Therapists in Bellflower, CA
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Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in California below.More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Alison Lynn Johnson, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40b330cd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Alison Lynn Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Garden Grove, CA 92845
Other specializations include EMDR, John Gottman, EFT, DBT, CBT, Art Therapy, LGBTQ, Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse and several others.
Frustrated with your: relationship? sex life? child? I am trained in 2nd level, Gottman Method, a specialty that started with couples. John Gottman, the author of, "7 Principles of Marriage," is known for predicting divorce with 90% accuracy, has been influential over my career. The Gottman Method has transformed my practice to focusing on couples, parenting, and children. If you're looking for guidance through a challenging situation with your children, partner or anyone else, I look forward to working with you to accomplish your goals.
Other specializations include EMDR, John Gottman, EFT, DBT, CBT, Art Therapy, LGBTQ, Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse and several others.
Frustrated with your: relationship? sex life? child? I am trained in 2nd level, Gottman Method, a specialty that started with couples. John Gottman, the author of, "7 Principles of Marriage," is known for predicting divorce with 90% accuracy, has been influential over my career. The Gottman Method has transformed my practice to focusing on couples, parenting, and children. If you're looking for guidance through a challenging situation with your children, partner or anyone else, I look forward to working with you to accomplish your goals.
![Photo of Dean Leav - Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7b2ff6c7-9178-493a-a38b-f2b4f803b089/3/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
![Photo of Briana Barrera, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2bdebdc5-d41c-4fea-8161-ee3e0a2bebd3/3/320x400.jpeg)
Briana is extremely compassionate, attuned, non-judgmental, and deeply cares about her clients. She is an advanced practitioner in CBT, DBT, and EMDR Phase I-III. She most recently worked as a psychotherapist at Mental Health America Los Angeles Wellness Center (MHALA) and was widely loved by her clients. Briana has worked with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, family crisis, and relationship conflicts.
Briana is extremely compassionate, attuned, non-judgmental, and deeply cares about her clients. She is an advanced practitioner in CBT, DBT, and EMDR Phase I-III. She most recently worked as a psychotherapist at Mental Health America Los Angeles Wellness Center (MHALA) and was widely loved by her clients. Briana has worked with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, family crisis, and relationship conflicts.
![Photo of Icinda Siqueira-Darwin, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49234749-8ec9-4913-9023-7d94ac418a1e/1/320x400.jpeg)
If you are near the Southern area of Los Angeles County, you may want to consider psychotherapy or counseling in Long Beach. I work evening hours, as well as day time, and have experience with most mental health needs. I work in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. I have extensive experience with problems in living using Evidence Based Therapy models and Mindfulness with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, as well as major mental illness including schizophrenia, , and other thought disorders. I work with family problems , including sexual dysfunction. Performing psychological assessments are offered when necessary to set new goals.
If you are near the Southern area of Los Angeles County, you may want to consider psychotherapy or counseling in Long Beach. I work evening hours, as well as day time, and have experience with most mental health needs. I work in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. I have extensive experience with problems in living using Evidence Based Therapy models and Mindfulness with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, as well as major mental illness including schizophrenia, , and other thought disorders. I work with family problems , including sexual dysfunction. Performing psychological assessments are offered when necessary to set new goals.
![Photo of Icinda Siqueira-Darwin, PhD,, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b94306c2-50b1-4d12-9e90-7e958822722d/3/320x400.jpeg)
My usual clients are young adults, under 45 years age,(I do see children and elders), experiencing mood disorders such as depression, or anxiety. Substance abuse issues are frequently involved, or alcohol abuse. There are always relationship issues with others involved as well. The Goals of Therapy include feeling happier, calmer, more at peace, to reducing substance abuse and alcohol abuse. They want to learn how to improve their relationships with themselves and others.
My usual clients are young adults, under 45 years age,(I do see children and elders), experiencing mood disorders such as depression, or anxiety. Substance abuse issues are frequently involved, or alcohol abuse. There are always relationship issues with others involved as well. The Goals of Therapy include feeling happier, calmer, more at peace, to reducing substance abuse and alcohol abuse. They want to learn how to improve their relationships with themselves and others.
![Photo of Alysia St. Clair, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b27dab5-5cf7-467b-ba50-2f32ba5e3c51/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alysia St. Clair
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90802
SUMMER 2024: Accepting New Patients if also seeing a medication management provider in our practice or are in our TMS/ Ketamine program.
SUMMER 2024: Accepting New Patients if also seeing a medication management provider in our practice or are in our TMS/ Ketamine program.
![Photo of Dean Leav - Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a7311f6-e82f-4858-930a-3da7ca634d2d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
![Photo of Cali Estes, PhD, MCAP, ICADC, MAC, MNLP, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53fd0686-1867-486c-90bb-209955e8a9a3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cali Estes
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, PhD, MCAP, ICADC, MAC, MNLP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90001
Ready to UnPause Your life and find the best version of yourself? I can help you get to the root cause of everything that holds you back and help you become the BEST version of yourself. Whether you self-soothe with drugs, alcohol, sex, shopping, food, have stress and anxiety or crave personal development, we work together as a team to get to the root cause of the issues and stressors you are experiencing and begin removing them and learning ways to have a more productive, positive life. I blend therapy and life coaching with a 100% confidential service, phone, skype, or in person. My Deep Dive Method creates positive lasting change
Ready to UnPause Your life and find the best version of yourself? I can help you get to the root cause of everything that holds you back and help you become the BEST version of yourself. Whether you self-soothe with drugs, alcohol, sex, shopping, food, have stress and anxiety or crave personal development, we work together as a team to get to the root cause of the issues and stressors you are experiencing and begin removing them and learning ways to have a more productive, positive life. I blend therapy and life coaching with a 100% confidential service, phone, skype, or in person. My Deep Dive Method creates positive lasting change
![Photo of For More Information - Crossroads Institute, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be5f055c-bcd6-494a-b2af-3522e3b84c65/2/320x400.jpeg)
We are an organization of mental health professionals with a common goal of providing excellent and expert services in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego counties. We are committed to providing the highest level of professional expertise and human compassion for issues and concerns that arise in the course of our lives. Crossroads Institute offers psychotherapy services for all ages, psychiatry, clinical, educational, and neuropsychological assessment, and brain training services, including qEEG based Neurofeedback and Biofeedback services.
We are an organization of mental health professionals with a common goal of providing excellent and expert services in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego counties. We are committed to providing the highest level of professional expertise and human compassion for issues and concerns that arise in the course of our lives. Crossroads Institute offers psychotherapy services for all ages, psychiatry, clinical, educational, and neuropsychological assessment, and brain training services, including qEEG based Neurofeedback and Biofeedback services.
![Photo of Charles Kodimer - Kodimer & Associates, PhD, MFT, ABPN, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0191e6a9-445b-4060-98ed-9300d97596b3/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kodimer & Associates
Psychologist, PhD, MFT, ABPN
Verified Verified
Downey, CA 90241
Not accepting new clients
A multi-disciplinary group of males and females, CA state licensed Psychologists and Therapists, female and male.
A multi-disciplinary group of males and females, CA state licensed Psychologists and Therapists, female and male.
![Photo of Dean Leav - Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/318186b0-d6be-4b25-959d-5dfe290f435d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Kate Balestrieri, PsyD, PACT, CST, CSAT-S, EMDR, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4bbf98c4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kate Balestrieri
Psychologist, PsyD, PACT, CST, CSAT-S, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
"In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety." - Abraham Maslow. Deciding to make changes in one's life takes courage, and you have taken the first step! My goal is to empower you to find relief from distress and to help you grow in concert with your goals. I specialize in treating a variety of concerns, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, addiction (substance and behavioral), eating disorders, body image issues, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, as well as difficulties with anger management, relationships, interpersonal communication, recovery and relapse prevention.
"In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety." - Abraham Maslow. Deciding to make changes in one's life takes courage, and you have taken the first step! My goal is to empower you to find relief from distress and to help you grow in concert with your goals. I specialize in treating a variety of concerns, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, addiction (substance and behavioral), eating disorders, body image issues, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, as well as difficulties with anger management, relationships, interpersonal communication, recovery and relapse prevention.
![Photo of Dean Leav - Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/140b98cd-3fa1-4054-a00b-8fa1c9f8d221/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
![Photo of Dean Leav - Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/83af8c25-b9ac-4dde-9d7e-8cc6da733464/3/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
![Photo of Dean Leav - Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00be2051-c479-482c-a1a3-b0a0d0dfc4ee/3/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
![Photo of Dean Leav - Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60b089d5-1200-445a-9ac3-d1c344454877/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
![Photo of Dr. Vicki D. Coleman, EdD, LCPC, CCMHC, MAC/DAC, SAP/BCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cf088ef-5f67-4007-a609-57448f66c718/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Vicki D. Coleman
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, EdD, LCPC, CCMHC, MAC/DAC, SAP/BCC
Verified Verified
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Telehealth Offered! WHY ARE YOU SO ANGRY? In the 21st century global economy, Anger is a major challenge! Although a valid emotion, unmonitored, it can lead to stress, inappropriate behavior, and violence. A former Tenured Professor at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, I earned a Doctorate in Psychology from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. Publications include books (Amazon Bestsellers), 9 chapters, and refereed journal articles. Anger is frequently the antecedent to a myriad of issues. My goal is to facilitate the identification of viable solutions. I have 6 Full Clinical Licenses in 5 Jurisdictions.
Telehealth Offered! WHY ARE YOU SO ANGRY? In the 21st century global economy, Anger is a major challenge! Although a valid emotion, unmonitored, it can lead to stress, inappropriate behavior, and violence. A former Tenured Professor at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, I earned a Doctorate in Psychology from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. Publications include books (Amazon Bestsellers), 9 chapters, and refereed journal articles. Anger is frequently the antecedent to a myriad of issues. My goal is to facilitate the identification of viable solutions. I have 6 Full Clinical Licenses in 5 Jurisdictions.
![Photo of Dean Leav - Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63a98a3a-b2ad-4d90-9651-bb8bacd35bd4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
![Photo of Dean Leav - Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e60e42d-e8f1-48cf-bf06-2e45006899d3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
![Photo of Nanette Sebourn - Nanette Sebourn Couples-Individual-Sex specialist, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dd55207-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nanette Sebourn Couples-Individual-Sex specialist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Temecula, CA 92590
Ms. Sebourn is IMPARTIAL, KIND AND ACCURATE. She believes the best way to experience therapy is FACE to FACE, in person. She specializes in sex therapy for individuals and couples. She is a Psychologist, a Healer and an Educator so her treatments use all three modes to help with any issue. Her hours are 12noon to 7pm to accommodate everyone's schedule on Mondays thru Thursday. She wrote a book titled "Love with a Brain" ( ISBN-13 : 978-0578661698 ) and it is available on Amazon. She offers a free meet & greet so please call to find out more. She honestly cares about her clients. See for yourself at Nanettesebourn.com
Ms. Sebourn is IMPARTIAL, KIND AND ACCURATE. She believes the best way to experience therapy is FACE to FACE, in person. She specializes in sex therapy for individuals and couples. She is a Psychologist, a Healer and an Educator so her treatments use all three modes to help with any issue. Her hours are 12noon to 7pm to accommodate everyone's schedule on Mondays thru Thursday. She wrote a book titled "Love with a Brain" ( ISBN-13 : 978-0578661698 ) and it is available on Amazon. She offers a free meet & greet so please call to find out more. She honestly cares about her clients. See for yourself at Nanettesebourn.com
See more therapy options for Bellflower
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Bellflower
- Buena Park
- Cerritos
- Compton
- Cypress
- Downey
- La Mirada
- Lakewood
- Long Beach
- Los Alamitos
- Norwalk
- Pico Rivera
- Whittier
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.