Eating Disorders Counselling in Waverley, NSW
![Photo of Vanessa Kredler, MA, ACA-L4, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f2b13317-c79b-4210-b538-3c879c83aea3/1/320x400.jpeg)
I take a compassionate and curious approach to working with clients who struggle with addictions, complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, poor body image, stress, burn-out, relationships, work, finding purpose, grief and loss, and 12-step recovery.
We will work together on what is most important to you. Many clients are embarking on their recovery journey and are seeking relief from very acute addictive behaviours. Others are seeking longer-term psychotherapy to heal the wounds underlying those addictions. Others still, are seeking just a few sessions for specific challenges, such as a relationship break-up, bouts of anxiety or depression, or because they feel stuck in some way. And often, people don’t really know what they want and need yet, and that’s ok too. Whatever you bring, you are welcome here. Please have a look at my website for food addiction recovery group work.
I take a compassionate and curious approach to working with clients who struggle with addictions, complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, poor body image, stress, burn-out, relationships, work, finding purpose, grief and loss, and 12-step recovery.
We will work together on what is most important to you. Many clients are embarking on their recovery journey and are seeking relief from very acute addictive behaviours. Others are seeking longer-term psychotherapy to heal the wounds underlying those addictions. Others still, are seeking just a few sessions for specific challenges, such as a relationship break-up, bouts of anxiety or depression, or because they feel stuck in some way. And often, people don’t really know what they want and need yet, and that’s ok too. Whatever you bring, you are welcome here. Please have a look at my website for food addiction recovery group work.
![Photo of Atara Kaye, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9169319-d29f-4f99-acf3-b4799d489fb9/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a registered psychologist with a passion for supporting adults with coping, reducing distress and navigating challenges. My area of interest is helping clients with their Eating disorders, Mood Disorders, Depression, Bipolar, Psychosis, Anxiety, insomnia and stress. I also enjoy helping people achieve their goals, improving their well-being and progress in their careers. I bring several years of experience working in hospitals in community mental health, supporting clients from all different cultural backgrounds and religions.
I am a registered psychologist with a passion for supporting adults with coping, reducing distress and navigating challenges. My area of interest is helping clients with their Eating disorders, Mood Disorders, Depression, Bipolar, Psychosis, Anxiety, insomnia and stress. I also enjoy helping people achieve their goals, improving their well-being and progress in their careers. I bring several years of experience working in hospitals in community mental health, supporting clients from all different cultural backgrounds and religions.
![Photo of Anna Cohen - Kids & Co Clinical Psychology, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/131ace51-0ae8-4019-bc09-c3901f32879b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kids & Co Clinical Psychology
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Waverley, NSW 2024 (Online Only)
Kids & Co provides psychological care for children, adolescents and their families. Kids and Co offers psychological assessment and treatments for a wide range of childhood emotional, behavioural and family problems. Kids & Co Psychologists have extensive training and experience in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health, personal, and family issues. Their experience and expertise in the field of child and family psychology is well recognised by colleagues, media agencies and the wider community.
Kids & Co provides psychological care for children, adolescents and their families. Kids and Co offers psychological assessment and treatments for a wide range of childhood emotional, behavioural and family problems. Kids & Co Psychologists have extensive training and experience in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health, personal, and family issues. Their experience and expertise in the field of child and family psychology is well recognised by colleagues, media agencies and the wider community.
![Photo of Sherisse Cohen, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/105c6ce5-f66e-4cb1-9743-d087913fb432/1/320x400.jpeg)
I strive to create a comfortable space where you can safely explore your issues, develop alternate perspectives and learn effective techniques to change thinking and behaviour patterns that are no longer serving you. My approach is skills focused as many clients tell me they understand their problems but don’t know what to do about them. With this in mind, I am outcome focused and combine evidence based mindfulness and cognitive behavioural approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy which are shown to get results. These approaches are very effective and make a significant difference.
I strive to create a comfortable space where you can safely explore your issues, develop alternate perspectives and learn effective techniques to change thinking and behaviour patterns that are no longer serving you. My approach is skills focused as many clients tell me they understand their problems but don’t know what to do about them. With this in mind, I am outcome focused and combine evidence based mindfulness and cognitive behavioural approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy which are shown to get results. These approaches are very effective and make a significant difference.
![Photo of Karyn Krawford, PACFA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40d3ac6e-b38d-448a-8bd4-19ec5fc75c0e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I am a registered Psychotherapist and specialise in helping a broad range of people and challenges that range from childhood events causing thoughts, feelings and behaviours in the present time to be affected, to relationship challenges both in families, partnerships and proffessional relationships. I help people overcome and survive in ways that support healthy functioning and enjoyment of life. These can relate to stress, anxiety, changes in the person or environment, relationship breakdowns and death of treasured others. I provide a free consultation and currently work online only.
Hi, I am a registered Psychotherapist and specialise in helping a broad range of people and challenges that range from childhood events causing thoughts, feelings and behaviours in the present time to be affected, to relationship challenges both in families, partnerships and proffessional relationships. I help people overcome and survive in ways that support healthy functioning and enjoyment of life. These can relate to stress, anxiety, changes in the person or environment, relationship breakdowns and death of treasured others. I provide a free consultation and currently work online only.
![Photo of Odelia Carmon, MA, PACFA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49e56a9d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
After 28 years a a psychotherapist I have learned to appreciate the strength and wisdom of my clients. Together we explore the possibilities Of healing wounds left by arduous living and exploring the opportunities for a healthy fulfilled life . I practice holisticall looking at the working and integration of the body and the mind using the conversational model as well as narrative therapy.
After 28 years a a psychotherapist I have learned to appreciate the strength and wisdom of my clients. Together we explore the possibilities Of healing wounds left by arduous living and exploring the opportunities for a healthy fulfilled life . I practice holisticall looking at the working and integration of the body and the mind using the conversational model as well as narrative therapy.
![Photo of Natasha Rawson, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0287ddc5-2f23-44bf-83af-0997a333dac4/3/320x400.jpeg)
Natasha is a warm and empathic Clinical Psychologist who has had extensive experience across multiple domains of mental health challenges. Her approach is focused on your goals and she is motivated to work with you to draw on your personal resources, along with the latest in evidence-based techniques to help address your concerns. Along with private practice work, Natasha worked for 14 years in a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment and clinical research unit, and has been working for ten years as a supervisor, training Clinical Psychologists at the Masters level of university training.
Natasha is a warm and empathic Clinical Psychologist who has had extensive experience across multiple domains of mental health challenges. Her approach is focused on your goals and she is motivated to work with you to draw on your personal resources, along with the latest in evidence-based techniques to help address your concerns. Along with private practice work, Natasha worked for 14 years in a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment and clinical research unit, and has been working for ten years as a supervisor, training Clinical Psychologists at the Masters level of university training.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Antonia Saunokonoko, PhD, ACA-L2, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ff8ccc3-36a0-485b-b148-c112cebfae58/2/320x400.jpeg)
Addictions and eating disorders are complex conditions and even recovery can present its challenges.
Are you struggling with an eating disorder, alcoholism or an addiction? Or are you already in recovery but experiencing high anxiety, coming up against obstacles in relationships, or finding your emotions overwhelming? If you're ready for change, I can provide you with the support you need to move beyond these difficulties and start living your life with purpose, peace, freedom and contentment.
Addictions and eating disorders are complex conditions and even recovery can present its challenges.
Are you struggling with an eating disorder, alcoholism or an addiction? Or are you already in recovery but experiencing high anxiety, coming up against obstacles in relationships, or finding your emotions overwhelming? If you're ready for change, I can provide you with the support you need to move beyond these difficulties and start living your life with purpose, peace, freedom and contentment.
![Photo of Natalie Vertoudakis, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bcdfe833-a1f6-4d53-bdec-d03bfa80276c/3/320x400.jpeg)
I particularly enjoy working with anxiety, eating disorders and relationship issues.
Open communication and rapport is essential. However, I believe long-term outcomes and goal attainment is achieved by providing clients with a psychological toolkit per se. A variety of strategies, coping and problem-solving skills that can be implemented in the future, and generalised to various issues. I believe in actively involving the client in the therapeutic process and assisting clients build confidence.
I particularly enjoy working with anxiety, eating disorders and relationship issues.
Open communication and rapport is essential. However, I believe long-term outcomes and goal attainment is achieved by providing clients with a psychological toolkit per se. A variety of strategies, coping and problem-solving skills that can be implemented in the future, and generalised to various issues. I believe in actively involving the client in the therapeutic process and assisting clients build confidence.
![Photo of Pikria Meladze, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5790658f-7ba3-447b-ad38-50dee4804499/1/320x400.jpeg)
I primarily work with older adolescents aged 16+ years and professional adults wanting help with adjustment to parenthood, ADHD, anxiety, body image/dysmorphia, depression, eating disorders, OCD, parent-adult child estrangement, stress and work-related burnout, childhood trauma and PTSD. I also offer supervision to fully registered Psychologists and Clinical Psychologists.
I primarily work with older adolescents aged 16+ years and professional adults wanting help with adjustment to parenthood, ADHD, anxiety, body image/dysmorphia, depression, eating disorders, OCD, parent-adult child estrangement, stress and work-related burnout, childhood trauma and PTSD. I also offer supervision to fully registered Psychologists and Clinical Psychologists.
![Photo of Jodie Gale, MA, PACFA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e60fe597-0728-4d9a-a744-39e3f8713114/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about helping women 1) build a strong sense of self by letting go of shame & feeling ‘not good enough’ 2) heal from past physical, emotional, relational, sexual and spiritual abuse & trauma 3) navigate the mother/daughter relationship & 4) recover from eating disorders, emotional eating and other food, weight and body image concerns.
Hi, I’m Jodie Gale. I'm a Registered Clinical Psychotherapist, Trauma & Inner Child Recovery Expert, Disordered Eating Coach & the founder of Traumawarriors.Online. I help women recover from trauma, emotional eating & not feeling good enough. Some women come to me for therapy not because they have problems but because they are wondering, ‘who am I?’, they want to get to know themselves better & live a richer, deeper, soulful, more meaningful life. The women I work with are drawn to my approach because I provide a holistic, hopeful & soulful perspective for transformation and growth. I offer short term and long-term therapy.
I am passionate about helping women 1) build a strong sense of self by letting go of shame & feeling ‘not good enough’ 2) heal from past physical, emotional, relational, sexual and spiritual abuse & trauma 3) navigate the mother/daughter relationship & 4) recover from eating disorders, emotional eating and other food, weight and body image concerns.
Hi, I’m Jodie Gale. I'm a Registered Clinical Psychotherapist, Trauma & Inner Child Recovery Expert, Disordered Eating Coach & the founder of Traumawarriors.Online. I help women recover from trauma, emotional eating & not feeling good enough. Some women come to me for therapy not because they have problems but because they are wondering, ‘who am I?’, they want to get to know themselves better & live a richer, deeper, soulful, more meaningful life. The women I work with are drawn to my approach because I provide a holistic, hopeful & soulful perspective for transformation and growth. I offer short term and long-term therapy.
![Photo of Nicole Langman, MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f343fb2-1da1-47a7-8c0e-32e87406173d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Langman
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sydney, NSW 2000
Not accepting new clients
I am an AHPRA registered Clinical Psychologist working with a variety of mental health, emotional and relational challenges. I have a particular interest in working with people experiencing longstanding mood and anxiety challenges, complex PTSD/trauma, dissociation, eating disorders, as well as relationship concerns. I value taking an evidence-based approach that engages with clients collaboratively and is tailored to individual needs.
I am an AHPRA registered Clinical Psychologist working with a variety of mental health, emotional and relational challenges. I have a particular interest in working with people experiencing longstanding mood and anxiety challenges, complex PTSD/trauma, dissociation, eating disorders, as well as relationship concerns. I value taking an evidence-based approach that engages with clients collaboratively and is tailored to individual needs.
![Photo of Natasha Herbert - Resilient Heart Psychology, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/feb60b5e-2642-43bc-a9b6-b791ea4ea0a4/3/320x400.jpeg)
Resilient Heart Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000
I am passionate about working with clients facing a variety of personal challenges. Whether it be anxiety, depression, eating disorders and body image concerns, anger, self-esteem, difficulties with relationships (family, partners, work) or general stress and not feeling 'yourself'. I hope to support you back to the kind of life that feels meaningful for you. I use a combination of evidence-based approaches with clients (EMDR, Schema Therapy, ACT, DBT, CBT) to guide healing and change.
I am passionate about working with clients facing a variety of personal challenges. Whether it be anxiety, depression, eating disorders and body image concerns, anger, self-esteem, difficulties with relationships (family, partners, work) or general stress and not feeling 'yourself'. I hope to support you back to the kind of life that feels meaningful for you. I use a combination of evidence-based approaches with clients (EMDR, Schema Therapy, ACT, DBT, CBT) to guide healing and change.
![Photo of Rachel Roberts - Make Space Counselling, PACFA, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/96f51e89-0dcf-4f4b-981c-8d0118f2302b/2/320x400.png)
Make Space Counselling
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Sydney, NSW 2000 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Ages 16+. I’m a counsellor and psychotherapist who works with eating disorders, body image and self-worth - as well as general mood and life concerns. I believe that healing (if that's what you're looking for) looks and feels different for everyone. My approach is gentle and curious, embracing imperfection and placing you as the expert of your own experience. I work with a range of holistic, non-pathologising and anti-oppressive frameworks within counselling. I work collaboratively to make sense of your physical and emotional experiences, and unpack ideas about bodies and worth.
Ages 16+. I’m a counsellor and psychotherapist who works with eating disorders, body image and self-worth - as well as general mood and life concerns. I believe that healing (if that's what you're looking for) looks and feels different for everyone. My approach is gentle and curious, embracing imperfection and placing you as the expert of your own experience. I work with a range of holistic, non-pathologising and anti-oppressive frameworks within counselling. I work collaboratively to make sense of your physical and emotional experiences, and unpack ideas about bodies and worth.
![Photo of Nina Vucetic, PACFA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6773388-9426-4ae3-9e9d-e5ae110697e6/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a trauma informed Psychotherapist specialising in helping you heal from addiction, eating disorders and the impact of trauma. I have a special interest and extensive experience with eating disorder recovery. I believe that full recovery is possible. I can help if you are experiencing bulimia, binge eating, orthorexia, restrictive eating, chronic dieting, compulsive exercise and body image issues. I believe you are unique and so is your healing journey. You can experience true healing beyond just symptom relief.
I am a trauma informed Psychotherapist specialising in helping you heal from addiction, eating disorders and the impact of trauma. I have a special interest and extensive experience with eating disorder recovery. I believe that full recovery is possible. I can help if you are experiencing bulimia, binge eating, orthorexia, restrictive eating, chronic dieting, compulsive exercise and body image issues. I believe you are unique and so is your healing journey. You can experience true healing beyond just symptom relief.
![Photo of Dr Stephanie Shippen, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17827d00-7e9c-4021-ae48-61b5a071c922/1/320x400.png)
My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, adjusting to parenthood, relationship concerns, couples therapy, gender affirming care, eating disorders and body image and multicultural concerns.
Being human can be hard! From daily stressors to big events, life can feel overwhelming and difficult. You may feel alone in your struggles. It's important to have a place where you can let your guard down, acknowledge what you're facing, and begin healing. I love providing clients with this type of support. I help clients get to know themselves more deeply. I enjoy working with clients to identify and overcome barriers, prepare and cope with life transitions, heal from trauma, tend and befriend feelings, cultivate self-acceptance and self-compassion, build healthy relationships, and foster meaning and purpose in their life.
My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, adjusting to parenthood, relationship concerns, couples therapy, gender affirming care, eating disorders and body image and multicultural concerns.
Being human can be hard! From daily stressors to big events, life can feel overwhelming and difficult. You may feel alone in your struggles. It's important to have a place where you can let your guard down, acknowledge what you're facing, and begin healing. I love providing clients with this type of support. I help clients get to know themselves more deeply. I enjoy working with clients to identify and overcome barriers, prepare and cope with life transitions, heal from trauma, tend and befriend feelings, cultivate self-acceptance and self-compassion, build healthy relationships, and foster meaning and purpose in their life.
![Photo of Monica Sekowski - Eastern Suburbs Psychology Monica Sekowski , MA, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/11445d62-31f7-43b7-ba81-d75596ea964d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Eastern Suburbs Psychology Monica Sekowski
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Edgecliff, NSW 2027
We have an area of specialty in Body Image and Eating Disorders across the lifespan.
We are open 6 days a week! Saturday sessions are now available!
We have an area of specialty in Body Image and Eating Disorders across the lifespan.
We are open 6 days a week! Saturday sessions are now available!
![Photo of Leigh Milne - People Psychology, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1625a006-f2d1-4c07-8f45-84500c40cca4/1/320x400.png)
Get help by seeing Leigh, who has extensive experience with: Trauma & PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Fears, Phobias & Panic / Social Anxiety, Grief & Loss, Mood Disorders, Coping Skills, Dissociative Disorders (DD), Sexual Abuse & Sexual Assault, Domestic Abuse, Domestic Violence & Coercive Control Weight Loss & Binge Eating Eating Disorders Body Dysmorphia OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) Exercise Motivation & Sports Psychology / Performance Chronic Pain & Somatic Illness Low Self Esteem & Confidence Issues IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) & Digestive Issues Workplace Bullying & Assertiveness
Get help by seeing Leigh, who has extensive experience with: Trauma & PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Fears, Phobias & Panic / Social Anxiety, Grief & Loss, Mood Disorders, Coping Skills, Dissociative Disorders (DD), Sexual Abuse & Sexual Assault, Domestic Abuse, Domestic Violence & Coercive Control Weight Loss & Binge Eating Eating Disorders Body Dysmorphia OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) Exercise Motivation & Sports Psychology / Performance Chronic Pain & Somatic Illness Low Self Esteem & Confidence Issues IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) & Digestive Issues Workplace Bullying & Assertiveness
![Photo of Amanda Gordon, Hon FAPS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b4a93db-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
We work with blatant mental health issues, as well as physical health issues such as chronic pain or illness, weight or eating disorders, grief and the responses to difficult life circumstances and work stress.
I have worked with individuals and couples for over thirty years, helping them negotiate the struggles of life in this time of quick change, uncertainty and significant social pressure. Relationships are the first victims when people become anxious or challenged in their lives. Yet I believe relationships are the core to good mental health and personal development. These issues are relevant to people of all ages, and not specific to gender, race or religion. The presenting symptom could be grief, anxiety, depression, arguments, irritability or any form of dysfunctional behaviour - the underlying issue has to be addressed.
We work with blatant mental health issues, as well as physical health issues such as chronic pain or illness, weight or eating disorders, grief and the responses to difficult life circumstances and work stress.
I have worked with individuals and couples for over thirty years, helping them negotiate the struggles of life in this time of quick change, uncertainty and significant social pressure. Relationships are the first victims when people become anxious or challenged in their lives. Yet I believe relationships are the core to good mental health and personal development. These issues are relevant to people of all ages, and not specific to gender, race or religion. The presenting symptom could be grief, anxiety, depression, arguments, irritability or any form of dysfunctional behaviour - the underlying issue has to be addressed.
![Photo of Rebecca Stern - Rebecca Stern Clinical Psychology, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a71dc1f-c8d3-493b-a217-02aecf2c2e50/3/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca Stern Clinical Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Randwick, NSW 2031
I am a Clinical Psychologist passionate about supporting individuals who are trying to heal from childhood trauma. I also work with individuals who have experienced single incident trauma. I also have ten years of experience supporting individuals who are working on their relationship with eating and body image concerns. I have supported many people diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder. I also have a wealth of experience with anxiety, including OCD and depression, self esteem concerns as well as identity concerns.
I am a Clinical Psychologist passionate about supporting individuals who are trying to heal from childhood trauma. I also work with individuals who have experienced single incident trauma. I also have ten years of experience supporting individuals who are working on their relationship with eating and body image concerns. I have supported many people diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder. I also have a wealth of experience with anxiety, including OCD and depression, self esteem concerns as well as identity concerns.
See more therapy options for Waverley
Nearby Eating Disorders Counsellors Searches for Waverley
- Bellevue Hill
- Bondi
- Bondi Beach
- Bondi Junction
- Bronte
- Double Bay
- Edgecliff
- Paddington
- Randwick
- Rose Bay
- Surry Hills
- Woollahra
Eating Disorders Counsellors
What happens in therapy for eating disorders?
In therapy for eating disorders, patients typically describe their eating and exercise behaviours, their patterns of eating in relation to stress, their beliefs about their body, the ways their eating behaviour affects their relationships, and their desire (or lack of it) to change. Such information helps the therapist understand the origins of the disorder and the role it plays in the patient’s life, important for guiding treatment. Attitudes and feelings about food and eating, body weight, and physical appearance are common topics of discussion throughout treatment.
What therapy types help with eating disorders?
Once any acute medical or psychiatric emergency is resolved, psychoactive medication is often prescribed, requiring the supervision of a psychiatrist. In addition, patients receive some form of nutritional counselling along with one or more forms of psychotherapy. For adolescents, family-based treatment is empirically validated and considered the first line of treatment; parents and their children meet weekly with a clinician as the adults are coached on how to nourish and psychologically support the young patient. Adults typically receive some form of individual psychotherapy, intended to resolve the cognitive and behavioural disturbances that underlie the disorder and to relieve the mood disturbances that accompany it. In addition, patients may also be helped by group therapy.
What is the goal of therapy for eating disorders?
The most immediate goal of treatment for eating disorders is to save the life of people who are on a path of starving themselves to death or engaging in eating patterns that are doing irreparable physical harm to their body. Once the acute medical danger is past, therapy is required to understand the nature of the disordered eating and/or exercise patterns, establish healthy eating behaviour, and to tackle the many erroneous beliefs and distorted self-perceptions that underlie eating disorders and continue to pose a threat to health and life. Therapy also addresses the impaired mood that not only accompanies eating disorders but intensifies the danger to health and life.
What are the limitations of therapy for eating disorders?
Therapy can be very helpful for eating disorders—but that can happen only after people recognise they have a condition that must be treated. Especially with anorexia, the distortions in self-image that accompany the disorder can keep people from acknowledging they have a problem. Individuals may in fact see their eating disorder as a badge of self-control. Those with binge-eating disorder may feel too ashamed to seek help. Therapy cannot help those who do not avail themselves of it.
How long does therapy last for eating disorders?
Because of their complexity, recovery from eating disorders is usually a long-term process—measured in months and years— often marked by setbacks and relapse. Some form of help, such as individual or group therapy, may be advisable for much of that time. It is a general rule of thumb that the longer the illness has endured and the dysregulated eating behaviour has taken root, the longer treatment is likely to be needed.