Eating Disorders Therapists in Fountain Hills, AZ
![Photo of Amanda Keiser - Balanced Beings Counseling, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40d09228-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Balanced Beings Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
I specialize in treating children and families and commonly treat issues pertaining to anxiety, depression, grief, eating disorders, substance use and abuse, ADHD, co-dependency, child-parent relational issues, and transition struggles related to parental divorce.
I specialize in providing individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and families. My passion is to help children, families, and individuals of all ages experiencing relational or behavioral difficulties find healing and an increased sense of well-being. Trauma healing, ADHD, and eating disorder recovery are some of my special interest areas. And with specialized training, I am able to apply many of the techniques that my adult clients find helpful to my work with younger children using play therapy, sand tray therapy, art therapy and EMDR techniques.
I specialize in treating children and families and commonly treat issues pertaining to anxiety, depression, grief, eating disorders, substance use and abuse, ADHD, co-dependency, child-parent relational issues, and transition struggles related to parental divorce.
I specialize in providing individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and families. My passion is to help children, families, and individuals of all ages experiencing relational or behavioral difficulties find healing and an increased sense of well-being. Trauma healing, ADHD, and eating disorder recovery are some of my special interest areas. And with specialized training, I am able to apply many of the techniques that my adult clients find helpful to my work with younger children using play therapy, sand tray therapy, art therapy and EMDR techniques.
![Photo of Lisa M Angelini, MAPC, LPC, ACCHT, CLC, , Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3983c50d-52d4-4db3-afc1-17d296b1556d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa M Angelini
Counselor, MAPC, LPC, ACCHT, CLC
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85269 (Online Only)
Frustrated? Out-of-control eating ? Feeling lost after divorce or breakup of a relationship? You try over and over again and say to yourself, "This time it will be different". But, inevitably the diet or relationship fails and you are back where you started feeling alone, overwhelmed and sad. Maybe you are confused about how this could happen again. If you are fed up with having the same experience and want to take your life to optimal levels, now is the time to take care of YOU first.
Frustrated? Out-of-control eating ? Feeling lost after divorce or breakup of a relationship? You try over and over again and say to yourself, "This time it will be different". But, inevitably the diet or relationship fails and you are back where you started feeling alone, overwhelmed and sad. Maybe you are confused about how this could happen again. If you are fed up with having the same experience and want to take your life to optimal levels, now is the time to take care of YOU first.
![Photo of Robert L Gurnee - ADD Clinic, MSW, LCSW, DCSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3becf425-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
The ADD CLINIC has specialized in ADD with children, adolesents, and adults for 27 years! We have a state-of-the-art comprehensive evaluation process that includes computerized testing, history, rating scales, and Quantitative EEG topographic brainmapping. Treatment is multi-modal and can include medication or EEG neurofeedback instead and skill training.
The ADD CLINIC has specialized in ADD with children, adolesents, and adults for 27 years! We have a state-of-the-art comprehensive evaluation process that includes computerized testing, history, rating scales, and Quantitative EEG topographic brainmapping. Treatment is multi-modal and can include medication or EEG neurofeedback instead and skill training.
Christian Counseling Center of Scottsdale
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, DCSW
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Our role as counselors is to empower clients by providing information, perspective, and prayer ministry to facilitate growth and change in ther individual's life. We see a need to integrate psychological and spiritual issues in helping people to deal more effectively with life.
Our role as counselors is to empower clients by providing information, perspective, and prayer ministry to facilitate growth and change in ther individual's life. We see a need to integrate psychological and spiritual issues in helping people to deal more effectively with life.
![Photo of Jacci Caplin, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c4ff32c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jacci Caplin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 (Online Only)
THE CHOICE...
One of my clients said that she wished that choosing a therapist was like finding a new puppy. You get a sense of the breeding, temperament and capability and then you know from a heartfelt connection that you have the right one. Here you must decide from an exhaustive list of similar sounding credentials. So what I want to offer is some background and then hopefully you can have the experience she wished for everyone.
THE CHOICE...
One of my clients said that she wished that choosing a therapist was like finding a new puppy. You get a sense of the breeding, temperament and capability and then you know from a heartfelt connection that you have the right one. Here you must decide from an exhaustive list of similar sounding credentials. So what I want to offer is some background and then hopefully you can have the experience she wished for everyone.
![Photo of Karen E Peterson, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43dcc86c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I believe in treating the whole person, and I work closely with other professionals as needed in order to help clients with difficulties in both mind (motivation, depression, stress management, anxiety, learning disabilities) and body (autoimmune disorders, chronic/complex pain, cancer). I am particularly interested in helping clients who are coping with multiple stressors (e.g., relationship problems, career issues, health concerns, trauma). I believe it is essential that each client's treatment strategy is tailored specifically to his or her needs, style of interaction, and ability to work toward specific goals.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I believe in treating the whole person, and I work closely with other professionals as needed in order to help clients with difficulties in both mind (motivation, depression, stress management, anxiety, learning disabilities) and body (autoimmune disorders, chronic/complex pain, cancer). I am particularly interested in helping clients who are coping with multiple stressors (e.g., relationship problems, career issues, health concerns, trauma). I believe it is essential that each client's treatment strategy is tailored specifically to his or her needs, style of interaction, and ability to work toward specific goals.
![Photo of Marc Bagnasco, MA, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93b0d083-17e9-4741-94cb-5719514ded7d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Marc is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been practicing in Arizona since 2002. He works with individual adults, couples, families and adolescents (16 years and older he does his best work with) to improve their quality of life by strengthening/developing/utilizing problem solving skills, improving interpersonal relationships, managing/regulating emotions, increasing motivation for change, and overcoming past traumatic experiences so as to live more freely in the here and now.
Marc is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been practicing in Arizona since 2002. He works with individual adults, couples, families and adolescents (16 years and older he does his best work with) to improve their quality of life by strengthening/developing/utilizing problem solving skills, improving interpersonal relationships, managing/regulating emotions, increasing motivation for change, and overcoming past traumatic experiences so as to live more freely in the here and now.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of JJ Tarango, EdM, LAC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e4167ab-e038-4a65-9ae9-988db63d8184/1/320x400.jpeg)
I earned my master’s in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Sport & Performance Psychology from Boston University. I've been fortunate to serve as a mental performance consultant for youth, a variety of collegiate teams ranging from Division III all the way to the Division I level, and professional and retired athletes. I additionally worked closely with athletes struggling with eating disorders at Walden Behavioral Care in Waltham, Ma. I am incredibly passionate about bridging the gap between sport & performance and mental health because at the end of the day we are all humans who are a work in progress.
I earned my master’s in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Sport & Performance Psychology from Boston University. I've been fortunate to serve as a mental performance consultant for youth, a variety of collegiate teams ranging from Division III all the way to the Division I level, and professional and retired athletes. I additionally worked closely with athletes struggling with eating disorders at Walden Behavioral Care in Waltham, Ma. I am incredibly passionate about bridging the gap between sport & performance and mental health because at the end of the day we are all humans who are a work in progress.
![Photo of Deidre Bliss, MA, LPC, LMFT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f99c8a2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked with anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and relationship problems for over 20 years I am also a certified Meditation teacher.
Offering tele-therapy/virtual sessions via zoom and telephone in California. Offering in-person and tele-therapy sessions in Arizona. The most important part of psychotherapy is the client relationship. It is my ongoing focus to provide a safe place for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I look forward to changing thought and behavior patterns that are contributing to your daily challenges. I will also help you explore the deep rooted issues that are underlying the suffering.
I have worked with anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and relationship problems for over 20 years I am also a certified Meditation teacher.
Offering tele-therapy/virtual sessions via zoom and telephone in California. Offering in-person and tele-therapy sessions in Arizona. The most important part of psychotherapy is the client relationship. It is my ongoing focus to provide a safe place for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I look forward to changing thought and behavior patterns that are contributing to your daily challenges. I will also help you explore the deep rooted issues that are underlying the suffering.
![Photo of Allison Summer, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f66773d0-b0a8-4dec-8a80-f8e6f0a884cd/3/320x400.jpeg)
Allison Summer
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Scottsdale, AZ 85250 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with clients who suffer from ARFID, OCD and other eating disorders.
Welcome, you are so brave for exploring therapy options. Struggling with constant thoughts about anxiety, compulsions, food and your body is exhausting. You don't have to go it alone or feel trapped anymore. I specialize in the treatment of children, teens and adults with anxiety, OCD, ARFID and other eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. I am passionate about providing evidence-based treatment to help you reach your goals, improve your quality of life and achieve lasting recovery. My holistic treatment style allows me to help support my clients in all areas of their mental and physical health.
I specialize in working with clients who suffer from ARFID, OCD and other eating disorders.
Welcome, you are so brave for exploring therapy options. Struggling with constant thoughts about anxiety, compulsions, food and your body is exhausting. You don't have to go it alone or feel trapped anymore. I specialize in the treatment of children, teens and adults with anxiety, OCD, ARFID and other eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. I am passionate about providing evidence-based treatment to help you reach your goals, improve your quality of life and achieve lasting recovery. My holistic treatment style allows me to help support my clients in all areas of their mental and physical health.
![Photo of Allison Carter, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9ab4765-70ac-4b08-b94c-cc1d169c9e4f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Allison Carter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Welcome! I work with people who struggle with perfectionism, anxiety, eating disorders and the transition to parenthood. I love supporting people with quieting the mind and decreasing inhibition. I also love helping people work through past experiences and figure out what it would look like to more fully live your life in the present.
Welcome! I work with people who struggle with perfectionism, anxiety, eating disorders and the transition to parenthood. I love supporting people with quieting the mind and decreasing inhibition. I also love helping people work through past experiences and figure out what it would look like to more fully live your life in the present.
![Photo of Winter Groeschl, MC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9b61d8e4-365d-41d4-9130-03ee35655da8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Winter Groeschl
Licensed Professional Counselor, MC, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Scottsdale, AZ 85252
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor experienced in working with individuals of all ages, providing care and support for those facing eating disorders, substance use, depression, anxiety, trauma, and more. I understand deciding to get help can be an extremely difficult decision. Having a safe space to go for support is at the top of my priority list as a human and therapist. Within my work in the eating disorder population, I am an anti-diet and Health at Every Size focused provider who is passionate in using a social justice lens to approach and explore body image, weight stigmatization, and more!
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor experienced in working with individuals of all ages, providing care and support for those facing eating disorders, substance use, depression, anxiety, trauma, and more. I understand deciding to get help can be an extremely difficult decision. Having a safe space to go for support is at the top of my priority list as a human and therapist. Within my work in the eating disorder population, I am an anti-diet and Health at Every Size focused provider who is passionate in using a social justice lens to approach and explore body image, weight stigmatization, and more!
![Photo of Dr. Jodi Tudisco, DSW, LPC, MS, EMDR, TRE, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40748e22-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jodi Tudisco
Licensed Professional Counselor, DSW, LPC, MS, EMDR, TRE
Verified Verified
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 (Online Only)
As a previous Clinical Director and Trauma Therapist at a Treatment Center for Eating Disorders, I gained experience with Family Therapy, Adults, Couples and Teens.
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Ralph Waldo Emerson. Using a holistic approach in therapy we will explore the mind, body and spirit connection. We will learn balance and build resilience through the power of self-discovery, thus improving your quality of life. Negative thought patterns and beliefs will be identified and challenged through DBT, mindfulness, and EMDR. When needed we may create healthy eating habits and a healthy relationship with exercise. Cultivating your spirituality to relieve fear and nurture an attitude of gratitude and abundance is encouraged.
As a previous Clinical Director and Trauma Therapist at a Treatment Center for Eating Disorders, I gained experience with Family Therapy, Adults, Couples and Teens.
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Ralph Waldo Emerson. Using a holistic approach in therapy we will explore the mind, body and spirit connection. We will learn balance and build resilience through the power of self-discovery, thus improving your quality of life. Negative thought patterns and beliefs will be identified and challenged through DBT, mindfulness, and EMDR. When needed we may create healthy eating habits and a healthy relationship with exercise. Cultivating your spirituality to relieve fear and nurture an attitude of gratitude and abundance is encouraged.
![Photo of Sherry Borlabi, MSMHC, LPC-S, NCC, CSAT, BSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/113ec766-d50f-4da4-bada-7c08d43ca972/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sherry Borlabi
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSMHC, LPC-S, NCC, CSAT, BSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (Online Only)
I am a dedicated, compassionate licensed professional therapist who is passionate about helping others in their healing process. My experience is providing counseling services to individuals, couples and families who are struggling with issues such as, chemical addiction, PTSD, depression, anxiety, sex addiction, Love addiction, codependency, intimacy issues, couples therapy, eating disorders, as well as other process addictions. I am also very open to help those of faith bring that into the healing process so they can heal at all levels. Mind, body and spiritual healing is vital to live an authentic life.
I am a dedicated, compassionate licensed professional therapist who is passionate about helping others in their healing process. My experience is providing counseling services to individuals, couples and families who are struggling with issues such as, chemical addiction, PTSD, depression, anxiety, sex addiction, Love addiction, codependency, intimacy issues, couples therapy, eating disorders, as well as other process addictions. I am also very open to help those of faith bring that into the healing process so they can heal at all levels. Mind, body and spiritual healing is vital to live an authentic life.
![Photo of Lindsey Dies, MC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8604d7b9-5898-4fb1-818f-8b80cda93ac1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsey Dies
Licensed Professional Counselor, MC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
I have a passion for working with those coping with eating disorders, substance abuse, anxiety, depression and trauma.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor that predominately focuses on work with adolescents, young adults and their families or support systems. I have spent my career working with adolescents and families in both outpatient and residential therapy settings. I very much believe that each individual and family needs an individualized approach and treatment to facilitate change and healing. My goal is to establish a safe and supportive environment that allows each client and family to move forward in their therapeutic goals.
I have a passion for working with those coping with eating disorders, substance abuse, anxiety, depression and trauma.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor that predominately focuses on work with adolescents, young adults and their families or support systems. I have spent my career working with adolescents and families in both outpatient and residential therapy settings. I very much believe that each individual and family needs an individualized approach and treatment to facilitate change and healing. My goal is to establish a safe and supportive environment that allows each client and family to move forward in their therapeutic goals.
![Photo of Taylor Larsen - Awakening Mental Health, PLLC, PsyD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4eb4f5ab-32b0-4654-be50-e50f09d6e51f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Awakening Mental Health, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC
Verified Verified
Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (Online Only)
I have helped individuals work through concerns such as trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, body image issues, personality disorders, performance anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and couples counseling.
One of my goals is to provide a safe environment so you feel comfortable discussing difficult life challenges. I guide you throughout the therapeutic process to help ease any anxiety regarding therapy. I utilize a strength-based approach to help you find healing through adversity. My work is motivated by my humanistic philosophy that empowerment exists in striving to meet full personal potential. I am passionate about helping others find healing, improve their quality of life, and achieve their therapeutic goals. I am qualified to work with first responders, physicians, military members, and those experiencing complex trauma.
I have helped individuals work through concerns such as trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, body image issues, personality disorders, performance anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and couples counseling.
One of my goals is to provide a safe environment so you feel comfortable discussing difficult life challenges. I guide you throughout the therapeutic process to help ease any anxiety regarding therapy. I utilize a strength-based approach to help you find healing through adversity. My work is motivated by my humanistic philosophy that empowerment exists in striving to meet full personal potential. I am passionate about helping others find healing, improve their quality of life, and achieve their therapeutic goals. I am qualified to work with first responders, physicians, military members, and those experiencing complex trauma.
![Photo of Kristina Marchese, MS, LAC, LPCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d31235ad-b004-48ef-8d35-78ac138dc51e/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a trauma therapist with a concentration in eating disorders, my job is to create a safe space, really taking the time to get to know you, so that I can help you to access your own strength, intuition, and to reconnect with your inner voice.
Experiencing trauma can often create a response similar to a pebble thrown into a still pond. The incident may seem small at first, but the ripples swell out and disrupt your sense of control and balance. If you have experienced Anxiety/Depression, Sexual Assault, PTSD or other negative experiences, you most likely are familiar with the rippling effects of distressed feelings, amplifying intrusive thoughts as well as emotions of anger, pain, sadness, despair and more. Distressing and unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, and even physical ailments can interrupt your relationships, education, career, finances or more.
As a trauma therapist with a concentration in eating disorders, my job is to create a safe space, really taking the time to get to know you, so that I can help you to access your own strength, intuition, and to reconnect with your inner voice.
Experiencing trauma can often create a response similar to a pebble thrown into a still pond. The incident may seem small at first, but the ripples swell out and disrupt your sense of control and balance. If you have experienced Anxiety/Depression, Sexual Assault, PTSD or other negative experiences, you most likely are familiar with the rippling effects of distressed feelings, amplifying intrusive thoughts as well as emotions of anger, pain, sadness, despair and more. Distressing and unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, and even physical ailments can interrupt your relationships, education, career, finances or more.
![Photo of Ashley Hartwell, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e61183e4-da2e-4504-af5d-d6ee6ff5b97c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Hartwell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
I commend you for showing up for yourself and taking action, and I know it can feel overwhelming. I'm here to hold space for you, to meet you where you are, and to ensure you feel safe and seen. I specialize in supporting people living with trauma, eating disorders, and body image/self-esteem struggles. I believe everybody deserves to, and can, live a more peaceful life and I am committed to helping you get there. I will work with you to create the most genuine, authentic therapeutic relationship to support us in deep exploration, processing and powerful healing.
I commend you for showing up for yourself and taking action, and I know it can feel overwhelming. I'm here to hold space for you, to meet you where you are, and to ensure you feel safe and seen. I specialize in supporting people living with trauma, eating disorders, and body image/self-esteem struggles. I believe everybody deserves to, and can, live a more peaceful life and I am committed to helping you get there. I will work with you to create the most genuine, authentic therapeutic relationship to support us in deep exploration, processing and powerful healing.
![Photo of Kailey Beth Shelburn, MA, LAC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/062b435b-eac6-43a9-a20b-7935ae2c615a/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize working with eating disorders, body image, personality disorders, and trauma/PTSD.
Do you feel stuck, anxious, out of control, or depressed? Would you like to find relief from isolating circumstances or traumatic experiences? I am an advocate for you. I am here to listen and create a tailored approach that best fits your story and healing journey. My intention is for you to find hope, freedom, and direction through effective counseling. Accepting new clients.
I specialize working with eating disorders, body image, personality disorders, and trauma/PTSD.
Do you feel stuck, anxious, out of control, or depressed? Would you like to find relief from isolating circumstances or traumatic experiences? I am an advocate for you. I am here to listen and create a tailored approach that best fits your story and healing journey. My intention is for you to find hope, freedom, and direction through effective counseling. Accepting new clients.
![Photo of Shannon M Duffy, MFT, LPC, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/67118efb-fb5e-4444-bd4d-870bd4063e27/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shannon M Duffy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MFT, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (Online Only)
I also work with Eating Disorders and Food Addictions to create a positive relationship with food.
Daily stressors are inevitable, and it is essential to build coping strategies for how to manage stress and combat negative thinking patterns. Creating behavior changes is a focal point of psychotherapy and beneficial in wanting a sense of structure and consistency in one's relationships and overall life. My overall goal for each client is to work on obtaining balance within their own healthy lifestyle. Through obtaining balance one's past and present symptoms can lessen and each individual and/or couple can focus on the positive attributes of their life and move forward towards reaching their goals and the life worth living.
I also work with Eating Disorders and Food Addictions to create a positive relationship with food.
Daily stressors are inevitable, and it is essential to build coping strategies for how to manage stress and combat negative thinking patterns. Creating behavior changes is a focal point of psychotherapy and beneficial in wanting a sense of structure and consistency in one's relationships and overall life. My overall goal for each client is to work on obtaining balance within their own healthy lifestyle. Through obtaining balance one's past and present symptoms can lessen and each individual and/or couple can focus on the positive attributes of their life and move forward towards reaching their goals and the life worth living.
See more therapy options for Fountain Hills
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Fountain Hills
- Apache Junction
- Carefree
- Cave Creek
- Chandler
- Gilbert
- Glendale
- Mesa
- Paradise Valley
- Phoenix
- Queen Creek
- Scottsdale
- Tempe
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.