can tell when they are struggling because they easily get mad at you, cry because they feel “fat,” and deny that they need help. You have tried to get them to understand the severity of their behaviors but nothing seems to get through to them. You feel paralyzed by this constant struggle over food.

When disordered eating is present in a relationship it can feel like there are 3 people in the relationship: you, your partner, and their eating disorder. You do not have to settle with living this way. It is possible for your partner to overcome these harmful eating habits and create a more fulfilling lifestyle. You no longer have to constantly fight over food because there are more productive ways for your partner to deal with stressful life situations that they can learn. If they use their internal strength and commitment, your partner has the ability to create a positive relationship with themselves, food, and with you. By being a good support system and helping them reach out for help, you have the ability to create the relationship you want to have with your partner.

I am here to help you and your partner who is struggling with unhealthy eating habits create that life you desire. By learning to confront the negative thoughts and beliefs that your partner has about themselves, they can have the ability to replace them with more realistic views. This allows them to feel more in control of their life and to be able to release their unhealthy control over food. I work with you and your partner to create an understanding that they are not struggling with food, but something deeper that is covered up by the need to control their eating and body image. Our society has taught us to focus on our flaws, but I work with people to see their strengths so they can use them to deal with issues that they come across in life.

If you and your partner are ready to take that first step to a more fulfilling relationship, call me today at 402-325-0117 x13 to learn more and schedule an appointment, or book an appointment online!

Shelby Henderson, M.Ed., PLMHP
Adultspan Counseling
1001 S 70th St #225
Lincoln, NE 68510