Disordered Eating & Eating Disorders
A kinder relationship with food starts here.
If eating feels complicated, overwhelming, or out of control — you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
We understand this isn't easy to talk about.
Whether you’re reaching out for yourself, for someone you love, or on behalf of a patient — this is a safe, non-judgmental space.
Disordered eating affects people of all ages, body sizes, genders, and backgrounds. It can show up quietly — in rituals around food, anxiety at mealtimes, an exhausting preoccupation with eating “perfectly” — or it can feel all-consuming and completely out of control.
At Rebound Health, our Accredited Practising Dietitian works as part of a compassionate, multidisciplinary approach to care. We’re not here to put you on a diet or talk about weight loss. We’re here to help you rebuild a safe, peaceful, and sustainable relationship with food.
It doesn't have to look a certain way to be real.
Our dietitian, Emma is a specialist in this area. With a gentle approach and works with those along the spectrum of disordered eating and of differing ages, life stages and goals.
Eating disorders and disordered eating exist on a wide spectrum. They’re not defined by what someone looks like — and they’re far more common than most people realise.
We support people experiencing:
Anorexia Nervosa Characterised by significant restriction of food intake, intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted relationship with body image. Nutritional rehabilitation is a cornerstone of recovery, and our dietitian works carefully alongside your medical and psychological team.
Bulimia Nervosa Involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours such as purging, fasting, or excessive exercise. Dietetic support helps to stabilise eating patterns and address the nutritional consequences of these cycles.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) The most common eating disorder, BED involves recurring episodes of eating large quantities of food — often rapidly and beyond the point of comfort. Dietetic care focuses on reducing restriction, normalising eating patterns, and addressing the emotional drivers of bingeing.
ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) Characterised by highly selective eating or food avoidance based on sensory sensitivities, fear, or low interest in food — rather than body image concerns. Our dietitian has experience supporting both children and adults with ARFID.
Orthorexia & Compulsive Exercise When “healthy eating” becomes rigid, rule-driven, or a source of distress, it may indicate orthorexia. Our approach gently challenges food rules and supports a more flexible, balanced relationship with eating.
General Disordered Eating Not every struggle with food fits neatly into a diagnosis. If your relationship with eating is causing distress, interfering with your daily life, or just doesn’t feel right — that’s enough of a reason to seek support.
Frequently Asked Questions
At our allied health clinic, we are committed to offering valuable educational resources and addressing your most common questions to support your journey to better health and wellness.
Do I need a referral?
A referral is not a requirement; however, it is a good idea to speak with your GP about your concerns as you may be eligible for the Medicare Eating Disorder Plan which gives you 20 subsidised Dietitian sessions in a 12-month period.
If your GP is unaware of this plan direct them to:
insideoutinstitute.org.au/resource-library/eating-disorder-care-plan
Do I need a blood test before my appointment?
Ideally your GP should complete the following:
- Conduct a physical assessment including:
- Height, weight, body mass index (BMI; adults), BMI percentile for age (children)
- Pulse and blood pressure, with postural measurements
- Temperature
- Laboratory investigations:
- Full blood count, urea and electrolytes, creatinine, liver function tests, albumin, blood glucose, iron studies, B12, folate, CMP
- Electrocardiography
- Hormonal testing: thyroid function tests, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, oestradiol, prolactin
- Bone densitometry: relevant after 9-12 months of the disease or of amenorrhoea and as a baseline in adolescents. The recommendation is for two-yearly scans thereafter while the DEXA scans are abnormal.
What does a Dietitian actually do in eating disorder recovery?
A lot of people assume dietitians are here to hand out meal plans and count nutrients. In eating disorder recovery, our role goes much deeper than that.
Our Accredited Practising Dietitian works with you on the practical, emotional, and behavioural dimensions of your relationship with food. This means moving beyond rules and restrictions — and toward a way of eating that feels nourishing, flexible, and free.
Our dietitian can help you:
- Understand and challenge unhelpful food rules and beliefs
- Rebuild regular, balanced eating patterns at a pace that feels safe
- Address nutritional deficiencies and support medical recovery
- Navigate fear foods and expand your food repertoire
- Reduce the anxiety, guilt, and shame that often surrounds eating
- Develop a sustainable approach to food that supports your long-term wellbeing
Our approach is weight-neutral, trauma-informed, and always tailored to you. We follow the clinical guidelines set out by ANZAED (the Australian and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders) and collaborate closely with your GP, psychologist, exercise physiologist, and any other practitioners involved in your care.
Evidence-based. Tailored to you.
We understand that food can feel like the enemy. That mealtimes can be stressful, exhausting, or frightening. That well-meaning advice from others has often made things worse, not better.
Your first appointment is a conversation. We’ll take the time to understand your history, your current relationship with food, your concerns, and what feels manageable right now. From there, we build a plan together — one that moves at your pace and always prioritises your wellbeing.
There is no judgment here. No “good foods” and “bad foods.” No pressure to eat in a way that doesn’t feel right for you.
Just consistent, compassionate support — one step at a time.
We know reaching out can feel like the hardest part. Whether you’re ready to book or just want to ask a question, our team is here and happy to talk.