Our Locations
We have practices across Sydney, the coast and the Illawarra, and online. You can also access counselling through Zoom, Teams or Meet.
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St Leonards
Suite 3, Level 4/66 Pacific Highway
St Leonards NSW 2065
T:(02) 8004 9966 View details
Ryde
Suite 7, 117 North Road
Ryde NSW 2112
T:(02) 8004 9966 View details
West Ryde
79 Ryedale Rd
West Ryde NSW 2114
T:(02) 8004 9966 View details
Online
Teams - Zoom - Meet
Online
T:(02) 8205 0566 View details
Cronulla
Level 1, 26-32 Ewos Parade
Cronulla NSW 2230
T:(02) 8004 9961 View details
Earlwood
Boomerang Ave
Earlwood NSW 2206
T:(02) 8004 9969 View details
Glebe
1 Arundel St
Glebe NSW 2037
T:(02) 8094 1796 View details
Elizabeth Street
411/185 Elizabeth St
Sydney NSW 2000
T:(02) 8205 0566 View details
Miranda
29 Kiora Road
Miranda NSW 2228
T:(02) 8004 9960 View details
Surry Hills
302/88 Foveaux St
Surry Hills NSW 2010
T:(02) 8094 1790 View details
Bondi Junction
404/332 Oxford Street
Bondi Junction NSW 2022
T:(02) 8094 1792 View details
Parramatta
26 Marion Street
Parramatta NSW 2150
T:(02) 8897 0803 View details
Castle Hill
Suite 14, 15-17 Terminus St
Castle Hill NSW 2154
T:(02) 8090 0817 View details
Caringbah
Level 1, 418 Kingsway
Caringbah NSW 2229
T:(02) 8094 1799 View details
Erina Central Coast
Suite 10, 166A The Entrance Rd
Erina NSW 2250
T:(02) 8004 5170 View details
Dapto
Laver Road
Dapto NSW 2530
T:(02) 4210 6170 View details
Wollongong
81 Keira St
Wollongong NSW 2500
T:(02) 4210 6170 View details
Macquarie Street
504/135-137 Macquarie St
Sydney NSW 2000
T:(02) 8205 0566 View details
Cabramatta

Cabramatta West NSW 2166
T:(02) 8897 0803 View details
Campbelltown
3/167 Queen St
Campbelltown NSW 2650
T:(02) 8897 0811 View details
Dulwich Hill
Challis Ave
Dulwich Hill NSW 2203
T:02 8004 9963 View details
Lilyfield
1/358 Catherine St
Lilyfield, NSW 2040
T:(02) 8007 7337 View details
North Strathfield
Level 1/5 George St
North Strathfield NSW 2137
T:(02) 8004 9964 View details
Norwest
Suite 20/1 Maitland Place
Norwest NSW 2153
T:(02) 8820 0717 View details
Stanhope Gardens
1 View St
Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768
T:(02) 8820 0717 View details
Beecroft
Karril Ave
Beecroft NSW 2119
T:(02) 8820 0717 View details
Bella Vista
Q Central Building, Suite 208A, 10 Norbrik Drive
Bella Vista NSW 2153
T:(02) 8820 0717 View details
Hornsby
202/16 Hunter St
Hornsby NSW 2077
T:(02) 8004 9965 View details
Northbridge
343 Sailors Bay Rd
Northbridge NSW 2063
T:(02) 8094 1793 View details
Chatswood
54/47 Neridah St
Chatswood NSW 2067
T:(02) 8004 8510 View details
Mosman
The Cottage, 44 Avenue Road
Mosman NSW 2088
T:(02) 8897 0810 View details
Cremorne
4/350 Military Rd
Cremorne NSW 2090
T:(02) 8897 0810 View details
Lane Cove
Room 3, 67 Burns Bay Rd
Lane Cove NSW 2066
T:(02) 8002 1201 View details
Narrabeen
9/12 Rickard Rd
North Narrabeen NSW 2101
T:(02) 8404 0622 View details
Dee Why (Narraweena)
Mundara Place
Narraweena NSW 2099
T:(02) 8404 0622 View details
Kogarah
Suite 5.01, Level 5, 15 Kensington Street
Kogarah NSW 2217
T:(02) 8897 0806 View details
Gosford
54 Hills St
North Gosford NSW 2250
T:(02) 8094 1785 View details
(02) 8205 0566
Mon-Fri: 9:00am - 6:00pm
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    Eating Disorders

    Eating disorders: anorexia nervosa > Counselling in Sydney

    What is anorexia nervosa?

    Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder which most commonly starts in teenagers, most often girls, although many people will begin showing symptoms between the ages of 8 and 10. Anorexia also affects teenage boys and often continues into or begins in, adulthood (both male and female).

    Read more

    People who suffer from anorexia are fanatical about losing weight and being thin. They are generally very good at losing weight (through exercise and dieting) and petrified of gaining weight.
    (This article is electronically protected, Copyright © Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney PTY LTD)

    People with anorexia have a distorted sense of their weight and believe they are overweight even when they reach weights which are unhealthily skinny. Indeed, people suffering from anorexia are most often underweight.

    Suffers of anorexia often use food and weight as a way to manage their underlying emotional issues.
    Their eating behaviour is often symptomatic of overwhelming psychological issues and an attempt to deal with painful emotions which have not found another way of being expressed or supported.

    Clinicians offering eating disorder counselling

    Petra

    Petra

    Registered Counsellor

    RydeOnline

    Petra is a highly skilled, tertiary-qualified counsellor with almost 10 years experience supporting clients' mental health. Insightful and altruistic, Petra creates a safe space to support her clients to lead more fulfilling lives.

    Individuals ✓After hours ✓

    Phone bookings weekdays 9am-6pm02 8205 0566
    Book with Petra
    Silvia

    Silvia

    Registered Counsellor

    MosmanOnline

    Silvia is a Registered Counsellor & Psychotherapist with qualifications in counselling, psychology and Somatic Experiencing®. Compassionate and supportive, Silvia works with individuals to manage life’s challenges.

    Individuals ✓After hours ✓

    Phone bookings weekdays 9am-6pm02 8205 0566
    Book with Silvia
    Rose

    Rose

    Counsellor & Couple Therapist

    Sydney CBDOnline

    Rose is a Masters-qualified counsellor and Registered Mental Health Social Worker with over 20 years experience. Working with both individuals and couples, Rose empowers her clients to enhance their wellbeing and achieve their goals.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓

    Phone bookings weekdays 9am-6pm02 8205 0566
    Book with Rose
    Sue

    Sue

    Registered Counsellor

    Surry Hills

    Sue is a Masters-qualified counsellor. Compassionate and authentic, Sue supports individuals to better understand the interplay between their internal world and their external relationships.

    Individuals ✓After hours ✓

    Neera

    Neera

    Registered Psychotherapist

    Surry Hills

    Neera is a Masters-qualified psychotherapist. Empathetic, thoughtful and intuitive, Neera works with individuals to strengthen their identity and reshape patterns.

    Individuals ✓

    See all our clinicians

    Not sure who to choose?

    Call 02 8205 0566

    Weekdays 9am to 6pm, a person answers

    Request a callback

    After hours, or any time

    Why people choose us

    How we help you find the right clinician

    We have practices across Sydney, the coast and the Illawarra, and a full telehealth team. Our intake specialists know who works with what, and they will point you to the right person, whether that is near home, near work or online.

    Step 1

    A person answers the phone

    Call us weekdays between 9am and 6pm and one of our intake team picks up. They will ask what is going on and talk you through the options before you commit to anything.

    Step 2

    We match you to a clinician

    The fit between you and your therapist is the strongest thing we know of for making therapy work. We match on what you are facing, the approach you prefer, gender, language and how far you can travel.

    Step 3

    Your booking is scheduled

    We confirm your booking in writing so that you know when and where you’ll be meeting your new therapist.

    The guide

    Common characteristics of anorexia nervosa

    It can be useful to know the signs of anorexia to help screen for this condition in yourself or someone you love. If you are suffering anorexia you may have difficulty self assessing and you should seek some professional help if other’s have expressed concern about your weight or eating habits, or if you find yourself feeling as if you have to keep your dieting a secret from others.

    Common emotional or psychological signs of anorexia include:

    - excessive focus on body weight and appearance,
    , a deep fear of gaining weight and becoming fat,
    , an intense desire to be thin (often unhealthily so),
    , a belief that they are overweight (whilst being objectively underweight),
    , not wanting to eat,
    , avoidance of high calorie foods,
    , obsessive interest in food facts,
    , over exercising,
    , constant weighing of oneself,
    , refusing to eat,
    , denial of hunger,
    , depression,
    , irritability

    Common physical signs of anorexia include:
    , low body weight or significant weight loss
    , absent or irregular menstrual cycles
    , sensitivity to cold
    , the appearance of fine body hair (lanugo) on the face or body
    , hair loss (head)
    , brittle nails and hair
    , dry and yellowing skin

    What are the causes of anorexia nervosa?

    It is unclear what the precise cause of Anorexia Nervosa or other eating disorders is, but psychologists generally agree that it is a combination of various factors that will come into play to cause anorexia or other eating disorders.

    For some people, these factors might be more easily identifiable. For others, they might be harder to pinpoint. Issues which are generally thought to contribute to the development of eating disorders can include:

    - an experience of trauma or abuse (which could be physical, emotional or sexual), the impact of societal/cultural preoccupation with body image
    , grief caused by loss
    , the nature of one’s relationship to family or friends
    , striving for perfectionism
    , stress
    , an inability to cope with one’s emotions
    , feeling that one’s life is out of one’s control
    , chemical imbalances in the brain
    , the physiological effects of dieting

    Treatment options for anorexia

    Treatment for anorexia can be difficult because more often than not, sufferers do not think they are sick enough (or thin enough) to justify intervention. However, anyone who is suffering from anorexia or another eating disorder needs support and treatment, no matter the severity or perceived severity of the illness.

    You may be concerned that if you seek treatment you will be forced to eat, or that someone will come between you and your dieting and that this will ruin your chances of happiness or the achievement of a body you can live with; however the avoidance of treatment often leads to longstanding relationship difficulties as you try to hide yourself and your private world from others.

    There are various approaches to treating anorexia. These include counselling, nutritional advice and in severe cases, hospitalisation. Generally people with anorexia need help to change not just their eating habits, but also the underlying issues which have been having such an adverse effect on their eating and body image.

    Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney works with psychologists who are specialists in women’s health issues and eating disorders. Our associated psychologists will take an integrated approach to treatment, but issues that are often addressed in counselling sessions include your eating behaviour and your feelings about your eating habits, your self confidence and how you feel about yourself, your background and what may have led you to feel or act in a certain way.

    Your psychologist will also guide and support you to find better ways to manage your eating and your health generally.

    Please note that, in situations where the weight of an anorexic is so low or where the restriction is so severe that their health might be in danger, a period in a specialist hospital unit may be necessary to stabilise health and eating habits, or consultation by a GP may be required in conjunction with psychological treatment by a counsellor or psychologist.

    CALL US
    To enquire about professional counselling by qualified Counsellors & Psychologists in Sydney call Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney. We welcome your enquiry.

    Disclaimer

    All health information provided on counsellingsydney.com.au is general in nature and is provided for information purposes only. The information contained on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat psychological conditions, nor should it be used as an alternative to obtaining counselling or psychological advice from a qualified counsellor, psychologist, psychotherapist, psychiatrist or medical practitioner. Please consult a counselling professional or a health care provider about any health concerns you might have about yourself or others. Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney Pty. Ltd does not accept liability for any loss or damage associated with the use of this site. This site may contain links to third party sites including sites on counselling, psychologist services, mental health and other unrelated material. The existence of these links is not to be construed as an endorsement by Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney Pty. Ltd as to the accuracy or quality of the information or services provided by these third party sites and we do not accept liability for any loss or damaged associated with the use of these third party sites.(This article is electronically protected, Copyright © Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney PTY LTD)

    Questions

    Questions about eating disorders

    Before you book

    Do I need a referral?

    No referral is needed to start. For Medicare rebates, ask your GP about a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Please speak to our team about your options.

    How soon can I get an appointment?

    Most new clients are seen within days, sooner by telehealth. Many of our practices offer early morning, evening and weekend appointments, and our intake team will find the times that suit you.

    Can I see someone in person or online?

    Yes, you can choose either. You can see a clinician at one of our practices across Sydney, the coast and the Illawarra, or by video from anywhere in Australia, and many clients switch between the two.

    What happens in the first session?

    Your clinician listens to what’s brought you in, asks about your goals, and agrees to a plan with you. There is never any pressure to share more than you’re ready to.

    What are the fees, and can I claim Medicare?

    Sessions run for 55 minutes, and the fee depends on who you see. Counsellors start from $150, social workers and psychologists from $200, and clinical psychologists from $230. With a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, a Medicare rebate may apply to sessions with a psychologist or a registered mental health social worker, so please speak to our staff about your options.

    Fees & rebates

    Clear fees, no surprises

    Counsellors

    From $150per 55-minute session
    No referral needed · start straight away

    Social workers

    From $200per 55-minute session
    Medicare rebate may apply, please speak to our staff

    Psychologists

    From $200per 55-minute session
    Medicare rebate may apply, please speak to our staff

    Clinical psychologists

    From $230per 55-minute session
    Medicare rebate may apply, please speak to our staff

    Every clinician is fully registered and insured, and bound by their professional association's Code of Ethics, as our counsellor guarantee sets out.

    How to get started, and how Medicare can help
    Pathway A · Start now
    Book directly
    • No referral needed, so you can start straight away.
    • No Medicare rebate on this path.
    • You can still get a plan from your GP later and start claiming Medicare then. If a rebate matters, ask for a psychologist.
    Pathway B · With Medicare
    See your GP
    • Your GP assesses you. If you are eligible you get a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
    • The plan lets you claim Medicare rebates.
    • Tell us you have a plan and ask for a psychologist or registered mental health social worker when you book.
    • The rebate only applies to services provided by psychologists or registered mental health social workers.

    Not sure which suits you? Speak to our team about your options.

    Getting started

    From first call to first session

    Book with Sydney’s most trusted network
    With a wealth of experience and a board of certified professionals, you know you’re in safe hands.

    Call us, or ask us to call youMon to Fri 9am to 6pm a live intake specialist answers. No referral needed.
    We listen and matchBy concern, therapy style, gender, language and location across our practices and telehealth.
    Your first sessionIn person at a practice near you or by video, with evening and weekend times available.
    Review the fitIf it doesn't feel right, tell us, we'll rematch you quickly.
    Reviews

    What clients say about getting matched

    4.8
    189 Google reviews across our 20 practice listings
    Counted 7 October 2026. Read them all on Google
    ★★★★★

    Great customer service, professional councillors and support services. Definitely recommend especially if it’s your first time seeing someone. Thank guys 👍🏻

    Jamie G. · April 2023 · Google review, Elizabeth Street practice
    ★★★★★

    Excellent communication and customer service. I felt really cared for and I was recommended a counsellor that suited my situation.

    Robyn · March 2023 · Google review, Bella Vista practice
    ★★★★★

    So easy to book appointments and the staff were very patient and helpful with me. I thank them very much! :)

    Mal B. · May 2023 · Google review, Kogarah practice

    Reviews are shown as written, about our booking and matching service.

    We are not a crisis service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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