Binge Eating
When eating feels out of control, and the shame that follows
Eduardo Florez, LMHC #MH23066 · October 7, 2026 · 4-min read
Part of The ShieldMee Guide: Eating Disorders →
“I wasn’t even hungry. I just couldn’t stop.”
“I eat in secret, then hide the wrappers.”
“Tomorrow I’ll be good.”
“I hate myself after.”
If this sounds familiar, you are not weak and you are not alone.
Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States. And it’s treatable.
What binge eating is
A binge means eating a large amount of food in a short time while feeling out of control.
With binge eating disorder, this happens again and again, often with:
- Eating very fast
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- Eating when not hungry
- Eating alone because of embarrassment
- Feeling disgusted, guilty or depressed afterward
It happens in people of every size. You can’t tell by looking at someone.
Why diets often make it worse
Many people try to fix bingeing with strict diets.
But skipping meals and banning foods often sets up the next binge. Restriction, then loss of control, then shame, then restriction again.
Breaking that cycle usually means eating regularly and enough, not less.
Binges are also often about feelings: stress, loneliness, boredom, anger, numbness. Food becomes the fastest way to cope.
Medical safety
Please see your doctor. Binge eating can affect blood pressure, blood sugar and more, and a doctor can check.
If you also make yourself throw up, use laxatives or water pills, fast for long periods or over-exercise to make up for eating, tell your doctor right away. Those behaviors can be dangerous to your heart.
If you faint, have chest pain or a racing or irregular heartbeat, call 911.
If you’re having thoughts of hurting yourself, call or text 988. The National Alliance for Eating Disorders also offers free support for people with eating disorders and their families.
Ready to make peace with food?
Use your insurance · see your cost before you book
What helps
I treat eating disorders directly, not just the issues around them.
Regular eating. A steady rhythm of meals and snacks, so your body isn’t running on empty.
Understanding your triggers. What happens in the hours before a binge?
Other ways to cope. Building ways to handle hard feelings that don’t run through food.
Less shame. Shame keeps bingeing secret, and secrecy keeps it going.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has strong research for binge eating. Some people also benefit from medication prescribed by a doctor. I’m glad to coordinate with your medical team.
Binge eating and your relationship
Many people hide binges from their partner. The secrecy can feel lonely, and it can feel like lying.
Partners may not know how to help. Comments about weight or food, even well-meant ones, usually make things worse.
In couples sessions, your partner can learn what actually helps, and you can stop carrying this alone.
If conflict in your relationship includes threats, hitting, pushing, or one partner controlling the other’s money, phone or movements, that’s not a communication problem. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. It’s free and open 24/7.
How I work
No diet talk. No weigh-ins. No shame.
I listen to the language you use about food and your body. “Good” and “bad” foods. “Cheating.” “Disgusting.” Those words often keep the cycle running, and we work on them directly.
You might recognize yourself here
- You eat large amounts and feel you can’t stop.
- You eat in secret or hide food.
- You start a new diet every Monday.
- You feel intense shame after eating.
- Food is your main way to cope with stress.
- You avoid eating in front of others.
Who this work is for
- Adults in Florida who binge eat, at any body size
- People caught in a diet-and-binge cycle
- Couples where food and body image cause tension
- Spanish-speaking or bilingual adults
You don’t need a diagnosis to start.
Who this isn’t for
I work with adults. If you are under 18, this page is not describing services for you.
If you are in immediate danger or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
If you are medically unstable, you may need a higher level of care first. Your doctor can help decide, and I can help you find options.
Sessions must take place while you are physically located in Florida.
Start without shame
You don’t have to explain everything you ate.
You can start with one sentence:
“I can’t stop eating once I start.”
We can start there.
In-network with Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare and more through Headway · 53-minute sessions
Telehealth anywhere in Florida · English / Español
In crisis? Call or text 988.
Frequently asked questions
Will you put me on a diet?
No. Dieting often makes binge eating worse. We focus on regular eating, coping and shame, not weight loss.
Do you treat other eating disorders?
Yes. See my eating disorder therapy page.
Can my partner come too?
Yes. I see individuals, couples and families. Whether couples sessions are covered depends on your insurance plan. You’ll see your estimated cost on my Headway page before you book.
Do you offer therapy in Spanish?
Yes. Sessions can be in Spanish, English, or both.
How much does therapy cost?
It depends on your insurance plan. Most clients pay a copay or coinsurance. You’ll see your estimated cost on my Headway page before you book.
Do you take insurance?
Yes. I’m in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare, Oscar, and other plans through Headway. Check your coverage and book on my Headway page.
When can I start?
Appointments are generally available the next day or within the same week, every day except Saturday.
Eduardo Florez, LMHC
Eduardo Florez, LMHC, has worked across forensic, institutional and private practice settings. He is the founder and clinical director of ShieldMee, a Florida nonprofit telehealth practice, and works bilingually with couples in crisis and clients for whom therapy hasn’t worked before.
Related reading: Eating Disorder Therapy · High-Functioning Anxiety · Why I Apologize for Everything
Ready to talk to someone?
ShieldMee offers telehealth therapy across Florida for individuals, couples, and families. Insurance accepted through Headway.
Start TherapyIf you're in crisis, call or text 988 any time.