Eating Disorders Therapists in Mill Valley, CA

Photo of Leah Lazar, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Leah Lazar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
If you are struggling with anxiety, panic, grief, addictive behaviors , eating disorders or going through a life crisis, I provide sensitive listening and a variety of practices to help you resolve these difficult issues.
For over 33 years I have been blessed to work with individuals and couples who put their trust in me to facilitate their own personal healing. Clients have relied on my devotion, warmth, insights and authentic presence to hold them in a safe, sacred space. Through a collaborative exploration, we explore the thoughts, feelings, belief systems that are at the root of life-long patterns. Awareness of these patterns is crucial. However, lasting change requires more than insight. We need to directly experience and release the underlying energies and wounds that block your life force, so you can live and express your authentic gifts.
If you are struggling with anxiety, panic, grief, addictive behaviors , eating disorders or going through a life crisis, I provide sensitive listening and a variety of practices to help you resolve these difficult issues.
For over 33 years I have been blessed to work with individuals and couples who put their trust in me to facilitate their own personal healing. Clients have relied on my devotion, warmth, insights and authentic presence to hold them in a safe, sacred space. Through a collaborative exploration, we explore the thoughts, feelings, belief systems that are at the root of life-long patterns. Awareness of these patterns is crucial. However, lasting change requires more than insight. We need to directly experience and release the underlying energies and wounds that block your life force, so you can live and express your authentic gifts.
(415) 322-7889 View (415) 322-7889
Photo of Christy Mammini, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christy Mammini
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941  (Online Only)
Welcome! Taking the first step towards getting help is not always easy and I am here to make that transition as clear and safe as possible. My specialties include eating disorders, body image, depression and anxiety. You will find I provide a warm, compassionate, down-to-earth environment where together we will work towards developing insight and awareness into the roots of the behaviors, beliefs and patterns that are holding you back from reaching your fullest potential and living the life that you want.
Welcome! Taking the first step towards getting help is not always easy and I am here to make that transition as clear and safe as possible. My specialties include eating disorders, body image, depression and anxiety. You will find I provide a warm, compassionate, down-to-earth environment where together we will work towards developing insight and awareness into the roots of the behaviors, beliefs and patterns that are holding you back from reaching your fullest potential and living the life that you want.
(510) 629-5154 View (510) 629-5154
Photo of Laura Hauben, PsyD, Psychologist
Laura Hauben
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94942
Eating disorders occur when the path towards healthy development goes awry.
Major life events, both positive and negative, can require emotional adjustments that take us by surprise. Even desired life changes like parenthood, marriage, and graduation can lead to unexpected feelings. Current research on attachment confirms that humans are more resilient in the face of major life change and trauma when they feel understood and supported by another. I use psychotherapy and EMDR in my practice. In therapy I am direct, but I provide the empathy and compassion that we all need. My patients feel seen by me and in turn, seek out other fortifying relationships.
Eating disorders occur when the path towards healthy development goes awry.
Major life events, both positive and negative, can require emotional adjustments that take us by surprise. Even desired life changes like parenthood, marriage, and graduation can lead to unexpected feelings. Current research on attachment confirms that humans are more resilient in the face of major life change and trauma when they feel understood and supported by another. I use psychotherapy and EMDR in my practice. In therapy I am direct, but I provide the empathy and compassion that we all need. My patients feel seen by me and in turn, seek out other fortifying relationships.
(415) 323-3931 View (415) 323-3931
Photo of Lori Lavinthal, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lori Lavinthal
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
My specialties include: Borderline Personality Disorder, Eating Disorders, Anxiety, Social Anxiety and Depression.
I provide DBT, and general psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, families and couples in my San Francisco and Marin practices. For the past 20 years I have helped people transform, creating the lives they want to live. Stylistically I am warm, thoughtful, and engaged creating a non-judgmental safe environment.
My specialties include: Borderline Personality Disorder, Eating Disorders, Anxiety, Social Anxiety and Depression.
I provide DBT, and general psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, families and couples in my San Francisco and Marin practices. For the past 20 years I have helped people transform, creating the lives they want to live. Stylistically I am warm, thoughtful, and engaged creating a non-judgmental safe environment.
(415) 594-4462 View (415) 594-4462
Photo of Helen Elizabeth Shamis, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Helen Elizabeth Shamis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
My treatment specialties include individuals with eating disorders and those experiencing grief and loss.
My treatment approach is best described as strength-based. I believe that we come to even our most challenging moments, with the best of intentions. When a client chooses me as their therapist, they provide themselves with a dedicated, judgment-free professional who believes in their ability to guide their own journey. If you are at your most vulnerable or in the darkest of places, there is always hope. Both short-term and long-term therapy is available.
My treatment specialties include individuals with eating disorders and those experiencing grief and loss.
My treatment approach is best described as strength-based. I believe that we come to even our most challenging moments, with the best of intentions. When a client chooses me as their therapist, they provide themselves with a dedicated, judgment-free professional who believes in their ability to guide their own journey. If you are at your most vulnerable or in the darkest of places, there is always hope. Both short-term and long-term therapy is available.
(415) 877-6328 View (415) 877-6328
Photo of Haleh Kashani, PhD, Psychologist
Haleh Kashani
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders ranging from Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, ARFID, and Bing Eating Disorder to chronic dieting and weight related issues, as well as substance abuse and addictions with adults and teens.
I would like take this opportunity to provide you with some information about myself and my practice.I am a licensed clinical psychologist and have been in practice for over 30 years. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults in individual, family and group therapy settings. I treat wide array of conditions, from stress management and normal life issues and interpersonal and family problems to more serious conditions such as depression, anxiety and other psychological problems.
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders ranging from Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, ARFID, and Bing Eating Disorder to chronic dieting and weight related issues, as well as substance abuse and addictions with adults and teens.
I would like take this opportunity to provide you with some information about myself and my practice.I am a licensed clinical psychologist and have been in practice for over 30 years. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults in individual, family and group therapy settings. I treat wide array of conditions, from stress management and normal life issues and interpersonal and family problems to more serious conditions such as depression, anxiety and other psychological problems.
(415) 697-3942 View (415) 697-3942
Photo of Avis Rumney, LMFT, CIP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Avis Rumney
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CIP
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
I specialize in Couples Therapy, Codependency, Emotional Eating, and Eating Disorders. I'm a seasoned therapist and award winning author with over 30 years' experience helping couples and individuals create healthy, happy lives. If you keep thinking the same negative thoughts, or endlessly repeat unwanted behaviors, I can help. You don't need to struggle alone. I will help you transform your unhealthy patterns, negative inner voices and self-sabotaging actions into healthy physical, mental and emotional habits. We can work together to help you build your confidence, improve your relationships and increase your well-being.
I specialize in Couples Therapy, Codependency, Emotional Eating, and Eating Disorders. I'm a seasoned therapist and award winning author with over 30 years' experience helping couples and individuals create healthy, happy lives. If you keep thinking the same negative thoughts, or endlessly repeat unwanted behaviors, I can help. You don't need to struggle alone. I will help you transform your unhealthy patterns, negative inner voices and self-sabotaging actions into healthy physical, mental and emotional habits. We can work together to help you build your confidence, improve your relationships and increase your well-being.
(415) 521-1116 View (415) 521-1116
Photo of Kathleen Louise Someah, PhD, Psychologist
Kathleen Louise Someah
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94942
I am especially passionate about treating eating disorders. I see clients of varying age groups with a particular focus on adolescents, transitional age youth and young adults. Changing one's behaviors and psychological states is a process and I aim to meet clients where they are at in terms of their readiness for change. In addition to specific graduate training and many years working at Stanford Health's inpatient eating disorder unit, I also have lived experience dealing with disordered eating, and find that my own recovery journey benefits clients and serves as a reminder that recovery is attainable.
I am especially passionate about treating eating disorders. I see clients of varying age groups with a particular focus on adolescents, transitional age youth and young adults. Changing one's behaviors and psychological states is a process and I aim to meet clients where they are at in terms of their readiness for change. In addition to specific graduate training and many years working at Stanford Health's inpatient eating disorder unit, I also have lived experience dealing with disordered eating, and find that my own recovery journey benefits clients and serves as a reminder that recovery is attainable.
(628) 200-4079 View (628) 200-4079
Photo of Chelsea Owens, LMFT, ATR-BC, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Chelsea Owens
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR-BC, MA
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941  (Online Only)
I'm a level 2-trained IFS therapist and art therapist. I know how important relationships are, and how little we are taught about how to do them! I work with women who are feeling disconnected from themselves. Folks who are struggling with body image issues, eating disorders, trauma, boundaries and relationship issues. I'm here to help facilitate a relationship between you and all parts of you. I believe there is creativity, reflection and expression inside of everyone and it can be easier to communicate without words. I bring warmth and energy to the room and levity to situations that can sometimes feel overwhelming and heavy.
I'm a level 2-trained IFS therapist and art therapist. I know how important relationships are, and how little we are taught about how to do them! I work with women who are feeling disconnected from themselves. Folks who are struggling with body image issues, eating disorders, trauma, boundaries and relationship issues. I'm here to help facilitate a relationship between you and all parts of you. I believe there is creativity, reflection and expression inside of everyone and it can be easier to communicate without words. I bring warmth and energy to the room and levity to situations that can sometimes feel overwhelming and heavy.
(650) 651-5952 View (650) 651-5952
Photo of Sheila F Lynch - Sheila Lynch, LCSW, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sheila Lynch, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Whether you wrestle with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, loss of a loved one, relationship challenges or you just feel overwhelmed with life in general, we will work together in a mindful way to overcome those obstacles and reach your goals.
I offer affordable, quality therapy for those yearning to identify and change dysfunctional thinking, behavior, and emotional responses. Life is stressful enough, that the additional financial cost of therapy should not increase that stress. I believe in offering a sliding scale to those that actively want to change their lives. My training uses a Psychodynamic approach (self awareness of how you feel immobilized) and integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Strength based interventions. This means we work collaboratively, in order to actively change negative thought processes, into patterns that elevate your life rather than hinder your true potential. office locations: MV& Novato.
Whether you wrestle with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, loss of a loved one, relationship challenges or you just feel overwhelmed with life in general, we will work together in a mindful way to overcome those obstacles and reach your goals.
I offer affordable, quality therapy for those yearning to identify and change dysfunctional thinking, behavior, and emotional responses. Life is stressful enough, that the additional financial cost of therapy should not increase that stress. I believe in offering a sliding scale to those that actively want to change their lives. My training uses a Psychodynamic approach (self awareness of how you feel immobilized) and integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Strength based interventions. This means we work collaboratively, in order to actively change negative thought processes, into patterns that elevate your life rather than hinder your true potential. office locations: MV& Novato.
(415) 423-1939 View (415) 423-1939
Photo of Adrienne Elizabeth Amundsen, PhD, Psychologist
Adrienne Elizabeth Amundsen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
One of my specialties is working with eating disorders.
Because everyone comes with their own needs, goals, and styles, I am flexible in my approach. I can be practical and problem-focused, but much of my work is deeper, and deals with emotional patterns developed early in life, I work a lot with trauma and loss. Attending to the therapy relationship is also important for learning about relationship patterns and trust. I bring my love of creativity to my work as well. Working with dreams and imagery, I find, can bring surprising insight. When therapy really takes off, I find that clients often discover their own creativity and a sense of life purpose.
One of my specialties is working with eating disorders.
Because everyone comes with their own needs, goals, and styles, I am flexible in my approach. I can be practical and problem-focused, but much of my work is deeper, and deals with emotional patterns developed early in life, I work a lot with trauma and loss. Attending to the therapy relationship is also important for learning about relationship patterns and trust. I bring my love of creativity to my work as well. Working with dreams and imagery, I find, can bring surprising insight. When therapy really takes off, I find that clients often discover their own creativity and a sense of life purpose.
(415) 423-2642 View (415) 423-2642
Photo of Wendy Von Wiederhold, PhD, Psychologist
Wendy Von Wiederhold
Psychologist, PhD
Not Verified Not Verified
1 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
I work with adults and adolescents experiencing a wide range of difficulties--anxiety, depression, mood swings, eating disorders, excessive fears, peer and relationship difficulties, behavioral changes, and academic problems.
Emotions can sometimes be difficult to bear-sadness, worries about yourself and others, fears, painful recurrent interactions and relationships. Working with an understanding professional to explore feelings and expectations about yourself and your relationships can be the key to clarifying troubling emotional states. These feelings can cause recurrent painful states, or push us toward repetitive or self-destructive behaviors. Exploring these feelings in a safe relationship can cause feelings about yourself and others to shift, opening to new ways of thinking and behaving. This allows for greater flexibility, enhanced creativity, a better relationship with yourself, and better connections and relationships.
I work with adults and adolescents experiencing a wide range of difficulties--anxiety, depression, mood swings, eating disorders, excessive fears, peer and relationship difficulties, behavioral changes, and academic problems.
Emotions can sometimes be difficult to bear-sadness, worries about yourself and others, fears, painful recurrent interactions and relationships. Working with an understanding professional to explore feelings and expectations about yourself and your relationships can be the key to clarifying troubling emotional states. These feelings can cause recurrent painful states, or push us toward repetitive or self-destructive behaviors. Exploring these feelings in a safe relationship can cause feelings about yourself and others to shift, opening to new ways of thinking and behaving. This allows for greater flexibility, enhanced creativity, a better relationship with yourself, and better connections and relationships.
(415) 322-0318 View (415) 322-0318
Photo of Marlena Kushner, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marlena Kushner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941  (Online Only)
With over 30 years experience, my approach is holistic integrating the connection between mind, body, heart and spirit. Certified in EMDR therapy by the EMDR International Association, I find EMDR to be a powerful tool that I use along with other treatment modalities to facilitate healing. I specialize in working with trauma, eating disorders, addiction recovery, grief, depression, anxiety and relationship issues. I especially work with clients who have trust and abandonment issues due to childhood trauma, neglect or abusive parents. Early dysfunctional family patterns and lack of nurturing can affect self-esteem, intimate relationships and work performance.
With over 30 years experience, my approach is holistic integrating the connection between mind, body, heart and spirit. Certified in EMDR therapy by the EMDR International Association, I find EMDR to be a powerful tool that I use along with other treatment modalities to facilitate healing. I specialize in working with trauma, eating disorders, addiction recovery, grief, depression, anxiety and relationship issues. I especially work with clients who have trust and abandonment issues due to childhood trauma, neglect or abusive parents. Early dysfunctional family patterns and lack of nurturing can affect self-esteem, intimate relationships and work performance.
(415) 767-1933 View (415) 767-1933
Photo of Dr. Christine E. Dickson: Board Certified Psychologist, PhD, MS, MA, LP, Psychologist
Dr. Christine E. Dickson: Board Certified Psychologist
Psychologist, PhD, MS, MA, LP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
By combining cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness, I help my clients develop a greater sense of self-awareness as well as manage symptoms of anxiety, irritability/anger, depression, panic attacks, racing or worried thoughts, PTSD, ADHD, eating disorders, insomnia, relationship conflict, substance abuse, and self-injurious behavior.
As a psychologist with over 25 years of experience, I invite you to explore the transformative power of mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy. I've seen firsthand how this approach helps my clients rewire old patterns of thinking/behavior, and learn to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience. In addition, nearly 30,000 people worldwide follow my blog to learn my approach to healing and recovery. Visit christinedickson.com for more information.
By combining cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness, I help my clients develop a greater sense of self-awareness as well as manage symptoms of anxiety, irritability/anger, depression, panic attacks, racing or worried thoughts, PTSD, ADHD, eating disorders, insomnia, relationship conflict, substance abuse, and self-injurious behavior.
As a psychologist with over 25 years of experience, I invite you to explore the transformative power of mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy. I've seen firsthand how this approach helps my clients rewire old patterns of thinking/behavior, and learn to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience. In addition, nearly 30,000 people worldwide follow my blog to learn my approach to healing and recovery. Visit christinedickson.com for more information.
(925) 521-8785 View (925) 521-8785
Photo of Roshini Kumar - The Pilates Psychology with Roshini Kumar, LPC, LPCC, MRC, Counselor
The Pilates Psychology with Roshini Kumar
Counselor, LPC, LPCC, MRC
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Looking for therapy for the mind AND the body? Notice any body aches, muscle tightness, fatigue, headaches or back pain from anxiety or depression? It's no secret that anxiety and depression impact not just our moods, but our relationships, our work performance, AND our bodies!
Looking for therapy for the mind AND the body? Notice any body aches, muscle tightness, fatigue, headaches or back pain from anxiety or depression? It's no secret that anxiety and depression impact not just our moods, but our relationships, our work performance, AND our bodies!
(415) 980-6253 View (415) 980-6253
Photo of Sarah Spinner, PsyD, Psychologist
Sarah Spinner
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Growth and healing mean different things for different people. Together we'll discover the kind of unique support you'll need to help you understand and rework ineffective patterns, create healthy and fulfilling relationships, and build skills that enable you to meet your personal and professional goals.
Growth and healing mean different things for different people. Together we'll discover the kind of unique support you'll need to help you understand and rework ineffective patterns, create healthy and fulfilling relationships, and build skills that enable you to meet your personal and professional goals.
(415) 426-4987 View (415) 426-4987
Photo of Jill M Sabotka, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jill M Sabotka
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Do you feel like life is always overwhelming? Do you feel alone? Are you using distractions (substances, food, devices) to soothe yourself which is causing more suffering instead of bringing relief? Our culture today pushes for faster, better, stronger which can be painful. It leads to patterns and behaviors that cut us off from experiencing freedom, joy and ease. I work with teenagers and adults who have found that their "old ways" are more causing more suffering than comfort and they are ready to open to something new.
Do you feel like life is always overwhelming? Do you feel alone? Are you using distractions (substances, food, devices) to soothe yourself which is causing more suffering instead of bringing relief? Our culture today pushes for faster, better, stronger which can be painful. It leads to patterns and behaviors that cut us off from experiencing freedom, joy and ease. I work with teenagers and adults who have found that their "old ways" are more causing more suffering than comfort and they are ready to open to something new.
(802) 768-7740 View (802) 768-7740
Mark Sexton
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst. I specialize in helping patients to resolve conflictual or unsatisfying relationship patterns, problems with a sense of identify or low self-worth, and difficulties arising from navigating life challenges such as loss, divorce, or illness. I put an emphasis on establishing a trusting working relationship and typically see patients multiple times per week. This more intensive treatment approach is useful for resolving long-standing issues that may not have been addressed by past therapies.
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst. I specialize in helping patients to resolve conflictual or unsatisfying relationship patterns, problems with a sense of identify or low self-worth, and difficulties arising from navigating life challenges such as loss, divorce, or illness. I put an emphasis on establishing a trusting working relationship and typically see patients multiple times per week. This more intensive treatment approach is useful for resolving long-standing issues that may not have been addressed by past therapies.
(650) 741-3521 View (650) 741-3521
Photo of Glenn Francis, PsyD, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Glenn Francis
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
I feel so privileged to sit with you as you share your difficulty with me. My work begins with bringing you tangible relief--from shame, anxiety, and the painful cycles that keep you stuck. Healing, self-love, confidence, fulfillment, these are your birthright, and, together, we can reclaim them with grace. When you feel troubled, I can accurately reflect the innocent nature of your feelings and intentions, and give compassionate voice to your distress, helping to alleviate your shame and self-doubt. Then you start to feel relief. (To see my short video The Power of Relief: cut & paste https://youtu.be/tlHivElg0M4)
I feel so privileged to sit with you as you share your difficulty with me. My work begins with bringing you tangible relief--from shame, anxiety, and the painful cycles that keep you stuck. Healing, self-love, confidence, fulfillment, these are your birthright, and, together, we can reclaim them with grace. When you feel troubled, I can accurately reflect the innocent nature of your feelings and intentions, and give compassionate voice to your distress, helping to alleviate your shame and self-doubt. Then you start to feel relief. (To see my short video The Power of Relief: cut & paste https://youtu.be/tlHivElg0M4)
(415) 236-3031 View (415) 236-3031
Photo of Ana Mazdyasni, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ana Mazdyasni
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
You're fed up with the food roller coaster and feel trapped in a vicious cycle fighting with food and your body. Your anxiety feels debilitating and you wonder if obsessing worry will plague you for the rest of your life. You're lost and feel stuck about your next move -- what it is you actually want to do with your life, and who it is you actually want to be. Asking the right questions leads to the right answers. You've come to the right place. Together, we will unfold what's on the other side of those questions.
You're fed up with the food roller coaster and feel trapped in a vicious cycle fighting with food and your body. Your anxiety feels debilitating and you wonder if obsessing worry will plague you for the rest of your life. You're lost and feel stuck about your next move -- what it is you actually want to do with your life, and who it is you actually want to be. Asking the right questions leads to the right answers. You've come to the right place. Together, we will unfold what's on the other side of those questions.
(424) 835-6936 View (424) 835-6936
1

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.