Healing Eating Disorders & Body Image Struggles with Psychedelics

The relationship we have with food and our bodies is deeply tied to our emotional and psychological health. For those struggling with disordered eating or body image problems, traditional treatments like therapy and medication can be helpful but often fall short of addressing the root causes. Increasingly, psychedelics are emerging as a promising tool for breaking through the rigid thought patterns and emotional wounds that underpin these challenges. I have found this to be especially true with my journey of healing from my relationship with food and my body.

Understanding Disordered Eating and Body Image Issues

Disordered eating encompasses a spectrum of behaviors, from restrictive dieting and binge eating to obsessive calorie counting and food avoidance. Often, these behaviors stem from deeper issues such as trauma, perfectionism, or negative self-perception. Similarly, body image problems can involve distorted views of one’s physical appearance, low self-esteem, and an inability to feel at peace with one’s body.

Traditional treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) aim to reframe these thought patterns, but they often take years to yield results. As someone who has received over 400 hours of training in CBT by Clinical Psychologists and spent countless hours exploring perception of self in session with my clients, I must agree that the cognitive part of CBT really doesn’t cut it. This is where psychedelics offer a new frontier.

How Psychedelics Work on the Brain

Psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine disrupt rigid neural pathways in the brain, encouraging flexibility and emotional openness. By interacting with serotonin receptors, these substances promote neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections and rewire itself. This process is particularly valuable for those with disordered eating, as it allows individuals to break free from entrenched cycles of self-criticism and shame.

The Default Mode Network (DMN), a part of the brain associated with self-referential thinking and rumination, is often hyperactive in people with eating disorders. Psychedelics temporarily suppress DMN activity, helping individuals gain perspective on their habits and thought patterns. This quieting of the "inner critic" can foster self-compassion and pave the way for transformative healing.

The Role of Emotional Insights and Connection

One of the most profound effects of psychedelics is their ability to facilitate emotional breakthroughs. Many individuals with disordered eating harbor unresolved trauma or deeply ingrained beliefs about their self-worth. Psychedelics help create a sense of emotional safety, allowing individuals to confront these issues without being overwhelmed by fear or judgment.

For example, MDMA, known for its empathy-enhancing properties, has been used to help individuals process traumatic experiences that contribute to their disordered eating behaviors. Psilocybin, meanwhile, often induces a sense of interconnectedness, helping individuals reconnect with their bodies in a more compassionate and accepting way.

Real-World Applications

Research into the use of psychedelics for eating disorders is still in its early stages, but preliminary studies are promising. A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that individuals with eating disorders who participated in psilocybin therapy reported decreased symptoms and greater self-acceptance. Similarly, anecdotal reports from ketamine therapy clinics suggest that the substance can help reduce the compulsive behaviors associated with disordered eating.

I’m able to add to this data, by sharing that I too have experienced the life-altering (not an exaggeration) impact of these spirit medicines on how I view myself and my body in relation to the world. Stay tuned for an upcoming post!

Integration Is Key

While psychedelics can create powerful insights, integration—the process of reflecting on and applying these insights—is essential for lasting change. Psychotherapists working with psychedelics often focus on helping clients translate their experiences into healthier relationships with food and their bodies.

A Path Toward Healing

Psychedelics are not a cure-all, but they offer a new avenue of hope for those struggling with disordered eating and body image problems. By addressing the emotional and psychological roots of these challenges, they can help individuals move toward greater self-compassion and a renewed sense of connection with their bodies.

References

Roseman, L., Nutt, D. J., & Carhart-Harris, R. L. (2018). Psychedelics: Overcoming eating disorders? Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9, 133.
Spriggs, M. J., et al. (2021). Psilocybin-assisted therapy for eating disorders: A case series. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 7483.
Johnson, M. W., et al. (2017). The potential therapeutic utility of psychedelics in the treatment of eating disorders. Current Opinion in Psychology, 22, 19-24.