Eating Disorders Therapists in Ingersoll, ON
![Photo of Kathy Roberts, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/621f0bca-f427-4e2f-af08-aaf08b9e7f63/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kathy Roberts
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ingersoll, ON N5C
Waitlist for new clients
I'm skilled and experienced at helping people who struggle with body image or an eating disorder (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating).
NOTE: Unfortunately, I am NOT currently accepting new clients. I expect to have availability again in early September. If you think we might be a good fit, please reach out at that time. <> Maybe you or someone you love is struggling with anxiety, depression or eating challenges. It's hard ... I get it. I can help. I'm a highly-experienced therapist who works mostly with teens, young adults and their supportive families. I'm a people person ... compassionate, enthusiastic and down-to-earth.
I'm skilled and experienced at helping people who struggle with body image or an eating disorder (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating).
NOTE: Unfortunately, I am NOT currently accepting new clients. I expect to have availability again in early September. If you think we might be a good fit, please reach out at that time. <> Maybe you or someone you love is struggling with anxiety, depression or eating challenges. It's hard ... I get it. I can help. I'm a highly-experienced therapist who works mostly with teens, young adults and their supportive families. I'm a people person ... compassionate, enthusiastic and down-to-earth.
![Photo of Michelle Duwyn, PhD, CPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5147892c-f8e3-47bf-bd5d-fa11e8a12ce0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Duwyn
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ingersoll, ON N5C (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Have you found yourself feeling stuck, getting pulled into all-too-familiar patterns of worry, anxiety, low mood, pain, or dissatisfying relationships? Do you find yourself often having self-critical thoughts or struggling with not-good-enough-ness? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, PTSD, or chronic pain? Are you an adult child of an emotionally immature parent? Are you experiencing or healing from narcissistic abuse? Are you a caring professional, a highly sensitive, or an empathic person, who feels overwhelmed and burnt out, and has lost sight of yourself and your needs?
Have you found yourself feeling stuck, getting pulled into all-too-familiar patterns of worry, anxiety, low mood, pain, or dissatisfying relationships? Do you find yourself often having self-critical thoughts or struggling with not-good-enough-ness? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, PTSD, or chronic pain? Are you an adult child of an emotionally immature parent? Are you experiencing or healing from narcissistic abuse? Are you a caring professional, a highly sensitive, or an empathic person, who feels overwhelmed and burnt out, and has lost sight of yourself and your needs?
![Photo of Nadine Lulu, MEd, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c4ae99e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
At some point, we all face emotional challenges that make coping difficult. I am a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) who has treated anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues (couples, teen-parent, parent-child, etc.) and other client issues since 1999. I am well know for my no-nonsense client-focused approach which incorporates humour, teaching new skills and learning new ways of thinking and being more joyful, deliberate and present in the world.
At some point, we all face emotional challenges that make coping difficult. I am a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) who has treated anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues (couples, teen-parent, parent-child, etc.) and other client issues since 1999. I am well know for my no-nonsense client-focused approach which incorporates humour, teaching new skills and learning new ways of thinking and being more joyful, deliberate and present in the world.
![Photo of Terri-Lynn Oliver, MEd, BA, RP, CCC, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d0149012-6e7d-4498-afab-7bb89e8bcd02/3/320x400.jpeg)
Terri-Lynn Oliver
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, BA, RP, CCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ingersoll, ON N5C
When life is difficult, we often don't know where to turn. Through discovery and compassion, comes hope and growth and that is the goal counselling aims to provide. I have been practicing counselling for 20 years and I provide individual counselling to those over the age of 16 who are looking for hope, support and growth. I am available to see clients in both London and Ingersoll and my role is to support clients in finding ways to improve the quality of their life and finally feel like they can move forward.
When life is difficult, we often don't know where to turn. Through discovery and compassion, comes hope and growth and that is the goal counselling aims to provide. I have been practicing counselling for 20 years and I provide individual counselling to those over the age of 16 who are looking for hope, support and growth. I am available to see clients in both London and Ingersoll and my role is to support clients in finding ways to improve the quality of their life and finally feel like they can move forward.
![Photo of Nadine Visser - Cross That Bridge Therapy Group, MACP, BA, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/261f38c2-6545-4e1f-8616-11c4bad45b75/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nadine Visser - Cross That Bridge Therapy Group
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, BA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ingersoll, ON N5C
I am accepting new clients, and offer sessions on evenings and weekends. Life is full of different paths to explore and bridges to cross. Sometimes we get stuck or lose our way. Developing greater awareness and healthier coping strategies enables us to move forward with more ease, expertise, and joy. My goal is to help you get where you want to go and have more fun doing it!
I am accepting new clients, and offer sessions on evenings and weekends. Life is full of different paths to explore and bridges to cross. Sometimes we get stuck or lose our way. Developing greater awareness and healthier coping strategies enables us to move forward with more ease, expertise, and joy. My goal is to help you get where you want to go and have more fun doing it!
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Philip Masson, PhD, CPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a976a852-a8c6-4245-bfab-e1477e32e2c9/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with individuals with a range of concerns, including depression, panic attacks, social anxiety, excessive worry, OCD, PTSD, and eating disorders.
My practice focuses on providing cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to people struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and eating disorders. This evidence-based treatment approach provides you with an understanding of what keeps your difficulties going and offers strategies to address them. Within a confidential and non-judgmental setting, we will decide together on a treatment plan that will address your goals.
I work with individuals with a range of concerns, including depression, panic attacks, social anxiety, excessive worry, OCD, PTSD, and eating disorders.
My practice focuses on providing cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to people struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and eating disorders. This evidence-based treatment approach provides you with an understanding of what keeps your difficulties going and offers strategies to address them. Within a confidential and non-judgmental setting, we will decide together on a treatment plan that will address your goals.
![Photo of Jerilyn Hurwitz - Voices In Recovery- Jerilyn Hurwitz, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW, CIEC, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c9a2f0e-4e1f-494c-88c8-f578a6232ead/2/320x400.jpeg)
Voices In Recovery- Jerilyn Hurwitz
Registered Social Worker, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW, CIEC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodstock, ON N4S
I provide psychotherapy to individuals struggling with eating disorders, poor body image, and low self-esteem.
Accepting NEW clients both in-person and virtually. Thank you for taking the time to visit my profile. If you are struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating, I know how alone you must feel and finding someone who truly gets where you are coming from is hard to find. I want you to know that I have been there, and am passionate about helping others along their journey, while recognizing that no two individuals are alike. I see myself as not only your therapist, but also your coach and mentor. I will always strive to provide client-centered care that is collaborative and tailored to meet your needs.
I provide psychotherapy to individuals struggling with eating disorders, poor body image, and low self-esteem.
Accepting NEW clients both in-person and virtually. Thank you for taking the time to visit my profile. If you are struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating, I know how alone you must feel and finding someone who truly gets where you are coming from is hard to find. I want you to know that I have been there, and am passionate about helping others along their journey, while recognizing that no two individuals are alike. I see myself as not only your therapist, but also your coach and mentor. I will always strive to provide client-centered care that is collaborative and tailored to meet your needs.
![Photo of Nanci Lord, BSW, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50dfc1c8-c9af-457e-aa6a-601c3f9c9104/1/320x400.png)
We all want to be heard and to have a place of validation as we navigate life issues. Knowing someone cares to listen and support as we come to accept difficult circumstances or make decisions for change can help us move through these challenging times. Areas of focus are depression, anxiety, coping strategies, workplace issues, caregiver burnout, palliative/end of life, grief and loss, chronic pain and illness.
We all want to be heard and to have a place of validation as we navigate life issues. Knowing someone cares to listen and support as we come to accept difficult circumstances or make decisions for change can help us move through these challenging times. Areas of focus are depression, anxiety, coping strategies, workplace issues, caregiver burnout, palliative/end of life, grief and loss, chronic pain and illness.
![Photo of Tina Joan Smith - Tina J. Smith & Associates, BSW, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2e357cd-2414-4efb-a93f-f4306514df59/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tina J. Smith & Associates
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Woodstock, ON N4S
Tina J. Smith & Associates supports the "whole family" (children, adolescents, teens, adults, couples, and families). It is our passion to help restore hope and healing by walking a journey alongside you. Everyone is faced with suffering in their life, and "at times" this suffering seems overwhelming. Counselling and psychotherapy provide an opportunity to gain insight, tools, and treatment toward restoration and healing. We believe hope and healing are greater when individuals, couples, and families receive care and support from our specialized therapists from within our "family team."
Tina J. Smith & Associates supports the "whole family" (children, adolescents, teens, adults, couples, and families). It is our passion to help restore hope and healing by walking a journey alongside you. Everyone is faced with suffering in their life, and "at times" this suffering seems overwhelming. Counselling and psychotherapy provide an opportunity to gain insight, tools, and treatment toward restoration and healing. We believe hope and healing are greater when individuals, couples, and families receive care and support from our specialized therapists from within our "family team."
![Photo of Sarah Grace Otten, RP (Q), MA, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5a038cf0-4bbb-460e-b0f1-de95f353df44/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Grace Otten
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP (Q), MA
Verified Verified
Woodstock, ON N4S
Hi, I am invested in working with clients as they embark on a path of self-discovery that inspires meaningful growth. Although there are many reasons to seek therapy, understanding the complexity and interconnectedness of one's thoughts, emotions, and actions, as well as one’s past and present experiences, can bring clarity and healing in the moment, and direction for the future. This insight can be invaluable in times of crisis or transition and can be used to foster positive changes and create new patterns. I look forward to going with you on this journey of exploring your story, strengths, and potential.
Hi, I am invested in working with clients as they embark on a path of self-discovery that inspires meaningful growth. Although there are many reasons to seek therapy, understanding the complexity and interconnectedness of one's thoughts, emotions, and actions, as well as one’s past and present experiences, can bring clarity and healing in the moment, and direction for the future. This insight can be invaluable in times of crisis or transition and can be used to foster positive changes and create new patterns. I look forward to going with you on this journey of exploring your story, strengths, and potential.
![Photo of Charlene Mercer - Cobblestone Counselling Group, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e156b0d-3f0a-4bd4-887a-fa6962b98bed/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cobblestone Counselling Group
Registered Social Worker
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodstock, ON N4S
We offer private In-person, phone and video Counselling and Psychotherapy services in Paris, Ontario. Are you struggling to understand and cope with challenges in your personal or professional life? Cobblestone Counselling and Psychotherapy group offers children, individuals, families and couples counselling. Like all services at Cobblestone, Counselling services are focused on treating people holistically. We see the person as a whole and employ a person centred, collaborative and integrative approach to counselling and therapy. Finding a therapist uniquely fitting to your needs is significant to us at Cobblestone.
We offer private In-person, phone and video Counselling and Psychotherapy services in Paris, Ontario. Are you struggling to understand and cope with challenges in your personal or professional life? Cobblestone Counselling and Psychotherapy group offers children, individuals, families and couples counselling. Like all services at Cobblestone, Counselling services are focused on treating people holistically. We see the person as a whole and employ a person centred, collaborative and integrative approach to counselling and therapy. Finding a therapist uniquely fitting to your needs is significant to us at Cobblestone.
![Photo of Jennifer Bartlett, BSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1f9961ac-1e9c-4d0d-ab25-50fbca4a78f3/3/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Jennifer Bartlett. Everyday I feel energized and happy to be helping teens and adults in their wellness journey. In session I am curious. attentive and empathetic with people. My goal is to create a safe place for you to talk openly about your experiences. I believe in the strength and capacity of each client to face life challenges. My therapeutic approach is more collaborative. I view myself as a guide to help clients resolve their issues and problems. Many of my clients have sought help regarding self-esteem, confidence, life transitions, anxiety, depression, identity, relationships and interpersonal issues.
My name is Jennifer Bartlett. Everyday I feel energized and happy to be helping teens and adults in their wellness journey. In session I am curious. attentive and empathetic with people. My goal is to create a safe place for you to talk openly about your experiences. I believe in the strength and capacity of each client to face life challenges. My therapeutic approach is more collaborative. I view myself as a guide to help clients resolve their issues and problems. Many of my clients have sought help regarding self-esteem, confidence, life transitions, anxiety, depression, identity, relationships and interpersonal issues.
![Photo of Leanne Eby, MSc, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab3c8622-11aa-4672-8fbb-49a75fa03786/2/320x400.jpeg)
Currently Accepting New Clients for Virtual Appointments Only. Do you suffer from feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, nervousness, racing thoughts, panic attacks, difficulty relaxing, exhaustion, or burn out? Having overcome my own struggle with anxiety as a young person, I have developed a strong passion for assisting others who are suffering from similar challenges. Let’s work together to transform your struggles into stepping stones, leading you towards a peaceful and empowered life. No challenge is too big or too small – I’m dedicated to helping you find your way and ensuring you no longer feel held back by your troubles.
Currently Accepting New Clients for Virtual Appointments Only. Do you suffer from feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, nervousness, racing thoughts, panic attacks, difficulty relaxing, exhaustion, or burn out? Having overcome my own struggle with anxiety as a young person, I have developed a strong passion for assisting others who are suffering from similar challenges. Let’s work together to transform your struggles into stepping stones, leading you towards a peaceful and empowered life. No challenge is too big or too small – I’m dedicated to helping you find your way and ensuring you no longer feel held back by your troubles.
![Photo of Laura Elise McCreery, HBSW, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4bb27637-0924-4f2f-8875-b3aa2291620a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Seeking a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship to engage in healing in a vulnerable and brave way? Needs may include: mental health, life transitions, stress, trauma, general well-being, grief, self-improvement, and others. Clients of any age, gender, or sexual orientation.
Seeking a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship to engage in healing in a vulnerable and brave way? Needs may include: mental health, life transitions, stress, trauma, general well-being, grief, self-improvement, and others. Clients of any age, gender, or sexual orientation.
![Photo of Cindy Steffy, MSW, RSW, RP, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4543b358-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Life is filled with many challenges. We all use coping mechanisms that appear to make sense for these challenges. Sometimes these coping mechanisms stop working or cause us other difficulties when they are used for longer periods of time. I provide a safe and comfortable environment in which we can work together to develop skills and strategies that lead to change that can be maintained over the long-term. I am trained to offer Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and have facilitated many treatment groups using these techniques. Mindfulness groups currently on hold.
Life is filled with many challenges. We all use coping mechanisms that appear to make sense for these challenges. Sometimes these coping mechanisms stop working or cause us other difficulties when they are used for longer periods of time. I provide a safe and comfortable environment in which we can work together to develop skills and strategies that lead to change that can be maintained over the long-term. I am trained to offer Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and have facilitated many treatment groups using these techniques. Mindfulness groups currently on hold.
![Photo of Jordan Thomas - London Centre for Trauma Therapy, BSW, MSW, RSW, RP-Q, RP, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3df6701c-5c44-477f-ac8e-68fc3be74e34/2/320x400.jpeg)
London Centre for Trauma Therapy
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW, RP-Q, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodstock, ON N4S
The LCTT is an award-winning psychotherapy clinic. We understand your pain- depression, anxiety, stress, overwhelm. We know you're tired of living the same old story, that you want to move on from the past but don't know how. When your parenting, relationships and happiness are all suffering, you need change and you need help. It is so frustrating when you wonder, "what is wrong with me?!" or- you know what's wrong, but have no idea how to change. Maybe the ways you have tried before have failed you, or only lasted a little while. Take a breath- you're in the right spot and we are going to help you transform.
The LCTT is an award-winning psychotherapy clinic. We understand your pain- depression, anxiety, stress, overwhelm. We know you're tired of living the same old story, that you want to move on from the past but don't know how. When your parenting, relationships and happiness are all suffering, you need change and you need help. It is so frustrating when you wonder, "what is wrong with me?!" or- you know what's wrong, but have no idea how to change. Maybe the ways you have tried before have failed you, or only lasted a little while. Take a breath- you're in the right spot and we are going to help you transform.
![Photo of Max Monoogian, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a87a8676-b8f3-49cf-adc8-1b2938df809c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Max Monoogian
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Woodstock, ON N4V
Not accepting new clients
I work collaboratively with clients to explore and process past and current experiences that include early childhood and attachment trauma; combat trauma; grief and loss; life transitions; relationship concerns; substance use; eating disorders; and anxiety and depression.
Suffering is an inherent part of the human experience. However, we often feel that we are alone in our suffering, that no one can relate to our experiences, or that we don’t deserve to find peace in our lives. This can create feelings of frustration and despair, and we begin to feel stuck, unable to connect with others. Fear of judgement, along with our vulnerabilities can keep us from reaching out when we need it the most. I am confident that every person holds an innate understanding of what they need to heal and grow. Grounded in compassion, humility, and curiosity, my aim is to co-create a safe, open space for self-exploration.
I work collaboratively with clients to explore and process past and current experiences that include early childhood and attachment trauma; combat trauma; grief and loss; life transitions; relationship concerns; substance use; eating disorders; and anxiety and depression.
Suffering is an inherent part of the human experience. However, we often feel that we are alone in our suffering, that no one can relate to our experiences, or that we don’t deserve to find peace in our lives. This can create feelings of frustration and despair, and we begin to feel stuck, unable to connect with others. Fear of judgement, along with our vulnerabilities can keep us from reaching out when we need it the most. I am confident that every person holds an innate understanding of what they need to heal and grow. Grounded in compassion, humility, and curiosity, my aim is to co-create a safe, open space for self-exploration.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Robert T. Muller, PhD, CPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f965835-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I've been a trauma therapist in Toronto for over 25 years, helping people with PTSD or trauma; those who have struggled with a painful past. I use a trauma-informed approach, that draws on attachment theory, I see individuals, couples or families, who have been affected by trauma. Many of my clients are in high distress from grief and loss, they often have difficult family relationships, or they're trying to cope with anxiety, eating disorders, or emotional pain.
I've been a trauma therapist in Toronto for over 25 years, helping people with PTSD or trauma; those who have struggled with a painful past. I use a trauma-informed approach, that draws on attachment theory, I see individuals, couples or families, who have been affected by trauma. Many of my clients are in high distress from grief and loss, they often have difficult family relationships, or they're trying to cope with anxiety, eating disorders, or emotional pain.
![Photo of Natasha Huff - Social Worker - Clinical Supervisor, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fe37495-8518-4903-a4bc-aa98f71ee255/3/320x400.jpeg)
Natasha Huff - Social Worker - Clinical Supervisor
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L5M
I offer individual, couple and family therapy for a wide range of issues including; Divorce/Separation, Trauma, Grief, OCD, ADHD, BPD, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse, Self-Image, Family Conflict, and Eating Disorders I have assisted many couples and families in improving their relationships with one another, providing them with the ability to communicate, respect and understand each other better using Collaborative Problem Solving and Emotion-focussed therapy. Success in a relationship does not mean there is no conflict, it means that conflict is handled in a respectful manner and individuals feel heard.
I offer individual, couple and family therapy for a wide range of issues including; Divorce/Separation, Trauma, Grief, OCD, ADHD, BPD, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse, Self-Image, Family Conflict, and Eating Disorders I have assisted many couples and families in improving their relationships with one another, providing them with the ability to communicate, respect and understand each other better using Collaborative Problem Solving and Emotion-focussed therapy. Success in a relationship does not mean there is no conflict, it means that conflict is handled in a respectful manner and individuals feel heard.
![Photo of Amanda Snyder, MSW, RSW, BSc, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13704d53-e233-4621-80a1-3a639a8d7875/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a psychotherapist and RSW, I specialize in supporting people with anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and relationship issues.
Hey, I’m Amanda! :) I know life can feel overwhelming sometimes—whether it’s anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or something from your past weighing you down. You might be feeling stuck or unsure of where to turn next. If that sounds familiar, I want you to know that I’m here to help. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and understood, so together, we can work through the challenges you’re facing. Healing is possible, and I’d be honored to walk that journey with you.
As a psychotherapist and RSW, I specialize in supporting people with anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and relationship issues.
Hey, I’m Amanda! :) I know life can feel overwhelming sometimes—whether it’s anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or something from your past weighing you down. You might be feeling stuck or unsure of where to turn next. If that sounds familiar, I want you to know that I’m here to help. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and understood, so together, we can work through the challenges you’re facing. Healing is possible, and I’d be honored to walk that journey with you.
See more therapy options for Ingersoll
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.