Eating Disorders Therapists in Vancouver, BC
![Photo of Tamara Ukwu, MSW, RSW, RCC, PhD abd, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d2084340-fef9-45e6-be05-4ebee8a018c1/3/320x400.jpeg)
Tamara Ukwu
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, RCC, PhD abd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5P
I have over 15 years of experience providing therapy to individuals from a wide spectrum of cultural, socio-economic, ethnic, educational and other diversified (multicultural, multiracial and multiethnic) backgrounds. I work with adults, youth and families, experiencing difficult life transitions, stress, anxiety, anger, substance use, trauma, emotional dysregulation and depression. I am EMDR and DBT trained and specialize in ADHD work with kids and teenagers and eating disorders. My practice is person-centered, trauma-informed, collaborative, anti-oppressive and strength-based. I am CVAP, ICBC, EAP and FNHA-approved counsellor.
I have over 15 years of experience providing therapy to individuals from a wide spectrum of cultural, socio-economic, ethnic, educational and other diversified (multicultural, multiracial and multiethnic) backgrounds. I work with adults, youth and families, experiencing difficult life transitions, stress, anxiety, anger, substance use, trauma, emotional dysregulation and depression. I am EMDR and DBT trained and specialize in ADHD work with kids and teenagers and eating disorders. My practice is person-centered, trauma-informed, collaborative, anti-oppressive and strength-based. I am CVAP, ICBC, EAP and FNHA-approved counsellor.
![Photo of Keith Thurlow-Bishop, PhD, RCC-ACS, RCAT, REAT, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6a06452-133d-4142-8f45-2c8a5f08c91a/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have been working in the field of mental health since 1990 and I am deeply committed to supporting people to heal, grow, explore who they are, and live their best life. I offer both traditional 'talk' therapies alongside expressive arts therapy and know from personal experience how well these two approaches work to help people improve their mood, thoughts, sense of self, and quality of life, as well as helping them to recover from trauma, addictions, and eating disorders.
I have been working in the field of mental health since 1990 and I am deeply committed to supporting people to heal, grow, explore who they are, and live their best life. I offer both traditional 'talk' therapies alongside expressive arts therapy and know from personal experience how well these two approaches work to help people improve their mood, thoughts, sense of self, and quality of life, as well as helping them to recover from trauma, addictions, and eating disorders.
![Photo of Krista Blatchford - Carmanah Counselling & Integrated Health, BA, MA, RCC, CCC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/65fee0c6-dd27-4f1e-a7b7-7b26336eb06e/4/320x400.jpeg)
Carmanah Counselling & Integrated Health
Counsellor, BA, MA, RCC, CCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5L
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
![Photo of Alexandra Pesa, RCC, MC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/14487015-c071-4143-a8c4-800369c4e78b/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work extensively with eating disorders, intergenerational trauma, and mother-daughter relationships.
Do you need a space to figure out how to escape people-pleasing and perfectionism? You may find yourself saying "yes" when you want to say "no," and constantly striving to keep everyone around you happy. This can lead to feelings of resentment, exhaustion, and a loss of your own identity as you struggle to maintain a mask that pleases others. Maybe you are pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion in pursuit of achievements, becoming burnt out in your efforts to be helpful and accommodating, or moulding yourself to meet the expectations of others, all while losing your connection to your true self and your own needs.
I work extensively with eating disorders, intergenerational trauma, and mother-daughter relationships.
Do you need a space to figure out how to escape people-pleasing and perfectionism? You may find yourself saying "yes" when you want to say "no," and constantly striving to keep everyone around you happy. This can lead to feelings of resentment, exhaustion, and a loss of your own identity as you struggle to maintain a mask that pleases others. Maybe you are pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion in pursuit of achievements, becoming burnt out in your efforts to be helpful and accommodating, or moulding yourself to meet the expectations of others, all while losing your connection to your true self and your own needs.
![Photo of Jessica Begg, BSc, MC, RD, RCC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34efae40-21aa-4ae4-9b2c-e48261df2a04/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked in eating disorders treatment programs for 10 years.
I am both a Clinical Counsellor and Dietitian. I work with people to help create peace with food and their body. My clients are tired of struggling with food and their body. Perhaps they have struggled with disordered eating, or are currently struggling. They know diets and rigid ways of eating don’t “work” and they see the trauma of this way of eating has on their mind and body. So they seek a way of eating and being in their body that is less confusing and carries less judgement. That they no longer want to feel out of control with their eating. And they want to start caring for their body.
I have worked in eating disorders treatment programs for 10 years.
I am both a Clinical Counsellor and Dietitian. I work with people to help create peace with food and their body. My clients are tired of struggling with food and their body. Perhaps they have struggled with disordered eating, or are currently struggling. They know diets and rigid ways of eating don’t “work” and they see the trauma of this way of eating has on their mind and body. So they seek a way of eating and being in their body that is less confusing and carries less judgement. That they no longer want to feel out of control with their eating. And they want to start caring for their body.
![Photo of Anna Khaylis, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4e1aad2-d4c0-4906-bffe-a761534a9a49/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life can throw us a great deal of challenges and obstacles. Emotions, memories, thoughts - it can all be so overwhelming when we are trying to make change happen. I have been helping individuals, couples, and families heal for over 10 years. I provide assessment and treatment to individuals struggling with a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, and substance abuse. I am particularly passionate about working with individuals with complex trauma and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
Life can throw us a great deal of challenges and obstacles. Emotions, memories, thoughts - it can all be so overwhelming when we are trying to make change happen. I have been helping individuals, couples, and families heal for over 10 years. I provide assessment and treatment to individuals struggling with a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, and substance abuse. I am particularly passionate about working with individuals with complex trauma and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
![Photo of Dr. Jelica Todosijevic Registered Psychologist, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d711fc8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jelica Todosijevic Registered Psychologist
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V6Z (Online Only)
Paul's Hospital in Vancouver at the Eating Disorders Program.
I know that it takes a lot of courage to reach out for help at times when we feel distressed, overwhelmed, vulnerable, confused, wrought with sadness, shame, hurt, guilt, intense worry... Some of us have been told or made feel that we do not deserve better, or that we are not good enough, or smart enough, or thin enough, or strong enough, or funny enough... Sometimes we seek refuge in food, alcohol, drugs, sex, or self-harm to cope with the belief that we can never feel differently about ourselves or the world.
Paul's Hospital in Vancouver at the Eating Disorders Program.
I know that it takes a lot of courage to reach out for help at times when we feel distressed, overwhelmed, vulnerable, confused, wrought with sadness, shame, hurt, guilt, intense worry... Some of us have been told or made feel that we do not deserve better, or that we are not good enough, or smart enough, or thin enough, or strong enough, or funny enough... Sometimes we seek refuge in food, alcohol, drugs, sex, or self-harm to cope with the belief that we can never feel differently about ourselves or the world.
![Photo of Erin Dunn Wallden, PhD, RPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4663323a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Paul's Hospital Eating Disorders Program.
I am a Registered Psychologist specializing in the treatment of disordered eating, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. If you are struggling with unhealthy behaviors (disordered eating, substance abuse), negative thoughts (hopelessness, worry), struggling with a major life transition (divorce, career change) or feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious, I can help you to minimize the impact of these issues, so that you feel better, improve your relationships, and increase your overall quality of life.
Paul's Hospital Eating Disorders Program.
I am a Registered Psychologist specializing in the treatment of disordered eating, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. If you are struggling with unhealthy behaviors (disordered eating, substance abuse), negative thoughts (hopelessness, worry), struggling with a major life transition (divorce, career change) or feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious, I can help you to minimize the impact of these issues, so that you feel better, improve your relationships, and increase your overall quality of life.
![Photo of Dominique Nicole Sorace, MCP, RCC, CCC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fea6284f-8680-4d79-904a-0ec913e564f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Julia C. Webster, MCP, RCC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ef41ab5-e413-4ff9-a46c-771634ada6c9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Julia has worked with individuals experiencing eating disorders/disordered eating, body image challenges, anxiety, depression, self-harm, major life changes, grief, relationship difficulties, and more within the totality of life's experiences.
Julia’s work provides a unique approach to the therapy process. She weaves together Existential Psychotherapy, Depth Psychology, Emotion-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, movement in many forms, and ongoing training in energetic and nonverbal healing and communication. Individuals are often drawn to her work because of a felt sense that there must be something more, beyond constructs of the mind/body and the stories of struggle. Julia is passionate about supporting you in strengthening your connection to your own inner wisdom and healing capacity.
Julia has worked with individuals experiencing eating disorders/disordered eating, body image challenges, anxiety, depression, self-harm, major life changes, grief, relationship difficulties, and more within the totality of life's experiences.
Julia’s work provides a unique approach to the therapy process. She weaves together Existential Psychotherapy, Depth Psychology, Emotion-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, movement in many forms, and ongoing training in energetic and nonverbal healing and communication. Individuals are often drawn to her work because of a felt sense that there must be something more, beyond constructs of the mind/body and the stories of struggle. Julia is passionate about supporting you in strengthening your connection to your own inner wisdom and healing capacity.
![Photo of Jaclyn Kahn, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b539ce06-1e45-4fcd-afec-1c966c55150a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jaclyn Kahn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V5N (Online Only)
I have over a decade of experience supporting individuals with depression, anxiety, interpersonal challenges, grief &loss, eating disorders, substance use, fertility struggles, postpartum support and trauma.
Hi! I'm Jaclyn. As a person of deep feeling and empathy, I love to help people heal, grow and discover more fullness and meaning in themselves and their relationships. I consider it my greatest privilege to walk alongside my clients through their fears, challenges, and heartaches, and to help them discover healing and strength from within.
I have over a decade of experience supporting individuals with depression, anxiety, interpersonal challenges, grief &loss, eating disorders, substance use, fertility struggles, postpartum support and trauma.
Hi! I'm Jaclyn. As a person of deep feeling and empathy, I love to help people heal, grow and discover more fullness and meaning in themselves and their relationships. I consider it my greatest privilege to walk alongside my clients through their fears, challenges, and heartaches, and to help them discover healing and strength from within.
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![Photo of Eliane Nevares, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/241d4213-f049-407d-b534-584ba5322f4b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Eliane Nevares
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5Y (Online Only)
Accepting new clients - book a free 15min phone consultation to ensure we're a good match! I support individuals facing various challenges including eating disorders and body image issues, trauma and PTSD, anxiety disorders including OCD, and depression. I also assist with navigating life transitions, interpersonal relationships, and grief.
Accepting new clients - book a free 15min phone consultation to ensure we're a good match! I support individuals facing various challenges including eating disorders and body image issues, trauma and PTSD, anxiety disorders including OCD, and depression. I also assist with navigating life transitions, interpersonal relationships, and grief.
![Photo of Kaitlin Harvey, MA, RCC, CCC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7c93e87c-e04d-4712-b32a-d591215238eb/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am so happy you are looking for therapy! My ideal client is anyone who wants to make some changes or practice self-discovery. I am particularly attuned to the issues of people who struggle with substance use and eating disorders, but I love to work with couples and individuals with any other desire for change.
I am so happy you are looking for therapy! My ideal client is anyone who wants to make some changes or practice self-discovery. I am particularly attuned to the issues of people who struggle with substance use and eating disorders, but I love to work with couples and individuals with any other desire for change.
![Photo of Lori Boland, BA CYC, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/15180285-4f13-49dc-b9f9-19f0a2016595/1/320x400.png)
I am a compassionate, solution focused counsellor with over 25 years experience working in the field of mental health. My ultimate goal is to help my clients think better, feel better and connect better. My expertise is in the areas of mental health challenges, stress management, trauma and eating disorders.
I am a compassionate, solution focused counsellor with over 25 years experience working in the field of mental health. My ultimate goal is to help my clients think better, feel better and connect better. My expertise is in the areas of mental health challenges, stress management, trauma and eating disorders.
![Photo of Alexa Harder, RCC, MC, MBA, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85226668-e421-4c7c-b8b1-39c1e43c4f4c/2/320x400.jpeg)
My intention as a therapist is to create a compassionate, non-judgmental, and trusting space where you can arrive as your whole self and be heard, accepted, and supported. I specialize in working with folks struggling with eating disorders, body image, depression, anxiety, and relationships. I take an integrative approach that combines here and now behavioural modalities with attachment, emotion, and nervous system based therapies, but my foundational style is client-centred—meaning that our work will be tailored to meet your needs, goals, and preferences.
My intention as a therapist is to create a compassionate, non-judgmental, and trusting space where you can arrive as your whole self and be heard, accepted, and supported. I specialize in working with folks struggling with eating disorders, body image, depression, anxiety, and relationships. I take an integrative approach that combines here and now behavioural modalities with attachment, emotion, and nervous system based therapies, but my foundational style is client-centred—meaning that our work will be tailored to meet your needs, goals, and preferences.
![Photo of Hannah Curwin, CCC, MA, RYT, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5654b5ef-539d-46b8-bdcd-cb8a39e8ccc7/2/320x400.jpeg)
What would it take to remember our worth? How complete and loving and lovable we are? Welcome and thank you for being here. I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and specialize in eating disorders and disordered eating (HAES aligned), body image, depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, stress, and athletes.
What would it take to remember our worth? How complete and loving and lovable we are? Welcome and thank you for being here. I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and specialize in eating disorders and disordered eating (HAES aligned), body image, depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, stress, and athletes.
![Photo of Barbara Beach, PhD, RPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e5cb5e3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Barbara Beach
Psychologist, PhD, RPsych
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V5V
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive experience treating eating disorders and associated symptoms from child to senior and from life threatening to "I want to feel free".
As a Registered Psychologist, I work from a positive place, seeing disordered behaviours as ways of coping that create problems as well as solves them. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify their goals and desires. We may use a motivational approach at first, if appropriate. Then we may focus on barriers to recovery, dysfunctional thinking, practical strategies for change, and past painful experiences or trauma, if relevant, using relationship-based, cognitive behaviour therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and emotion focused approaches. At the end of our session, I write my notes in the form of a letter to share.
I have extensive experience treating eating disorders and associated symptoms from child to senior and from life threatening to "I want to feel free".
As a Registered Psychologist, I work from a positive place, seeing disordered behaviours as ways of coping that create problems as well as solves them. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify their goals and desires. We may use a motivational approach at first, if appropriate. Then we may focus on barriers to recovery, dysfunctional thinking, practical strategies for change, and past painful experiences or trauma, if relevant, using relationship-based, cognitive behaviour therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and emotion focused approaches. At the end of our session, I write my notes in the form of a letter to share.
![Photo of Carl Laird Birmingham - C. Laird Birmingham MD, MD, MHSc, FRCPC, FACP, FAED](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a6b3920-f05b-4b93-b032-ab2d749cf18b/2/320x400.jpeg)
I treat brain disorders like concussion, memory problems, Eating Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Chronic pain, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I use LORETA z score neurofeedback (3D live electrical brain imaging), counselling, Transcranial electrical stimulation, and Vagus nerve stimulation. Most patients need only 10 treatments to reach their goal of returning to work, school, or happiness. Fee is five hundred dollars for the assessment and four hundred dollars per treatment session (or ten sessions prepaid non refundable for three thousand five hundred dollars).
I treat brain disorders like concussion, memory problems, Eating Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Chronic pain, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I use LORETA z score neurofeedback (3D live electrical brain imaging), counselling, Transcranial electrical stimulation, and Vagus nerve stimulation. Most patients need only 10 treatments to reach their goal of returning to work, school, or happiness. Fee is five hundred dollars for the assessment and four hundred dollars per treatment session (or ten sessions prepaid non refundable for three thousand five hundred dollars).
![Photo of Bethany Rooker, MCP, RCC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c48f9b7e-5ebc-47c8-829f-04df1fcd410d/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have supported individuals impacted by eating disorders for nearly a decade.
Do you struggle with your relationship with food and your body? Have you ever wished you could find peace from food stress, anxiety, and guilt? Have you ever wondered whether it was possible to feel confident in a body while carrying the weight of the world's judgements and pressures? Body and food peace is a radical pursuit in the face of diet culture and weight stigma, and it is a journey I would be honored to navigate together with you. I work with my clients to explore body image shame, diet culture, intuitive eating, emotion regulation, and authentic living.
I have supported individuals impacted by eating disorders for nearly a decade.
Do you struggle with your relationship with food and your body? Have you ever wished you could find peace from food stress, anxiety, and guilt? Have you ever wondered whether it was possible to feel confident in a body while carrying the weight of the world's judgements and pressures? Body and food peace is a radical pursuit in the face of diet culture and weight stigma, and it is a journey I would be honored to navigate together with you. I work with my clients to explore body image shame, diet culture, intuitive eating, emotion regulation, and authentic living.
![Photo of Margaret Brennan - Eating Disorder And Body Image Recovery, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fb1c92bf-8f2e-40be-8ed3-3fc2123ea7a7/2/320x400.png)
Margaret Brennan - Eating Disorder And Body Image Recovery
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V5W (Online Only)
I offer specialized counselling for individuals struggling with eating disorders, binge eating, emotional eating, chronic dieting, body image and trauma.
Are you tried of struggling with food or body image? Is eating a significant source of stress, anxiety, guilt or shame in your life? Do you rely on food to cope with stress or difficult emotions? Do you feel unable to control yourself around food? Do negative feelings about your body consume your thoughts, dictate how you feel and hold you back? Struggles with eating and body image are more common now than ever. Not addressing these challenges can lead to the situation deteriorating further and taking up even more mental and emotional space in your life. Thankfully it is possible to heal your relationship with food and your body.
I offer specialized counselling for individuals struggling with eating disorders, binge eating, emotional eating, chronic dieting, body image and trauma.
Are you tried of struggling with food or body image? Is eating a significant source of stress, anxiety, guilt or shame in your life? Do you rely on food to cope with stress or difficult emotions? Do you feel unable to control yourself around food? Do negative feelings about your body consume your thoughts, dictate how you feel and hold you back? Struggles with eating and body image are more common now than ever. Not addressing these challenges can lead to the situation deteriorating further and taking up even more mental and emotional space in your life. Thankfully it is possible to heal your relationship with food and your body.
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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.