Eating Disorders Therapists in Orcutt, CA
![Photo of Carla Sotelo, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43217872-93a8-4665-ba10-2e00d4a73ca8/5/320x400.jpeg)
My approach is client centered while utilizing evidence based practices such as; EMDR, ERP, Trauma Riciliency Model, Mindfullness, DBT, CBT and FBT for Eating Disorders.
You have experienced some distressing, overwhelming events or perhaps Traumatic things. You avoid and engage in safety behaviors out of fear/anxiety. You feel numb and struggle to cope with difficult emotions. Maybe you strive for perfection and have poor body image/relationship with food. You are exhausted and you want to feel better. Relief is possible and I can help you. Therapy can be a powerful source of healing, personal growth and strength.
My approach is client centered while utilizing evidence based practices such as; EMDR, ERP, Trauma Riciliency Model, Mindfullness, DBT, CBT and FBT for Eating Disorders.
You have experienced some distressing, overwhelming events or perhaps Traumatic things. You avoid and engage in safety behaviors out of fear/anxiety. You feel numb and struggle to cope with difficult emotions. Maybe you strive for perfection and have poor body image/relationship with food. You are exhausted and you want to feel better. Relief is possible and I can help you. Therapy can be a powerful source of healing, personal growth and strength.
![Photo of Pamela Kremza Andersen, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/121d04d8-cad7-42b3-894f-7bf09d6b38e3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Pamela Kremza Andersen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orcutt, CA 93455
My background includes working with eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, and abuse using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy), Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (CBT and DBT), and deep listening.
Emotional pain can lead to unwanted behaviors, ruin relationships, and make life feel rather miserable. You are here to feel better and I can help. I use EMDR for most all of my clients. This method of therapy clears away painful, repeating thoughts and memories. EMDR is a "feel good" therapy as we transform the problems, abuse, self hate or traumatic events into the past. We can significantly reduce anxiety, build confidence, improve body image, and so much more! My goal for you is to launch a new strength, enjoy happy relationships, feel love and appreciate yourself. It is possible to get the results you desire.
My background includes working with eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, and abuse using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy), Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (CBT and DBT), and deep listening.
Emotional pain can lead to unwanted behaviors, ruin relationships, and make life feel rather miserable. You are here to feel better and I can help. I use EMDR for most all of my clients. This method of therapy clears away painful, repeating thoughts and memories. EMDR is a "feel good" therapy as we transform the problems, abuse, self hate or traumatic events into the past. We can significantly reduce anxiety, build confidence, improve body image, and so much more! My goal for you is to launch a new strength, enjoy happy relationships, feel love and appreciate yourself. It is possible to get the results you desire.
![Photo of Shanti Sanchez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/91ede4d2-03dc-4d65-9d66-2c2daeffd60c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my profile! My name is Shanti Sanchez, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Walnut Creek, California. I offer mental health services to clients throughout the state of California via telehealth. I work with individuals 18 and older and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, and eating disorders, using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and Family Based Treatment for Eating Disorders (FBT). My vocation is to help others and I am excited to offer my supportive services to you.
Welcome to my profile! My name is Shanti Sanchez, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Walnut Creek, California. I offer mental health services to clients throughout the state of California via telehealth. I work with individuals 18 and older and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, and eating disorders, using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and Family Based Treatment for Eating Disorders (FBT). My vocation is to help others and I am excited to offer my supportive services to you.
![Photo of Eva Sahar Moheban, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d7499e8f-895c-4923-bb28-3fe3cecfe219/2/320x400.jpeg)
Eva Sahar Moheban
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orcutt, CA 93455 (Online Only)
I specialize in trauma/PTSD, women's issues, anxiety/OCD, depression, mood/personality disorders, eating disorders, relationship issues, and sexual disorders.
Do you desire more empowerment and mastery over your life? Do you intuitively sense you are destined for more, but are plagued by fears and doubts? Are you committed to your growth, but feel stuck in low-moods or trauma spirals? In our work together, we will take an honest inventory of everything that is no longer serving you, such as, old, destructive patterns, false limiting beliefs, and intrusive negative self-talk that unconsciously runs on a loop. My intention is to empower you to make lasting changes and to ultimately help you see yourself through a more honest and loving lens.
I specialize in trauma/PTSD, women's issues, anxiety/OCD, depression, mood/personality disorders, eating disorders, relationship issues, and sexual disorders.
Do you desire more empowerment and mastery over your life? Do you intuitively sense you are destined for more, but are plagued by fears and doubts? Are you committed to your growth, but feel stuck in low-moods or trauma spirals? In our work together, we will take an honest inventory of everything that is no longer serving you, such as, old, destructive patterns, false limiting beliefs, and intrusive negative self-talk that unconsciously runs on a loop. My intention is to empower you to make lasting changes and to ultimately help you see yourself through a more honest and loving lens.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Jennifer Swanson, EdD, LP, LPCC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/70c97a5a-f87e-464e-9b34-acbbcb72e008/2/320x400.jpeg)
I often work with people who struggle with anxiety, body image distortions, eating disorders, weight concerns as well as new moms navigating depression and/or anxiety.
I am passionate about helping people find untapped potential for positive growth and offer a holistic approach to mental health. I specialize in movement enhanced psychotherapy, such as walking sessions. When the journey of life includes unseen bumps in the road, I offer a warm and compassionate space to explore vulnerable areas, build and refine strengths, create new perspectives and apply strategies that fit you and your lifestyle. Practicing as a Licensed Psychologist in WI and as a LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) in CA.
I often work with people who struggle with anxiety, body image distortions, eating disorders, weight concerns as well as new moms navigating depression and/or anxiety.
I am passionate about helping people find untapped potential for positive growth and offer a holistic approach to mental health. I specialize in movement enhanced psychotherapy, such as walking sessions. When the journey of life includes unseen bumps in the road, I offer a warm and compassionate space to explore vulnerable areas, build and refine strengths, create new perspectives and apply strategies that fit you and your lifestyle. Practicing as a Licensed Psychologist in WI and as a LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) in CA.
![Photo of Erin Elfant, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cfa82f3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
I have nearly 20 years of experience treating Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, along with chronic pain, anxiety and mood disorders.
If you are struggling with an eating disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety/phobia, depression/ bipolar, chronic pain/ medical condition, sleep disturbance, or dual diagnosis/ substance abuse, you will find that my treatment framework allows you make considerable progress in symptom reduction each week. To bolster our in-person psychotherapy sessions, I provide email exchange throughout the week (at no additional cost) to help you make further progress toward your treatment goals. You will find me to be very accessible, knowledgeable, compassionate, and effective at addressing your specific therapy needs, and you will make important life changes more quickly than imagined.
I have nearly 20 years of experience treating Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, along with chronic pain, anxiety and mood disorders.
If you are struggling with an eating disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety/phobia, depression/ bipolar, chronic pain/ medical condition, sleep disturbance, or dual diagnosis/ substance abuse, you will find that my treatment framework allows you make considerable progress in symptom reduction each week. To bolster our in-person psychotherapy sessions, I provide email exchange throughout the week (at no additional cost) to help you make further progress toward your treatment goals. You will find me to be very accessible, knowledgeable, compassionate, and effective at addressing your specific therapy needs, and you will make important life changes more quickly than imagined.
![Photo of Emily Wong, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be9bc62b-d043-4fbf-90ed-5211d10660a3/1/320x400.png)
Hello! My name is Emily Wong, and I am an LMFT. I take a compassionate approach to helping people identify their strengths and work through their struggles, but I also keep it real and authentically reflect what I am seeing. I enjoy working with many populations, but my focus areas are eating disorders, couples, anxiety, and depression. I work from a psychodynamic approach and incorporate themes from Gestalt and other humanistic modalities. I have a background in yoga, so I also enjoy bringing in breath and somatic work (only for the clients who want it!). I also work from a trauma-informed, strengths-based perspective.
Hello! My name is Emily Wong, and I am an LMFT. I take a compassionate approach to helping people identify their strengths and work through their struggles, but I also keep it real and authentically reflect what I am seeing. I enjoy working with many populations, but my focus areas are eating disorders, couples, anxiety, and depression. I work from a psychodynamic approach and incorporate themes from Gestalt and other humanistic modalities. I have a background in yoga, so I also enjoy bringing in breath and somatic work (only for the clients who want it!). I also work from a trauma-informed, strengths-based perspective.
![Photo of William Shearer, LCP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6d02342-b2ab-4f52-9cca-456e2d704d15/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a California licensed psychologist with over four decades of experience. I specialize in anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and relationship issues. Most of my work is with couples and I have had extensive education, training and experience. To date I have worked with over a thousand couples. My work is with relationships that I work with couples, individuals, all ethnicities and cultures, and couples gay and straight. I work with premarital counseling, infidelity, divorce prevention, and couples who simply want more satisfaction in their relationship.
I am a California licensed psychologist with over four decades of experience. I specialize in anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and relationship issues. Most of my work is with couples and I have had extensive education, training and experience. To date I have worked with over a thousand couples. My work is with relationships that I work with couples, individuals, all ethnicities and cultures, and couples gay and straight. I work with premarital counseling, infidelity, divorce prevention, and couples who simply want more satisfaction in their relationship.
![Photo of Karina Mendoza, ACSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/abf00175-3f9d-4b58-9d80-879fb87db420/2/320x400.jpeg)
It can be difficult to ask for help in the midst of struggle. Daily life can feel overwhelming and difficult to navigate or make sense of. You don't have to do it alone. Karina is willing to walk with you in your journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. As a compassionate and dedicated therapist, Karina specializes in a holistic approach to mental health, by enhancing your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. She offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to support individuals like you in overcoming life's challenges.
It can be difficult to ask for help in the midst of struggle. Daily life can feel overwhelming and difficult to navigate or make sense of. You don't have to do it alone. Karina is willing to walk with you in your journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. As a compassionate and dedicated therapist, Karina specializes in a holistic approach to mental health, by enhancing your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. She offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to support individuals like you in overcoming life's challenges.
![Photo of Audrey R Sarto - Inspiration Point Counseling, Inc., MSW, ACSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af44399d-d9d8-464d-af8f-2e8317e1b072/1/320x400.jpeg)
Inspiration Point Counseling, Inc.
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Santa Maria, CA 93454 (Online Only)
I think one of the most beautiful aspects about life is the human capacity to heal and grow from life’s challenges. I am passionate about working with individuals who have been disempowered by society, with an emphasis on life transitions, grief, childhood trauma, intergenerational trauma, family of origin issues, depression, anxiety, sexuality, gender, non-monogamy, body-image issues, oppression, and relational challenges. I offer an open-minded, easy-going, and supportive approach to help you navigate through life's stressors and find purpose in your life.
I think one of the most beautiful aspects about life is the human capacity to heal and grow from life’s challenges. I am passionate about working with individuals who have been disempowered by society, with an emphasis on life transitions, grief, childhood trauma, intergenerational trauma, family of origin issues, depression, anxiety, sexuality, gender, non-monogamy, body-image issues, oppression, and relational challenges. I offer an open-minded, easy-going, and supportive approach to help you navigate through life's stressors and find purpose in your life.
![Photo of Leslie Barton, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48c22efb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
"I believe that each person has unlimited potential within themself! It is my role to assist a person in finding the answers to the dilemnas' they may be facing. Often someone is experiencing a high level of stress through a current life circumstance that brings up feelings or grief from the past. When this happens, part of the therapy process is to deal with the "unfinished business" to access more energy to bring to the present. As a Marriage and Family therapist, I focus on relationship issues including patterns of communication that can improve to develop more satisfying relationships too.
"I believe that each person has unlimited potential within themself! It is my role to assist a person in finding the answers to the dilemnas' they may be facing. Often someone is experiencing a high level of stress through a current life circumstance that brings up feelings or grief from the past. When this happens, part of the therapy process is to deal with the "unfinished business" to access more energy to bring to the present. As a Marriage and Family therapist, I focus on relationship issues including patterns of communication that can improve to develop more satisfying relationships too.
![Photo of Phil White, CP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9d0f2331-716b-44b6-a3c3-a95f02300116/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety and both short and long term depression whether it is your first-time experiencing depression or you have struggled with it all your life, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe in setting realistic, achievable goals then building on the success of having reached them. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety and both short and long term depression whether it is your first-time experiencing depression or you have struggled with it all your life, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe in setting realistic, achievable goals then building on the success of having reached them. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
![Photo of Vicki Foster, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/210a9146-c606-46bb-85da-f11002f30303/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Vicki Foster. I have an MFT license in Ca. I have been working with individual adults, adolescents, families, and couples for over 30 yrs. I have worked in every level of mental health care and have been teaching clinical Psychology courses at the graduate level for 17 yrs., as well. I am an eclectic therapist that draws from a wide range of theories, whichever one or combination would be most helpful in the resolution of the issues at hand.
My name is Vicki Foster. I have an MFT license in Ca. I have been working with individual adults, adolescents, families, and couples for over 30 yrs. I have worked in every level of mental health care and have been teaching clinical Psychology courses at the graduate level for 17 yrs., as well. I am an eclectic therapist that draws from a wide range of theories, whichever one or combination would be most helpful in the resolution of the issues at hand.
![Photo of Shannon L S Aguirre, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ac34340-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shannon L S Aguirre
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Maria, CA 93454
I enjoy helping people navigate life's trials. Everyone is unique and I respect their personal struggles. I have discovered in my 24 years of experience, that fine tuning healthy communication can be a reliable way to begin helping the healing process. Communication skills may seem simple, and they can be, but the adverse affect of miscommunication is profound. My skills can provide you the techniques for problem solving difficult or emotional situations.
I enjoy helping people navigate life's trials. Everyone is unique and I respect their personal struggles. I have discovered in my 24 years of experience, that fine tuning healthy communication can be a reliable way to begin helping the healing process. Communication skills may seem simple, and they can be, but the adverse affect of miscommunication is profound. My skills can provide you the techniques for problem solving difficult or emotional situations.
![Photo of Carie Randolph, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46ff4104-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Carie Randolph
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Maria, CA 93454 (Online Only)
It's important to find a therapist with whom you can connect and feel safe. With empathy and compassion, my focus is to creat a safe environment so that you are able to share that which is most vulnerable and I hold the space, a positive attitude, that focuses on your ability to grow and heal. Whether you come as a family, couple, individual, my goal is to help you to get past the stuck places, learn new skills, help you connect with your feelings with more depth and help you to make the changes that will enrich your life.
It's important to find a therapist with whom you can connect and feel safe. With empathy and compassion, my focus is to creat a safe environment so that you are able to share that which is most vulnerable and I hold the space, a positive attitude, that focuses on your ability to grow and heal. Whether you come as a family, couple, individual, my goal is to help you to get past the stuck places, learn new skills, help you connect with your feelings with more depth and help you to make the changes that will enrich your life.
![Photo of Jacquelyn Norris, LCP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/82db1720-6998-4493-952e-83366cc3ec03/1/320x400.png)
Hi there, I am Dr. Jacquelyn Norris. I am a licensed clinical psychologist who offers personalized therapy from the comfort of your own home, in addition to evening and weekend appointments. I have been passionate about helping people since beginning my career in psychology in 2005. It brings me joy to help others achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Although life challenges can be troubling, they provide us with an opportunity to look inward and grow. Witnessing transformation and empowerment of my clients is an honor for me, and that is what makes me so passionate about the work I do.
Hi there, I am Dr. Jacquelyn Norris. I am a licensed clinical psychologist who offers personalized therapy from the comfort of your own home, in addition to evening and weekend appointments. I have been passionate about helping people since beginning my career in psychology in 2005. It brings me joy to help others achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Although life challenges can be troubling, they provide us with an opportunity to look inward and grow. Witnessing transformation and empowerment of my clients is an honor for me, and that is what makes me so passionate about the work I do.
![Photo of Lindsay Lowe, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/67fbbbf3-94e9-43ea-9792-10313fa395ef/1/320x400.png)
My name is Lindsay Lowe and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in California. I have 15 years of experience working with death and dying, grief, loss, and bereavement. I graduated from the University of Southern California with my Master's in Social Work in 2008, then did a post-graduate fellowship in Palliative Care with the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, and for the last 12 years have worked in hospice and palliative care providing direct care as well as 8 years in a supervisory position managing a clinical team.
My name is Lindsay Lowe and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in California. I have 15 years of experience working with death and dying, grief, loss, and bereavement. I graduated from the University of Southern California with my Master's in Social Work in 2008, then did a post-graduate fellowship in Palliative Care with the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, and for the last 12 years have worked in hospice and palliative care providing direct care as well as 8 years in a supervisory position managing a clinical team.
![Photo of Jazmin Jackson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/330371d2-43e7-4a54-b188-ad07582e89f6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, my name is Jazmin Jackson, and I am an LCSW licensed in both California and Texas. I believe in using a strength-based approach to help individuals learn to cope and reach their goals. I typically work with clients who are dealing with a variety of life’s issues, traumas, and mental illnesses. I use a strength-based solution-focused approach using CBT, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and evidence-based treatment to individualize my therapeutic approach to each client's needs.
Hi, my name is Jazmin Jackson, and I am an LCSW licensed in both California and Texas. I believe in using a strength-based approach to help individuals learn to cope and reach their goals. I typically work with clients who are dealing with a variety of life’s issues, traumas, and mental illnesses. I use a strength-based solution-focused approach using CBT, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and evidence-based treatment to individualize my therapeutic approach to each client's needs.
![Photo of Dr. Nicole Dolan - Sacred Path Holistic Therapy, PhD , MA, LMFT, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a5767083-ae5a-4112-bcac-871260f843c3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sacred Path Holistic Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD , MA, LMFT, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Maria, CA 93455
We are now open for new clients :) Holistic & Affordable Therapy! At Sacred Path, our qualified therapists are looking forward to helping you access Your inner resources to heal, grow, and reclaim your life. With the right help you can heal from old wounds, release negative cycles and patterns, resolve symptoms of trauma and gain relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other relational issues. True healing affords us the ability to create the life that we desire. A life lived with meaning. Dr. Dolan
We are now open for new clients :) Holistic & Affordable Therapy! At Sacred Path, our qualified therapists are looking forward to helping you access Your inner resources to heal, grow, and reclaim your life. With the right help you can heal from old wounds, release negative cycles and patterns, resolve symptoms of trauma and gain relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other relational issues. True healing affords us the ability to create the life that we desire. A life lived with meaning. Dr. Dolan
![Photo of Anisha Patel, LCSW, PPSC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8f0ab87-108e-4378-bfa0-abed8315daf6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anisha Patel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
Santa Maria, CA 93454 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are you struggling with overcoming depression, anxiety, and/or PTSD due to trauma? For nearly 20 years I have worked with individuals to heal from various traumatic experiences. I look to create an empowering space for all the adults and teens I work with including tailoring therapy approaches to meet the specific needs of the individual.
Are you struggling with overcoming depression, anxiety, and/or PTSD due to trauma? For nearly 20 years I have worked with individuals to heal from various traumatic experiences. I look to create an empowering space for all the adults and teens I work with including tailoring therapy approaches to meet the specific needs of the individual.
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Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Orcutt
See More Eating Disorders TherapistsEating 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.