Food or my body has taken over
Eating Disorders
In crisis? Call or text 988 (press 2 for Spanish), or text HOME to 741741. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
It may have started as a diet, a way to feel in control, or a way to get through a hard time.
Now food, weight or your body takes up more of your mind than you want. Maybe you restrict, binge, purge, or exercise to make up for eating.
Eating disorders affect people of every size, age, gender and background. You don’t have to look sick to be struggling.
Eating disorders are serious, and they are treatable. Adults recover, even after many years.
Is this you?
- You think about food, weight or your body most of the day.
- You skip meals, follow strict rules, or feel panic when you break them.
- You eat large amounts and feel out of control, then ashamed.
- You throw up, use laxatives, or exercise to “undo” eating.
- You hide what or how much you eat.
- Your weight, mood or health has changed, and people are worried.
Eating disorders can harm your body, even when you look fine. Fainting, chest pain, a racing or skipping heartbeat, vomiting blood, or confusion need emergency care. Call 911 or go to the ER. Anyone with an eating disorder should also see a medical doctor for regular checkups.
Start here
When Control Becomes the Problem →
How restricting, bingeing and purging take hold, and how recovery starts.
When eating feels out of control, and shame follows.
See also: High-Functioning Anxiety · OCD and Exposure Therapy · Perimenopause and Menopause
I treat this in adults, together with your doctor, and a dietitian when needed. If you need more support than weekly therapy, I’ll help you find a higher level of care. You can also call the National Alliance for Eating Disorders helpline at (866) 662-1235.
How therapy works with me
We start with safety and steady eating. Then we look at what the eating disorder does for you, because it usually started as a way to cope.
I pay close attention to your words. “I was good today.” “I don’t deserve it.” “I’ll start over Monday.” Those phrases show the rules the eating disorder has set.
Eating disorders affect partners and families too. Meals, money and trust can become battlegrounds. Loved ones can join sessions so home becomes a place that supports recovery. Sessions are by video, in English or Spanish.
Ready for food to take up less of your life?
Use your insurance · see your cost before you book
¿Prefiere español? Agende una sesión en español →
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be underweight to get help?
No. Eating disorders happen at every body size. How much it controls your life matters more than your weight.
Do you work with teenagers?
No. I see adults 18 and over. For a teen, ask your pediatrician about family-based treatment.
Will you work with my doctor?
Yes. Good eating disorder care is a team. With your permission, I coordinate with your doctor and dietitian.
Can my partner come too?
Yes. Partners often don’t know how to help, and sessions together can make home safer for recovery. Coverage depends on your plan.
Start with what’s hardest right now
You don’t have to be ready to change everything.
You can start with one sentence:
“Food takes up too much of my life.”
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.
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 hubs: Anxiety & OCD · Depression · Trauma & PTSD · All topics