Eating Disorders Counselling in South London, London
![Photo of Ban Hass, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/27353070-3564-428a-8999-12dd6711fbc5/1/320x400.png)
I also have extensive experience of working with issues related to body-image, eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, orthorexia) & disordered eating.
I am an Integrative psychotherapist (MBACP) based in South West London, Fulham. I have a Masters in Integrative Psychotherapy & Counselling and I offer sessions both in-person in Fulham and via zoom. I would describe my practice as combining warmth with appropriate challenge. At times, I may do more than sit back and nod; I am not a blank slate or a traditional therapist. I believe in a therapeutic relationship that is genuine and in open and honest conversations.
I also have extensive experience of working with issues related to body-image, eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, orthorexia) & disordered eating.
I am an Integrative psychotherapist (MBACP) based in South West London, Fulham. I have a Masters in Integrative Psychotherapy & Counselling and I offer sessions both in-person in Fulham and via zoom. I would describe my practice as combining warmth with appropriate challenge. At times, I may do more than sit back and nod; I am not a blank slate or a traditional therapist. I believe in a therapeutic relationship that is genuine and in open and honest conversations.
![Photo of Caroline Salter, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aa87d4d6-b15d-4686-9fe5-6816ae91e899/3/320x400.jpeg)
Caroline Salter
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
South London, London SW19 (Online Only)
I worked with people with a variety of mental health problems in the NHS since 2010, and privately since 2020. I have five years experience working in a leading specialist eating disorder service in London, and currently work as acting lead psychologist in a general adult psychology service. I specialise in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Cognitive Analytic Therapy for eating disorders (including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder), depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem and persistent self-criticism.
I worked with people with a variety of mental health problems in the NHS since 2010, and privately since 2020. I have five years experience working in a leading specialist eating disorder service in London, and currently work as acting lead psychologist in a general adult psychology service. I specialise in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Cognitive Analytic Therapy for eating disorders (including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder), depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem and persistent self-criticism.
![Photo of Maria Constantinou - Maria Constantinou, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46af9533-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Psychotherapist and 'training analyst' for students in training. I have 20+ years experience of working with anxiety, depression, loss, eating disorders and more. 1st session is FREE for 30 mins. I believe psychotherapy should be available and affordable to everyone. I use sliding scale charges, a quiet, private and confidential space to talk, to express your self. We can explore and uncover the complexity behind the issues, causing your difficulties, distress and unhappiness. We find meaning and understanding and work towards unveiling and promoting a self that is more confident, empowered, assertive and self authorising.
I am a Psychotherapist and 'training analyst' for students in training. I have 20+ years experience of working with anxiety, depression, loss, eating disorders and more. 1st session is FREE for 30 mins. I believe psychotherapy should be available and affordable to everyone. I use sliding scale charges, a quiet, private and confidential space to talk, to express your self. We can explore and uncover the complexity behind the issues, causing your difficulties, distress and unhappiness. We find meaning and understanding and work towards unveiling and promoting a self that is more confident, empowered, assertive and self authorising.
![Photo of Lucia Giombini - Dr Lucia Giombini, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46b33ea4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Lucia Giombini
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
South London, London SW14 (Online Only)
I have dedicated the majority of my career as Clinical Psychologist thus far to helping people suffering from various forms of eating disorder, such anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder or emotional eating. By working with these conditions, I have developed a deeper understanding of the difficulties connected to them, such as different types of anxiety disorders and depression, perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. I use different interventions deriving from a wide range of psychological theories, including motivational enhancement therapy, interpersonal therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. Please, for more information visit my website: www.luciagiombini.com
I have dedicated the majority of my career as Clinical Psychologist thus far to helping people suffering from various forms of eating disorder, such anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder or emotional eating. By working with these conditions, I have developed a deeper understanding of the difficulties connected to them, such as different types of anxiety disorders and depression, perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. I use different interventions deriving from a wide range of psychological theories, including motivational enhancement therapy, interpersonal therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. Please, for more information visit my website: www.luciagiombini.com
![Photo of Fernanda Wagland, BPC, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fef5003f-97a5-4f5d-a48c-f8fb8c5628b6/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience in working with the impact of trauma and loss, addiction, anxiety, eating disorders, personality disorders and with survivors of sexual abuse.
More often than not, the roots of emotional problems go deeper than normal awareness can reach, and my role is to enable you to identify, and focus on, some of the destructive ways of relating to yourself and others that might leave you feeling depressed, anxious or alone. Together, we will create a safe and creative environment, which will help you to explore the different aspects of yourself – some which harmoniously coexist, and others that are at odds with each other.
I have experience in working with the impact of trauma and loss, addiction, anxiety, eating disorders, personality disorders and with survivors of sexual abuse.
More often than not, the roots of emotional problems go deeper than normal awareness can reach, and my role is to enable you to identify, and focus on, some of the destructive ways of relating to yourself and others that might leave you feeling depressed, anxious or alone. Together, we will create a safe and creative environment, which will help you to explore the different aspects of yourself – some which harmoniously coexist, and others that are at odds with each other.
![Photo of Silvia Vittoria Vitello, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3baa24fa-418a-4a4c-b412-c54174f3a5b7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Silvia Vittoria Vitello
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
South London, London SE1 (Online Only)
I am an Italian Constructivist Therapy. According to the abovementioned approach, I will use the therapeutic relationship dynamics to help the person achieve greater emotional and relational self-awareness. My master's degree in Clinical and Health psychology helped me to dive into the psychological treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral illnesses such as alcoholism, eating disorders, or depression. Thanks to a year-long experience in Canada, I also combine the clinical aspect with the cultural to provide a multifaceted approach where both cognitive, relational, and cultural aspects can be take into account.
I am an Italian Constructivist Therapy. According to the abovementioned approach, I will use the therapeutic relationship dynamics to help the person achieve greater emotional and relational self-awareness. My master's degree in Clinical and Health psychology helped me to dive into the psychological treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral illnesses such as alcoholism, eating disorders, or depression. Thanks to a year-long experience in Canada, I also combine the clinical aspect with the cultural to provide a multifaceted approach where both cognitive, relational, and cultural aspects can be take into account.
![Photo of Beth Hawley, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f5bd1b9-d1ba-4b29-9eb7-7dfac6fa2e70/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a warm and compassionate therapist specialising in eating disorder treatment.I am based in the Brighton and Hove area, as well as further afield online. If you are struggling with disordered eating, body image issues, body dysmorphic disorder, anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia please do get in touch for support.
I am a warm and compassionate therapist specialising in eating disorder treatment.I am based in the Brighton and Hove area, as well as further afield online. If you are struggling with disordered eating, body image issues, body dysmorphic disorder, anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia please do get in touch for support.
![Photo of Saundra Rhoden (Sex And Relationship Therapy), COSRT General, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f1d82b8c-846e-47e1-926b-bf75bf149098/2/320x400.jpeg)
Saundra Rhoden (Sex And Relationship Therapy)
Counsellor, COSRT General
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South London, London SE1
I also provide specialist support to recover from eating disorders, including binge eating, bulimia, anorexia and yo-yo dieting.
Life can feel overwhelming sometimes. Perhaps you’re feeling stressed and anxious about work, or your relationships are not going well. You want things to get better but you are losing hope that anything will ever change. Or, you have spent too long ignoring the situation and hoping it will go away. Why not take some time out for yourself. You’ve either tried talking to friends/ family or you don’t want to burden them. The answer may be to find a relatable counsellor who will listen calmly and guide you towards a better awareness of how to move forward. I am here to help.
I also provide specialist support to recover from eating disorders, including binge eating, bulimia, anorexia and yo-yo dieting.
Life can feel overwhelming sometimes. Perhaps you’re feeling stressed and anxious about work, or your relationships are not going well. You want things to get better but you are losing hope that anything will ever change. Or, you have spent too long ignoring the situation and hoping it will go away. Why not take some time out for yourself. You’ve either tried talking to friends/ family or you don’t want to burden them. The answer may be to find a relatable counsellor who will listen calmly and guide you towards a better awareness of how to move forward. I am here to help.
![Photo of Emmanuelle Dufour, MBABCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53487d85-23cf-4a11-9e8b-f8dc71adc85d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialise in eating disorders but can help with anxiety disorders and depression.
I am a registered Occupational Therapist and accredited Cognitive-Behavioural therapist with a range of experiences in mental health services within the NHS. I have a strong interest in helping people having a meaningful life despite their difficulties. I believe in the importance of personal recovery. I can help develop motivation to participate in a range of meaningful occupations including self-care, leisure, and work, replace unhealthy routines with healthier ones, rebuild identity by developing new roles outside of the illness, manage emotions and improve motivation and confidence in a range of day-to-day tasks.
I specialise in eating disorders but can help with anxiety disorders and depression.
I am a registered Occupational Therapist and accredited Cognitive-Behavioural therapist with a range of experiences in mental health services within the NHS. I have a strong interest in helping people having a meaningful life despite their difficulties. I believe in the importance of personal recovery. I can help develop motivation to participate in a range of meaningful occupations including self-care, leisure, and work, replace unhealthy routines with healthier ones, rebuild identity by developing new roles outside of the illness, manage emotions and improve motivation and confidence in a range of day-to-day tasks.
![Photo of Emma-Jane Marshall, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/920fe30e-11d5-4313-8736-87eccebb2823/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience working with Eating Disorders and have also worked with a range of different presentations including anxiety, depression, addictions and pre/post-natal illness.
Whether this is the first time that you’re seeking out therapy or if you have done this before, the process can be overwhelming. But you should know that by being here you've taken an important step forward in beginning to resolve your personal struggles. I am a fully qualified humanistic integrative psychotherapist, with over a decade of experience working both within private and public therapeutic services. I am a registered member of The British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and I adhere to their ethical code of practice and confidentiality.
I have extensive experience working with Eating Disorders and have also worked with a range of different presentations including anxiety, depression, addictions and pre/post-natal illness.
Whether this is the first time that you’re seeking out therapy or if you have done this before, the process can be overwhelming. But you should know that by being here you've taken an important step forward in beginning to resolve your personal struggles. I am a fully qualified humanistic integrative psychotherapist, with over a decade of experience working both within private and public therapeutic services. I am a registered member of The British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and I adhere to their ethical code of practice and confidentiality.
![Photo of Maria Sergeeva, MSc, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0cd9f2a1-77aa-4d6d-adba-ce66685c24fc/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am an integrative neurodivergence and LGBTQ+ trained psychotherapist (ACT, CBT, CFT, IFS, DBT skills training) meaning that I combine several approaches depending on a client, their needs and goals. I’m also a clinical psychologist and sex therapist. My main specialities include: eating disorders, ADHD and ASD in adults, DBT skills training for ADHD and ASD, impulse control disorders and trauma-informed care. My interests in sex and relationship therapy include kink-affirming practice, gender identity and sexuality questioning, trauma-informed care, sexuality, intimacy and relationships in neurodivergent individuals.
I am an integrative neurodivergence and LGBTQ+ trained psychotherapist (ACT, CBT, CFT, IFS, DBT skills training) meaning that I combine several approaches depending on a client, their needs and goals. I’m also a clinical psychologist and sex therapist. My main specialities include: eating disorders, ADHD and ASD in adults, DBT skills training for ADHD and ASD, impulse control disorders and trauma-informed care. My interests in sex and relationship therapy include kink-affirming practice, gender identity and sexuality questioning, trauma-informed care, sexuality, intimacy and relationships in neurodivergent individuals.
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![Photo of Hannah Tottenham, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap., Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dea7a8ad-07d6-40e5-81a8-8d66da2aca8b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hannah Tottenham
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap.
Verified Verified
South London, London SW17
Waitlist for new clients
Whether due to recent events or past ones, many people struggle with grief, loss, food and body, and traumatic experiences, leaving them feeling stuck, overwhelmed and needing support. My professional expertise is in working with clients struggling with trauma and PTSD; struggling with eating disorders, body image and identity; child and adult bereavement; clients undergoing cancer treatment; end of life care; and carers. This breadth of experience has informed my understanding of the universality of inner conflict and distress, and how the tools of self-exploration and insight are essential to effect change in the here-and-now.
Whether due to recent events or past ones, many people struggle with grief, loss, food and body, and traumatic experiences, leaving them feeling stuck, overwhelmed and needing support. My professional expertise is in working with clients struggling with trauma and PTSD; struggling with eating disorders, body image and identity; child and adult bereavement; clients undergoing cancer treatment; end of life care; and carers. This breadth of experience has informed my understanding of the universality of inner conflict and distress, and how the tools of self-exploration and insight are essential to effect change in the here-and-now.
![Photo of Samantha Bottrill, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5336ef71-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Sam Bottrill spent almost a decade working at the world renowned Maudsley Hospital Child & Adolescent Eating Disorder Service supporting teenagers and their families through recovery from Anorexia and Bulimia. Sam has worked privately with clients since 2012, working with adolescents, adults and families with a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, stress, depression, eating disorders, and trauma. Sam also specialises in couples therapy.
Dr Sam Bottrill spent almost a decade working at the world renowned Maudsley Hospital Child & Adolescent Eating Disorder Service supporting teenagers and their families through recovery from Anorexia and Bulimia. Sam has worked privately with clients since 2012, working with adolescents, adults and families with a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, stress, depression, eating disorders, and trauma. Sam also specialises in couples therapy.
![Photo of Elizabeth Dunn - Eating Disorder Recovery, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/494607cd-441b-430d-a7d8-bb70495bf777/3/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Dunn - Eating Disorder Recovery
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South London, London SW1W (Online Only)
I am a compassionate Senior Clinical Psychologist with over a 10 years’ experience working in mental health settings across Sussex. I provide evidence based individualised interventions that are tailored according to your needs and preferences. I specialise in supporting young people and adults with eating difficulties including Bulimia, Binge Eating, yo yo dieting, restrictive eating, Anorexia and body-image difficulties. Additionally, I work with a range of presentations including perfectionism, low self-esteem, anxiety and many more. I am experienced in providing CBT, CBT-E, MANTRA, and Compassion focused approaches.
I am a compassionate Senior Clinical Psychologist with over a 10 years’ experience working in mental health settings across Sussex. I provide evidence based individualised interventions that are tailored according to your needs and preferences. I specialise in supporting young people and adults with eating difficulties including Bulimia, Binge Eating, yo yo dieting, restrictive eating, Anorexia and body-image difficulties. Additionally, I work with a range of presentations including perfectionism, low self-esteem, anxiety and many more. I am experienced in providing CBT, CBT-E, MANTRA, and Compassion focused approaches.
![Photo of Louise Grace Montgomery, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a518b4f4-12fc-434a-a887-3d047f51411f/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have training in Internal Family Systems, helping eating disorders, and is particularly helpful for Autism and ADHD.
Hi I'm Louise, I'm a Humanistic counsellor, I am honest, approachable and authentic. Searching for the right therapist can be hard, finding someone you can trust and feel at ease with is the first step. To help you connect with me, I offer warmth and kindness, I really care for my clients. Many people see counselling as a place where they talk and the therapist listens, I will listen, but I will also support, resource you and help you find your way to wellbeing and calm. Together we can unpick any confusion, ease anxiety and bring light to the darker parts of your world. So let's work as a team to make things better.
I have training in Internal Family Systems, helping eating disorders, and is particularly helpful for Autism and ADHD.
Hi I'm Louise, I'm a Humanistic counsellor, I am honest, approachable and authentic. Searching for the right therapist can be hard, finding someone you can trust and feel at ease with is the first step. To help you connect with me, I offer warmth and kindness, I really care for my clients. Many people see counselling as a place where they talk and the therapist listens, I will listen, but I will also support, resource you and help you find your way to wellbeing and calm. Together we can unpick any confusion, ease anxiety and bring light to the darker parts of your world. So let's work as a team to make things better.
![Photo of Dr Basak Ince Caglar, PhD, CPsychol, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c07493f-5d0f-4664-b58a-14cbb4a5b79d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist. I currently work as a postdoctoral research associate and as an honorary therapist in London. I am experienced in a wide range of mental health problems; eating disorders, body image issues, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, emotion regulation difficulties, and trauma.
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist. I currently work as a postdoctoral research associate and as an honorary therapist in London. I am experienced in a wide range of mental health problems; eating disorders, body image issues, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, emotion regulation difficulties, and trauma.
![Photo of Melis Okur, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a5eeb9fd-0fc5-47fb-9c56-1c07e5eb1515/2/320x400.jpeg)
People who have experienced depression, trauma, eating disorders, immigration/adaptation issues and anxiety are what I’ve specialized working with.
Welcome to my practice! I am a psychologist (registered with the BPS) who works with adolescents and adults of all backgrounds, cultures, genders and sexual orientations from an integrative/humanistic approach. I align my therapy work with the goals, wishes and needs of the clients I work with.
People who have experienced depression, trauma, eating disorders, immigration/adaptation issues and anxiety are what I’ve specialized working with.
Welcome to my practice! I am a psychologist (registered with the BPS) who works with adolescents and adults of all backgrounds, cultures, genders and sexual orientations from an integrative/humanistic approach. I align my therapy work with the goals, wishes and needs of the clients I work with.
![Photo of Becky Sarah Burnett, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/476bef78-5df0-4dc5-978e-b8efb184dc80/2/320x400.jpeg)
Becky Sarah Burnett
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
South London, London SE13
Waitlist for new clients
I've worked for six years supporting people suffering with eating disorders, body image issues, anxiety, depression and various addictions. My extensive experience has shown me that these symptoms are often a response to distressing or painful situations which can come from all areas of life, perhaps difficult relationships, grief or troubling events. I strive to meet all my clients with unconditional positive regard, with compassion and empathy. I work alongside my clients to nurture a space where they feel they can bring all of themselves, and meet even the most painful or shamed parts without judgment or criticism.
I've worked for six years supporting people suffering with eating disorders, body image issues, anxiety, depression and various addictions. My extensive experience has shown me that these symptoms are often a response to distressing or painful situations which can come from all areas of life, perhaps difficult relationships, grief or troubling events. I strive to meet all my clients with unconditional positive regard, with compassion and empathy. I work alongside my clients to nurture a space where they feel they can bring all of themselves, and meet even the most painful or shamed parts without judgment or criticism.
![Photo of Janice Shilling, MBABCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d8fc7a27-c05e-4b0d-bf1a-f1382c68c5c2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, my name is Janice Shilling and I am a BABCP Accredited CBT Psychotherapist. I specialize in Eating Disorders and provide CBT-E for young people and adults with Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder. I work within the NHS and provide CBT-E for eating disorders privately. I have worked with clients who have eating disorders and mental health disorders for over 7 years.
Hi, my name is Janice Shilling and I am a BABCP Accredited CBT Psychotherapist. I specialize in Eating Disorders and provide CBT-E for young people and adults with Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder. I work within the NHS and provide CBT-E for eating disorders privately. I have worked with clients who have eating disorders and mental health disorders for over 7 years.
![Photo of Sophia Berouka, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cb4ac9b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have 12 years experience of working in different settings such as the NHS, eating disorders clinics, universities, employee assistance programmes and private practice.
My approach to psychotherapy involves trying to understand and address difficulties by increasing awareness of the more underlying aspects that lead to the development of symptoms. I will start by being curious and listening carefully at what brought you to therapy: the moments that marked your life, your relationship to others and the issues that may be making life hard for you. The specific words you use to describe your problems and the thoughts, feelings and memories that may come up during sessions are all important as they can open the way to understanding the more underlying concerns that lie behind symptoms.
I have 12 years experience of working in different settings such as the NHS, eating disorders clinics, universities, employee assistance programmes and private practice.
My approach to psychotherapy involves trying to understand and address difficulties by increasing awareness of the more underlying aspects that lead to the development of symptoms. I will start by being curious and listening carefully at what brought you to therapy: the moments that marked your life, your relationship to others and the issues that may be making life hard for you. The specific words you use to describe your problems and the thoughts, feelings and memories that may come up during sessions are all important as they can open the way to understanding the more underlying concerns that lie behind symptoms.
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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 behaviours, their patterns of eating in relation to stress, their beliefs about their body, the ways their eating behaviour affects their relationships, and their desire (or lack of it) to change. Such information helps the therapist understand the origins of the disorder and the role it plays in the patient’s life, important for guiding treatment. Attitudes and feelings about food and eating, body weight, and physical appearance are common topics of discussion throughout treatment.
What therapy types help with eating disorders?
Once any acute medical or psychiatric emergency is resolved, psychoactive medication is often prescribed, requiring the supervision of a psychiatrist. In addition, patients receive some form of nutritional counselling along with one or more forms of psychotherapy. For adolescents, family-based treatment is empirically validated and considered the first line of treatment; parents and their children meet weekly with a clinician as the adults are coached on how to nourish and psychologically support the young patient. Adults typically receive some form of individual psychotherapy, intended to resolve the cognitive and behavioural disturbances that underlie the disorder and to relieve the mood disturbances that accompany it. In addition, patients may also be helped by group therapy.
What is the goal of therapy for eating disorders?
The most immediate goal of treatment for eating disorders is to save the life of people who are on a path of starving themselves to death or engaging in eating patterns that are doing irreparable physical harm to their body. Once the acute medical danger is past, therapy is required to understand the nature of the disordered eating and/or exercise patterns, establish healthy eating behaviour, and to tackle the many erroneous beliefs and distorted self-perceptions that underlie eating disorders and continue to pose a threat to health and life. Therapy also addresses the impaired mood that not only accompanies eating disorders but intensifies the danger to health and life.
What are the limitations of therapy for eating disorders?
Therapy can be very helpful for eating disorders—but that can happen only after people recognise they have a condition that must be treated. Especially with anorexia, the distortions in self-image that accompany the disorder can keep people from acknowledging they have a problem. Individuals may in fact see their eating disorder as a badge of self-control. Those with binge-eating disorder may feel too ashamed to seek help. Therapy cannot help those who do not avail themselves of it.
How long does therapy last for eating disorders?
Because of their complexity, recovery from eating disorders is usually a long-term process—measured in months and years— often marked by setbacks and relapse. Some form of help, such as individual or group therapy, may be advisable for much of that time. It is a general rule of thumb that the longer the illness has endured and the dysregulated eating behaviour has taken root, the longer treatment is likely to be needed.