We accept NDIS clients.
Online Eating Disorder Therapy Consultation in Mackay, with an Expert Clinical Psychologist
Reverence Recovery is an established psychology practice specializing in eating disorder treatment, offering convenient and affordable online/virtual counseling therapy for individuals who work or live in remote locations near the Mackay area. The telehealth format, featuring personalized sessions and evidence-based support, facilitates easy access to recovery assistance from a qualified clinical psychologist in the comfort of your home, whenever and wherever you need it.
Most Convenient & Affordable Treatment for Individuals, $250 per Session
Eating Disorder Facts & Statistics in Mackay
Recent statistics show that approximately 4% of Australians are affected by eating disorders. Applying this prevalence rate to Mackay’s estimated population of 120,000, it is estimated that around 4,800 individuals in Mackay may be living with an eating disorder.
In 2023, there were an estimated 1,273 deaths nationally due to eating disorders.
Less than one in three (30%) of those with eating disorders seek help.
In recent months, a national conversation led by Assistant Minister Emma McBride highlighted that many people with lived experience continue to report that access to care is patchy, inconsistent, difficult to navigate, and at times detrimental.
Mackay, known as the “Sugar Capital of Australia” for its thriving sugarcane industry, has a prevalence of sugar-rich diets that, combined with societal pressures, could contribute to body dissatisfaction and increase the risk of eating disorders, especially among those striving to meet unrealistic beauty standards.
What does Therapy Involve?
Therapy sessions consist of frequent consultations, with a focus on nutritional rehabilitation, psychoeducation, life skills training, and addressing any personal psychological aspects that warrant attention. Multiple professionals can form part of such treatment, including a psychologist, psychiatrist, dietitian and your GP in Mackay.
If the need exists, we welcome the input of family members and significant others who wish to contribute to your treatment. Although the boundaries of your treatment need to be prioritised, the interaction with these family members during the course of treatment is discussed with you, and managed in a professional and ethical manner. Whether family members only attend the initial session, or remain part of the ongoing intervention itself, our approach is adaptive to what you and your family need.
Factors Contributing to Eating Disorder in Mackay
Societal Pressures
Mackay, like many regional areas, faces societal pressures amplified by media and social platforms that promote unrealistic beauty standards. These pressures, particularly on adolescents and young adults, can lead to body dissatisfaction and increase the risk of eating disorders, especially as individuals strive to meet these ideals.
Cultural Influences
Mackay’s local culture, heavily influenced by the sugarcane industry, can impact dietary habits and perceptions of body image. While the region’s culture enriches the community, certain local expectations regarding body shape and eating behaviors can contribute to disordered eating, particularly among those seeking to conform to idealized body standards.
Access to Healthcare
Mackay offers various healthcare services, including support for eating disorders, but access to timely and effective treatment can be limited. Factors such as long waiting times, the high cost of private care, and stigma surrounding mental health make it challenging for individuals to receive the care they need, exacerbating the challenges faced by those struggling with eating disorders.
How Can Online Therapy in Help Your Eating Disorder?
Our therapeutic approach is a holistic person-centered approach grounded in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and incorporates elements from other treatment modalities as needed.
In short, this approach tries to be welcoming and flexible — we meet you where you are in the Mackay area!
How Much Does Online Individual Therapy Cost in Mackay?
$250 per session — 55 minutes
** Medicare rebate available with a valid Mental Health Care Plan, or valid Eating Disorder Care Plan (approx. $141 rebate from Medicare).
How to Get Help for Eating Disorder Near Mackay?
Over one million Australians struggle with eating disorder, a challenge that likely touches the lives of many of us, either through someone we love or through our own experiences with disordered eating and body image issues, while finding access to care can be tough. That’s why Reverence Recovery is here for you, offering accessible and compassionate care near your location in Mackay.
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have an eating disorder, please reach out by completing the form on this page or emailing us at info@reverencerecovery.com.au to get help as soon as possible.
Everything You Need to Know About Eating Disorder
What is an Eating Disorder?
An eating disorder can lead to abnormal eating habits, characterized by consuming excessive or insufficient amounts of food that do not align with the body’s nutritional requirements for optimal health. Over time, the habit becomes stronger than your will to control it, potentially influenced by distorted beliefs and societal pressures related to body image, beauty, and weight.
Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating or body image issues can be linked to experience of depression, anxiety, confusion and emotional torment. Often with eating disorders there can be an internal battle between the part of you that wants to recover and the part that doesn’t.
What Causes Eating Disorder?
The factors that lead to the development of an eating disorder are complex. They involve a range of biological, psychological and other mental health conditions, there may be different causes, such as:
- Biological and genetic risk factors. Some people may have genes that increase their risk of developing eating disorder.
- Family history. Eating disorder is more likely to occur in people who have parents or siblings who’ve had an eating disorder.
- Dieting and starvation. Frequent dieting is a risk factor for an eating disorder, especially with weight that is constantly going up and down when getting on and off new diets.
- A history of weight bullying. People who have been teased or bullied for their weight are more likely to develop problems with eating disorder.
- Other mental health issues. Trauma, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental health issues can increase the likelihood of an eating disorder.
