Eating Disorders Therapists in El Dorado Hills, CA
![Photo of Kendra Hester, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0bdf865b-a270-4990-ad5c-74f89dcdb4d9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kendra Hester
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, disordered eating, body image and self-esteem challenges, and co-occurring disorders in children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Hello and welcome! Are you or your child struggling with an eating disorder or body image issues and don't know where to start? Are you are feeling alone, overwhelmed, or uncertain about navigating eating disorder recovery? I have experience working with teenagers, groups, families, and adults as they work to build a life free of eating disorder behaviors and in alignment with their core values.
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, disordered eating, body image and self-esteem challenges, and co-occurring disorders in children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Hello and welcome! Are you or your child struggling with an eating disorder or body image issues and don't know where to start? Are you are feeling alone, overwhelmed, or uncertain about navigating eating disorder recovery? I have experience working with teenagers, groups, families, and adults as they work to build a life free of eating disorder behaviors and in alignment with their core values.
![Photo of Erin Patterson, MC, LPCC, CEDS-C, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d7e71bce-16c5-4322-bcb7-1117298e8d8d/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and Consultant and specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Whatever has brought you here, welcome. If you or a loved one are struggling with eating disorder behaviors or other self-destructive behaviors, I am effective at treating these and addressing the underlying issues that fuel them.
I'm a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and Consultant and specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Whatever has brought you here, welcome. If you or a loved one are struggling with eating disorder behaviors or other self-destructive behaviors, I am effective at treating these and addressing the underlying issues that fuel them.
![Photo of Samantha Chilton, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/505d6d7a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Samantha Chilton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 (Online Only)
Areas of special interest and extensive training include: Marriage, Divorce, Blended Families, Parenting, Co-Parenting, Eating Disorders and Food Addictions, Weight Loss/Management, Adolescent and Women's issues, Life Transitions and Trauma.
"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." Maya Angelou. I am a therapist, coach, and encourager. I believe people are stronger than they think, better than they know and capable of more than they ever imagined. My passion is helping individuals, families, and couples navigate through the difficulties and sometimes unbearable challenges of life, to a place of newfound strength, hope, healing, and peace. I utilize a collaborative approach working together with you assessing your life situation and setting effective goals uniquely designed to meet your specific needs.
Areas of special interest and extensive training include: Marriage, Divorce, Blended Families, Parenting, Co-Parenting, Eating Disorders and Food Addictions, Weight Loss/Management, Adolescent and Women's issues, Life Transitions and Trauma.
"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." Maya Angelou. I am a therapist, coach, and encourager. I believe people are stronger than they think, better than they know and capable of more than they ever imagined. My passion is helping individuals, families, and couples navigate through the difficulties and sometimes unbearable challenges of life, to a place of newfound strength, hope, healing, and peace. I utilize a collaborative approach working together with you assessing your life situation and setting effective goals uniquely designed to meet your specific needs.
![Photo of Corey Lucero-Perkins, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1fb52a56-33b9-4d73-9b33-0a97f8c60671/1/320x400.jpeg)
Corey Lucero-Perkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Welcome! If you are reading this, you have taken the first step to uncover the obstacles and barriers to living your valued life. Do you feel you are trying but it's not working? Are you feeling stuck, tired and frustrated? I offer a safe space for you to gain clarity on the underlying issues of eating disorders, depression, anxiety disorders and other life issues that may be interfering with your life. I believe in an individual's innate capacity to heal and grow at any stage in their life. It can and will happen.
Welcome! If you are reading this, you have taken the first step to uncover the obstacles and barriers to living your valued life. Do you feel you are trying but it's not working? Are you feeling stuck, tired and frustrated? I offer a safe space for you to gain clarity on the underlying issues of eating disorders, depression, anxiety disorders and other life issues that may be interfering with your life. I believe in an individual's innate capacity to heal and grow at any stage in their life. It can and will happen.
![Photo of Lisa Petersen, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/463292c2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that therapy is a collaborative process. Each person comes in with their own unique life story, strengths, barriers, and goals. It is my role to create a nonjudgmental and safe environment to explore what will be helpful for each person. My practice focuses on helping people develop a more mindful, intentional, and compassionate way of living, and increase a healthier connection with oneself and others. Areas of focus include anxiety, stress, women's health, highly sensitive, eating disorders, aging, life transitions, relationship struggles, parenting, depression, pregnancy & postpartum, and grief & loss.
I believe that therapy is a collaborative process. Each person comes in with their own unique life story, strengths, barriers, and goals. It is my role to create a nonjudgmental and safe environment to explore what will be helpful for each person. My practice focuses on helping people develop a more mindful, intentional, and compassionate way of living, and increase a healthier connection with oneself and others. Areas of focus include anxiety, stress, women's health, highly sensitive, eating disorders, aging, life transitions, relationship struggles, parenting, depression, pregnancy & postpartum, and grief & loss.
![Photo of Sarah Lucas, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b40338f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
My specialties include working with adults and adolescents dealing with one or more of the following issues: eating disorders and other food, weight or body image issues; anxiety, depression and related rlationship issues; adjusting to life changes; frequent worrying and difficulty managing stress; social anxiety; being "too nice" or difficulty speaking up.
Are you or is someone you love struggling with a possible eating disorder, anxiety and/or depression that makes it difficult to do the things you once enjoyed? Feeling more and more frustrated and stressed? Having a harder time dealing with relationships, job or school? I work with individuals of all ages who want to feel better but may not be sure where to begin. We will work together to challenge old patterns that may be holding you back, while creating positive and healthy changes in your life and relationships.
My specialties include working with adults and adolescents dealing with one or more of the following issues: eating disorders and other food, weight or body image issues; anxiety, depression and related rlationship issues; adjusting to life changes; frequent worrying and difficulty managing stress; social anxiety; being "too nice" or difficulty speaking up.
Are you or is someone you love struggling with a possible eating disorder, anxiety and/or depression that makes it difficult to do the things you once enjoyed? Feeling more and more frustrated and stressed? Having a harder time dealing with relationships, job or school? I work with individuals of all ages who want to feel better but may not be sure where to begin. We will work together to challenge old patterns that may be holding you back, while creating positive and healthy changes in your life and relationships.
![Photo of Mark Gibson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/511ef346-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and the treatment of Eating Disorders. I have provided care at the Inpatient, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient, and Outpatient levels of care for the past 20 years. In addition, I co-authored a book titled, "It Was Never About the Food". In that time, I have learned the most important aspect of change is the willingness for change along with a trusting therapeutic relationship to support the desired change. Behavioral change is one of the most challenging dynamics in life and my role is to provide the roadmap and support to effectively reach the desired destination.
I specialize in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and the treatment of Eating Disorders. I have provided care at the Inpatient, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient, and Outpatient levels of care for the past 20 years. In addition, I co-authored a book titled, "It Was Never About the Food". In that time, I have learned the most important aspect of change is the willingness for change along with a trusting therapeutic relationship to support the desired change. Behavioral change is one of the most challenging dynamics in life and my role is to provide the roadmap and support to effectively reach the desired destination.
![Photo of Dr. Zoe Ross-Nash, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/daae58c1-844d-44cf-97db-ccf7c74feea7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Zoe Ross-Nash
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 (Online Only)
Dr. Ross-Nash provides clinical services to individuals, couples, and families. She specializes in and treats various situations and disorders, including trauma, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and relationship concerns. Dr. Ross-Nash seeks to understand what happened to her clients in context of their histories and identities, not what is wrong with them.
Dr. Ross-Nash provides clinical services to individuals, couples, and families. She specializes in and treats various situations and disorders, including trauma, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and relationship concerns. Dr. Ross-Nash seeks to understand what happened to her clients in context of their histories and identities, not what is wrong with them.
![Photo of Eileen Clorinda Ramirez - Emotional/Entitled?, Clinica, Social, Work, Therapi, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17130ac0-2d7c-4505-92c3-ba3e033b83f0/3/320x400.jpeg)
Emotional/Entitled?
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Clinica, Social, Work, Therapi, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
I have treated all forms of mental illness including depression, Suicidal Ideation, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, Conduct Problems, Couple Counseling, Substance Abuse, and Domestic Violence.
Are there days when you feel like a failure, let yourself down? Or your family down?, trouble concentrating, thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way? Is it hard for you to get out of bed or your home? Go to school or work? Get along with others? Relationship/marriage problems? Are you a worrier?
I have treated all forms of mental illness including depression, Suicidal Ideation, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, Conduct Problems, Couple Counseling, Substance Abuse, and Domestic Violence.
Are there days when you feel like a failure, let yourself down? Or your family down?, trouble concentrating, thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way? Is it hard for you to get out of bed or your home? Go to school or work? Get along with others? Relationship/marriage problems? Are you a worrier?
![Photo of Clare Lewis, LCP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c919b19a-9898-4ecd-a2ce-6df9363ae3c8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi there, I'm Clare. I am a licensed psychologist who is passionate about helping clients overcome the daily struggles we all deal with in life, that are often related to ongoing issues. My goal is to assist with your personal growth and healing and to learn better techniques for coping. I am also a licensed physical therapist, so I believe in a holistic approach that incorporates mind and body. I typically work with adjustment disorders but also eating disorders, anxiety and depression, OCD, trauma, relationship issues/couples, childhood abuse, addiction of all kinds, and ADHD/ADD.
Hi there, I'm Clare. I am a licensed psychologist who is passionate about helping clients overcome the daily struggles we all deal with in life, that are often related to ongoing issues. My goal is to assist with your personal growth and healing and to learn better techniques for coping. I am also a licensed physical therapist, so I believe in a holistic approach that incorporates mind and body. I typically work with adjustment disorders but also eating disorders, anxiety and depression, OCD, trauma, relationship issues/couples, childhood abuse, addiction of all kinds, and ADHD/ADD.
![Photo of Rachael Chisenhall, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf1302ba-749a-4dec-911f-28d9690d2a2e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rachael Chisenhall
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Investing in taking care of our mental, emotional, and relational health is one of the best decisions we will ever make. No one teaches us how to set healthy boundaries, build self-trust, and develop quality relationships in school (but they should:), so if we want a joyful, satisfying life, we need to seek out how to learn/improve in these areas ourselves. I am highly skilled in teaching communication, boundaries, conflict repair and co-parenting skills. I specialize in healing childhood traumas and the ways they can show up in our adult relationships. Other specialization's include: anxiety, eating disorders, dating & divorce.
Investing in taking care of our mental, emotional, and relational health is one of the best decisions we will ever make. No one teaches us how to set healthy boundaries, build self-trust, and develop quality relationships in school (but they should:), so if we want a joyful, satisfying life, we need to seek out how to learn/improve in these areas ourselves. I am highly skilled in teaching communication, boundaries, conflict repair and co-parenting skills. I specialize in healing childhood traumas and the ways they can show up in our adult relationships. Other specialization's include: anxiety, eating disorders, dating & divorce.
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drugs, alcohol, and eating disorders).
My name is Lauren, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Calistoga, California where I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I specialize in anxiety, grief, life transitions, trauma, PTSD, and addiction. Depending on the needs of each client, I like to explore cognitive, affective, and somatic approaches to support them in experiencing well-being.
drugs, alcohol, and eating disorders).
My name is Lauren, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Calistoga, California where I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I specialize in anxiety, grief, life transitions, trauma, PTSD, and addiction. Depending on the needs of each client, I like to explore cognitive, affective, and somatic approaches to support them in experiencing well-being.
![Photo of Jennifer Tucker, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ecb1505b-e57a-48bf-82fe-e7332cc0e519/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you wanting to make changes in your life but don't know how or don't have the necessary support? Maybe you're struggling with addiction or have loved ones who are struggling, or maybe you’re just trying to work through some current issues that have you feeling “stuck”.
Are you wanting to make changes in your life but don't know how or don't have the necessary support? Maybe you're struggling with addiction or have loved ones who are struggling, or maybe you’re just trying to work through some current issues that have you feeling “stuck”.
![Photo of Alison Gardey, LMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/97800f97-b928-491f-ae38-8fd237fc926d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alison Gardey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
I offer a holistic and collaborative approach to therapy and trust we all have the power and wisdom within us to get to the healing & growth we need. Therapy is a journey toward finding balance and wholeness. It is about disentangling yourself from patterns and limiting beliefs that no longer serve you, as much as it is about cultivating self-acceptance and reconnecting with essential parts of yourself. Together, we will work to define what is true and meaningful for you.
I offer a holistic and collaborative approach to therapy and trust we all have the power and wisdom within us to get to the healing & growth we need. Therapy is a journey toward finding balance and wholeness. It is about disentangling yourself from patterns and limiting beliefs that no longer serve you, as much as it is about cultivating self-acceptance and reconnecting with essential parts of yourself. Together, we will work to define what is true and meaningful for you.
![Photo of Kim Burris - The Holistic Counseling Center, Kim Burris LMFT, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7632d016-c9a6-4b0f-a16f-b255a348d616/1/320x400.jpeg)
The Holistic Counseling Center, Kim Burris LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Life's too short to stay stuck in survival mode. If you're tired of feeling burdened by your past, battling anxiety, or stuck in an endless cycle of stress and overwhelm, I can help. Me and my team work with adults, teens, moms and couples, and specialize in humans struggling with: Anxiety, Depression, Postpartum (PPD/PPA), Trauma, Relationships, Self-Esteem, Stress, and Life Purpose. Modalities include: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Depth Therapy, Hypnotherapy, CBT, Somatic Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. We can help you unearth the root cause of your struggles, find relief from your pain, and start rebuilding your life.
Life's too short to stay stuck in survival mode. If you're tired of feeling burdened by your past, battling anxiety, or stuck in an endless cycle of stress and overwhelm, I can help. Me and my team work with adults, teens, moms and couples, and specialize in humans struggling with: Anxiety, Depression, Postpartum (PPD/PPA), Trauma, Relationships, Self-Esteem, Stress, and Life Purpose. Modalities include: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Depth Therapy, Hypnotherapy, CBT, Somatic Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. We can help you unearth the root cause of your struggles, find relief from your pain, and start rebuilding your life.
![Photo of Hannah Phair Zackney, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/89fd37b5-d9ea-447c-a68e-bd6fa0df121d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hannah Phair Zackney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Hannah Zackney is a holistic psychotherapist, MFTi supervisor, teacher, writer and speaker that infuses meditation, mindfulness into her work of supporting clients to experience their highest potential. As a yoga teacher of 25 years she is passionate about weaving the mind, body spirit connection to empower and embolden her clients to connect with their true happiness and creative capacity.
Hannah Zackney is a holistic psychotherapist, MFTi supervisor, teacher, writer and speaker that infuses meditation, mindfulness into her work of supporting clients to experience their highest potential. As a yoga teacher of 25 years she is passionate about weaving the mind, body spirit connection to empower and embolden her clients to connect with their true happiness and creative capacity.
![Photo of Sarah Schumacher, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f046b20-1b5f-48ce-b4e6-edb2cc056fa9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Schumacher
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
I specialize in working with adolescents, woman, and families. I am dedicated to helping my clients find solutions, reach their goals, and create positive change and growth. I blend a variety of interventions and theories to adapt to the specific needs of each client. I utilize evidence-based strategies in DBT and CBT to teach new skills, help regulate emotions, change unhelpful cognitions and behaviors, and overcome obstacles in life. I also use a Family Systems perspective to improve interpersonal relationships and family dynamics. I am a believer that every obstacle or hardship can be a platform for growth.
I specialize in working with adolescents, woman, and families. I am dedicated to helping my clients find solutions, reach their goals, and create positive change and growth. I blend a variety of interventions and theories to adapt to the specific needs of each client. I utilize evidence-based strategies in DBT and CBT to teach new skills, help regulate emotions, change unhelpful cognitions and behaviors, and overcome obstacles in life. I also use a Family Systems perspective to improve interpersonal relationships and family dynamics. I am a believer that every obstacle or hardship can be a platform for growth.
![Photo of Krista Gerdts, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/513c1a42-7e3f-4076-80d0-25cbbdfef304/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Krista Gerdts, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) based in Santa Monica, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and adolescents and specialize in depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and life transitions. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered, and Narrative Therapy to help my clients navigate the more difficult parts of life and live the lives they’ve always wanted.
My name is Krista Gerdts, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) based in Santa Monica, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and adolescents and specialize in depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and life transitions. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered, and Narrative Therapy to help my clients navigate the more difficult parts of life and live the lives they’ve always wanted.
![Photo of Sue Goetz, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57ad6402-3d5b-4683-ad95-a2d68cd04293/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sue Goetz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
17 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Now accepting new referrals (as of 08/2024) for Teens, Adults, & EMDR (a trauma therapy technique). Parents: Are you worried about your teenager? Do they seem stressed, anxious, or depressed? Or Are they just driving you crazy?!? Adults: Are you living the life you want to live? Or Is stress, anxiety, or grief getting in the way? Are you, “in your head” a lot, ruminating about your relationships? work or school? the future? I’d like to help. I’m an experienced, licensed psychotherapist whose been in full-time private practice with teens, adults, and families for over 12 years.
Now accepting new referrals (as of 08/2024) for Teens, Adults, & EMDR (a trauma therapy technique). Parents: Are you worried about your teenager? Do they seem stressed, anxious, or depressed? Or Are they just driving you crazy?!? Adults: Are you living the life you want to live? Or Is stress, anxiety, or grief getting in the way? Are you, “in your head” a lot, ruminating about your relationships? work or school? the future? I’d like to help. I’m an experienced, licensed psychotherapist whose been in full-time private practice with teens, adults, and families for over 12 years.
![Photo of Sean Davis - The Davis Group Counseling & Wellness Services, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4185a26f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
The Davis Group Counseling & Wellness Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Just when you think you are getting used to one phase of life, the next one throws you a curve ball. Whether your life includes being single, adjusting to marriage or parenthood, raising a teen, children leaving the home, or adjusting to retirement, each phase brings plenty of unique challenges. Issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and life dissatisfaction can seem like constant companions through it all. It can feel exhausting! Life should not be about working so hard yet feeling so flat!
Just when you think you are getting used to one phase of life, the next one throws you a curve ball. Whether your life includes being single, adjusting to marriage or parenthood, raising a teen, children leaving the home, or adjusting to retirement, each phase brings plenty of unique challenges. Issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and life dissatisfaction can seem like constant companions through it all. It can feel exhausting! Life should not be about working so hard yet feeling so flat!
See more therapy options for El Dorado Hills
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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.