Eating Disorders Therapists in Alamo, CA

Photo of Brooke Fink, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brooke Fink
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Alamo, CA 94507
I primarily work with individual clients ages 14 and up who are coping with challenges such as anxiety, eating disorders, life transitions, body image distress, women's issues, trauma histories, and relationship challenges.
Therapy is for everyone. No matter where you are in your personal journey, my role is to hold a safe space for you to reflect, explore, heal and move towards your goals. Together, we’ll highlight the strengths and resilience you already have, as well as identify opportunities for shifts that align with your hopes and values. My therapeutic demeanor is warm, friendly, empathetic, and nonjudgmental. I strive to take a holistic approach to your mental health journey by considering a range of factors that may impact you. It is a tremendous privilege to hold space for my clients and be a companion on their therapy journeys.
I primarily work with individual clients ages 14 and up who are coping with challenges such as anxiety, eating disorders, life transitions, body image distress, women's issues, trauma histories, and relationship challenges.
Therapy is for everyone. No matter where you are in your personal journey, my role is to hold a safe space for you to reflect, explore, heal and move towards your goals. Together, we’ll highlight the strengths and resilience you already have, as well as identify opportunities for shifts that align with your hopes and values. My therapeutic demeanor is warm, friendly, empathetic, and nonjudgmental. I strive to take a holistic approach to your mental health journey by considering a range of factors that may impact you. It is a tremendous privilege to hold space for my clients and be a companion on their therapy journeys.
(925) 397-4889 View (925) 397-4889
Photo of Brandy Dunn - Silver Lake Psychology, PsyD, Psychologist
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Alamo, CA 94507
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 649-1656 View (415) 649-1656
Photo of Jenna Lane Marsala, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jenna Lane Marsala
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Alamo, CA 94507
Do you ever ask yourself, "Why do I keep doing the same things but expect different outcomes?" Or "Do I look at the world differently than all my family and friends?" Life can feel stressful, overwhelming, and out of control at times. I try to help life feel a little bit more manageable and work through issues at your own pace. Psychotherapy is about an exploration of self and the world around you. As a psychotherapist, I am here to provide guidance through this exploration in a safe place and to improve interaction with those you love.
Do you ever ask yourself, "Why do I keep doing the same things but expect different outcomes?" Or "Do I look at the world differently than all my family and friends?" Life can feel stressful, overwhelming, and out of control at times. I try to help life feel a little bit more manageable and work through issues at your own pace. Psychotherapy is about an exploration of self and the world around you. As a psychotherapist, I am here to provide guidance through this exploration in a safe place and to improve interaction with those you love.
(925) 690-2896 View (925) 690-2896
Photo of Gloria Romero, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gloria Romero
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alamo, CA 94507  (Online Only)
At some point in our lives, we face unexpected challenges and stress, and having additional support may be beneficial for you. My goal is to help people feel better in their lives and relationships. I provide therapy to individuals of all ages including couples, teens, children, and families from culturally diverse backgrounds that experience a wide variety of challenges. I believe in the promotion of personal growth and self-discovery, and we work together in a collaborative and safe environment to explore your concerns.
At some point in our lives, we face unexpected challenges and stress, and having additional support may be beneficial for you. My goal is to help people feel better in their lives and relationships. I provide therapy to individuals of all ages including couples, teens, children, and families from culturally diverse backgrounds that experience a wide variety of challenges. I believe in the promotion of personal growth and self-discovery, and we work together in a collaborative and safe environment to explore your concerns.
(415) 527-5411 View (415) 527-5411
Photo of Brent Robery - Community Presbyterian Counseling Center, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Community Presbyterian Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Alamo, CA 94507
Community Presbyterian Counseling Center provides a safe and confidential setting to enable people to heal emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. Counseling services are provided to individuals, couples, families, and groups. Our professional staff are here to assist you with: handling life's transitions and loss; conquering addictions; managing stress; coping with depression and anxiety; strengthening marriage and family relationships; and discovering spiritual resources for healing. We are available for both in-person and video sessions.
Community Presbyterian Counseling Center provides a safe and confidential setting to enable people to heal emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. Counseling services are provided to individuals, couples, families, and groups. Our professional staff are here to assist you with: handling life's transitions and loss; conquering addictions; managing stress; coping with depression and anxiety; strengthening marriage and family relationships; and discovering spiritual resources for healing. We are available for both in-person and video sessions.
(925) 231-8166 View (925) 231-8166
Photo of Michael Cheney, PsyD, Psychologist
Michael Cheney
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Alamo, CA 94507
Using insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioral approaches, I have developed an effective psychotherapeutic technique that has helped individuals gain relief from symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, uncontrollable anger, obsessive compulsive disorder, alcohol/substance abuse, and child acting-out behaviors. I am a Licensed Psychologist and a member of the American Psychological Association and the California Psychological Association. My clinical focus is in providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults. I see individuals, couples and families.
Using insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioral approaches, I have developed an effective psychotherapeutic technique that has helped individuals gain relief from symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, uncontrollable anger, obsessive compulsive disorder, alcohol/substance abuse, and child acting-out behaviors. I am a Licensed Psychologist and a member of the American Psychological Association and the California Psychological Association. My clinical focus is in providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults. I see individuals, couples and families.
(925) 308-5216 View (925) 308-5216
Photo of Sara Denman, PsyD, Psychologist
Sara Denman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Alamo, CA 94507  (Online Only)
As a licensed clinical psychologist I offer compassionate therapy for change, helping people move from merely surviving to thriving. I work with clients struggling with a variety of issues such as: surviving after divorce, life changes, trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, food/body image, addictions, and trauma/PTSD. Every effort is made to exceed clients' expectations by working with an individual's strengths to address, confront and finally overcome challenges. I provide a warm and supportive enviornment, enabling clients to build a solid foundation for a confident future.
As a licensed clinical psychologist I offer compassionate therapy for change, helping people move from merely surviving to thriving. I work with clients struggling with a variety of issues such as: surviving after divorce, life changes, trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, food/body image, addictions, and trauma/PTSD. Every effort is made to exceed clients' expectations by working with an individual's strengths to address, confront and finally overcome challenges. I provide a warm and supportive enviornment, enabling clients to build a solid foundation for a confident future.
(925) 238-3907 View (925) 238-3907
Photo of Klaudeen Arezue Shemirani - SoulBody Wisdom:Trauma Healing, Coaching & Rituals, MA
SoulBody Wisdom:Trauma Healing, Coaching & Rituals
MA
Verified Verified
Alamo, CA 94507
WELCOME BEAUTIFUL! If you haven't already, please take this present moment to tune in to your innate wisdom, to see if I might be the inner-guide you've been looking for. As a modern-day healer and spiritual guide, I compassionately and mindfully guide you to feel, experience, hear, trust and embody your wisest inner guidance, around some of the most important decisions and relationships in you life. Together, we will welcome very part of your light and dark, the spoken and unspoken, the named and unnamed, the tamed and untamed--and discover pathways to connect with the intelligence, wisdom & medicine, they all have to offer.
WELCOME BEAUTIFUL! If you haven't already, please take this present moment to tune in to your innate wisdom, to see if I might be the inner-guide you've been looking for. As a modern-day healer and spiritual guide, I compassionately and mindfully guide you to feel, experience, hear, trust and embody your wisest inner guidance, around some of the most important decisions and relationships in you life. Together, we will welcome very part of your light and dark, the spoken and unspoken, the named and unnamed, the tamed and untamed--and discover pathways to connect with the intelligence, wisdom & medicine, they all have to offer.
(650) 899-6165 View (650) 899-6165
Photo of Haley Woodside (Hewitt), MA, LMFT, E-RYT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Haley Woodside (Hewitt)
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, E-RYT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Alamo, CA 94507
My name is Haley Woodside and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, perinatal and women’s health, gender and/or sexual identity, & LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS & Somatic Experiencing.
My name is Haley Woodside and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, perinatal and women’s health, gender and/or sexual identity, & LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS & Somatic Experiencing.
(925) 275-5742 View (925) 275-5742
Photo of Alison Ebersole, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alison Ebersole
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alamo, CA 94507  (Online Only)
Hi there! I'm Alison, a licensed therapist and evolving human. I specialize in offering convenient virtual therapy for adolescents, adults, and families. My areas of expertise include addressing addictive patterns, trauma, body image issues, anxiety, and attachment wounds. At the heart of my therapeutic approach are values of confidentiality, respect, and compassion. I strive to create a safe environment where clients can authentically express themselves without fear of judgment.
Hi there! I'm Alison, a licensed therapist and evolving human. I specialize in offering convenient virtual therapy for adolescents, adults, and families. My areas of expertise include addressing addictive patterns, trauma, body image issues, anxiety, and attachment wounds. At the heart of my therapeutic approach are values of confidentiality, respect, and compassion. I strive to create a safe environment where clients can authentically express themselves without fear of judgment.
(707) 505-9554 View (707) 505-9554
Photo of Christopher Duerrmeier - Discovery Counseling Center, LMFT, PsyD, AMFT
Discovery Counseling Center
LMFT, PsyD, AMFT
Verified Verified
Alamo, CA 94507
Not accepting new clients
We are an local non-profit community mental health center with over 50 therapists, psychologists and pre-licensed associates dedicated to providing affordable, high quality, culturally appropriate and accessible counseling services and programs. We support clients with a variety of mental health concerns and work hard to match you with a mental health professional that will meet your needs. This is all done in a safe, caring, and confidential environment which provides a structured and supportive space for individuals to work through psychological issues, develop coping skills, gain insight, and achieve personal growth.
We are an local non-profit community mental health center with over 50 therapists, psychologists and pre-licensed associates dedicated to providing affordable, high quality, culturally appropriate and accessible counseling services and programs. We support clients with a variety of mental health concerns and work hard to match you with a mental health professional that will meet your needs. This is all done in a safe, caring, and confidential environment which provides a structured and supportive space for individuals to work through psychological issues, develop coping skills, gain insight, and achieve personal growth.
(925) 837-0505 View (925) 837-0505

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Monica Montserrat F Montoya, LPC
Monica Montserrat F Montoya
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
San Ramon, CA 94582  (Online Only)
I have found that my style/approach is an effective fit for teens and adults who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders (binge eating disorder).
My name is Monica Montoya and I am a bilingual (English, Spanish) licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC 13479) based in San Diego, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I utilize evidence-based treatments such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I strongly believe in the motto: "If you feel better, you will do better" Every individual has the ability and power to re-discover their internal strengths to increase resiliency and self-efficacy.
I have found that my style/approach is an effective fit for teens and adults who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders (binge eating disorder).
My name is Monica Montoya and I am a bilingual (English, Spanish) licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC 13479) based in San Diego, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I utilize evidence-based treatments such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I strongly believe in the motto: "If you feel better, you will do better" Every individual has the ability and power to re-discover their internal strengths to increase resiliency and self-efficacy.
(925) 397-2062 View (925) 397-2062
Photo of Keri Turner, PsyD, Psychologist
Keri Turner
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Although I work with a broad range of issues, some of my specialties are eating disorders, addiction, codependency, life transitions, and relationship problems.
As I am aware that the process of searching for a therapist can be overwhelming, I would like to commend you for taking this first step. You will find that I provide a warm, respectful environment which will make it more comfortable for you to engage in the process of understanding yourself and your relationships more deeply and fully. I believe that each person is unique, and, together, with genuine curiosity and a safe atmosphere, we will uncover your individual needs.
Although I work with a broad range of issues, some of my specialties are eating disorders, addiction, codependency, life transitions, and relationship problems.
As I am aware that the process of searching for a therapist can be overwhelming, I would like to commend you for taking this first step. You will find that I provide a warm, respectful environment which will make it more comfortable for you to engage in the process of understanding yourself and your relationships more deeply and fully. I believe that each person is unique, and, together, with genuine curiosity and a safe atmosphere, we will uncover your individual needs.
(925) 765-9036 View (925) 765-9036
Photo of Daniela (Dani) Pallafacchina, PsyD, MAMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Daniela (Dani) Pallafacchina
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD, MAMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
My specialties include relationships, attachment trauma, gender identity, eating disorders, addictions, adolescence, infertility, postpartum depression, and aging.
Hello! I'm a postdoctoral level therapist with experience working with a variety of clients who have different backgrounds, interests, and concerns. I work with individuals, both adults and adolescents, in a safe, understanding, accepting, non-judgmental environment. My intent is to focus on you as an individual, honor your experience, and genuinely hear your truth. I foster an inclusive environment for everyone, honoring your sexuality and gender.
My specialties include relationships, attachment trauma, gender identity, eating disorders, addictions, adolescence, infertility, postpartum depression, and aging.
Hello! I'm a postdoctoral level therapist with experience working with a variety of clients who have different backgrounds, interests, and concerns. I work with individuals, both adults and adolescents, in a safe, understanding, accepting, non-judgmental environment. My intent is to focus on you as an individual, honor your experience, and genuinely hear your truth. I foster an inclusive environment for everyone, honoring your sexuality and gender.
(707) 209-7037 View (707) 209-7037
Photo of Lynn Davilla Shields, PhD, Psychologist
Lynn Davilla Shields
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
As a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS), many of my patients suffer from Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, and other related disorders such as negative body image, OCD, anxiety and/or depression.
I work with individuals, couples and families that are ready for help and wanting to make a change in their life. For almost 30years I've treated depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship problems, as well as difficulties stemming from past abuse or trauma. My philosophy about therapy is not one size fits all. I have been trained in Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Family Systems as well as other methods of therapy; and I draw on whatever techniques and methods work best for each unique individual or individuals with whom I'm working.
As a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS), many of my patients suffer from Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, and other related disorders such as negative body image, OCD, anxiety and/or depression.
I work with individuals, couples and families that are ready for help and wanting to make a change in their life. For almost 30years I've treated depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship problems, as well as difficulties stemming from past abuse or trauma. My philosophy about therapy is not one size fits all. I have been trained in Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Family Systems as well as other methods of therapy; and I draw on whatever techniques and methods work best for each unique individual or individuals with whom I'm working.
(925) 231-3381 View (925) 231-3381
Photo of Suzie Dukes, MA, MFT, CCHT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Suzie Dukes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, CCHT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
I have been in practice 40 yearsOver time, my work has expanded from exclusive focus on treating adult children of alcoholics, to include- eating disorders, families of bipolar patients, academic underachievement, depression/ anxiety, trauma, and grief. Often these issues are interrelated, and sometimes the singular matter. Women-in-transition groups have also been a mainstay of my practice. Recently, I included hypnotherapy to deepen the experience where appropriate. As the practice continues to grow, I'm reminded daily that it is my life's privilege to work with families and individuals, helping in the growth and healing process.
I have been in practice 40 yearsOver time, my work has expanded from exclusive focus on treating adult children of alcoholics, to include- eating disorders, families of bipolar patients, academic underachievement, depression/ anxiety, trauma, and grief. Often these issues are interrelated, and sometimes the singular matter. Women-in-transition groups have also been a mainstay of my practice. Recently, I included hypnotherapy to deepen the experience where appropriate. As the practice continues to grow, I'm reminded daily that it is my life's privilege to work with families and individuals, helping in the growth and healing process.
(530) 389-4084 View (530) 389-4084
Photo of Richard Barnes, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Richard Barnes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Ramon, CA 94582
My diverse training at UCSC, USF, Stanford University, Fremont Hospital, and as Program Director at Center For Discovery, specializing in treatment of adolescents struggling with eating disorders, has helped me to be sensitive to cultural differences, knowledgeable about a wide array of mental health struggles, and that providing a quality and comfortable relationship, is integral.
I can attest,having worked with many clients over the years, I have witnessed time and time again the true value that a psychotherapeutic relationship can provide. Through hard work, growing authenticity, and commitment, a therapeutic relationship brings forth genuine opportunities for new & useful insight, new eye opening perspectives, the application of new and working coping skills, a freedom from debilitating challenges like anxiety, panic, depression, a renewed & focused life plan, significant transformational changes, and more. Therapy can have a significant impact, once you make the powerful decision to seek treatment, and develop new belief that life can be different.
My diverse training at UCSC, USF, Stanford University, Fremont Hospital, and as Program Director at Center For Discovery, specializing in treatment of adolescents struggling with eating disorders, has helped me to be sensitive to cultural differences, knowledgeable about a wide array of mental health struggles, and that providing a quality and comfortable relationship, is integral.
I can attest,having worked with many clients over the years, I have witnessed time and time again the true value that a psychotherapeutic relationship can provide. Through hard work, growing authenticity, and commitment, a therapeutic relationship brings forth genuine opportunities for new & useful insight, new eye opening perspectives, the application of new and working coping skills, a freedom from debilitating challenges like anxiety, panic, depression, a renewed & focused life plan, significant transformational changes, and more. Therapy can have a significant impact, once you make the powerful decision to seek treatment, and develop new belief that life can be different.
(925) 886-2017 View (925) 886-2017
Photo of Karina M. Schwab, PhD, Psychological Associate
Karina M. Schwab
Psychological Associate, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Moraga, CA 94570  (Online Only)
Her areas of interest include: eating disorders, trauma, racial trauma, gender and sexuality, anxiety, depression, stage of life transitions, as well as spiritual and transpersonal issues.
The call to undergo therapy is both deeply personal and unique to the individual or couple who seeks it. It often requires confrontation with the deepest parts of oneself and the courage to embrace the unknown. I strongly believe in the transformative potential of the therapeutic process and the importance of deep relating. Through the use of dream work, imagery, somatic awareness, and storytelling, my goal is to co-create a safe and empathic environment where individuals are seen, heard, and empowered.
Her areas of interest include: eating disorders, trauma, racial trauma, gender and sexuality, anxiety, depression, stage of life transitions, as well as spiritual and transpersonal issues.
The call to undergo therapy is both deeply personal and unique to the individual or couple who seeks it. It often requires confrontation with the deepest parts of oneself and the courage to embrace the unknown. I strongly believe in the transformative potential of the therapeutic process and the importance of deep relating. Through the use of dream work, imagery, somatic awareness, and storytelling, my goal is to co-create a safe and empathic environment where individuals are seen, heard, and empowered.
(925) 315-4565 View (925) 315-4565
Photo of Johanna Marie McShane, PhD, Psychologist
Johanna Marie McShane
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
I often speak at conferences about eating disorders and related issues, and consult with and train clinicians, hospitals and clinics who want to learn more about treating these illnesses.
I specialize in helping people through life transitions of all kinds- from work/career to family and personal. Change is a part of life, and it can be disruptive, unsettling, and challenging. It can also be an opportunity for creativity and evaluation of our lives. I help people assess where they are now, where they want to go, and how to get there. Trained as a high level violinist, I have a particular passion for helping musicians and athletes through transitions related to their sport or instrument- things like dealing with injuries, or making decisions about whether to pursue athletics or music at the next higher level.
I often speak at conferences about eating disorders and related issues, and consult with and train clinicians, hospitals and clinics who want to learn more about treating these illnesses.
I specialize in helping people through life transitions of all kinds- from work/career to family and personal. Change is a part of life, and it can be disruptive, unsettling, and challenging. It can also be an opportunity for creativity and evaluation of our lives. I help people assess where they are now, where they want to go, and how to get there. Trained as a high level violinist, I have a particular passion for helping musicians and athletes through transitions related to their sport or instrument- things like dealing with injuries, or making decisions about whether to pursue athletics or music at the next higher level.
(925) 308-5774 View (925) 308-5774
Photo of Angela Haick, MA, CALMFT, EdD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Angela Haick
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, CALMFT, EdD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
I offer a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their painful experiences while gaining deeper insights into their struggles. My goal is to guide them toward resilience and healing. I work with individuals, couples, and families facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, and life transitions. Utilizing a holistic approach, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and psychodynamic techniques to tailor treatment to each client's unique needs.
I offer a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their painful experiences while gaining deeper insights into their struggles. My goal is to guide them toward resilience and healing. I work with individuals, couples, and families facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, and life transitions. Utilizing a holistic approach, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and psychodynamic techniques to tailor treatment to each client's unique needs.
(925) 940-4256 View (925) 940-4256
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.