Eating Disorders Counselling in Metropolitan Adelaide, SA
![Photo of Christina Derbyshire, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1771f6fd-3416-4a61-b44e-90fd41378ea3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello. I am a registered psychologist with twenty years experience. I treat a wide variety of issues, however, my passion area is eating, weight and emotions. I am skilled at working with clients of all weights (from underweight to overweight/obese) and address the "why" of eating/dieting behaviour rather than just the "what". It is best to tackle a problem by understanding the causes. I also work with people with binge eating disorder, bulimia, body image issues and other related problems in a caring and empowering way. If you want to manage your health by normalising your relationship with food, I may be able to help.
Hello. I am a registered psychologist with twenty years experience. I treat a wide variety of issues, however, my passion area is eating, weight and emotions. I am skilled at working with clients of all weights (from underweight to overweight/obese) and address the "why" of eating/dieting behaviour rather than just the "what". It is best to tackle a problem by understanding the causes. I also work with people with binge eating disorder, bulimia, body image issues and other related problems in a caring and empowering way. If you want to manage your health by normalising your relationship with food, I may be able to help.
![Photo of Stephanie Hirst, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0733afe2-2bfe-46a1-9b06-d892f4d7a28e/1/320x400.jpeg)
My passion as a Psychologist is helping individuals with various concerns, such as Eating Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, anger management, self-esteem/confidence issues, or individuals who are going through large life changes, be able to overcome their difficulties and achieve their therapeutic outcomes. I support people aged 8 years to 60 years of age. I have a warm and empathetic approach, with a focus on creating an environment where a person can learn about themselves, develop their skills to manage their mental health and wellbeing, and be empowered to create change in their lives.
My passion as a Psychologist is helping individuals with various concerns, such as Eating Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, anger management, self-esteem/confidence issues, or individuals who are going through large life changes, be able to overcome their difficulties and achieve their therapeutic outcomes. I support people aged 8 years to 60 years of age. I have a warm and empathetic approach, with a focus on creating an environment where a person can learn about themselves, develop their skills to manage their mental health and wellbeing, and be empowered to create change in their lives.
![Photo of Dr Alissa Knight, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/38c28153-1bb0-4cbc-be7c-c9fdeda9f4ff/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Clinical Psychologist, Researcher, and Founder of The Calming Suite in Clarence Park South Australia. My greatest passion as a Psychologist is helping youth (12 - 30) with Eating Disorders, and related issues such as Anxiety, Borderline Personality Disorder, Trauma, Body Image concerns, Bullying, and Suicidality. The greatest gift as a Psychologist is watching so many beautiful individuals often in severe hurt, pain, and darkness, with no hope for the future, take that leap of faith with me and completely transform their life. Seeing a smile back on their face and hope through their eyes is everything.
I am a Clinical Psychologist, Researcher, and Founder of The Calming Suite in Clarence Park South Australia. My greatest passion as a Psychologist is helping youth (12 - 30) with Eating Disorders, and related issues such as Anxiety, Borderline Personality Disorder, Trauma, Body Image concerns, Bullying, and Suicidality. The greatest gift as a Psychologist is watching so many beautiful individuals often in severe hurt, pain, and darkness, with no hope for the future, take that leap of faith with me and completely transform their life. Seeing a smile back on their face and hope through their eyes is everything.
![Photo of Bindi Blacher, AThR, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a1c071a-d6fe-4171-8c2b-1d310f867f0c/2/320x400.jpeg)
She specializes in working with adolescents and women in the areas of; mental health, trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, coping skills, self-esteem issues, life transitions, grief and loss, dementia and self-harm.
Supporting you to transform obstacles into new possibilities. Expressive Arts Therapy uses creative expression (visual arts, music, drama, movement, poetry etc) to explore, express and transform human experiences. A combination of verbal counselling and arts-making, it is a gentle and effective way to reflect upon and re-frame life's challenges. A person- centred process, it honors you as the expert in your own life, while offering helpful tools and strategies.
She specializes in working with adolescents and women in the areas of; mental health, trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, coping skills, self-esteem issues, life transitions, grief and loss, dementia and self-harm.
Supporting you to transform obstacles into new possibilities. Expressive Arts Therapy uses creative expression (visual arts, music, drama, movement, poetry etc) to explore, express and transform human experiences. A combination of verbal counselling and arts-making, it is a gentle and effective way to reflect upon and re-frame life's challenges. A person- centred process, it honors you as the expert in your own life, while offering helpful tools and strategies.
![Photo of Sarah McMahon - BodyMatters Australasia, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/497f07f7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
BodyMatters Australasia provides treatment for eating disorders, body image issues and problematic exercise. Specifically clinical eating dosorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and arfid. Also subclinical eating issues such as orthorexia. Our large team enables specific expertise within this such as an overlap with neurodivergence including adhd and autism, trauma, other health issues such as diabetes. We also service the LGBTQI+ community. We have immediate availability for new clients due to our growing team. We offer face to face (Sydney) and Telehealth treatment.
BodyMatters Australasia provides treatment for eating disorders, body image issues and problematic exercise. Specifically clinical eating dosorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and arfid. Also subclinical eating issues such as orthorexia. Our large team enables specific expertise within this such as an overlap with neurodivergence including adhd and autism, trauma, other health issues such as diabetes. We also service the LGBTQI+ community. We have immediate availability for new clients due to our growing team. We offer face to face (Sydney) and Telehealth treatment.
![Photo of Dr Reza Nejad -Clinical Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b55a766-ee78-478e-a211-cbf1ee003953/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Reza Nejad -Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Adelaide, SA 5000
I am a certified and credentialed clinician in eating disorders, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
I am a registered clinical psychologist with over 24 years of experience working with individuals with anxiety, depression and trauma. I hold a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Adelaide as well as Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in psychology. I can assist you with a range of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, stress management, trauma, adjustment difficulties, anger management, bullying and harassment, self-esteem issues, self-development, ADHD, eating disorder, OCD, body image issues, couple therapy and grief.
I am a certified and credentialed clinician in eating disorders, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
I am a registered clinical psychologist with over 24 years of experience working with individuals with anxiety, depression and trauma. I hold a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Adelaide as well as Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in psychology. I can assist you with a range of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, stress management, trauma, adjustment difficulties, anger management, bullying and harassment, self-esteem issues, self-development, ADHD, eating disorder, OCD, body image issues, couple therapy and grief.
![Photo of Olga Anderson, ACA-L1, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ec935c2-8487-442c-a02a-d4c7eb2e1334/1/320x400.jpeg)
I can help people with disabilities cope with overwealming emotions, anxiety, depression, anger, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, and autism.
As a disability mental health counsellor, I support NDIS clients and their carers who have diverse disabilities. I understand the challenges they face every day, and how they can impact their health and well-being. I can help them cope with these issues and find solutions that suit their needs. I can offer them a safe and supportive space to share their feelings, thoughts, and concerns, and to discover strategies to reach their goals. I can also do home visits if needed.
I can help people with disabilities cope with overwealming emotions, anxiety, depression, anger, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, and autism.
As a disability mental health counsellor, I support NDIS clients and their carers who have diverse disabilities. I understand the challenges they face every day, and how they can impact their health and well-being. I can help them cope with these issues and find solutions that suit their needs. I can offer them a safe and supportive space to share their feelings, thoughts, and concerns, and to discover strategies to reach their goals. I can also do home visits if needed.
![Photo of Joey Men, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60967cd6-aa41-4be5-9ab7-c117c358babd/2/320x400.png)
I am a psychotherapist and Accredited Mental Health Social Worker practicing in both private and public mental health services. I specialise in providing schema therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy(ACT). Extensive research suggests that these specialties can be integrated and effective for a range of mental health conditions. I have completed approved training by the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST) and am undergoing Individual Schema Therapy trainee program. I am also undergoing CBT-E training for treating eating disorders.
I am a psychotherapist and Accredited Mental Health Social Worker practicing in both private and public mental health services. I specialise in providing schema therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy(ACT). Extensive research suggests that these specialties can be integrated and effective for a range of mental health conditions. I have completed approved training by the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST) and am undergoing Individual Schema Therapy trainee program. I am also undergoing CBT-E training for treating eating disorders.
![Photo of Kate Najar - Bokeh Therapy , MA, ACA-L2, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a342f074-9d96-4143-83d8-5f61ccba3f4c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Depression in adolescents, Eating disorders, Fertility issues/ loss Post-natal depression, Antenatal and post-natal, emotional well being Relationship break down, Violence or abuse, Single parenting and behaviour management breakdowns,Anxieties with managing a healthy work life balance,Being the sole caretaker,Menopause,Grief/loss Mood related challenges.
SPECIALISING IN WOMEN'S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES WELCOME TO BOKEH THERAPY Sometimes in our day to day life we struggle to acknowledge what isn't in our direct focus. Bokeh is the word to describe the out of focus area around a subject or object being photographed. We liken this area to our subconscious and inner self that we often over look in an increasingly focused world.
Depression in adolescents, Eating disorders, Fertility issues/ loss Post-natal depression, Antenatal and post-natal, emotional well being Relationship break down, Violence or abuse, Single parenting and behaviour management breakdowns,Anxieties with managing a healthy work life balance,Being the sole caretaker,Menopause,Grief/loss Mood related challenges.
SPECIALISING IN WOMEN'S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES WELCOME TO BOKEH THERAPY Sometimes in our day to day life we struggle to acknowledge what isn't in our direct focus. Bokeh is the word to describe the out of focus area around a subject or object being photographed. We liken this area to our subconscious and inner self that we often over look in an increasingly focused world.
![Photo of Emily Dansie, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/404fab7f-c41e-4226-ae1b-9be1cff0384e/1/320x400.png)
Emily Dansie is a registered Psychologist working at Tim Dansie Psychology, in addition to working as the College Psychologist at an all girls private school in Adelaide. Emily works with young people from 5 to 20 years of age covering a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, school and life stress, and eating disorders. Emily is also passionate about completing Educational Assessments to diagnose Specific Learning Disorders and Intellectual Impairments, as she also has a Masters in Teaching (Primary).
Emily Dansie is a registered Psychologist working at Tim Dansie Psychology, in addition to working as the College Psychologist at an all girls private school in Adelaide. Emily works with young people from 5 to 20 years of age covering a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, school and life stress, and eating disorders. Emily is also passionate about completing Educational Assessments to diagnose Specific Learning Disorders and Intellectual Impairments, as she also has a Masters in Teaching (Primary).
![Photo of Joanna Pandelidis Living Free Psychology, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/39800237-64b2-47c8-9fe8-b74573fb2f6a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Joanna Pandelidis Living Free Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Adelaide, SA 5000 (Online Only)
I work with individuals, couples and families (adults & children over 8yrs), Anxiety, Depression, Relationships, Compensable injuries: workers compensation; TAC; VOCAT and DVA, Pain/Stress management, Eating Disorders, BPD, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, Intercountry Adoption.
HAVE Availability & NOW accepting NEW Clients! "Hi, hi. I am a looking forward to meeting you. After more than 50,000 hours of face-to-face counselling, I still love being a Psychologist" My work has allowed me to meet people from many walks of life as they journey through various stages in their life span. Having worked in areas as diverse as community and ethnic-based services to rehabilitation services to public psychiatry and eventual, private practice, I am humbled and inspired by people’s courage and resourcefulness as they navigate the ebb and flow of life.
I work with individuals, couples and families (adults & children over 8yrs), Anxiety, Depression, Relationships, Compensable injuries: workers compensation; TAC; VOCAT and DVA, Pain/Stress management, Eating Disorders, BPD, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, Intercountry Adoption.
HAVE Availability & NOW accepting NEW Clients! "Hi, hi. I am a looking forward to meeting you. After more than 50,000 hours of face-to-face counselling, I still love being a Psychologist" My work has allowed me to meet people from many walks of life as they journey through various stages in their life span. Having worked in areas as diverse as community and ethnic-based services to rehabilitation services to public psychiatry and eventual, private practice, I am humbled and inspired by people’s courage and resourcefulness as they navigate the ebb and flow of life.
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![Photo of Dr Astrid Staley - Online Trauma Brainspotting Counsellor, ACA-L3, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/711cc364-d9e2-4a36-bef5-9bf5becb40e0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Online Trauma Brainspotting Counsellor
Counsellor, ACA-L3
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Adelaide, SA 5000 (Online Only)
Brainspotting liberates brains from irrational fears, addiction, PTSD, OCD eating disorders, anxiety, & resolves trauma.
Dr Astrid Staley has 15+ years of experience using talk therapies, Neuropsychotherapy & Brainspotting, a cutting-edge therapy to move people toward optimal functioning. Her experience extends to Christian & non-Christian contexts. Choose a preferred style to support a holistic approach to wellbeing in body, mind, spirit. Counselling/Coaching/ Supervision packages. Specialised ages 16+ ADHD Coaching/ Counselling support & Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching/Counselling support. Neuro Change Personal Development Coaching/Counselling package. Supporting clients 16+ years.
Brainspotting liberates brains from irrational fears, addiction, PTSD, OCD eating disorders, anxiety, & resolves trauma.
Dr Astrid Staley has 15+ years of experience using talk therapies, Neuropsychotherapy & Brainspotting, a cutting-edge therapy to move people toward optimal functioning. Her experience extends to Christian & non-Christian contexts. Choose a preferred style to support a holistic approach to wellbeing in body, mind, spirit. Counselling/Coaching/ Supervision packages. Specialised ages 16+ ADHD Coaching/ Counselling support & Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching/Counselling support. Neuro Change Personal Development Coaching/Counselling package. Supporting clients 16+ years.
![Photo of Hannah Orpin, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/05e24eaa-ee00-4389-a8fc-651e8513d57a/1/320x400.png)
Hannah is both Australian and New Zealand Māori psychologist (Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Kahungunu). After moving from New Zealand, Hannah spent a significant portion of her career working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hannah's work across both countries enables her to provide a culturally safe space for effective and enjoyable therapy. Hannah works with adolescents and adults across a range of issues, and have a special interest in post traumatic stress disorder, abuse, borderline personality disorder, unexplained medical symptoms, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and relationship difficulties.
Hannah is both Australian and New Zealand Māori psychologist (Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Kahungunu). After moving from New Zealand, Hannah spent a significant portion of her career working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hannah's work across both countries enables her to provide a culturally safe space for effective and enjoyable therapy. Hannah works with adolescents and adults across a range of issues, and have a special interest in post traumatic stress disorder, abuse, borderline personality disorder, unexplained medical symptoms, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and relationship difficulties.
![Photo of Nikki Lucas, MA, PACFA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/826f0edb-9ad1-49c0-94e7-2bbf4c6170b7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi I'm Nikki, a psychotherapist and Mind-body eating coach. You may be experiencing stress and anxiety in some form or another. You may have an idea of what might be causing it but are overwhelmed or unsure how to start improving your situation and mood. From my own experience and from what I've observed in others, we often compound our issues with coping mechanisms. For example we use food, drugs and alcohol, Nettflix, social withdrawal, self-harm and compulsive behaviour to try and numb and avoid feelings associated with anxiety or depression.
Hi I'm Nikki, a psychotherapist and Mind-body eating coach. You may be experiencing stress and anxiety in some form or another. You may have an idea of what might be causing it but are overwhelmed or unsure how to start improving your situation and mood. From my own experience and from what I've observed in others, we often compound our issues with coping mechanisms. For example we use food, drugs and alcohol, Nettflix, social withdrawal, self-harm and compulsive behaviour to try and numb and avoid feelings associated with anxiety or depression.
![Photo of Dr Alessandra Raudino, PhD, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da9e8c83-0c9b-4427-bc19-baa7276b221e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alessandra brings great warmth, support, insight and dedication to her work with clients. Against a strong academic and intellectual background, she sees her greatest strength as her ability to relate well with other people and understand their needs. She is motivated by a deep sense of compassion and a commitment to helping others. Sessions can be claimed through medicare with a Mental health care plan
Alessandra brings great warmth, support, insight and dedication to her work with clients. Against a strong academic and intellectual background, she sees her greatest strength as her ability to relate well with other people and understand their needs. She is motivated by a deep sense of compassion and a commitment to helping others. Sessions can be claimed through medicare with a Mental health care plan
![Photo of Dr Jodie Mechielsen, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f7ea78b-3b6c-44ec-a063-a25966371142/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a psychologist, clinical psychology registrar, and Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician, with a background as an exercise physiologist. I have a specific interest in eating, exercise, and body images concerns as well as helping people heal from childhood and relational trauma. You may be experiencing an eating disorder or other eating/exercise/body image concerns or struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, relational or childhood trauma, perfectionism, emotional challenges, or tough life transitions. Humans of any size, sexuality, gender, cultural background, race, faith, and neurotype are welcome.
I'm a psychologist, clinical psychology registrar, and Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician, with a background as an exercise physiologist. I have a specific interest in eating, exercise, and body images concerns as well as helping people heal from childhood and relational trauma. You may be experiencing an eating disorder or other eating/exercise/body image concerns or struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, relational or childhood trauma, perfectionism, emotional challenges, or tough life transitions. Humans of any size, sexuality, gender, cultural background, race, faith, and neurotype are welcome.
![Photo of Perri Carlson-Hawke, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51b86265-2658-4911-85f6-e3e8182b7cd3/1/320x400.png)
I am a skilled and experienced clinical psychologist, deeply committed to providing compassionate and effective care. I have developed a reputation as a warm, empathetic, and trustworthy psychologist who is able to connect with her clients on a deep level. I have helped countless individuals overcome a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and disordered eating.
I am a skilled and experienced clinical psychologist, deeply committed to providing compassionate and effective care. I have developed a reputation as a warm, empathetic, and trustworthy psychologist who is able to connect with her clients on a deep level. I have helped countless individuals overcome a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and disordered eating.
![Photo of Ian Zajac - MensPsych, PhD, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4700ccf0-59b5-4d15-ba1a-94b4249fcfa3/2/320x400.jpeg)
MensPsych is a Mens Psychology clinic dedicated to helping adolescent and adult men with their mental health concerns. We provide psychological treatment and assessments for a broad range of clinical problems in males. These often include: Anxiety, worry and fear; Depressed, low mood, and suicidal thinking; Problems with adjusting to major events, stress or trauma; Coping with medical conditions (e.g., a cancer diagnosis); Obsessional thinking; Feeling on edge or jumpy
MensPsych is a Mens Psychology clinic dedicated to helping adolescent and adult men with their mental health concerns. We provide psychological treatment and assessments for a broad range of clinical problems in males. These often include: Anxiety, worry and fear; Depressed, low mood, and suicidal thinking; Problems with adjusting to major events, stress or trauma; Coping with medical conditions (e.g., a cancer diagnosis); Obsessional thinking; Feeling on edge or jumpy
![Photo of Sue Thomson, MC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3e0b4ca-1c4d-47e1-9d44-74b83620b217/1/320x400.png)
I love listening to people of all ages with an empathetic ear, helping them to work through issues that life brings to us. My approach is non-judgemental, working collaboratively to navigate a path towards change, built on individual strengths and values, to develop a better future, one step at a time. I provide a safe space for you to work through your issues, encouraging you to explore your world, finding ways to move forward at your own pace, exploring a variety of modalities for strategies that may suit your situation, until you find the key you need. My counselling incorporates a holistic approach to counselling.
I love listening to people of all ages with an empathetic ear, helping them to work through issues that life brings to us. My approach is non-judgemental, working collaboratively to navigate a path towards change, built on individual strengths and values, to develop a better future, one step at a time. I provide a safe space for you to work through your issues, encouraging you to explore your world, finding ways to move forward at your own pace, exploring a variety of modalities for strategies that may suit your situation, until you find the key you need. My counselling incorporates a holistic approach to counselling.
![Photo of Angela Mary Kirby, ACA-L2, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51c214c1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
While we are diverse in nature, our beliefs and ideals as we travel through life we all go through emotional challenges. If where you are feels uncomfortable, that you feel stressfully challenged, possibly without direction or meaning I am able to guide you through those states where you unfold naturally your next best steps to take. You may have ailments that frustrate and inhibit your everyday living and live in fear that can often make no sense.
While we are diverse in nature, our beliefs and ideals as we travel through life we all go through emotional challenges. If where you are feels uncomfortable, that you feel stressfully challenged, possibly without direction or meaning I am able to guide you through those states where you unfold naturally your next best steps to take. You may have ailments that frustrate and inhibit your everyday living and live in fear that can often make no sense.
See more therapy options for Metropolitan Adelaide
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.