Eating Disorders Counselling in Perth, WA

Photo of Sarah McMahon - BodyMatters Australasia, PsyBA General, Psychologist
BodyMatters Australasia
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Perth, WA 6000
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.
(02) 9053 4580 View (02) 9053 4580
Photo of Chelsea Northcott, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Chelsea Northcott
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Perth, WA 6000
Chelsea has a passion for working with eating disorders and associated long-term patterns - such as trauma, depression, anxiety, perfectionism, shame, low self-esteem, and social difficulties.
Chelsea is a compassionate, down-to-earth therapist who truly enjoys her work and feels the deepest respect for all clients she works with. She has experience in the treatment of a broad range of mental health difficulties, having worked in private and public psychiatric hospitals, community youth centres, and women’s health clinics.
Chelsea has a passion for working with eating disorders and associated long-term patterns - such as trauma, depression, anxiety, perfectionism, shame, low self-esteem, and social difficulties.
Chelsea is a compassionate, down-to-earth therapist who truly enjoys her work and feels the deepest respect for all clients she works with. She has experience in the treatment of a broad range of mental health difficulties, having worked in private and public psychiatric hospitals, community youth centres, and women’s health clinics.
(08) 7078 7522 View (08) 7078 7522
Photo of Sabinne Barquett, MPsych, PACFA, Counsellor
Sabinne Barquett
Counsellor, MPsych, PACFA
Verified Verified
Perth, WA 6000
Sabinne has been leading hundreds of people in their paths of self-transformation. There has been a huge impact in these people’s lives. She has helped them to successfully overcome depression, anxiety disorders, panic, trauma (including PTSD), relationship challenges, loss and grief, suicidal ideation and self-harm, parenting conflicts, stress, eating disorders, addictions, bullying, self-esteem issues, insomnia and also assisted them with their self-awareness. During these years she has worked with all age groups, with people from different backgrounds and also in the disability field. She works with Psychotherapy and Coaching.
Sabinne has been leading hundreds of people in their paths of self-transformation. There has been a huge impact in these people’s lives. She has helped them to successfully overcome depression, anxiety disorders, panic, trauma (including PTSD), relationship challenges, loss and grief, suicidal ideation and self-harm, parenting conflicts, stress, eating disorders, addictions, bullying, self-esteem issues, insomnia and also assisted them with their self-awareness. During these years she has worked with all age groups, with people from different backgrounds and also in the disability field. She works with Psychotherapy and Coaching.
(08) 7079 4274 View (08) 7079 4274
Photo of Tania Coats, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Tania Coats
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Perth, WA 6000
Trauma often does not ‘live alone’, and so I welcome people with co-morbid physical and mental health concerns, including suicidality, depression, anxiety, OCD, substance use, dissociative disorders, and eating disorders.
My name is Tania. I’m a Clinical Psychologist & Trauma Recovery Coach who helps people recover from difficult experiences. With clinical training and my own lived-experience, I understand first hand how trauma impacts lives. I am passionate about equipping clients with practical tools to enhance their quality of life, understand their experiences, and find meaningful, liberated pathways forward.
Trauma often does not ‘live alone’, and so I welcome people with co-morbid physical and mental health concerns, including suicidality, depression, anxiety, OCD, substance use, dissociative disorders, and eating disorders.
My name is Tania. I’m a Clinical Psychologist & Trauma Recovery Coach who helps people recover from difficult experiences. With clinical training and my own lived-experience, I understand first hand how trauma impacts lives. I am passionate about equipping clients with practical tools to enhance their quality of life, understand their experiences, and find meaningful, liberated pathways forward.
(08) 6219 3417 View (08) 6219 3417
Photo of Nadia Kidgell, ACA-L1, Counsellor
Nadia Kidgell
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
Perth, WA 6000
I am a compassionate and dedicated family counsellor specialising in Family Counselling including: ADHD, ASD, Anxiety, Divorce and Separation, ASD behaviour and family support, Family Conflict, Trauma, Grief and Loss and Eating Disorders. Through my experience and specialist training she is able to offer support and guidance to childen and their families through challenging times.
I am a compassionate and dedicated family counsellor specialising in Family Counselling including: ADHD, ASD, Anxiety, Divorce and Separation, ASD behaviour and family support, Family Conflict, Trauma, Grief and Loss and Eating Disorders. Through my experience and specialist training she is able to offer support and guidance to childen and their families through challenging times.
(08) 6147 0116 View (08) 6147 0116
Photo of Dr Reza Nejad -Clinical Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Dr Reza Nejad -Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Perth, WA 6000
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.
(08) 8646 5602 View (08) 8646 5602
Photo of Hannah Orpin, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Hannah Orpin
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Perth, WA 6000  (Online Only)
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.
1800 327 477 View 1800 327 477
Photo of Dr Astrid Staley - Online Trauma Brainspotting Counsellor, ACA-L3, Counsellor
Online Trauma Brainspotting Counsellor
Counsellor, ACA-L3
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Perth, WA 6000  (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.
(03) 5615 6373 View (03) 5615 6373
Photo of Alice Wood, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed, Psychologist
Alice Wood
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed
Verified Verified
Perth, WA 6000  (Online Only)
I am passionate about empowering my clients to create positive change using a range of evidence based techniques including CBT, CBT-E (for eating disorders), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy.
Hi, I am a registered psychologist and I work with individuals aged 16 and over. The types of clients that I see experience a range of difficulties including eating disorders and body image concerns, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety and mood disorders, phobias and disorders of brain gut interaction like IBS. I provide my clients with a warm and safe environment where they can express themselves authentically and without judgement. I use a holistic, client centred approach and focus on my client's innate strengths and natural resilience to help them to achieve positive treatment outcomes.
I am passionate about empowering my clients to create positive change using a range of evidence based techniques including CBT, CBT-E (for eating disorders), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy.
Hi, I am a registered psychologist and I work with individuals aged 16 and over. The types of clients that I see experience a range of difficulties including eating disorders and body image concerns, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety and mood disorders, phobias and disorders of brain gut interaction like IBS. I provide my clients with a warm and safe environment where they can express themselves authentically and without judgement. I use a holistic, client centred approach and focus on my client's innate strengths and natural resilience to help them to achieve positive treatment outcomes.
(02) 8355 9913 View (02) 8355 9913
Photo of Joanna Pandelidis Living Free Psychology, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Joanna Pandelidis Living Free Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Perth, WA 6000  (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.
0468 887 908 View 0468 887 908
Photo of Dr Carl Dreher, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Dr Carl Dreher
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Perth, WA 6000
I also provide support with vocation & interests, growth & wellbeing, & mental health, including non-restrictive eating disorders.
Wellbeing. Growth. Fulfilment. I focus on supporting highly empathic and professional adults, including: • Neurodivergent adults: highly sensitive people (HSP); High masking or internalising Autistic and ADHD adults. • Professionals & corporate leaders: engineers, software developers, IT professionals, lawyers, accountants, human resource practitioners, executives & managers. • Medical & health professionals: doctors & medical students; allied health professionals. • Business owners & community leaders. • Academics & university students. • Sports people & performing artists.
I also provide support with vocation & interests, growth & wellbeing, & mental health, including non-restrictive eating disorders.
Wellbeing. Growth. Fulfilment. I focus on supporting highly empathic and professional adults, including: • Neurodivergent adults: highly sensitive people (HSP); High masking or internalising Autistic and ADHD adults. • Professionals & corporate leaders: engineers, software developers, IT professionals, lawyers, accountants, human resource practitioners, executives & managers. • Medical & health professionals: doctors & medical students; allied health professionals. • Business owners & community leaders. • Academics & university students. • Sports people & performing artists.
(08) 7079 4366 View (08) 7079 4366
Photo of Leigh Milne - People Psychology, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Leigh Milne - People Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Perth, WA 6000
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
(03) 7003 2164 View (03) 7003 2164
Photo of Dr Jodie Mechielsen, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Dr Jodie Mechielsen
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Perth, WA 6000
I'm a clinical psychologist 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 clinical psychologist 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.
(03) 5910 7511 View (03) 5910 7511
Photo of Melissa Harris, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Melissa Harris
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Perth, WA 6000
Melissa supports clients who are experiencing relationship problems (family, work, or personal) including domestic violence, partner with addiction issues, and partners with narcissistic traits. Melissa is a credentialed eating disorder clinician and works together with your GP (medical monitoring) and dietitian (nutritional intervention) to provide comprehensive care. She supports clients with acute and chronic health concerns. Melissa is a wife and mother and can help with the often challenging adjustment of becoming a parent. She has first-hand experience navigating the complexities of blended families.
Melissa supports clients who are experiencing relationship problems (family, work, or personal) including domestic violence, partner with addiction issues, and partners with narcissistic traits. Melissa is a credentialed eating disorder clinician and works together with your GP (medical monitoring) and dietitian (nutritional intervention) to provide comprehensive care. She supports clients with acute and chronic health concerns. Melissa is a wife and mother and can help with the often challenging adjustment of becoming a parent. She has first-hand experience navigating the complexities of blended families.
(08) 6333 0748 View (08) 6333 0748
Photo of Dr Jessica Dove, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Dr Jessica Dove
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Perth, WA 6000
I have over a decade of international experience working with children and adults who are experiencing difficulties such as anxiety, disordered eating, body image concerns, low self-esteem, depression and relationship issues. Together, we achieve specific treatment goals, through understanding experiences and developing new, lasting skills. Through our work, individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, a clearer idea of their hopes for the future and feel better equipped to manage their lives.
I have over a decade of international experience working with children and adults who are experiencing difficulties such as anxiety, disordered eating, body image concerns, low self-esteem, depression and relationship issues. Together, we achieve specific treatment goals, through understanding experiences and developing new, lasting skills. Through our work, individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, a clearer idea of their hopes for the future and feel better equipped to manage their lives.
(08) 6493 7224 View (08) 6493 7224
Photo of Simone Butun, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Simone Butun
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Perth, WA 6000
My goal is to help you overcome the challenges that are preventing you from living your best life. My approach emphasises evidence-based practice, meaning I rely on scientifically-proven methods to help you achieve positive outcomes. , I am committed to providing the highest standard of care to my clients. I believe in the power of the mind-body relationship and specialise in treating complex health conditions such as chronic pain and autoimmune disorders. By working together, we can discover the unique tools and strategies that will help you overcome life's obstacles and achieve greater wellbeing.
My goal is to help you overcome the challenges that are preventing you from living your best life. My approach emphasises evidence-based practice, meaning I rely on scientifically-proven methods to help you achieve positive outcomes. , I am committed to providing the highest standard of care to my clients. I believe in the power of the mind-body relationship and specialise in treating complex health conditions such as chronic pain and autoimmune disorders. By working together, we can discover the unique tools and strategies that will help you overcome life's obstacles and achieve greater wellbeing.
(08) 6493 7668 View (08) 6493 7668
Photo of Tenille Marie Struthers, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Tenille Marie Struthers
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Perth, WA 6000
Tenille is an authentic and enthusiastic psychologist who is trained in a range of counselling techniques. As a mother of two with FIFO experience, Tenille has a particular set of skills and over ten years experience that she applies to her psychological practice to help clients master the world in new and meaningful ways. Growing up in coastal, country and farming environments has offered Tenille a unique and enriching perspective. By developing psychological flexibility, her clients will learn to cope better with the inevitable challenges that life presents.
Tenille is an authentic and enthusiastic psychologist who is trained in a range of counselling techniques. As a mother of two with FIFO experience, Tenille has a particular set of skills and over ten years experience that she applies to her psychological practice to help clients master the world in new and meaningful ways. Growing up in coastal, country and farming environments has offered Tenille a unique and enriching perspective. By developing psychological flexibility, her clients will learn to cope better with the inevitable challenges that life presents.
(08) 6490 9804 View (08) 6490 9804
Photo of Jennifer McCusker, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Jennifer McCusker
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Verified Verified
Perth, WA 6000
Whether its anxiety, stress, low mood/depression, struggling with work life balance, the pressures of raising a family, pre & post-natal mental health or the responsibility of holding the fort whilst your other half is FIFO, you may even be the FIFO worker and struggling in isolation. I can treat your mental health problems with the same focused strategies used in evidenced based treatments for acute psychological problems but tailor this to your specific needs in a humanistic & less clinical way. Client focused counselling but grounded in evidence.
Whether its anxiety, stress, low mood/depression, struggling with work life balance, the pressures of raising a family, pre & post-natal mental health or the responsibility of holding the fort whilst your other half is FIFO, you may even be the FIFO worker and struggling in isolation. I can treat your mental health problems with the same focused strategies used in evidenced based treatments for acute psychological problems but tailor this to your specific needs in a humanistic & less clinical way. Client focused counselling but grounded in evidence.
(08) 6490 9417 View (08) 6490 9417
Photo of Brian Allen - Brian Allen and Associates, MAPS, Psychologist
Brian Allen and Associates
Psychologist, MAPS
Verified Verified
Perth, WA 6000
As a mature person I have the benefit of my own life experience as well as my many years of professional practice that I can draw upon. This has enabled me to help many people to improve the quality of their lives and their relationships and to cope with and overcome the traumas and challenges that life eventually presents to all of us.
As a mature person I have the benefit of my own life experience as well as my many years of professional practice that I can draw upon. This has enabled me to help many people to improve the quality of their lives and their relationships and to cope with and overcome the traumas and challenges that life eventually presents to all of us.
(08) 9121 1016 View (08) 9121 1016
Photo of Jean-Pierre Menage, AMHSW, Psychotherapist
Jean-Pierre Menage
Psychotherapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Perth, WA 6000
Are you feeling distressed, anxious or traumatised by historical or recent experiences? I can help you alleviate these symptoms and reclaim your wellbeing. I have 4 decades of experience specialising in trauma, child and family therapy, family court dispute resolution and family court single expert witness report writing. I am qualified and experienced in Neurofeedback, Deep Brain Reorienting, EMDR, couples therapy and family therapy.
Are you feeling distressed, anxious or traumatised by historical or recent experiences? I can help you alleviate these symptoms and reclaim your wellbeing. I have 4 decades of experience specialising in trauma, child and family therapy, family court dispute resolution and family court single expert witness report writing. I am qualified and experienced in Neurofeedback, Deep Brain Reorienting, EMDR, couples therapy and family therapy.
(08) 6490 9884 View (08) 6490 9884
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See more therapy options for Perth

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.