Eating Disorders Counselling in Perth, WA

Photo of Mia Arai, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Mia Arai
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Shenton Park, WA 6008
I am committed to providing evidence-based treatment and have clinical experience working across the lifespan and in the treatment of mental health difficulties including eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, depression, emotion-regulation, perfectionism, and adjustment difficulties.
Hello, I’m Mia. I am a clinical psychology registrar at Headway Psychology. In my work, I aim to engage my clients with authenticity, warmth, and attentiveness. I believe in taking an explorative approach with my clients to collaboratively shape the nature and direction of therapy. In this, we will work together to explore the many aspects of your life and history that may be contributing to your experiences and difficulties.
I am committed to providing evidence-based treatment and have clinical experience working across the lifespan and in the treatment of mental health difficulties including eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, depression, emotion-regulation, perfectionism, and adjustment difficulties.
Hello, I’m Mia. I am a clinical psychology registrar at Headway Psychology. In my work, I aim to engage my clients with authenticity, warmth, and attentiveness. I believe in taking an explorative approach with my clients to collaboratively shape the nature and direction of therapy. In this, we will work together to explore the many aspects of your life and history that may be contributing to your experiences and difficulties.
(08) 6388 9859 View (08) 6388 9859
Photo of Alexandra ‘Alex’ Forner, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Alexandra ‘Alex’ Forner
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Singleton, WA 6175  (Online Only)
I am most experienced in PTSD, Complex-PTSD and trauma related issues, anxiety and depression, eating disorders and OCD, panic and psychosomatics.
Hi there! I'm a country girl at heart, living most of my life in Far West NSW and regional Victoria, and now WA. These foundational years have been valuable to my own psychological development and eventual career in the field. I've had exposure to diverse populations, presentations and contexts. My clientele ranges from police, FIFO folk in the mining industry, healthcare professionals and defense personnel across the ADF. I've provided outreach to Aboriginal communities, mine sites and farmers. I work primarily with adults (18+) however will accept younger clients if specifically referred for eating disorder treatment by their GP.
I am most experienced in PTSD, Complex-PTSD and trauma related issues, anxiety and depression, eating disorders and OCD, panic and psychosomatics.
Hi there! I'm a country girl at heart, living most of my life in Far West NSW and regional Victoria, and now WA. These foundational years have been valuable to my own psychological development and eventual career in the field. I've had exposure to diverse populations, presentations and contexts. My clientele ranges from police, FIFO folk in the mining industry, healthcare professionals and defense personnel across the ADF. I've provided outreach to Aboriginal communities, mine sites and farmers. I work primarily with adults (18+) however will accept younger clients if specifically referred for eating disorder treatment by their GP.
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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 Nicola Cooper, MSc
Nicola Cooper
MSc
Verified Verified
Murdoch, WA 6150
Nicola is a psychotherapist, and credentialed Mental Health Nurse. She is empathetic, authentic, and honest and has integrity. She has a person-centred approach, working collaboratively in a non-judgemental and trauma-informed way. Nicola enjoys working with adolescents and adults experiencing low mood, depression, anxiety, stress, emotional dysregulation, body image concerns and eating disorders in a variety of settings.
Nicola is a psychotherapist, and credentialed Mental Health Nurse. She is empathetic, authentic, and honest and has integrity. She has a person-centred approach, working collaboratively in a non-judgemental and trauma-informed way. Nicola enjoys working with adolescents and adults experiencing low mood, depression, anxiety, stress, emotional dysregulation, body image concerns and eating disorders in a variety of settings.
(08) 9468 7242 View (08) 9468 7242
Photo of Deborah Skender, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Deborah Skender
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Winthrop, WA 6150
Hi I'm a Clinical Psychologist and offer a kind and warm space where you can find solutions to common life challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and separation. There are always answers to our life challenges and I am both skilled and passionate about assisting you in finding them. I work with adults and adolescents aged 12 years and above. I offer both individual and couples counselling. I work with most issues including eating disorders.
Hi I'm a Clinical Psychologist and offer a kind and warm space where you can find solutions to common life challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and separation. There are always answers to our life challenges and I am both skilled and passionate about assisting you in finding them. I work with adults and adolescents aged 12 years and above. I offer both individual and couples counselling. I work with most issues including eating disorders.
(08) 9473 6326 View (08) 9473 6326
Photo of Tara Reale - South Beach Psychology, MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
South Beach Psychology
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Fremantle, WA 6162  (Online Only)
We support adolescents and adults facing a wide spectrum of challenges, including neurodiversity, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, complex grief, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, NDIS participants, and more.
South Beach Psychology, established in 2021, responds to evolving client needs by offering convenient telehealth services (psychological therapy, assessments, and capacity building). This allows individuals to access psychological support from the comfort and safety of their own homes, accommodating their busy schedules. Our flexible operating hours span from 7am to 9pm daily, ensuring accessibility for all. Contact us today to explore how our services can be customised to suit your specific needs.
We support adolescents and adults facing a wide spectrum of challenges, including neurodiversity, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, complex grief, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, NDIS participants, and more.
South Beach Psychology, established in 2021, responds to evolving client needs by offering convenient telehealth services (psychological therapy, assessments, and capacity building). This allows individuals to access psychological support from the comfort and safety of their own homes, accommodating their busy schedules. Our flexible operating hours span from 7am to 9pm daily, ensuring accessibility for all. Contact us today to explore how our services can be customised to suit your specific needs.
(08) 6219 3760 View (08) 6219 3760
Photo of Bridget Visser, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Bridget Visser
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Ardross, WA 6153
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 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 Tania Coats, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Tania Coats
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Kingsley, WA 6026
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 Sabinne Barquett, MPsych, PACFA, Counsellor
Sabinne Barquett
Counsellor, MPsych, PACFA
Verified Verified
Leederville, WA 6007
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 Wayne Leonard Hill - Black Swan Health Psychology, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Black Swan Health Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Osborne Park, WA 6017
For Eating Disorders, we foster healthy food-body relationships.
Feeling overwhelmed by family conflict, anxiety, or a child's struggles? You're not alone. At Black Swan Health, we empathise and assist individuals and families in overcoming challenges and reclaiming their well-being. Perhaps you're a concerned parent observing shifts in your child's eating habits or behaviour. Maybe you're a couple seeking to rekindle the passion in your relationship. Or you could be a family grappling with communication obstacles, conflicts, or emotional distance. Whether you're battling anxiety, depression, or the weight of hoarding tendencies, our experienced and understanding team is here to support you.
For Eating Disorders, we foster healthy food-body relationships.
Feeling overwhelmed by family conflict, anxiety, or a child's struggles? You're not alone. At Black Swan Health, we empathise and assist individuals and families in overcoming challenges and reclaiming their well-being. Perhaps you're a concerned parent observing shifts in your child's eating habits or behaviour. Maybe you're a couple seeking to rekindle the passion in your relationship. Or you could be a family grappling with communication obstacles, conflicts, or emotional distance. Whether you're battling anxiety, depression, or the weight of hoarding tendencies, our experienced and understanding team is here to support you.
(08) 6493 7398 View (08) 6493 7398
Photo of Heather Williams, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Heather Williams
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Baldivis, WA 6171
I am experienced in supporting people who are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, eating disorders and behavioural issues.
Bookings can be made at www.psychwiseclinic.com.au or by phoning 0410 000 995. Welcome! I am a dedicated clinical psychologist registrar providing support to children, adolescents and adults. My aim is to empower clients to overcome challenges by creating an authentic therapeutic relationship built on knowledge, compassion and understanding. I am committed to providing a space where you feel heard, valued and supported. I look forward to meeting you and working together to achieve your goals!
I am experienced in supporting people who are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, eating disorders and behavioural issues.
Bookings can be made at www.psychwiseclinic.com.au or by phoning 0410 000 995. Welcome! I am a dedicated clinical psychologist registrar providing support to children, adolescents and adults. My aim is to empower clients to overcome challenges by creating an authentic therapeutic relationship built on knowledge, compassion and understanding. I am committed to providing a space where you feel heard, valued and supported. I look forward to meeting you and working together to achieve your goals!
(08) 9515 8469 View (08) 9515 8469
Photo of Paula Linehan, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Paula Linehan
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Midland, WA 6056
I have worked in a range of services over my career and most recently prior to moving to private practice I worked at headspace supporting young people and their families in navigating a range of issues including depression/anxiety suicidality, deliberate self harm, eating disorders, gender and sexual identity and neurodiversity.
Hi, my name is Paula (she/her) and I have been working as a Psychologist for the past 14 years. I have worked in a range of settings both private and not for profit and have supported clients from a variety of backgrounds from adolescents through to older adults. My areas of interest are difficulties with emotional regulation, school refusal for adolescents and navigating identity (e.g., diverse genders, abilities, and sexualities). I especially welcome people belonging to the LGBTQI+ community, and people who are newly diagnosed or exploring diagnosis of ADHD.
I have worked in a range of services over my career and most recently prior to moving to private practice I worked at headspace supporting young people and their families in navigating a range of issues including depression/anxiety suicidality, deliberate self harm, eating disorders, gender and sexual identity and neurodiversity.
Hi, my name is Paula (she/her) and I have been working as a Psychologist for the past 14 years. I have worked in a range of settings both private and not for profit and have supported clients from a variety of backgrounds from adolescents through to older adults. My areas of interest are difficulties with emotional regulation, school refusal for adolescents and navigating identity (e.g., diverse genders, abilities, and sexualities). I especially welcome people belonging to the LGBTQI+ community, and people who are newly diagnosed or exploring diagnosis of ADHD.
(08) 9329 3382 View (08) 9329 3382
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 Juliet Dawn Westcott - Alkimos Counselling services, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Alkimos Counselling services
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Butler, WA 6036
We offer support for Anxiety & Depression; Grief and bereavement; Perinatal & postnatal; Children's mental health; Sleep disorders, eating disorders; conflict resolution; Family Counselling; Trauma; Drug and Alcohol, Domestic violence.
Your state of mental health is able to be improved and managed with the right support. Whatever your situation is you will be offered a safe, respectful and confidential environment to help resolve any issues that are impacting your emotions and physical function. It is important to know you do not have to face things alone. At Alkimos Counselling services people from all walks of life and ages will be supported in the best possible way. Our practise takes a holistic approach and understands that each of us are special and unique and should be supported for who we are.
We offer support for Anxiety & Depression; Grief and bereavement; Perinatal & postnatal; Children's mental health; Sleep disorders, eating disorders; conflict resolution; Family Counselling; Trauma; Drug and Alcohol, Domestic violence.
Your state of mental health is able to be improved and managed with the right support. Whatever your situation is you will be offered a safe, respectful and confidential environment to help resolve any issues that are impacting your emotions and physical function. It is important to know you do not have to face things alone. At Alkimos Counselling services people from all walks of life and ages will be supported in the best possible way. Our practise takes a holistic approach and understands that each of us are special and unique and should be supported for who we are.
(08) 6219 3741 View (08) 6219 3741
Photo of Melanie Brown, MPsych, PsyBA - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Melanie Brown
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Rockingham, WA 6168
Being female can be tough. Periods, pregnancy (or not), perimenopause & menopause, painful sex, hormone issues, body dysmorphia, eating disorders, gender roles, the mental load; it's wild. I've worked with women for many years & am now focused on guiding women through the rollercoaster of perimenopause - a new stage of hormonal chaos! I have experience in treating anxiety, depression, grief & loss, postnatal issues, parenting difficulties, & relationship issues. I also see people with sex and intimacy struggles and gender dysphoria, & am a sex-positive, LGBTQIA+ friendly, and kink-aware therapist who sees pleasure as a human right.
Being female can be tough. Periods, pregnancy (or not), perimenopause & menopause, painful sex, hormone issues, body dysmorphia, eating disorders, gender roles, the mental load; it's wild. I've worked with women for many years & am now focused on guiding women through the rollercoaster of perimenopause - a new stage of hormonal chaos! I have experience in treating anxiety, depression, grief & loss, postnatal issues, parenting difficulties, & relationship issues. I also see people with sex and intimacy struggles and gender dysphoria, & am a sex-positive, LGBTQIA+ friendly, and kink-aware therapist who sees pleasure as a human right.
(08) 6490 9668 View (08) 6490 9668
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 Nadia Kidgell, ACA-L1, Counsellor
Nadia Kidgell
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
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 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 Nadia Bridge, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Nadia Bridge
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
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

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.