Healing from Bulimia: The Role of EMDR in Overcoming Shame and Trauma
Bulimia isn’t always just about food. It can be, but not always. For many people, bulimia is about pain and trying to cope with feelings that feel way too big, too overwhelming, and far too lonely to face head-on.
If you’re here, maybe you’ve been struggling with bulimia or another eating disorder for a while. Maybe you’ve tried different things to feel better, but nothing seems to work. It still feels like there’s something pulling you back in.
You’re not broken. You’re not beyond help. But there’s probably more going on beneath the surface. And healing that root stuff? That’s where the real transformation begins.
In this article, we’ll explore how trauma can play a role in bulimia and how EMDR, used in therapy for eating disorders, can help you heal in a deep, lasting way.
So… What Is Bulimia?
Bulimia is an eating disorder that involves episodes of binge eating followed by purging, things as vomiting or using laxatives, in an attempt to “undo” the binge.
Living with bulimia takes a huge toll, not just physically (we’re talking electrolyte imbalances, digestive problems, even heart issues), but emotionally too. Guilt, shame, and low self-worth often become part of the daily routine. And that shame? It can feel like a powerful, painful force.
Not everyone with bulimia has experienced trauma, but many have. And when that deeper layer gets addressed, something shifts. It becomes easier to understand not just the “what” of your behaviors, but the why. That understanding can be a game-changer in recovery.
What Even Is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (yeah, it’s a mouthful). It’s a type of therapy originally developed to help people process trauma, and it works a little differently than traditional talk therapy.
What makes EMDR unique is that it helps your brain reprocess traumatic or distressing memories so they lose their emotional charge. It uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) to activate your brain’s natural healing process.
It might sound a little “out there” at first, but there’s solid science behind it. EMDR has been shown to be a highly effective therapy for trauma and trauma-related symptoms.
How EMDR is Used in Therapy For Eating Disorders Can Support Recovery from Bulimia
EMDR can help you go back to the experiences that may have triggered your eating disorder, not to relive them, but to see them through a new lens.
It allows you to process trauma in a way that makes it feel less threatening, so you can feel safer in your body, more grounded in the present, and less hijacked by past pain.
When trauma memories stay stuck, they tend to run the show from behind the scenes. EMDR helps unstick them.
Letting Go of Shame
Shame is one of the heaviest parts of bulimia. Not just shame about eating or purging, but deep shame about who you are. EMDR helps you face that shame and begin to release it.
This isn’t just about “thinking positive” or changing your mindset. It’s about changing how you feel about yourself on a core level.
EMDR helps you reprocess the painful beliefs like “I’m not enough” or “I’m disgusting” and replace them with something new: compassion, understanding, and a felt sense of worthiness.
Regulating Your Emotions
Bulimia often shows up when your nervous system is overwhelmed. EMDR helps calm that chaos.
As you process trauma, your brain starts to learn new ways to respond to stress. You begin to feel more emotionally regulated, less reactive, and more capable of handling big feelings without turning to behaviors like bingeing or purging.
You Deserve Support That Honors All of You
If you’re thinking about trying EMDR, that’s amazing. But it’s important to find a therapist who really gets it, someone trained in EMDR and experienced with eating disorders. That combination matters.
You deserve support from someone who understands both the trauma side and the food/body side of things.
You’re not “too much.” You’re not “too far gone.” You’re someone who has been doing the best they can to survive, and now, you’re ready to try something that goes deeper. Something that heals, not just manages.
EMDR can help you do that.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Recovery takes time. It’s not linear. But it is possible. You’re allowed to feel safe in your body. You’re allowed to let go of shame. You’re allowed to heal. If you’re curious about EMDR or want to explore therapy together at Therapy With Lizzie, I’d be honored to support you as an eating disorder therapist.
Find Peace and Healing Through EMDR and Therapy for Eating Disorders in Burlington, VT
If you're struggling with bulimia and feel stuck in painful patterns, EMDR used in therapy for eating disorders in Burlington, VT, can help you process the deeper emotional wounds fueling the cycle. Therapy With Lizzie offers a compassionate, evidence-based approach to help you build a healthier relationship with food and yourself. Reach out today to take the first step toward lasting recovery. Follow these three simple steps to get started:
Reach out to schedule a free consultation.
Meet with me, Lizzie Werner-Gavrin, an experienced eating disorder therapist.
Begin finding peace and healing!
Additional Online Services I Provide Throughout Vermont
Recovering from an eating disorder is a deeply personal and empowering process, and the right therapeutic support can truly transform your journey. Along with therapy for eating disorders focused on bulimia, I also work with adults navigating anxiety, high stress, and emotional intensity. Therapy With Lizzie provides a welcoming, affirming environment where you can explore your story, heal from past wounds, and move forward with greater clarity and self-compassion.
