Therapists in Simcoe, ON
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Check out counsellors located nearby or offering teletherapy in Ontario below.Online Therapists
![Photo of Alyson Pancer, MSW, BSW, RSW, BAPsych, CYT, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da64a4da-fe6c-4ca3-8223-ff51695f91d6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alyson Pancer
Registered Social Worker, MSW, BSW, RSW, BAPsych, CYT
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5M
I ONLY work with evidence-based therapies, because I know they work! My specialties include psychotherapy with kids, teens, adults & couples, who live with anxiety and/or depression disorders, insomnia, OCD, child/teen school challenges, bullying, parenting, workplace issues, trauma & abuse, eating disorders, and/or acute/chronic medical health diagnosis.
Not sleeping? Is Work/Life balance unmanageable? Ready to replace medications with your best toolbox for Mental Health? Now that we are connected, please allow me to introduce myself. Having been personally trained by many of the world’s most influential Researchers and Psychotherapists, I provide evidence based Mindfulness. CBT, Yoga Psychotherapy & Clinical Hypnotherapy for anxiety, depression, relationships etc. It is my goal to help you identify & change your thought patterns and behaviours, and to provide you with effective coping strategies to assist you with difficult feelings and challenging situations present in your life.
I ONLY work with evidence-based therapies, because I know they work! My specialties include psychotherapy with kids, teens, adults & couples, who live with anxiety and/or depression disorders, insomnia, OCD, child/teen school challenges, bullying, parenting, workplace issues, trauma & abuse, eating disorders, and/or acute/chronic medical health diagnosis.
Not sleeping? Is Work/Life balance unmanageable? Ready to replace medications with your best toolbox for Mental Health? Now that we are connected, please allow me to introduce myself. Having been personally trained by many of the world’s most influential Researchers and Psychotherapists, I provide evidence based Mindfulness. CBT, Yoga Psychotherapy & Clinical Hypnotherapy for anxiety, depression, relationships etc. It is my goal to help you identify & change your thought patterns and behaviours, and to provide you with effective coping strategies to assist you with difficult feelings and challenging situations present in your life.
![Photo of Sue Cook - Family TLC, MEd, Counsel, BAFN, CYC, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf2b09cf-ceb8-47f5-b5d2-6cb215db594a/1/320x400.png)
Family TLC
Registered Social Worker, MEd, Counsel, BAFN, CYC, RSW
Verified Verified
Newmarket, ON L3Y
Are life struggles causing you unhappiness? It can get better. We are a group of highly trained psychotherapists, social workers and mediators. Many with over 25 years of experience in the field. Hundreds of individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents have benefited from our services. At Family TLC we truly believe in you and that you are bigger than the concern. With our diversely experienced team we are confident that a potential client will find someone best suited to their concerns that will help them make positive changes in their life.
Are life struggles causing you unhappiness? It can get better. We are a group of highly trained psychotherapists, social workers and mediators. Many with over 25 years of experience in the field. Hundreds of individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents have benefited from our services. At Family TLC we truly believe in you and that you are bigger than the concern. With our diversely experienced team we are confident that a potential client will find someone best suited to their concerns that will help them make positive changes in their life.
![Photo of Tania Marie Da Silva (Behaviour Matters), HonsBA, CYC, CYW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b134f579-5be7-42c0-962a-1ad116ffadb8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tania DaSilva holds an Honours Bachelors of Arts and Science Degree majoring in Psychology and Sociology, certifications in Cognitive Behavioural, Solution-Focused and Narrative Therapy, from OISE, University of Toronto, an Honours Advanced Child and Youth Care Diploma from Humber College, specializing in counselling, interventions, treatment and therapeutic activities. She is the Clinical Director of Behaviour Matters, author of Push for Happy, creator of Mindful Masters SEL Program and an on-air mental health media expert, seen in CTV, Global, Forbes, Toronto Star etc.
Tania DaSilva holds an Honours Bachelors of Arts and Science Degree majoring in Psychology and Sociology, certifications in Cognitive Behavioural, Solution-Focused and Narrative Therapy, from OISE, University of Toronto, an Honours Advanced Child and Youth Care Diploma from Humber College, specializing in counselling, interventions, treatment and therapeutic activities. She is the Clinical Director of Behaviour Matters, author of Push for Happy, creator of Mindful Masters SEL Program and an on-air mental health media expert, seen in CTV, Global, Forbes, Toronto Star etc.
![Photo of Brooke Hill, RP, MEd, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dbec05d5-c683-4224-adf1-60c4035a9003/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Clinic Director and Psychotherapist, highly experienced in Canada and abroad, in providing individualized care for a variety of mental issues and illnesses. An ideal client would be someone who is willing to put in the work to take a step towards change. Yet, you may not be ready for change, either way therapy is a safe form to find out. I want to help clients achieve their mental health goals through empowerment, awareness, acceptance and healing, with the use scientifically-based techniques that have been proven to be highly effective. You'll acquire the necessary tools to achieve a mind-body-soul approach to health.
I am a Clinic Director and Psychotherapist, highly experienced in Canada and abroad, in providing individualized care for a variety of mental issues and illnesses. An ideal client would be someone who is willing to put in the work to take a step towards change. Yet, you may not be ready for change, either way therapy is a safe form to find out. I want to help clients achieve their mental health goals through empowerment, awareness, acceptance and healing, with the use scientifically-based techniques that have been proven to be highly effective. You'll acquire the necessary tools to achieve a mind-body-soul approach to health.
![Photo of Shauna Lynn Switzer, MCP, MA, CHyp, RP#6934, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3db2f3a7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shauna Lynn Switzer
Registered Psychotherapist, MCP, MA, CHyp, RP#6934
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Georgetown, ON L7G
At times, many of us contend with emotions and suffering that are overwhelmingly painful, disheartening and difficult to bear, often as a result of unique stressors and events. I work with adults, adolescents, families and step-families using Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, interpersonal psychotherapy, and DBT/CBT within neuroscience and attachment frameworks. I encouraged clients to access inner strengths and free their capacity for growth. Whether you or a family member experience depression, anxiety, marital distress or difficulties with peers, you deserve support in a confidential, accepting, safe and caring environment.
At times, many of us contend with emotions and suffering that are overwhelmingly painful, disheartening and difficult to bear, often as a result of unique stressors and events. I work with adults, adolescents, families and step-families using Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, interpersonal psychotherapy, and DBT/CBT within neuroscience and attachment frameworks. I encouraged clients to access inner strengths and free their capacity for growth. Whether you or a family member experience depression, anxiety, marital distress or difficulties with peers, you deserve support in a confidential, accepting, safe and caring environment.
![Photo of Chris Lobsinger, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f9cbfa7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Practical, collaborative, brief therapy to help you create the life you want.
Practical, collaborative, brief therapy to help you create the life you want.
![Photo of Amanda Dewar - Strength Counselling Services, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/342e51e7-e4c3-4446-8a9f-6058c5aaec9e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Hamilton, ON L8K (Online Only)
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
![Photo of Amanda Dewar - Strength Counselling Services, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8478aad9-a6c5-4fec-ba03-348c7771a3f6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Burlington, ON L7N (Online Only)
Currently, we provide online counseling services exclusively, featuring a talented team of counselors from diverse backgrounds who can tackle a wide range of mental health issues. Our primary goal is to nurture the holistic well-being of our clients, addressing their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects through exceptional counseling services. We cater to individuals, couples, and families, tailoring our approach for each unique client. In the event of client dissatisfaction with a therapist, we pledge to either find an appropriate replacement or suggest an unaffiliated alternative expert to ensure their needs are met.
Currently, we provide online counseling services exclusively, featuring a talented team of counselors from diverse backgrounds who can tackle a wide range of mental health issues. Our primary goal is to nurture the holistic well-being of our clients, addressing their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects through exceptional counseling services. We cater to individuals, couples, and families, tailoring our approach for each unique client. In the event of client dissatisfaction with a therapist, we pledge to either find an appropriate replacement or suggest an unaffiliated alternative expert to ensure their needs are met.
![Photo of Amanda Vigna - STAR Holistic Services , MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/107dddae-2113-4093-a23f-26d42d22a58b/1/320x400.jpeg)
STAR Holistic Services
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vaughan, ON L4L
Accepting new clients!
Accepting new clients!
![Photo of Rory Nicol - The Dot Canada, MA, RP, MSW, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b3260512-b86e-41ce-b59c-f4673435b9d7/1/320x400.png)
The Dot Canada
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, MSW
Verified Verified
Saint Catharines, ON L2S (Online Only)
If you're feeling disconnected, distracted, and detached from your life, it may be time to look at why. Why can't I connect, why am I not able to just "get over" my past, or why does it all feel so meaningless? Maybe there are other questions, like “what am I doing with my life” or “who do I want to be?”. It’s okay to take time that's just for you, to look at your life and see both the big picture and explore the often overlooked details. With the right support, you can feel more present, connected, and in control of your life.
If you're feeling disconnected, distracted, and detached from your life, it may be time to look at why. Why can't I connect, why am I not able to just "get over" my past, or why does it all feel so meaningless? Maybe there are other questions, like “what am I doing with my life” or “who do I want to be?”. It’s okay to take time that's just for you, to look at your life and see both the big picture and explore the often overlooked details. With the right support, you can feel more present, connected, and in control of your life.
![Photo of Michel Justin - Building Bridges Psychotherapy, MA, MSc, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba05a063-53ff-4785-a6dc-67989547d5e8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Building Bridges Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, MSc, RP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L4Z
***ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS: IN-PERSON & PHONE/VIDEO*** We believe that there is good in every person, and hope in every situation. We have helped individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and connect. As relational therapists, we appreciate the impact that our relationships have on our well-being. We do not see clients as having something wrong with their minds that necessarily needs to be fixed. Rather, we see our clients as unique individuals, each with their own stories and perspectives, embedded in important relationships and contexts that impact them. We see strengths and we see hope, even when it feels like there is none.
***ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS: IN-PERSON & PHONE/VIDEO*** We believe that there is good in every person, and hope in every situation. We have helped individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and connect. As relational therapists, we appreciate the impact that our relationships have on our well-being. We do not see clients as having something wrong with their minds that necessarily needs to be fixed. Rather, we see our clients as unique individuals, each with their own stories and perspectives, embedded in important relationships and contexts that impact them. We see strengths and we see hope, even when it feels like there is none.
![Photo of Diane M Cassidy, RN, BA, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b47decf0-0497-4c7e-89cd-6438817c6808/3/320x400.jpeg)
Diane M Cassidy
Registered Psychotherapist, RN, BA, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Whitby, ON L1N (Online Only)
Namaste! I provide individual, relationship and marriage counselling, in a nonjudgmental, relaxed environment. Over the last 35 years I have worked with individuals and couples guiding, teaching and helping them by using an eclectic approach, and a variety of different types of modalities depending on the particular needs of my clients. I also provide family mediation and relationship counselling for couples who have split. I am a sex therapist, working with all couples and individuals. I specialize in many areas, as I believe all issues are connected, so to treat problems in isolation is unrealistic and can be short lived.
Namaste! I provide individual, relationship and marriage counselling, in a nonjudgmental, relaxed environment. Over the last 35 years I have worked with individuals and couples guiding, teaching and helping them by using an eclectic approach, and a variety of different types of modalities depending on the particular needs of my clients. I also provide family mediation and relationship counselling for couples who have split. I am a sex therapist, working with all couples and individuals. I specialize in many areas, as I believe all issues are connected, so to treat problems in isolation is unrealistic and can be short lived.
![Photo of Ken Walton, RP, MEd, BA, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e986215-a772-4526-9998-8eb3c115b6a4/3/320x400.jpeg)
As a holistic psychotherapist I help individuals and couples achieve inner transformation through healing the core psychological issues. With over 10 years experience, I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, addictions, self-esteem, obsessive thought patterns, and personal growth work. There are lots of psychoeducational videos of my approach at www.kenwalton.org We will use a tailored evidence based therapeutic approach. In a safe non-judgmental environment, we address the difficulties in your thought-belief systems, emotional complexes, and behavioural-patterns. www.kenwalton.org
As a holistic psychotherapist I help individuals and couples achieve inner transformation through healing the core psychological issues. With over 10 years experience, I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, addictions, self-esteem, obsessive thought patterns, and personal growth work. There are lots of psychoeducational videos of my approach at www.kenwalton.org We will use a tailored evidence based therapeutic approach. In a safe non-judgmental environment, we address the difficulties in your thought-belief systems, emotional complexes, and behavioural-patterns. www.kenwalton.org
![Photo of Jenny Lehmann, BA, BSW, MSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bce528d-ff26-414b-8fd5-fa46a8b0b59d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jenny Lehmann
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist, BA, BSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2L
If you are reading this, you have already taken the most challenging step on your path to healing and growth, and that’s reaching out for support. It can be incredibly overwhelming starting to focus on your mental health and wanting to make changes but not knowing where to begin, this is where I come in. My commitment is to create a safe and supportive environment for all individuals and one that emphasizes growth and development in a non-judgemental manner to help support clients’ goals and ultimately living happy and meaningful lives.
If you are reading this, you have already taken the most challenging step on your path to healing and growth, and that’s reaching out for support. It can be incredibly overwhelming starting to focus on your mental health and wanting to make changes but not knowing where to begin, this is where I come in. My commitment is to create a safe and supportive environment for all individuals and one that emphasizes growth and development in a non-judgemental manner to help support clients’ goals and ultimately living happy and meaningful lives.
![Photo of Aliya Dowlut - Exalted Mind & Wellness Inc., MA, RP, BA, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ebbb0ec1-e851-42bc-8236-c55cfa5f27d2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Exalted Mind & Wellness Inc.
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, BA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Brampton, ON L6T
Our mission at Exalted Mind & Wellness is to support individuals in providing psychological, emotional/mental care to heal and improve your life. The name Aliya, translates to "Exalted" "One who climbs upwards", a meaning that has played an important role throughout my journey. When one struggles with mental health concerns, they often feel down and not like themselves; nor may they view themselves in positive regards, our vision is to empower every individual through to "ascend forward" and strengthen their abilities to overcome their mental health challenges, and to start viewing themselves positively climbing upwards.
Our mission at Exalted Mind & Wellness is to support individuals in providing psychological, emotional/mental care to heal and improve your life. The name Aliya, translates to "Exalted" "One who climbs upwards", a meaning that has played an important role throughout my journey. When one struggles with mental health concerns, they often feel down and not like themselves; nor may they view themselves in positive regards, our vision is to empower every individual through to "ascend forward" and strengthen their abilities to overcome their mental health challenges, and to start viewing themselves positively climbing upwards.
![Photo of Amanda Dewar - Strength Counselling Services, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49563062-c73a-4bcd-986a-bd846d59a22c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4Y (Online Only)
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
![Photo of Lindsay Kochen, MSc, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b53baaf0-ddda-4c7e-abf2-91b556899c44/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsay Kochen
Registered Social Worker, MSc, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5H (Online Only)
I work with people who seek a mindful and heart-centred way of resolving traumas, limiting beliefs, stuck emotions, and other blockages. If you want to gently but effectively shed inner patterns that have been holding you back, I am here to help you work on the deepest of levels. We may be a particularly good fit if you have an interest in the domains of intuition, spirituality, or connection to something beyond the self.
I work with people who seek a mindful and heart-centred way of resolving traumas, limiting beliefs, stuck emotions, and other blockages. If you want to gently but effectively shed inner patterns that have been holding you back, I am here to help you work on the deepest of levels. We may be a particularly good fit if you have an interest in the domains of intuition, spirituality, or connection to something beyond the self.
![Photo of Charlene Mercer - Cobblestone Counselling Group, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e156b0d-3f0a-4bd4-887a-fa6962b98bed/1/320x400.jpeg)
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 Christina Skoulos - Christina Skoulos, RP, TCHt, CFRC, RKin, RYT, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1cf150ec-e877-4bd1-9d59-38c44cb11432/3/320x400.jpeg)
Christina Skoulos
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, TCHt, CFRC, RKin, RYT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Markham, ON L3R
Are you feeling overwhelmed, lost, stuck, down, anxious, stressed, or seeking answers? Would you like to improve your health and well-being and create deeper healing, improved relationships, lasting change, and transformation in your life? Perhaps you find yourself lacking time, focus, energy, drive, connection, and have no idea how to start improving things. We all have times in life when we may feel this way. With everything going on in the world these days, it's not easy to not feel this way. But you can finally stop trying to do it all alone now. Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer support.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, lost, stuck, down, anxious, stressed, or seeking answers? Would you like to improve your health and well-being and create deeper healing, improved relationships, lasting change, and transformation in your life? Perhaps you find yourself lacking time, focus, energy, drive, connection, and have no idea how to start improving things. We all have times in life when we may feel this way. With everything going on in the world these days, it's not easy to not feel this way. But you can finally stop trying to do it all alone now. Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer support.
![Photo of Shauna Lynn Switzer, MA, MCP, RP, C Hyp, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/486c4d30-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shauna Lynn Switzer
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, MCP, RP, C Hyp
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6H
At times, many of us contend with emotions and suffering that are overwhelmingly painful, disheartening and difficult to bear, often as a result of unique stressors and events. I work with adults, adolescents, families and step-families using Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, interpersonal psychotherapy, and DBT/CBT within neuroscience and attachment frameworks. I encouraged clients to access inner strengths and free their capacity for growth. Whether you or a family member experience depression, anxiety, marital distress or difficulties with peers, you deserve support in a confidential, accepting, safe and caring environment.
At times, many of us contend with emotions and suffering that are overwhelmingly painful, disheartening and difficult to bear, often as a result of unique stressors and events. I work with adults, adolescents, families and step-families using Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, interpersonal psychotherapy, and DBT/CBT within neuroscience and attachment frameworks. I encouraged clients to access inner strengths and free their capacity for growth. Whether you or a family member experience depression, anxiety, marital distress or difficulties with peers, you deserve support in a confidential, accepting, safe and caring environment.
See more therapy options for Simcoe
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.