Understanding Eating Disorders — They're Not About Willpower
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions with deep emotional, biological, and often trauma-driven roots. They are not a matter of willpower, vanity, or choice. Whether you're struggling with restricting, bingeing, purging, or obsessive thoughts about food and body image, what you're experiencing is a real medical and psychological condition that requires professional treatment.
For many women, disordered eating develops as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, unresolved trauma, anxiety, depression, or a need for control in a life that feels chaotic. The behaviors may have started as a way to survive — but over time, they take on a life of their own, stealing your health, your relationships, and your sense of self.
At IKANN Wellness, we understand that recovery isn't about simply changing your eating habits. It's about healing the underlying wounds that drive those habits and building a life where food no longer holds power over you.
Eating Disorders We Treat
Our clinical team is trained to treat the full spectrum of eating disorders, including:
Anorexia Nervosa
Characterized by severe food restriction, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image, anorexia is one of the most medically dangerous mental health conditions. Our approach prioritizes collaborative, sustainable healing — not punitive measures or forced weight restoration.
Learn more about our anorexia treatment program →Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, excessive exercise, or laxative misuse. Our treatment addresses both the behavioral patterns and the emotional pain that drives them.
Learn more about our bulimia treatment program →Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States, yet it remains widely misunderstood. BED involves recurring episodes of eating large quantities of food with a sense of loss of control, often accompanied by intense shame and guilt.
Learn more about our binge eating disorder treatment →Other Eating Concerns
We also provide treatment for women struggling with orthorexia (obsessive "clean" eating), avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), compulsive overeating, emotional eating, and eating disorders that co-occur with substance use or other mental health conditions.
Our Approach — Healing the Whole Woman
At IKANN Wellness, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all treatment plans or approaches that focus solely on food and weight. Our eating disorder programs are built on the understanding that lasting recovery requires addressing the whole person — mind, body, emotions, and spirit.
Trauma-Informed Care
Research consistently shows that eating disorders and trauma are deeply connected. Many women who struggle with disordered eating have experienced sexual abuse, childhood neglect, domestic violence, or other traumatic events. Our clinicians are trained in EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, and somatic experiencing to help you process these experiences safely — without relying on food as a coping mechanism.
Evidence-Based Therapies
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Restructuring distorted thoughts about food, body image, and self-worth
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Building distress tolerance and emotional regulation skills
- EMDR Therapy: Processing traumatic memories that fuel disordered eating behaviors
- Nutritional Counseling: Working with registered dietitians to rebuild a healthy, sustainable relationship with food
- Group Therapy: Peer support, accountability, and the power of shared experience
- Experiential Therapies: Equine-assisted therapy, art therapy, yoga, and mindfulness practices
Integrated Nutritional Recovery
Our registered dietitians work closely with each client to develop an individualized nutrition plan that is sustainable, non-restrictive, and grounded in whole-foods principles. We teach practical skills including meal planning, mindful eating, grocery shopping, and recognizing hunger and fullness cues — because recovery happens in the real world, not just in a therapist's office.
Levels of Care — Finding the Right Fit
IKANN Wellness offers two levels of outpatient care for eating disorder treatment:
| Feature | PHP (Partial Hospitalization) | IOP (Intensive Outpatient) |
|---|---|---|
| Hours per day | 5–6 hours | 3 hours |
| Days per week | 5 days | 3–5 days |
| Meal support | Therapeutic meals included | Meal planning guidance |
| Individual therapy | 3×/week | 1×/week |
| Best for | Stepping down from inpatient, acute symptoms, medical stabilization | Maintenance, step-down from PHP, working professionals |
Learn more about our Eating Disorder PHP → | Learn more about our Eating Disorder IOP →
Co-Occurring Conditions We Address
Eating disorders rarely exist in isolation. Our integrated treatment approach addresses conditions that frequently accompany disordered eating:
- Anxiety disorders and generalized anxiety
- Major depression and persistent depressive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma
- Substance use disorders and addiction
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Self-harm behaviors
By treating these co-occurring conditions simultaneously, we help you address the full picture of your mental health — not just the symptoms on the surface.
Why Women Choose IKANN Wellness for Eating Disorder Recovery
- Women-Only Environment: Programs designed exclusively for women, creating a space of safety and shared experience
- Trauma-Informed Specialists: Clinicians who specialize in the intersection of trauma and eating disorders
- Holistic + Clinical Integration: Evidence-based therapies combined with equine therapy, yoga, and art therapy
- Real-World Recovery Skills: Meal planning, grocery shopping guidance, and practical coping strategies
- Fort Lauderdale Location: Serving women throughout Broward County, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach County
- Insurance Accepted: Most major plans accepted — benefits verified within 24 hours
- Flexible Scheduling: Evening IOP sessions available for working professionals
Insurance & Getting Started
Taking the first step toward eating disorder recovery can feel overwhelming — and that's okay. Our compassionate admissions team is here to make the process as simple as possible. We'll verify your insurance benefits, explain your coverage, and guide you through every step.
To start the conversation, call (786) 504-7626 or email office@ikannwellness.com. Your call is completely confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eating Disorder Treatment
What types of eating disorders does IKANN Wellness treat?
We provide treatment for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, orthorexia, ARFID, compulsive overeating, and eating disorders that co-occur with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance use.
What levels of care do you offer for eating disorders?
We offer Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs specifically designed for eating disorder recovery. PHP provides 5–6 hours of daily treatment, while IOP offers 3 hours per session, 3–5 days per week.
Do I need a referral to begin eating disorder treatment?
No referral is required. You can contact us directly at (786) 504-7626 to schedule a confidential assessment. Our admissions team will help determine the appropriate level of care based on your individual needs.
Does IKANN Wellness accept insurance for eating disorder treatment?
Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. Our team will verify your benefits and explain your coverage before you begin treatment. Call (786) 504-7626 to start the verification process.
Is eating disorder treatment at IKANN only for women?
Yes. IKANN Wellness is a women-focused treatment center. All of our eating disorder programs are designed specifically for the unique needs and experiences of women.