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What is emotional eating?

Don't worry, you're not alone

Emotional eating is using food to make yourself feel better and not always just to satisfy physical hunger. It is used as a way of bring comforting and escape during times of low mood to block out negative emotions and distress.

Unfortunately, emotional eating doesn’t fix emotional problems. In fact, it usually makes you feel worse. Afterwards, not only does the original emotional issue remain, but you may feel guilty for overeating.

If you think you are experiencing emotional eating and are feeling out of control with food, please consider seeking help.

How TALKWORKS can help

At TALKWORKS we are able to help adults, age 18+, with mild to moderate forms of the following eating disorders:

Our therapists can help you to put coping strategies in place, so that you can take control and develop a healthier relationship with food and your emotions.

What therapy do we offer?

Our TALKWORKS therapists would normally work with you for an initial four sessions, via guided self-help programmes, using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approaches. CBT is an evidence-based talking therapy that can help you to change your thoughts, feelings and behaviours to overcome your difficulties. Our therapists can work with you to help you manage the side effects of emotional eating, which can help to regulate eating patterns.

After the four sessions, we will review how you are progressing with the chosen course of therapy and consider if further treatment is required. If this is the case, we may offer more intensive, eating disorder focused CBT. 

In addition to the above, TALKWORKS also works closely with community eating disorder teams as part of the FREED pathway, which aims to help people age 18-25 with bulimia or binge eating as early as possible. Once a referral is received, FREED aims to contact patients within 48 hours and carry out an initial assessment within two weeks. We have a number of FREED champions within TALKWORKS, offering monthly assessment appointments specifically for patients eligible for the FREED pathway.

How to access our service

If you are struggling, TALKWORKS is here to help. We are a free and confidential, NHS Talking Therapies Service, for people (aged 18+) living in Devon (excluding Plymouth which is covered by Plymouth Options). You can self-refer to TALKWORKS by completing our online self-referral form.

If you prefer, you can speak to us over the phone by calling 0300 555 3344 (our phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am - 4:45pm), or you can make an appointment with your GP to discuss how we can help.

Self-refer to TALKWORKS

Further resources

You may benefit from visiting the below websites to understand more about emotional eating and the support that’s available:

  • Access help from other services at Devon Partnership NHS Trust: including The Haldon and the community eating disorder service
  • BEAT: The UK’s eating disorder charity, aiming to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders

  • F.E.A.S.T. (Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders) provides a range of resources, groups and services to support those caring for someone with an eating disorder


Your experience with us

Your feedback matters

“The therapy gently supported me to both understand and come to terms with my diagnosis and how it has impacted on me as a person for so many years. I felt I could be open and honest in a very safe space. I not only feel better, I understand myself better too.”

“I could not fault the service I received. I was listened to and given so many different resources to help my anxiety and depression. I was so very low a year ago but with the amazing support from my therapist I feel more and more myself every day. Thank you TALKWORKS.”

“I was apprehensive about using the service thinking I wasn't "bad" enough but a talk to the cardiac group by a TALKWORKS practitioner gave me confidence to self-refer. I was referred with respect and taken seriously throughout, felt safe and was given tools and advice to help myself take control of my situation.”