University of Texas at Austin

Psychology Department Anxiety & Mood Clinic

Embodied Eating Recovery Program

The Embodied Eating Recovery Program Offers Evidence-Based Individual Therapy for Adolescents (Ages 12+) and Adults Seeking Support with Eating, Body Image, and Related Concerns.

Concerns we can help with:

  • Difficulty developing consistent or flexible eating patterns
  • Preoccupation with food or weight
  • Restrictive eating
  • Binge eating
  • Body dissatisfaction
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Our Approach

Treatment in the Embodied Eating Recovery Program is grounded in evidence-based approaches to eating disorders and body image concerns.

For Adolescents

For adolescents (12 years old+), we offer Family-Based Treatment (FBT), a well-established, evidence-based treatment for adolescent eating disorders in which parents and caregivers take an active, central role in supporting their teen’s recovery at home.

For Adults

For adults, our treatment draws on cognitive-behavioral approaches that focus on building consistent, flexible eating patterns, identifying and shifting the thoughts and beliefs that maintain disordered eating, and developing a more trusting relationship with hunger, fullness, and other body signals.

  • We draw on strategies such as self-monitoring, cognitive restructuring, exposure to feared foods and situations, and values-based behavioral change.
  • Because eating and body image concerns are rarely just about food, treatment also makes room for the emotional, relational, and identity-based factors that often accompany them.
  • We place a strong emphasis on regular monitoring and assessment. Weight and eating disorder symptoms are checked regularly in session, and patients complete brief questionnaires at regular intervals. This ongoing measurement helps patients and clinicians see what is changing and catch challenges early.
  • Care is individualized, such that every treatment plan is built collaboratively around each patient’s specific concerns, goals, and readiness for change, and updated based on how treatment is going.

What to Expect

Treatment will begin with an initial consultation which will consist of an interview to understand your history, current concerns, and goals, along with a set of brief questionnaires that you will complete to help your clinician get a fuller picture of your experience. For adolescents, parents or caregivers take part in the consultation as well. After the consultation, the clinician will share their impressions and offer treatment recommendations. They will also discuss whether the clinic is a good fit for your needs. If it is, you may be offered the option to begin therapy services at the clinic. If not, we’ll do our best to provide tailored referrals to other providers or clinics that may better suit your needs. 

Once paired with a clinician for therapy, you and your clinician will develop a personalized treatment plan. As a training clinic within The UT-Austin Department of Psychology, sessions are provided by doctoral students in clinical psychology under the close supervision of licensed faculty, giving patients access to current, evidence-based care at a reduced cost.

Interdisciplinary Care

Eating disorders affect both physical and mental health, and recovery is best supported by a team. Within that team, our clinic provides psychological care. Patients should expect that treatment will involve coordination with other providers, such as a physician or pediatrician for medical monitoring and, as needed, a registered dietitian or psychiatric provider. If you don’t already have these supports in place, we will help connect you with them. Your clinician will also stay in contact with your other providers so that everyone on your care team is working toward shared goals.

Family & Caregiver Involvement

Family members and other support people can play a powerful role in recovery. For adolescents, parents or caregivers are core members of the treatment team and are expected to attend sessions and actively support meals and recovery at home. Adult patients are also welcome to include partners, family members, or other trusted support people in treatment when it would be helpful.

How to Get Started

The Embodied Eating Recovery Program follows the same process as our other individual therapy services. Treatment will begin with an initial consultation which will consist of an interview to understand your history, current concerns, and goals, along with a set of brief questionnaires that you will complete to help your clinician get a fuller picture of your experience. For adolescents, parents or caregivers take part in the consultation as well.

After the consultation, the clinician will share their impressions and offer treatment recommendations. They will also discuss whether the clinic is a good fit for your needs. If it is, you may be offered the option to begin therapy services at the clinic. If not, we’ll do our best to provide tailored referrals to other providers or clinics that may better suit your needs. 

Visit our Individual Therapy page to learn more about what to expect, current fees, and how to complete our online interest form. When completing the form, please indicate that you are interested in the Embodied Eating Recovery Program.

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NOTE: The training clinic does not provide emergency services or medication management.