Eating Disorders Therapists in North Vancouver, BC

Photo of Vanessa Rouzier - My Life Counselling, MSc, Counsellor
My Life Counselling
Counsellor, MSc
Verified Verified
North Vancouver, BC V7M
Specialized in treating anxiety, eating disorders -binge eating, bulimia, obesity-, adult ADHD, intense emotions, relationship issues & childhood trauma. Offering counselling in French and English.
Specialized in treating anxiety, eating disorders -binge eating, bulimia, obesity-, adult ADHD, intense emotions, relationship issues & childhood trauma. Offering counselling in French and English.
(548) 490-7421 View (548) 490-7421
Photo of Brandy Mackintosh, MCP, RCC, Counsellor
Brandy Mackintosh
Counsellor, MCP, RCC
Verified Verified
North Vancouver, BC V7M
), I am especially focused on supporting individuals with anxiety (particularly social anxiety), depression, and eating disorders/disordered eating.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor offering counselling sessions both in-person and virtually. I work in the field of healing because I believe that it is always possible, and I believe deeply in the power of relationships to facilitate that healing. The connection that we build in our work together is of the utmost importance to me, and I strive to create a space where you can feel safe enough to share your truth and feel accepted for exactly who you are.
), I am especially focused on supporting individuals with anxiety (particularly social anxiety), depression, and eating disorders/disordered eating.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor offering counselling sessions both in-person and virtually. I work in the field of healing because I believe that it is always possible, and I believe deeply in the power of relationships to facilitate that healing. The connection that we build in our work together is of the utmost importance to me, and I strive to create a space where you can feel safe enough to share your truth and feel accepted for exactly who you are.
(825) 305-5960 View (825) 305-5960
Photo of Dr. Villeena Sharmila Villantheran, PsyD, Pre-Licensed Professional
Dr. Villeena Sharmila Villantheran
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Vancouver, BC V7P
I draw from evidence-based therapies, integrating behavioural, emotional, cognitive, and psychodynamic approaches to support you with issues related to anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), trauma, eating disorders, insomnia, and emotion regulation.
When we find ourselves always struggling with unwanted thoughts and emotions, it can start to feel like we are trapped in a never-ending battle with ourselves. Intense emotions and persistent thoughts can take us on an unpleasant ride, leaving us exhausted and unable to attend to things that matter to us. We become critical of ourselves for not being "good enough", further isolating us from ourselves and others. In our therapy, you will be offered the space to explore and learn about the kind of life you want to live and how to use your strengths and resources to build that life.
I draw from evidence-based therapies, integrating behavioural, emotional, cognitive, and psychodynamic approaches to support you with issues related to anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), trauma, eating disorders, insomnia, and emotion regulation.
When we find ourselves always struggling with unwanted thoughts and emotions, it can start to feel like we are trapped in a never-ending battle with ourselves. Intense emotions and persistent thoughts can take us on an unpleasant ride, leaving us exhausted and unable to attend to things that matter to us. We become critical of ourselves for not being "good enough", further isolating us from ourselves and others. In our therapy, you will be offered the space to explore and learn about the kind of life you want to live and how to use your strengths and resources to build that life.
(506) 497-0987 View (506) 497-0987
Photo of Vanessa Rouzier, MSc, RCC, Counsellor
Vanessa Rouzier
Counsellor, MSc, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Vancouver, BC V7M
Do you feel worried, dissatisfied with your life, or stuck in unwanted patterns? I can help! I offer individual counselling in French and English for adults struggling with anxiety, depression, adult ADHD, binge eating disorder, bulimia, emotional regulation, stress management, intimacy issues, communication, life transition, conflictual/unsatisfying relationships, parenting skills, unresolved childhood experiences, and trauma. I am comfortable working with students, professionals, individuals in high-level jobs, and first responders.
Do you feel worried, dissatisfied with your life, or stuck in unwanted patterns? I can help! I offer individual counselling in French and English for adults struggling with anxiety, depression, adult ADHD, binge eating disorder, bulimia, emotional regulation, stress management, intimacy issues, communication, life transition, conflictual/unsatisfying relationships, parenting skills, unresolved childhood experiences, and trauma. I am comfortable working with students, professionals, individuals in high-level jobs, and first responders.
(873) 363-1236 View (873) 363-1236
Photo of Cara Lynne McLean - CaraLynne McLean Counselling, MCP, RCC, Counsellor
CaraLynne McLean Counselling
Counsellor, MCP, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Vancouver, BC V7K
I view psychological wellbeing as I do physical wellbeing - it requires time, care and maintenance. Making the decision to feel better when you feel down does not always come easily. If you are struggling with life, reaching out for help is the right thing to do. My private practice consults with other professionals to provide you with the best, up-to-date and proven treatment options. Some of the treatment models that I am certified in are: Family Based Treatment for Eating Disorders (FBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE).
I view psychological wellbeing as I do physical wellbeing - it requires time, care and maintenance. Making the decision to feel better when you feel down does not always come easily. If you are struggling with life, reaching out for help is the right thing to do. My private practice consults with other professionals to provide you with the best, up-to-date and proven treatment options. Some of the treatment models that I am certified in are: Family Based Treatment for Eating Disorders (FBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE).
(604) 728-7193 View (604) 728-7193
Photo of Dominique Nicole Sorace, MCP, RCC, CCC, Counsellor
Dominique Nicole Sorace
Counsellor, MCP, RCC, CCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Vancouver, BC V7M
I have worked with a diverse range of presenting issues within the school system and non-profit organizations, some include: anxiety, depression, OCD, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, eating disorders, perfectionism, burnout, and childhood trauma.
Hi! I'm Dominique. Life can get tricky and I understand that speaking to someone about it may be difficult. Finding the right words to describe how you feel or what you have experienced can be challenging, and it should not be something that one should have to experience on their own. With my understanding that each individual has their own unique story and experiences, I tend to take a person-centered in counselling in which I alter my clinical skills to fit the needs and preferences of my client. I am attentive to each client's biological, environmental, and social factors and consider them when applying therapeutic approaches.
I have worked with a diverse range of presenting issues within the school system and non-profit organizations, some include: anxiety, depression, OCD, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, eating disorders, perfectionism, burnout, and childhood trauma.
Hi! I'm Dominique. Life can get tricky and I understand that speaking to someone about it may be difficult. Finding the right words to describe how you feel or what you have experienced can be challenging, and it should not be something that one should have to experience on their own. With my understanding that each individual has their own unique story and experiences, I tend to take a person-centered in counselling in which I alter my clinical skills to fit the needs and preferences of my client. I am attentive to each client's biological, environmental, and social factors and consider them when applying therapeutic approaches.
View
Photo of Krista Blatchford - Carmanah Counselling & Integrated Health, BA, MA, RCC, ACS, Counsellor
Carmanah Counselling & Integrated Health
Counsellor, BA, MA, RCC, ACS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
North Vancouver, BC V7G
Krista specializes in depression and low mood; bipolar disorder; trauma & PTSD; anxiety (worries, phobias, panic, somatic/ somatization concerns); eating disorders & emotional dysregulation, including emotional over-control/rigidity, self-injurious behaviours, and suicidal ideation, autism, adhd,& learning disabilities.
We have a wonderful team! Please explore all of our bios on the website- www.Carmanahcounselling.com! Krista has a true passion for helping others and takes pride in providing solid assessments and efficient, evidence & relationship-based treatment. Krista’s clients have said that she is compassionate, non-judgemental , relatable, and inclusive. She has a wide range of experience in mental health. She is a supporter/ ally of the LGBTQ2S+ and BIPOC communities
Krista specializes in depression and low mood; bipolar disorder; trauma & PTSD; anxiety (worries, phobias, panic, somatic/ somatization concerns); eating disorders & emotional dysregulation, including emotional over-control/rigidity, self-injurious behaviours, and suicidal ideation, autism, adhd,& learning disabilities.
We have a wonderful team! Please explore all of our bios on the website- www.Carmanahcounselling.com! Krista has a true passion for helping others and takes pride in providing solid assessments and efficient, evidence & relationship-based treatment. Krista’s clients have said that she is compassionate, non-judgemental , relatable, and inclusive. She has a wide range of experience in mental health. She is a supporter/ ally of the LGBTQ2S+ and BIPOC communities
(365) 800-1895 View (365) 800-1895
Photo of Samantha Corrigan, MS, RCC, Counsellor
Samantha Corrigan
Counsellor, MS, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Vancouver, BC V7L  (Online Only)
The best therapists are ones that have experienced many of the issues their clients come in with, and I would be no exception to that. Having overcome many struggles myself, and found ways to cope, I pass that knowledge onto my clients. I work differently than most counselors. I believe counselling should be short term. I want to bring you to a place to learn the tools to implement and then help yourself. I work primarily with anxiety, depression, narcissistic abuse, eating disorders, relationship issues, and ADHD.
The best therapists are ones that have experienced many of the issues their clients come in with, and I would be no exception to that. Having overcome many struggles myself, and found ways to cope, I pass that knowledge onto my clients. I work differently than most counselors. I believe counselling should be short term. I want to bring you to a place to learn the tools to implement and then help yourself. I work primarily with anxiety, depression, narcissistic abuse, eating disorders, relationship issues, and ADHD.
(236) 900-6303 View (236) 900-6303
Photo of Jamila Nazerali Hilborn, MC, RCC, Counsellor
Jamila Nazerali Hilborn
Counsellor, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
North Vancouver, BC V7P
I work primarily with children (ages 5 +), youth, and their families. A strong focus of mine is working with trauma, abuse, issues surrounding belonging, abandonment, divorce/separation, addiction, eating disorders, impacts of cultural genocide/colonization, anxiety, gender transitioning/identity, and depression. I strive to walk with clients to further support them in building the necessary tools to navigate challenging life events, and to experience more beauty and growth. I understand that reaching out is never easy and I aim to provide a safe, trusting, compassionate space to explore or process issues. Please Inquire for fees.
I work primarily with children (ages 5 +), youth, and their families. A strong focus of mine is working with trauma, abuse, issues surrounding belonging, abandonment, divorce/separation, addiction, eating disorders, impacts of cultural genocide/colonization, anxiety, gender transitioning/identity, and depression. I strive to walk with clients to further support them in building the necessary tools to navigate challenging life events, and to experience more beauty and growth. I understand that reaching out is never easy and I aim to provide a safe, trusting, compassionate space to explore or process issues. Please Inquire for fees.
(778) 901-2280 View (778) 901-2280
Photo of Heather Bach - Bach Counselling Group, MA, CCC, Counsellor
Bach Counselling Group
Counsellor, MA, CCC
Verified Verified
North Vancouver, BC V7N
Issues we work with: relationship intimacy, marriage, separation and divorce, relationship transition including separation anxiety and depression, parenting/co-parenting, past trauma, eating disorders, loss and grieving, cross cultural issues, and professional consultation.
For over 20 years, Bach Counselling Group brings an expertise to working with those who wish to make a positive change in relationships, intimacy, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, ADHD, parenting and eating disorders. We work with individuals and couples who are dealing with issues that may adversely affect their relationships. We strive to bring you to achieving your goals. Therapy is short term, cost effective and change oriented. Bach Counselling Group adheres to the ethics and standards set out by the Canadian Psychological Association.
Issues we work with: relationship intimacy, marriage, separation and divorce, relationship transition including separation anxiety and depression, parenting/co-parenting, past trauma, eating disorders, loss and grieving, cross cultural issues, and professional consultation.
For over 20 years, Bach Counselling Group brings an expertise to working with those who wish to make a positive change in relationships, intimacy, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, ADHD, parenting and eating disorders. We work with individuals and couples who are dealing with issues that may adversely affect their relationships. We strive to bring you to achieving your goals. Therapy is short term, cost effective and change oriented. Bach Counselling Group adheres to the ethics and standards set out by the Canadian Psychological Association.
(604) 670-4906 View (604) 670-4906
Photo of Brianne Leah Bury, RTC, Counsellor
Brianne Leah Bury
Counsellor, RTC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Vancouver, BC V7L
Welcome to my profile! I am a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC), dedicated and trained in various modalities of therapy. My primary focus is working as a trauma therapist with a passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of trauma and find their path to healing. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and growth. My primary focus is childhood trauma, CPTSD, narcissistic abuse recovery and eating disorders.
Welcome to my profile! I am a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC), dedicated and trained in various modalities of therapy. My primary focus is working as a trauma therapist with a passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of trauma and find their path to healing. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and growth. My primary focus is childhood trauma, CPTSD, narcissistic abuse recovery and eating disorders.
(236) 705-5043 View (236) 705-5043
Photo of Shelley P Foster, RCC, MA, Counsellor
Shelley P Foster
Counsellor, RCC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Vancouver, BC V7P
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology with 15 years of experience as a psychotherapist in Vancouver, BC. My strengths include connecting with each client quickly and customizing the work to achieve what they are coming to therapy to accomplish. I am committed to making sure every session is productive and useful. I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, Parenting, Life Transitions, Conflictual Relationships (professional and personal), Addictions and Eating Disorders.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology with 15 years of experience as a psychotherapist in Vancouver, BC. My strengths include connecting with each client quickly and customizing the work to achieve what they are coming to therapy to accomplish. I am committed to making sure every session is productive and useful. I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, Parenting, Life Transitions, Conflictual Relationships (professional and personal), Addictions and Eating Disorders.
(778) 655-8651 View (778) 655-8651
Photo of Rodrigo Gomez Psychoanalyst, MaPP
Rodrigo Gomez Psychoanalyst
MaPP
Verified Verified
North Vancouver, BC V7M  (Online Only)
Over the years I have found successful results when treating: anxiety, depression and mood disorders, substance use and addictions, identity and personality disorders, eating disorders, sexual identity and sexual orientation issues, PTSD, adolescence issues and middle life crisis, grief and loss, co-dependency, couple's conflicts and parenting challenges.
Based on the belief that: "we all have our own answers", I focus my efforts to provide a professional, non judgmental and non critical space, where people can safely engage in a process of self reflection and discovery through which they can increase their self awareness, and learn how to access their own answers and solutions to a wide range of mental health concerns and challenging life situations.
Over the years I have found successful results when treating: anxiety, depression and mood disorders, substance use and addictions, identity and personality disorders, eating disorders, sexual identity and sexual orientation issues, PTSD, adolescence issues and middle life crisis, grief and loss, co-dependency, couple's conflicts and parenting challenges.
Based on the belief that: "we all have our own answers", I focus my efforts to provide a professional, non judgmental and non critical space, where people can safely engage in a process of self reflection and discovery through which they can increase their self awareness, and learn how to access their own answers and solutions to a wide range of mental health concerns and challenging life situations.
(855) 533-2092 View (855) 533-2092
Photo of Sandy Maclean MA Rcc, BSc, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Sandy Maclean MA Rcc
Counsellor, BSc, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Vancouver, BC V7J
I am a Clinical Counsellor (BCACC) working in person and online helping couples and individuals with: relationship issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, addictions, eating disorders and chronic pain. I have been in practice for 16 years with extensive training and experience in: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, Mindfulness and Addictions Recovery. I help people resolve problems with thoughts, emotions, reactions and habits. I am launching a relationship course for couples to work through from home (with live support) to turn things around when difficulty starts before therapy.
I am a Clinical Counsellor (BCACC) working in person and online helping couples and individuals with: relationship issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, addictions, eating disorders and chronic pain. I have been in practice for 16 years with extensive training and experience in: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, Mindfulness and Addictions Recovery. I help people resolve problems with thoughts, emotions, reactions and habits. I am launching a relationship course for couples to work through from home (with live support) to turn things around when difficulty starts before therapy.
(866) 939-0274 View (866) 939-0274
Photo of Rhett Mohajer, PsyD, RP, RCC, Registered Psychotherapist
Rhett Mohajer
Registered Psychotherapist, PsyD, RP, RCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
North Vancouver, BC V7J  (Online Only)
For more information on trauma and somatization, psychoanalysis, appointments, YouTube videos (on trauma and others), and my publications on eating disorders, the impacts of music and other ones, please check my website.
Deep wounds need "Depth" work to heal! In psychoanalytic therapy we look at the immediate issues, but also the deeper issues to make a deeper change since the aim is for you to find yourself, gain insight, and explore the upsetting recurrent patterns that impact your emotional life and mental health. Psychoanalytic therapy is a journey we undertake together! But it is not a walk in the park and I have the experience of it.
For more information on trauma and somatization, psychoanalysis, appointments, YouTube videos (on trauma and others), and my publications on eating disorders, the impacts of music and other ones, please check my website.
Deep wounds need "Depth" work to heal! In psychoanalytic therapy we look at the immediate issues, but also the deeper issues to make a deeper change since the aim is for you to find yourself, gain insight, and explore the upsetting recurrent patterns that impact your emotional life and mental health. Psychoanalytic therapy is a journey we undertake together! But it is not a walk in the park and I have the experience of it.
(778) 769-0105 View (778) 769-0105
Photo of Brie Charette, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brie Charette
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
North Vancouver, BC V7G
I work with individuals from adolescence to adulthood. I am experienced working with a wide variety of issues, with a special focus on relational trauma, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and disordered eating. My style of counselling is highly collaborative and I utilize an integrative and trauma-informed approach. My practice is guided by a number of modalities, primarily Narrative Theory, Internal Family Systems, and Psychodynamic theory. I also rely on my training in Solution-Focused, Cognitive Behavioural, and Dialectical Behavioural therapies to help create a path toward change and healing.
I work with individuals from adolescence to adulthood. I am experienced working with a wide variety of issues, with a special focus on relational trauma, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and disordered eating. My style of counselling is highly collaborative and I utilize an integrative and trauma-informed approach. My practice is guided by a number of modalities, primarily Narrative Theory, Internal Family Systems, and Psychodynamic theory. I also rely on my training in Solution-Focused, Cognitive Behavioural, and Dialectical Behavioural therapies to help create a path toward change and healing.
(236) 900-1146 View (236) 900-1146
Photo of Viktoriya Fedorchuk, RCC , MEd, Counsellor
Viktoriya Fedorchuk
Counsellor, RCC , MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Vancouver, BC V7M
At times when we seek counselling, we aren’t totally sure what the ‘problem’ is, we just know our current realities don’t feel fully fulfilling. Other times, we can identify what the ‘issue’ may be, but feel stuck around how to move forward. Counselling therapy is effective in both scenarios, and works to bring both insight and solutions into an individual’s life. Many people looking for a counsellor are seeking a change in their lives, at times wondering if a different reality is possible. Let’s use our time together to bridge the gap between your current reality and a more fulfilling future.
At times when we seek counselling, we aren’t totally sure what the ‘problem’ is, we just know our current realities don’t feel fully fulfilling. Other times, we can identify what the ‘issue’ may be, but feel stuck around how to move forward. Counselling therapy is effective in both scenarios, and works to bring both insight and solutions into an individual’s life. Many people looking for a counsellor are seeking a change in their lives, at times wondering if a different reality is possible. Let’s use our time together to bridge the gap between your current reality and a more fulfilling future.
(778) 608-3166 View (778) 608-3166
Photo of Alex Charleton, RCC, MCP, BA, Counsellor
Alex Charleton
Counsellor, RCC, MCP, BA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Vancouver, BC V7G
Alex is a registered clinical counsellor who is passionate about understanding the intricacies of the human condition; and finding greater peace through the experiences and spaces that hold pain and wounding. She believes that our strongest potential for transformative change occurs in safe connected relationships. That is why Alex aims to foster the right relational conditions in therapy; for folks to safely dive deep into the terrain they wish to understand and heal. In strengthening the relationship we have with ourselves, we can also access the wisdom and resilience needed to thrive in our relationships with others and life.
Alex is a registered clinical counsellor who is passionate about understanding the intricacies of the human condition; and finding greater peace through the experiences and spaces that hold pain and wounding. She believes that our strongest potential for transformative change occurs in safe connected relationships. That is why Alex aims to foster the right relational conditions in therapy; for folks to safely dive deep into the terrain they wish to understand and heal. In strengthening the relationship we have with ourselves, we can also access the wisdom and resilience needed to thrive in our relationships with others and life.
(778) 901-2272 View (778) 901-2272
Photo of Jess Rose Cumming, MA, Counsellor
Jess Rose Cumming
Counsellor, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Vancouver, BC V7G
What do we do when life’s mysterious unfolding takes us to the very places we fear the most? There are moments when we realize that our old stories of who we are and where we belong in the world no longer fit what is beginning to emerge in us. Perhaps a major life event shakes things up, wrenching away the very ground beneath our feet. In other cases, it builds more slowly, as a soft but undeniable longing for things to be different. Sometimes it may be nothing more than a vague sense that something bigger, better and more aligned is out there waiting for us.
What do we do when life’s mysterious unfolding takes us to the very places we fear the most? There are moments when we realize that our old stories of who we are and where we belong in the world no longer fit what is beginning to emerge in us. Perhaps a major life event shakes things up, wrenching away the very ground beneath our feet. In other cases, it builds more slowly, as a soft but undeniable longing for things to be different. Sometimes it may be nothing more than a vague sense that something bigger, better and more aligned is out there waiting for us.
(343) 341-5033 View (343) 341-5033
Photo of Alexandria Butterfield, RCC , MA, Counsellor
Alexandria Butterfield
Counsellor, RCC , MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Vancouver, BC V7G
I help teens and adults develop tools to overcome disordered eating and build self-esteem. I use ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) in sessions which is a clinically proven method in combatting negative eating thoughts and behaviours. Everyone's journey is different; I tailor my work to each individual to help you reach your goals and help you build the best parts of yourself. I incorporate body liberation and Health at Every Size in working with clients. Part of my work is also helping teens and young adults who are starting to struggle with eating patterns and body image in the hope to prevent an eating disorder developing.
I help teens and adults develop tools to overcome disordered eating and build self-esteem. I use ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) in sessions which is a clinically proven method in combatting negative eating thoughts and behaviours. Everyone's journey is different; I tailor my work to each individual to help you reach your goals and help you build the best parts of yourself. I incorporate body liberation and Health at Every Size in working with clients. Part of my work is also helping teens and young adults who are starting to struggle with eating patterns and body image in the hope to prevent an eating disorder developing.
(604) 332-0051 View (604) 332-0051
1

See more therapy options for North Vancouver

Eating Disorders Counsellors

What happens in therapy for eating disorders?

In therapy for eating disorders, patients typically describe their eating and exercise behaviors, their patterns of eating in relation to stress, their beliefs about their body, the ways their eating behavior 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 counseling 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 behavioral 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 behavior, 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 recognize 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 behavior has taken root, the longer treatment is likely to be needed.