Eating Disorders Therapists in 43065
![Photo of Morgan Kumler, LPCC-S](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9479438a-2b77-44ad-aa97-6ea3b46a0ab0/1/320x400.jpeg)
My main focus is treating eating disorders and body image concerns, along with co-occurring trauma, OCD and anxiety disorders.
Is negative body image running your life? Maybe you’ve had disordered eating habits for months or years and now you’re wondering whether you could ever feel “normal” around food again. Maybe you’ve been through difficult life experiences in the past and your body continues to respond as if they're happening in the present.
My main focus is treating eating disorders and body image concerns, along with co-occurring trauma, OCD and anxiety disorders.
Is negative body image running your life? Maybe you’ve had disordered eating habits for months or years and now you’re wondering whether you could ever feel “normal” around food again. Maybe you’ve been through difficult life experiences in the past and your body continues to respond as if they're happening in the present.
![Photo of Carolyn A Abbruzzese, MSW, MA, LISW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a16670c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carolyn A Abbruzzese
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MA, LISW-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Powell, OH 43065
I also specialize in eating disorders and addictions.
Are you struggling with a problem or difficulty in your life that makes you feel stuck? Sometimes these problems are situational while other times you may become aware of a pattern or trend that continually gets in your way. Do you feel like you are just going through the motions? As a therapist I am personally dedicated to helping you find healing and satisfaction in your life. Therapy can help you to make positive changes and to find peace of mind. I would like to join with you and support you as you address your issues of concern.
I also specialize in eating disorders and addictions.
Are you struggling with a problem or difficulty in your life that makes you feel stuck? Sometimes these problems are situational while other times you may become aware of a pattern or trend that continually gets in your way. Do you feel like you are just going through the motions? As a therapist I am personally dedicated to helping you find healing and satisfaction in your life. Therapy can help you to make positive changes and to find peace of mind. I would like to join with you and support you as you address your issues of concern.
![Photo of Dwonna Thompson Lenoir](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8a7e9010-dc8a-4203-8f0e-e831b7c2d447/1/320x400.png)
Dwonna Thompson Lenoir
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Verified Verified
Powell, OH 43065 (Online Only)
I am committed to helping people find the strength inside themselves to triumph in relationships, overall functioning and living a balanced life. I have worked with young children, adolescents, adults, family and other specialized groups. Clients have presented with issues such as anxiety, depression, communication problems, marital concerns, parenting, ADHD, eating disorders, grief/loss, self-injury and social skills development. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
I am committed to helping people find the strength inside themselves to triumph in relationships, overall functioning and living a balanced life. I have worked with young children, adolescents, adults, family and other specialized groups. Clients have presented with issues such as anxiety, depression, communication problems, marital concerns, parenting, ADHD, eating disorders, grief/loss, self-injury and social skills development. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
![Photo of Leah F Lopez, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f35142be-bdb9-4c42-a228-e354a3d433f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm behaviors, suicidal ideation, and psychogenic seizures/FND.
I am a master’s level licensed social worker. I have experience working with children, teens and young adults. I obtained my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from The Ohio State University. I believe in access to quality mental health care for all individuals. I strive to help all individuals in the healing process by providing comfortable, supportive and nonjudgmental care. I utilize CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy), play therapy, motivational interviewing and solution focused therapy to assist clients in achieving their goals and healing.
I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm behaviors, suicidal ideation, and psychogenic seizures/FND.
I am a master’s level licensed social worker. I have experience working with children, teens and young adults. I obtained my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from The Ohio State University. I believe in access to quality mental health care for all individuals. I strive to help all individuals in the healing process by providing comfortable, supportive and nonjudgmental care. I utilize CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy), play therapy, motivational interviewing and solution focused therapy to assist clients in achieving their goals and healing.
![Photo of Tara Woltz, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4051f036-f8e3-4534-99a0-7fa031b1788e/1/320x400.jpeg)
These techniques can assist in treating a variety of mental health disorders including substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, eating disorders, and PTSD.
Mental health is integral to living a healthy balanced life. Although the general perception of mental health has improved in recent times, people can still be fearful of the negative stigma that is attached to mental health illnesses. This can add to the anxiety and fear of seeking mental health treatment. I provide treatment and coping skills to manage life stressor while showing clients respect, empathy, and acceptance. Through utilizing appropriate therapeutic techniques I can help clients to identify and change destructive thought patterns that have a negative influence on behaviors and emotions.
These techniques can assist in treating a variety of mental health disorders including substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, eating disorders, and PTSD.
Mental health is integral to living a healthy balanced life. Although the general perception of mental health has improved in recent times, people can still be fearful of the negative stigma that is attached to mental health illnesses. This can add to the anxiety and fear of seeking mental health treatment. I provide treatment and coping skills to manage life stressor while showing clients respect, empathy, and acceptance. Through utilizing appropriate therapeutic techniques I can help clients to identify and change destructive thought patterns that have a negative influence on behaviors and emotions.
![Photo of Stephanie Wilson, LISW-S, MSW, JD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52699d0b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S, MSW, JD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Powell, OH 43065
Areas of interest/expertise: lawyers and law students, women’s issues, eating disorders, grief/bereavement, pediatric, adolescent and college mental health, relationship and interpersonal concerns, and couples work.
My theoretical orientation is eclectic and integrative incorporating interpersonal process therapy (IPT) (here and now), psychodynamic, relational and CBT models. I approach therapy from a strengths based approach, focusing on client’s inherent strengths and resiliencies rather than their weaknesses. I also utilize CBT to focus on changing negative core beliefs and cognitive distortions and DBT to teach distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal assertiveness skills. Lastly, I am very relational in my approach in order to provide clients with a corrective emotional experience and holding environment for them to feel safe, secure, empowered and validated.
Areas of interest/expertise: lawyers and law students, women’s issues, eating disorders, grief/bereavement, pediatric, adolescent and college mental health, relationship and interpersonal concerns, and couples work.
My theoretical orientation is eclectic and integrative incorporating interpersonal process therapy (IPT) (here and now), psychodynamic, relational and CBT models. I approach therapy from a strengths based approach, focusing on client’s inherent strengths and resiliencies rather than their weaknesses. I also utilize CBT to focus on changing negative core beliefs and cognitive distortions and DBT to teach distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal assertiveness skills. Lastly, I am very relational in my approach in order to provide clients with a corrective emotional experience and holding environment for them to feel safe, secure, empowered and validated.
![Photo of Shannon McHenry, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48cda07f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shannon McHenry
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Powell, OH 43065 (Online Only)
I do focused work with teenagers around substance abuse, eating disorders, emotion regulation issues, and other axis II traits.
I work with individuals, couples, and families to help gain insight into what is happening in order to move forward and achieve a more fulfilling and productive life. My goal is to help you understand yourself more and assist you with living a more free and conscious life. I use attachment theory to assist people in understanding how their past impacts their present. I specialize in treating addiction, trauma, codependency, relationship issues, and axis II disorders using a holistic trauma informed approach and dialectical behavioral techniques.
I do focused work with teenagers around substance abuse, eating disorders, emotion regulation issues, and other axis II traits.
I work with individuals, couples, and families to help gain insight into what is happening in order to move forward and achieve a more fulfilling and productive life. My goal is to help you understand yourself more and assist you with living a more free and conscious life. I use attachment theory to assist people in understanding how their past impacts their present. I specialize in treating addiction, trauma, codependency, relationship issues, and axis II disorders using a holistic trauma informed approach and dialectical behavioral techniques.
![Photo of Heidi Sommer McAlister, MSEd, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e91264c-cc3b-48c8-88f9-a8b983dc7ecb/2/320x400.jpeg)
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION * GIFTED CHILDREN & ADULTS * EATING DISORDERS * GRIEF & LOSS * RELATIONSHIP CONFLICT * NARCISSISM IN FAMILY SYSTEM * FERTILITY CONCERNS * TRANSITION & ADJUSTMENT * Heidi Sommer McAlister believes in finding, developing, and utilizing the unique, inherent, and valuable qualities in each of us. The Sommer Group's philosophical stance is that we hold within ourselves the capacity for change and growth. Sometimes events occur in our lives that leave such a significant impact on us that we become confused and unsure about ourselves, our relationships, and the direction we want our lives to go in. Professional help can be critical during this time.
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION * GIFTED CHILDREN & ADULTS * EATING DISORDERS * GRIEF & LOSS * RELATIONSHIP CONFLICT * NARCISSISM IN FAMILY SYSTEM * FERTILITY CONCERNS * TRANSITION & ADJUSTMENT * Heidi Sommer McAlister believes in finding, developing, and utilizing the unique, inherent, and valuable qualities in each of us. The Sommer Group's philosophical stance is that we hold within ourselves the capacity for change and growth. Sometimes events occur in our lives that leave such a significant impact on us that we become confused and unsure about ourselves, our relationships, and the direction we want our lives to go in. Professional help can be critical during this time.
![Photo of Lisa Collins, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ffd04cee-5261-4f65-b7b7-aed39cb74b1e/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked with clients with anxiety, depression, alcohol/drug issues or those affected by someone’s addiction, trauma/grief, obsessive-compulsive, bipolar, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, coping skills, anger management, parenting and adjustment issues.
Reaching out for help takes a lot of courage and insight. I am here to help. I have worked in the counseling field for the last 20 years in private practice, treatment centers and in Higher Education. I enjoy helping others work through life situations and difficulties to regain their sense of self and worth. I utilize the treatment modality that fits your personality and comfort level. I bring with me a wealth of knowledge, empathy and a belief that no situation is hopeless.
I have worked with clients with anxiety, depression, alcohol/drug issues or those affected by someone’s addiction, trauma/grief, obsessive-compulsive, bipolar, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, coping skills, anger management, parenting and adjustment issues.
Reaching out for help takes a lot of courage and insight. I am here to help. I have worked in the counseling field for the last 20 years in private practice, treatment centers and in Higher Education. I enjoy helping others work through life situations and difficulties to regain their sense of self and worth. I utilize the treatment modality that fits your personality and comfort level. I bring with me a wealth of knowledge, empathy and a belief that no situation is hopeless.
![Photo of Cherish Tusing, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/02fc435c-67f5-4b48-b3cc-2eb02c8ce0af/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cherish Tusing
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Powell, OH 43065
You feel frustrated, ashamed, and hopeless. You're tired of hearing well-intentioned people give you trite answers to complex issues. Their words feel empty and superficial. You want better for yourself but you've tried everything you know to do. You're on edge and extra irritable and can't seem to figure out why. You think, "What's wrong with me? Why can't I snap out of this?" You may even feel like your prayers are hitting a wall. There is hope and healing available for you. You don't have to face this alone. The path may not be easy but it's worth it.
You feel frustrated, ashamed, and hopeless. You're tired of hearing well-intentioned people give you trite answers to complex issues. Their words feel empty and superficial. You want better for yourself but you've tried everything you know to do. You're on edge and extra irritable and can't seem to figure out why. You think, "What's wrong with me? Why can't I snap out of this?" You may even feel like your prayers are hitting a wall. There is hope and healing available for you. You don't have to face this alone. The path may not be easy but it's worth it.
![Photo of Christina Gates, LPCC-S, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1fc45586-20a9-44be-ab45-b13ba46a0f93/1/320x400.jpeg)
18 years of counseling experience has taught me that we must examine what is happening beneath your symptoms. Your body holds on to painful memories and the engine inside revs continually until it finally cannot withstand any longer. It emits uncomfortable body sensations and emotions until the pain becomes enough to get your full attention. I'll help you "turn off the engine" of trauma so you can engage a system of thoughts, beliefs, and emotions that help you feel more like yourself again.
18 years of counseling experience has taught me that we must examine what is happening beneath your symptoms. Your body holds on to painful memories and the engine inside revs continually until it finally cannot withstand any longer. It emits uncomfortable body sensations and emotions until the pain becomes enough to get your full attention. I'll help you "turn off the engine" of trauma so you can engage a system of thoughts, beliefs, and emotions that help you feel more like yourself again.
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![Photo of Suzanne Gord, MSEd, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71ffec91-6244-4ca5-8dc0-effae4409bea/1/320x400.png)
If you’re looking for a peaceful space to help you sort out stressful thoughts and discover new insights, I can help. As a person-centered counselor, I believe you have the potential to find the answers you seek. My role is to collaborate and guide you along the way. I’m a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP). This means I have specialized training in exploring the causes and treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. Along with talk therapy, I use techniques such as mindfulness, movement, grounding, and breathwork.
If you’re looking for a peaceful space to help you sort out stressful thoughts and discover new insights, I can help. As a person-centered counselor, I believe you have the potential to find the answers you seek. My role is to collaborate and guide you along the way. I’m a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP). This means I have specialized training in exploring the causes and treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. Along with talk therapy, I use techniques such as mindfulness, movement, grounding, and breathwork.
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) who believes one of the bravest things my clients can do is work to understand their own story. I am dedicated to supporting women and teen girls do just that. I provide my clients an opportunity to grow into the person that they want to be by providing a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental therapeutic environment. I strive to be attentive to the impact of multicultural factors, and I work toward empowering my clients to make choices that align with the goals they have set for themselves.
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) who believes one of the bravest things my clients can do is work to understand their own story. I am dedicated to supporting women and teen girls do just that. I provide my clients an opportunity to grow into the person that they want to be by providing a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental therapeutic environment. I strive to be attentive to the impact of multicultural factors, and I work toward empowering my clients to make choices that align with the goals they have set for themselves.
![Photo of Mylo Jennings, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aab650bd-cbc5-4aa2-a946-e3ec887f1df2/1/320x400.jpeg)
He is a Licensed Independent Social Worker Supervisor (LISW-S) and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) in Ohio. He has been in practice for more than 37 years and focuses on assisting a variety of clients. He offers both telehealth (audio, video and messaging) as well as office based face to face sessions. Though his primary style is existential, he is proficient in psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal and mindfulness approaches.
He is a Licensed Independent Social Worker Supervisor (LISW-S) and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) in Ohio. He has been in practice for more than 37 years and focuses on assisting a variety of clients. He offers both telehealth (audio, video and messaging) as well as office based face to face sessions. Though his primary style is existential, he is proficient in psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal and mindfulness approaches.
![Photo of Adriana Marazita, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90429ce6-921f-4f18-b186-e3bab9836cfe/1/320x400.jpeg)
Adriana Marazita
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Powell, OH 43065 (Online Only)
Accepting new clients and immediate availability on evenings and weekends! I want to help you address concerns, achieve goals, and make positive changes in your life by adding a sense of comfort into therapy. I hope to provide a genuine and compassionate approach to mental health and wellness and pride myself on listening empathetically.
Accepting new clients and immediate availability on evenings and weekends! I want to help you address concerns, achieve goals, and make positive changes in your life by adding a sense of comfort into therapy. I hope to provide a genuine and compassionate approach to mental health and wellness and pride myself on listening empathetically.
![Photo of Celisa Hardesty, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ac72f38-1f59-4f7d-a40f-48f98b75c79e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, my name is Celisa, I am a LISSS based in the great state of Ohio (Go Bucks!) and I have been a practicing therapist for approximately nine years. I graduated with my masters in social work from The Ohio State University and my focus was co-occurring disorders. Currently I work mostly with adolescents and specialize in anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, trauma, self-esteem, psychosis, and kids who are on the Autism spectrum.
Hello, my name is Celisa, I am a LISSS based in the great state of Ohio (Go Bucks!) and I have been a practicing therapist for approximately nine years. I graduated with my masters in social work from The Ohio State University and my focus was co-occurring disorders. Currently I work mostly with adolescents and specialize in anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, trauma, self-esteem, psychosis, and kids who are on the Autism spectrum.
![Photo of Ally Regan, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8aa63ae6-e874-46c9-82d1-167602d71d5d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that everyone has a unique story to tell and that we go through various seasons of our life. Some moments are joyous and meaningful, and others are unbearably painful and lonely. I am a therapist who values every “page of your book” or every “season,” and believe the more we understand who we are and where we come from, the easier it becomes to connect with our true self and begin to heal. My work is centered around overall health and wellness as well as providing solutions to help you achieve the best version of yourself.
I believe that everyone has a unique story to tell and that we go through various seasons of our life. Some moments are joyous and meaningful, and others are unbearably painful and lonely. I am a therapist who values every “page of your book” or every “season,” and believe the more we understand who we are and where we come from, the easier it becomes to connect with our true self and begin to heal. My work is centered around overall health and wellness as well as providing solutions to help you achieve the best version of yourself.
![Photo of Megan Donelan, MA, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b8982362-7fae-404f-9849-1ea4793bcb88/2/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Donelan
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Powell, OH 43065 (Online Only)
Megan doesn't believe clients need to "wait until something is wrong" to start therapy and supports clients in building their distress tolerance against everyday stressors. She prioritizes making clients feel comfortable, safe, and at ease during sessions and collaborates with the client for individualized treatment. She specializes in anxiety, attachment, trauma, and previously provided counseling in residential eating disorder treatment but provides support for a wide range of concerns. Many of her clients are new to therapy, and she enjoys making therapy a positive, effective experience.
Megan doesn't believe clients need to "wait until something is wrong" to start therapy and supports clients in building their distress tolerance against everyday stressors. She prioritizes making clients feel comfortable, safe, and at ease during sessions and collaborates with the client for individualized treatment. She specializes in anxiety, attachment, trauma, and previously provided counseling in residential eating disorder treatment but provides support for a wide range of concerns. Many of her clients are new to therapy, and she enjoys making therapy a positive, effective experience.
![Photo of Amy Smitke - TheraVault LLC, LISW-S, LICDC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e31d003-8734-4c83-9349-a21e541c3bbb/1/320x400.jpeg)
TheraVault LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S, LICDC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Powell, OH 43065
Are you nervous about starting treatment? Are you unsure about opening up to a stranger? At TheraVault, our clinicians are warm, inviting, supportive, and hear to listen and help you through your challenges in life, big or small. We have a variety of clinicians with different skill set sets and training to meet client needs. We approach care as well rounded and holistic as possible. As individuals we are not 2 dimensional and neither should our healing journey. If you are new to therapy and unsure of what to expect, we can make the first step easy for you, if you have been to therapy before we can pick up where you left off or restart if needed. Our goal is to help you with your goals, if you aren't sure what those are we can help you explore what you might not be able to put into words. Being vulnerable is scary, overwhelming, and difficult. You don't have to have all the answers, show up and allow us to walk with your through this difficult time.
Are you nervous about starting treatment? Are you unsure about opening up to a stranger? At TheraVault, our clinicians are warm, inviting, supportive, and hear to listen and help you through your challenges in life, big or small. We have a variety of clinicians with different skill set sets and training to meet client needs. We approach care as well rounded and holistic as possible. As individuals we are not 2 dimensional and neither should our healing journey. If you are new to therapy and unsure of what to expect, we can make the first step easy for you, if you have been to therapy before we can pick up where you left off or restart if needed. Our goal is to help you with your goals, if you aren't sure what those are we can help you explore what you might not be able to put into words. Being vulnerable is scary, overwhelming, and difficult. You don't have to have all the answers, show up and allow us to walk with your through this difficult time.
![Photo of Jennifer R. Jones, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/779900f1-474d-437c-9365-003a730ef2dd/1/320x400.png)
When you are ready, we are here - This is the guiding statement of Dr. Jones, President of Columbus Women's Wellness. She knows counseling marks a pivotal moment in your life journey, one deserving of expertise and support. Here for you since 2017, Columbus Women’s Wellness (CWW) offers the most experienced providers for women and teen girls in Central Ohio and beyond. With over 35 therapists who practice across a range of specialties, we'll connect you with the right provider for your needs. We'll say it again, when you are ready, we are here (and we really mean that).
When you are ready, we are here - This is the guiding statement of Dr. Jones, President of Columbus Women's Wellness. She knows counseling marks a pivotal moment in your life journey, one deserving of expertise and support. Here for you since 2017, Columbus Women’s Wellness (CWW) offers the most experienced providers for women and teen girls in Central Ohio and beyond. With over 35 therapists who practice across a range of specialties, we'll connect you with the right provider for your needs. We'll say it again, when you are ready, we are here (and we really mean that).
See more therapy options for 43065
Eating Disorders Therapists
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.