Eating Disorders Counselling in Oxford

Photo of Alison Hamley - Alison Hamley Psychological Services, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Alison Hamley Psychological Services
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Oxford OX2
I work with a range of mental health problems and I have a specialism in treating eating disorders and addictive behaviours, including substance misuse.
I am an HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist, and a British Psychological Society Chartered Psychologist. I have over 25 years experience of working in mental health settings. In my practice, I provide a safe, confidential and collaborative space for clients to explore their difficulties and find solutions to their problems.
I work with a range of mental health problems and I have a specialism in treating eating disorders and addictive behaviours, including substance misuse.
I am an HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist, and a British Psychological Society Chartered Psychologist. I have over 25 years experience of working in mental health settings. In my practice, I provide a safe, confidential and collaborative space for clients to explore their difficulties and find solutions to their problems.
01865 951206 View 01865 951206
Photo of Marianne Le Coyte Grinney, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Marianne Le Coyte Grinney
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Oxford OX1  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Systemic Psychotherapy can help a range of problems: Attachment difficulties, Eating disorders, School difficulties, Relationship distress, Alcohol and drug misuse.
If you are reading this you may be wishing for something in your life, family or relationship to be different. I too was looking for difference when I first began my Systemic Psychotherapy training. My name is Marianne Le Coyte Grinney and I am a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist: I believe 'the person is never the problem' and that people are best understood within systems, for example their family, work and social life. My therapeutic posture aims not to apportion blame, but to support individual and collective change within a safe and supportive environment. I do not hope to provide answers, but to facilitate change through
Systemic Psychotherapy can help a range of problems: Attachment difficulties, Eating disorders, School difficulties, Relationship distress, Alcohol and drug misuse.
If you are reading this you may be wishing for something in your life, family or relationship to be different. I too was looking for difference when I first began my Systemic Psychotherapy training. My name is Marianne Le Coyte Grinney and I am a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist: I believe 'the person is never the problem' and that people are best understood within systems, for example their family, work and social life. My therapeutic posture aims not to apportion blame, but to support individual and collective change within a safe and supportive environment. I do not hope to provide answers, but to facilitate change through
01793 378026 View 01793 378026
Photo of Harbans Nagpal, MBBS, Psychotherapist
Harbans Nagpal
Psychotherapist, MBBS
Verified Verified
Oxford OX1
English Psychotherapist specialized in the treatment of obesity, bulimia, anorexia, gambing, smoking, drinking, cannabis and other addictions.
I am a Lacanian psychotherapist and psychoanalyst with 25 years of experience. I treat eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia and obesity, and addictions such as to nicotine, cannabis, gambling, sex, chocolate, tea and coffee. After my training in medicine (Oxford, Cambridge) I worked in London and at the American Hospital of Paris. To specialize, I trained in psychiatry and psychoanalysis (with Jacques Lacan at the École Freudienne) in Paris. For many years I was a Consultant Psychiatrist at Saint Anne’s Hospital in Paris. For the last twenty years I have worked as a specialised psychotherapist. Do take a look at my website.
English Psychotherapist specialized in the treatment of obesity, bulimia, anorexia, gambing, smoking, drinking, cannabis and other addictions.
I am a Lacanian psychotherapist and psychoanalyst with 25 years of experience. I treat eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia and obesity, and addictions such as to nicotine, cannabis, gambling, sex, chocolate, tea and coffee. After my training in medicine (Oxford, Cambridge) I worked in London and at the American Hospital of Paris. To specialize, I trained in psychiatry and psychoanalysis (with Jacques Lacan at the École Freudienne) in Paris. For many years I was a Consultant Psychiatrist at Saint Anne’s Hospital in Paris. For the last twenty years I have worked as a specialised psychotherapist. Do take a look at my website.
01223 679756 View 01223 679756
Photo of Pascale Palazzo, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Pascale Palazzo
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oxford OX1  (Online Only)
As well as eating disorders, I have experience working with a wide range of issues, including trauma, depression, anxiety and other emotional difficulties, low self-confidence, problems in relationships, family issues, abuse, grief and loss.
I specialise in trauma, EMDR and eating disorders, as an accredited integrative therapist and clinical supervisor. In my work with eating disorders, I help people suffering from bulimia, binge eating disorder and anorexia, as well as those with OSFED or atypical presentations. I also supervise eating disorder therapists. I offer emotional exploration and practical guidance to help you improve your relationship with food and with yourself, improve your body image and self-esteem, and move past your symptoms toward your life aspirations. As a side note, I made a full recovery from bulimia, which seemed impossible to me at the time.
As well as eating disorders, I have experience working with a wide range of issues, including trauma, depression, anxiety and other emotional difficulties, low self-confidence, problems in relationships, family issues, abuse, grief and loss.
I specialise in trauma, EMDR and eating disorders, as an accredited integrative therapist and clinical supervisor. In my work with eating disorders, I help people suffering from bulimia, binge eating disorder and anorexia, as well as those with OSFED or atypical presentations. I also supervise eating disorder therapists. I offer emotional exploration and practical guidance to help you improve your relationship with food and with yourself, improve your body image and self-esteem, and move past your symptoms toward your life aspirations. As a side note, I made a full recovery from bulimia, which seemed impossible to me at the time.
07356 021122 View 07356 021122
Photo of John-Henry Carter, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
John-Henry Carter
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Oxford OX1
John-Henry works with individuals and couples suffering from a range mental health issues including: anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addictions, relationship issues, trauma, grief and change, anger issues, identity and self-esteem, self-harm, suicidal and existential issues.
John-Henry graduated with distinction from Oxford University with an MSt in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. He is currently completing doctoral research at Oxford University on the psychoanalysis of dreams. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, John-Henry played professional rugby in several successful teams, winning the Guinness Premiership, European Cup and Varsity matches as Captain at Oxford University. He works privately in Oxford and in a clinic on Harley Street in London. He also offers online sessions, which can be combined with face to face meetings at your convenience.
John-Henry works with individuals and couples suffering from a range mental health issues including: anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addictions, relationship issues, trauma, grief and change, anger issues, identity and self-esteem, self-harm, suicidal and existential issues.
John-Henry graduated with distinction from Oxford University with an MSt in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. He is currently completing doctoral research at Oxford University on the psychoanalysis of dreams. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, John-Henry played professional rugby in several successful teams, winning the Guinness Premiership, European Cup and Varsity matches as Captain at Oxford University. He works privately in Oxford and in a clinic on Harley Street in London. He also offers online sessions, which can be combined with face to face meetings at your convenience.
01865 950946 View 01865 950946
Photo of Annabelle Joy, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Annabelle Joy
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Oxford OX33
I specialise in anxiety disorders including General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety, Panic, Separation Anxiety and Eating Disorders, Body Dysmorphia and Low Self-Esteem.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidenced based therapy that helps us to understand how we think, affects how we behave, and how we feel. It is a collaborative therapy. I believe the relationship built between the therapist and client helps deliver a positive therapeutic outcome. I work with my clients to build a formulation of their difficulties using CBT skills and techniques. We work together to understand what is maintaining the problem and how we can change our thoughts, thinking styles and behaviours. We gently learn to face our fears and to stop using controlling or avoidant behaviours.
I specialise in anxiety disorders including General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety, Panic, Separation Anxiety and Eating Disorders, Body Dysmorphia and Low Self-Esteem.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidenced based therapy that helps us to understand how we think, affects how we behave, and how we feel. It is a collaborative therapy. I believe the relationship built between the therapist and client helps deliver a positive therapeutic outcome. I work with my clients to build a formulation of their difficulties using CBT skills and techniques. We work together to understand what is maintaining the problem and how we can change our thoughts, thinking styles and behaviours. We gently learn to face our fears and to stop using controlling or avoidant behaviours.
01865 638059 View 01865 638059
Photo of Tanya Lecchi - Inner Citadel, PhD
Inner Citadel
PhD
Verified Verified
Oxford OX44
We work with adolescents, adults and older adults struggling with anxiety, depression, developmental trauma, eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, life crisis, relational difficulties and cultural identity dilemmas.
Inner Citadel is a clinic and training institute founded by Dr Tanya Lecchi (HCPC Clinical Psychologist and Counselling Psychologist). Our mission is to offer evidence-based therapies to people interested in exploring their lived experience in depth, helping our clients manage their clinical symptoms while finding greater authenticity and fulfilment in their daily lives. We offer a safe, quiet and private space.
We work with adolescents, adults and older adults struggling with anxiety, depression, developmental trauma, eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, life crisis, relational difficulties and cultural identity dilemmas.
Inner Citadel is a clinic and training institute founded by Dr Tanya Lecchi (HCPC Clinical Psychologist and Counselling Psychologist). Our mission is to offer evidence-based therapies to people interested in exploring their lived experience in depth, helping our clients manage their clinical symptoms while finding greater authenticity and fulfilment in their daily lives. We offer a safe, quiet and private space.
01865 638842 View 01865 638842
Photo of Dr Saba Hassan, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Saba Hassan
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oxford OX1  (Online Only)
I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Oxford and am registered with the HCPC. I have worked with a range of complex emotional needs with diagnoses such as PTSD, complex PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety disorders i.e OCD, phobias, GAD, depression, eating disorders, and mental health difficulties associated with neuro-developmental disorders (ASC & ADHD). I have (and still actively) work in the NHS since 2017 across several settings.
I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Oxford and am registered with the HCPC. I have worked with a range of complex emotional needs with diagnoses such as PTSD, complex PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety disorders i.e OCD, phobias, GAD, depression, eating disorders, and mental health difficulties associated with neuro-developmental disorders (ASC & ADHD). I have (and still actively) work in the NHS since 2017 across several settings.
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Photo of Ewa (Eva) Kearl, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Ewa (Eva) Kearl
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Oxford OX1
I have experience working with a wide variety of issues, including bereavement and loss, stress, depression, anger, fears, anxiety, phobias, PTSD, OCD, relationships, eating disorders, unwanted habits, self-harm, low self-esteem, confidence, motivation, addiction, abuse, trauma.
I am Qualified Integrative Counsellor/Psychotherapist, dedicated to helping every individual thrive in their own way, according to their specific need. Tailored to each individual I use varieties of therapeutic treatments including Person-Centred Therapy, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Transactional Analyses, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), also relaxation techniques.
I have experience working with a wide variety of issues, including bereavement and loss, stress, depression, anger, fears, anxiety, phobias, PTSD, OCD, relationships, eating disorders, unwanted habits, self-harm, low self-esteem, confidence, motivation, addiction, abuse, trauma.
I am Qualified Integrative Counsellor/Psychotherapist, dedicated to helping every individual thrive in their own way, according to their specific need. Tailored to each individual I use varieties of therapeutic treatments including Person-Centred Therapy, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Transactional Analyses, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), also relaxation techniques.
01869 943671 View 01869 943671
Photo of Shelley Marie Alcock - Cheltenham’s Counselling Centre  , DCounsPsych, BACP, Counsellor
Cheltenham’s Counselling Centre
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, BACP
Verified Verified
Oxford OX1
I have experience with working with adults of all ages, teenagers and younger children on a wide range of issues including: anxiety, identity, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, stress, grief, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, relationship issues, eating disorders, self-harm, and more.
Hello my name is Shelley and I am a qualified adult and child Therapeutic Counsellor. I have a vast amount of experience as a pastoral worker working in schools and as a counsellor working for a charity. I am a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and offer face to face or online sessions . These sessions provide a confidential, supportive environment where clients can feel safe and explore the work through any emotional or life difficulties. I believe by offering online counselling this gives each individual the ability to reach their true potential within the safety of their chosen space.
I have experience with working with adults of all ages, teenagers and younger children on a wide range of issues including: anxiety, identity, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, stress, grief, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, relationship issues, eating disorders, self-harm, and more.
Hello my name is Shelley and I am a qualified adult and child Therapeutic Counsellor. I have a vast amount of experience as a pastoral worker working in schools and as a counsellor working for a charity. I am a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and offer face to face or online sessions . These sessions provide a confidential, supportive environment where clients can feel safe and explore the work through any emotional or life difficulties. I believe by offering online counselling this gives each individual the ability to reach their true potential within the safety of their chosen space.
01242 339245 View 01242 339245
Photo of Henrietta Ray - Neurodiversity Affirming, MBACP, Counsellor
Henrietta Ray - Neurodiversity Affirming
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Oxford OX1
Waitlist for new clients
Are your thoughts spinning so fast that focusing feels impossible? Do you find yourself cycling through anxiety, stress, and burnout? Overthinking may be taking a toll on your work, relationships, and overall well-being. While the pressure often comes from within, it can negatively impact many areas of your life, leading to procrastination, avoidance, and even unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating, substance use, or addiction.
Are your thoughts spinning so fast that focusing feels impossible? Do you find yourself cycling through anxiety, stress, and burnout? Overthinking may be taking a toll on your work, relationships, and overall well-being. While the pressure often comes from within, it can negatively impact many areas of your life, leading to procrastination, avoidance, and even unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating, substance use, or addiction.
020 3835 2894 View 020 3835 2894
Photo of Tamara Jane Herrmann, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Tamara Jane Herrmann
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oxford OX1
Hello! Thank you for checking my profile. I know that It’s really difficult to find the right therapist. We can have a brief chat on the phone or else arrange an initial assessment appointment and see how we get on together. I am an integrative Psychotherapist. I can see you for psychotherapy for any issues and problems in your life which are stopping you from living it to the full . I am also a dietician and can advise on healthy eating and nutrition. We can agree on nutritional targets based on tailor-made meal plan for you, if this is what you require .
Hello! Thank you for checking my profile. I know that It’s really difficult to find the right therapist. We can have a brief chat on the phone or else arrange an initial assessment appointment and see how we get on together. I am an integrative Psychotherapist. I can see you for psychotherapy for any issues and problems in your life which are stopping you from living it to the full . I am also a dietician and can advise on healthy eating and nutrition. We can agree on nutritional targets based on tailor-made meal plan for you, if this is what you require .
01865 411134 View 01865 411134
Photo of Melike Guray, MBBS
Melike Guray
MBBS
Verified Verified
Oxford OX3
I can help you if you are feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of life. You might be grappling with challenges such as anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. You seek a way out of your emotional and mental struggles, yearning to realize your true potential. Your deepest desire is to cultivate healthier and more meaningful relationships with yourself and others, ultimately leading a more fulfilling life. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), you aim to reconstruct your thoughts and emotions, enhancing your self-confidence and resilience. For you, CBT is a crucial tool in your journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
I can help you if you are feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of life. You might be grappling with challenges such as anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. You seek a way out of your emotional and mental struggles, yearning to realize your true potential. Your deepest desire is to cultivate healthier and more meaningful relationships with yourself and others, ultimately leading a more fulfilling life. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), you aim to reconstruct your thoughts and emotions, enhancing your self-confidence and resilience. For you, CBT is a crucial tool in your journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
020 3772 3393 View 020 3772 3393
Photo of Jacob Mornington, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Jacob Mornington
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Oxford OX1
Specialised Trauma Therapist. I guide people through the complex emotional and physical effects of these traumatic experiences. My therapy is grounded in trauma-informed approaches, integrating both talking therapies and somatic body-based techniques to support holistic healing.
Specialised Trauma Therapist. I guide people through the complex emotional and physical effects of these traumatic experiences. My therapy is grounded in trauma-informed approaches, integrating both talking therapies and somatic body-based techniques to support holistic healing.
01803 222474 View 01803 222474
Photo of Robin Lefever - Promis Clinics
Promis Clinics
Verified Verified
Oxford OX1
We offer intensive residential treatment with 24-hour nursing and medical care alongside psychological, psychotherapeutic and psychiatric services all within a caring and stylish homely environment.
We offer intensive residential treatment with 24-hour nursing and medical care alongside psychological, psychotherapeutic and psychiatric services all within a caring and stylish homely environment.
020 3958 4322 View 020 3958 4322
Photo of Uxshely Carcamo, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Uxshely Carcamo
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Oxford OX1
I am a psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, registered nutritionist and ex-lawyer that helps individuals to re-build their relationship with food and their body. Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder like binge eating disorder or ARFID or just want to get healthy, I can help you to get to the root cause of your issues around food and help you to make lasting changes. I understand how challenging it can be to struggle with your relationship with food. Nobody should have to spend their life worrying about food or their weight, obsessing over food choices, feeling guilty for eating or feeling out of control around food.
I am a psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, registered nutritionist and ex-lawyer that helps individuals to re-build their relationship with food and their body. Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder like binge eating disorder or ARFID or just want to get healthy, I can help you to get to the root cause of your issues around food and help you to make lasting changes. I understand how challenging it can be to struggle with your relationship with food. Nobody should have to spend their life worrying about food or their weight, obsessing over food choices, feeling guilty for eating or feeling out of control around food.
020 4572 0856 View 020 4572 0856
Photo of Claire Feldman - Claire Feldman - Binge Eating Therapist, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Claire Feldman - Binge Eating Therapist
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oxford OX2
Have you ever found yourself constantly thinking about food and weight? Does it seem like the more you try to control your eating, the more you end up bingeing? Maybe you overeat in secret or alone and then feel guilty about it? Or perhaps you've tried every diet, even thought about weight loss injections or considered bariatric surgery? I've been there too. I understand how you feel because I struggled with disordered eating for years, not knowing what to do or where to turn for help. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Have you ever found yourself constantly thinking about food and weight? Does it seem like the more you try to control your eating, the more you end up bingeing? Maybe you overeat in secret or alone and then feel guilty about it? Or perhaps you've tried every diet, even thought about weight loss injections or considered bariatric surgery? I've been there too. I understand how you feel because I struggled with disordered eating for years, not knowing what to do or where to turn for help. You don’t have to go through this alone.
01248 665952 View 01248 665952
Photo of Marianne Dorothee Broeker, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Marianne Dorothee Broeker
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Oxford OX2
I provide focused therapy that will help you to see your patterns and emotions as well as moral and ethical challenges arising from interpersonal and social contexts better, to then allow you to change them. Obstacles to change are very subtle, often almost invisible. Self-awareness can redirect your energies to creating more positive states of mind. We will work on how ethical and moral dilemmas arise between people, how this interacts with different life experiences that impact your personality and how that then affects your psychological well being.
I provide focused therapy that will help you to see your patterns and emotions as well as moral and ethical challenges arising from interpersonal and social contexts better, to then allow you to change them. Obstacles to change are very subtle, often almost invisible. Self-awareness can redirect your energies to creating more positive states of mind. We will work on how ethical and moral dilemmas arise between people, how this interacts with different life experiences that impact your personality and how that then affects your psychological well being.
01865 638266 View 01865 638266
Photo of Elektra Pavlou, MA, BPC, Psychotherapist
Elektra Pavlou
Psychotherapist, MA, BPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oxford OX2
Psychotherapy offers a unique experience. We will begin with a consultation phase which will give you an opportunity to find out about this type of therapy that I offer and what it would be like working with me. I will be getting to know and understand better what brings you to therapy now. This initial process will help us with considering the best way forward for you. Ideally we will meet a couple of times, considering the past, current circumstances, and at times the in-the-room experience. I will provide you with information about my therapeutic approach during this initial process. I don’t charge for the first appointment.
Psychotherapy offers a unique experience. We will begin with a consultation phase which will give you an opportunity to find out about this type of therapy that I offer and what it would be like working with me. I will be getting to know and understand better what brings you to therapy now. This initial process will help us with considering the best way forward for you. Ideally we will meet a couple of times, considering the past, current circumstances, and at times the in-the-room experience. I will provide you with information about my therapeutic approach during this initial process. I don’t charge for the first appointment.
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Photo of Katherine Cavallo, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Katherine Cavallo
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Oxford OX2  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a fully qualified and accredited Systemic Family and Couple Psychotherapist (MA), with 25 years clinical experience working therapeutically with Individuals, Couples and Families across the age-span, both within the NHS and my own Private Practice. As a specialist relationship therapist, I support those navigating challenges, as well as those wishing to improve communication, intimacy and closeness. Keen to embrace gender, sexuality & relationship diversity, I work with couples and families of all kinds. My practice is strengths and resilience orientated, collaborative and underpinned by the latest evidence based principles.
I am a fully qualified and accredited Systemic Family and Couple Psychotherapist (MA), with 25 years clinical experience working therapeutically with Individuals, Couples and Families across the age-span, both within the NHS and my own Private Practice. As a specialist relationship therapist, I support those navigating challenges, as well as those wishing to improve communication, intimacy and closeness. Keen to embrace gender, sexuality & relationship diversity, I work with couples and families of all kinds. My practice is strengths and resilience orientated, collaborative and underpinned by the latest evidence based principles.
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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.