Eating Disorders Counselling in East Perth, WA

Photo of Lovina Triman, Counsellor
Lovina Triman
Counsellor
Verified Verified
East Perth, WA 6004  (Online Only)
I am passionate about coming alongside you and helping you find solutions, healing and recovery. My goal is for you to come to a place where you are able to move forward, to gain clarity and reach a new level of better. I like to be client-centred and encouraging client autonomy as well as building a space for healthy collaboration and problem solving. I am a strong believer in an individual’s ability to find change and to break out of old patterns and cycles. For me it is important to foster an atmosphere of hope and perspective.
I am passionate about coming alongside you and helping you find solutions, healing and recovery. My goal is for you to come to a place where you are able to move forward, to gain clarity and reach a new level of better. I like to be client-centred and encouraging client autonomy as well as building a space for healthy collaboration and problem solving. I am a strong believer in an individual’s ability to find change and to break out of old patterns and cycles. For me it is important to foster an atmosphere of hope and perspective.
0415 947 772 View 0415 947 772
Photo of Kerryn Ashford-Hatherly - Ashcliffe Psychology, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Ashcliffe Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
East Perth, WA 6004
ASHCLIFFE PSYCHOLOGY is a private clinical psychology practice offering a broad range of psychological services. The Ashcliffe Psychology practice is comprised of a team of Psychologist’s offering a variety of areas of expertise. The Directors, Kerryn Ashford-Hatherly and Michael Tunnecliffe have between them more than 50 years of clinical experience and both have worked in senior management roles within government, non-government agencies and the private sector.
ASHCLIFFE PSYCHOLOGY is a private clinical psychology practice offering a broad range of psychological services. The Ashcliffe Psychology practice is comprised of a team of Psychologist’s offering a variety of areas of expertise. The Directors, Kerryn Ashford-Hatherly and Michael Tunnecliffe have between them more than 50 years of clinical experience and both have worked in senior management roles within government, non-government agencies and the private sector.
(08) 6118 6472 View (08) 6118 6472
Photo of Jessica Bell, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Jessica Bell
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
East Perth, WA 6004
As an endorsed counselling psychologist, I am trained in a number of therapies that allow me to effectively tailor treatment to the specific needs of my clients. I offer an affirming approach and am dedicated to supporting clients make long-lasting and meaningful change that feels worth the investment.
As an endorsed counselling psychologist, I am trained in a number of therapies that allow me to effectively tailor treatment to the specific needs of my clients. I offer an affirming approach and am dedicated to supporting clients make long-lasting and meaningful change that feels worth the investment.
0401 900 059 View 0401 900 059
Photo of Josephine Thien - Interconnect Therapy, MSc, AAFT, Psychotherapist
Interconnect Therapy
Psychotherapist, MSc, AAFT
Verified Verified
East Perth, WA 6004
Families, couples and individuals seek my services because they want help to express and explore difficult thoughts and emotions safely, they want to understand each other’s experiences and views, appreciate each other’s needs, build on strengths and make useful changes in their relationships and their lives. My clients often comment that my sessions have provided them an opportunity to reflect on themselves and how they interact in their relationships which helps them understand their own behaviours better, thus finding ways forward - either as an individual or as a couple and family.
Families, couples and individuals seek my services because they want help to express and explore difficult thoughts and emotions safely, they want to understand each other’s experiences and views, appreciate each other’s needs, build on strengths and make useful changes in their relationships and their lives. My clients often comment that my sessions have provided them an opportunity to reflect on themselves and how they interact in their relationships which helps them understand their own behaviours better, thus finding ways forward - either as an individual or as a couple and family.
(08) 7701 9554 View (08) 7701 9554

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Chelsea Northcott, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Chelsea Northcott
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
West Perth, WA 6005
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 Bridget Visser, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Bridget Visser
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Mount Lawley, WA 6050
I have experience in treating Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Personality and Eating Disorders.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with more 10 years experience in providing counselling and therapy in a range of not-for-profit, government, hospital and private practice settings. I work with adolescents, adults and couples who are experiencing distress in their relationships, moods (depression and anxiety), as well as eating and body image difficulties.
I have experience in treating Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Personality and Eating Disorders.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with more 10 years experience in providing counselling and therapy in a range of not-for-profit, government, hospital and private practice settings. I work with adolescents, adults and couples who are experiencing distress in their relationships, moods (depression and anxiety), as well as eating and body image difficulties.
(08) 6361 3172 View (08) 6361 3172
Photo of Dr Rebecca Chau, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Dr Rebecca Chau
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Mount Lawley, WA 6050
As a clinical psychologist, I am trained in DBT, Schema Therapy and CBT to treat emotional dysregulation (including BPD) and Eating Disorders (specialising in Binge Eating Disorder).
I offer a warm, non-judgemental, collaborative therapy environment. I believe a careful assessment of your needs is important at the outset to make sure we're not missing anything important. From there, I work with you to determine what you want to change and how we're going to get you there.
As a clinical psychologist, I am trained in DBT, Schema Therapy and CBT to treat emotional dysregulation (including BPD) and Eating Disorders (specialising in Binge Eating Disorder).
I offer a warm, non-judgemental, collaborative therapy environment. I believe a careful assessment of your needs is important at the outset to make sure we're not missing anything important. From there, I work with you to determine what you want to change and how we're going to get you there.
(08) 6490 9123 View (08) 6490 9123
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 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 Dr Carl Dreher, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Dr Carl Dreher
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Mount Hawthorn, WA 6016
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 Raquel Cain - Uniquely Human Psychology, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Uniquely Human Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Subiaco, WA 6008
She has received training through National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) training approved supervisors and the Centre for Eating, Weight and Body Image (CEWBI).
Raquel's passion for working with people experiencing disordered eating started in 2004 and this has flourished over the last 18 years. She desires to help individuals overcome and disempower their disordered eating through building an individual’s confidence and skills to explore, develop, and incorporate new ways of thinking about their food, weight and shape. Raquel attended Murdoch University and Edith Cowan University and has also studied abroad. Other training includes EMDR, Collaborative Practice, Alcohol and Other Drug Use, Life Skills for Special Populations, and Trauma Informed Care.
She has received training through National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) training approved supervisors and the Centre for Eating, Weight and Body Image (CEWBI).
Raquel's passion for working with people experiencing disordered eating started in 2004 and this has flourished over the last 18 years. She desires to help individuals overcome and disempower their disordered eating through building an individual’s confidence and skills to explore, develop, and incorporate new ways of thinking about their food, weight and shape. Raquel attended Murdoch University and Edith Cowan University and has also studied abroad. Other training includes EMDR, Collaborative Practice, Alcohol and Other Drug Use, Life Skills for Special Populations, and Trauma Informed Care.
(08) 6490 9992 View (08) 6490 9992
Photo of Felicity Miller, MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Felicity Miller
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Mount Lawley, WA 6050
Felicity is experienced in working alongside adults and adolescents who are experiencing distress in everyday life. She helps clients to develop a better understanding of the origins of problem behaviours so that they are able to make changes that go beyond symptom relief. Felicity’s areas of interest include eating disorders, interpersonal difficulties, personality issues, substance use issues, mood and anxiety disorders, domestic violence behaviours and relationship issues.
Felicity is experienced in working alongside adults and adolescents who are experiencing distress in everyday life. She helps clients to develop a better understanding of the origins of problem behaviours so that they are able to make changes that go beyond symptom relief. Felicity’s areas of interest include eating disorders, interpersonal difficulties, personality issues, substance use issues, mood and anxiety disorders, domestic violence behaviours and relationship issues.
(08) 6002 2787 View (08) 6002 2787
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 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 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 Bridge, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Nadia Bridge
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
East Victoria Park, WA 6101
I have special interest and experience in the treatment of anxiety disorders, trauma and eating disorders.
Hi, I am a Clinical Psychologist who has extensive experience working in specialist government mental health settings (including Eating Disorders, Youth Mental Health, Paediatric Chronic Pain) and private practice. I am passionate about working with adults who are struggling with their mental health, or with current or past difficult experiences in their lives, and with those who want to gain a deeper understanding about themselves (their current thoughts, feelings and behaviours) in the context of their life history. I strive to work from a client centred and trauma informed model of care and provide individual therapy.
I have special interest and experience in the treatment of anxiety disorders, trauma and eating disorders.
Hi, I am a Clinical Psychologist who has extensive experience working in specialist government mental health settings (including Eating Disorders, Youth Mental Health, Paediatric Chronic Pain) and private practice. I am passionate about working with adults who are struggling with their mental health, or with current or past difficult experiences in their lives, and with those who want to gain a deeper understanding about themselves (their current thoughts, feelings and behaviours) in the context of their life history. I strive to work from a client centred and trauma informed model of care and provide individual therapy.
(08) 6490 9877 View (08) 6490 9877
Photo of Neil Taylor, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Neil Taylor
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
South Perth, WA 6151
Sometimes it is hard to cope with what is happening in one’s life - dealing with relationship changes, parenting, health matters, financial issues, job losses, experiencing natural disasters. This is where clinical psychology can help. The fundamental aspect with client work is understanding what the client wants/needs. There is no one intervention that works for all disorders and clients. I have experience with a variety of clinical work: from substance misuse, suicide, depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, eating disorders, bipolar, OCD, grief, addictions, and other mental health issues.
Sometimes it is hard to cope with what is happening in one’s life - dealing with relationship changes, parenting, health matters, financial issues, job losses, experiencing natural disasters. This is where clinical psychology can help. The fundamental aspect with client work is understanding what the client wants/needs. There is no one intervention that works for all disorders and clients. I have experience with a variety of clinical work: from substance misuse, suicide, depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, eating disorders, bipolar, OCD, grief, addictions, and other mental health issues.
(08) 6490 9600 View (08) 6490 9600
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 Nadia Kidgell, ACA-L1, Counsellor
Nadia Kidgell
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
South Perth, WA 6151
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 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

See more therapy options for East 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.