Therapists in San Francisco, CA
Maureen Fiorelli Therapy And Psychedelic Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
Have you been feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed and alone? Do you find that your mind and emotions control you? Are you stuck in repetitive patterns? I work with people who suffer with these symptoms and I have over 17 years of experience treating depression, addictions, anxiety and eating disorders. I offer Therapy & Psychedelic Therapy. I have a background in art and have a warm, engaging (rather than silent) style of interacting. My experience includes work at Eating Disorder Centers, Mental Health Assessor for UCSF, Graduate psychology professor, crisis work for Mental Health Association of NYC & supervision of interns.
Have you been feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed and alone? Do you find that your mind and emotions control you? Are you stuck in repetitive patterns? I work with people who suffer with these symptoms and I have over 17 years of experience treating depression, addictions, anxiety and eating disorders. I offer Therapy & Psychedelic Therapy. I have a background in art and have a warm, engaging (rather than silent) style of interacting. My experience includes work at Eating Disorder Centers, Mental Health Assessor for UCSF, Graduate psychology professor, crisis work for Mental Health Association of NYC & supervision of interns.
Tessa Gordon - Eating Disorder Chronic Illness
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RYT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123 (Online Only)
Let’s talk! Eating disorders are strong, they need something stronger to overpower them.
Eating disorders can feel hopeless, but they aren’t. Whether this is your first time seeking help or your umpteenth time, I believe everyone can recover. Just as there are many reasons why an eating disorder manifests in your life, the way you recover will be just as unique. If there was a one-size-fits-all solution, that would perhaps be as deceptive as the problem itself. Whether it’s perfectionism, judgment, loneliness, self-improvement, health, fear, family issues…Together we will discover what invites these problems into your life and begin to find what recovery means for you.
Let’s talk! Eating disorders are strong, they need something stronger to overpower them.
Eating disorders can feel hopeless, but they aren’t. Whether this is your first time seeking help or your umpteenth time, I believe everyone can recover. Just as there are many reasons why an eating disorder manifests in your life, the way you recover will be just as unique. If there was a one-size-fits-all solution, that would perhaps be as deceptive as the problem itself. Whether it’s perfectionism, judgment, loneliness, self-improvement, health, fear, family issues…Together we will discover what invites these problems into your life and begin to find what recovery means for you.
I specialize in disruptions of the mind-body connection, which often relate to trauma, eating disorders, & attachment anxiety.
While there are many reasons people seek therapy, one thought is central: something has to change. You may be a goal-oriented individual who has always been able to work through problems on your own, but now something feels different. You feel stuck, and the things that used to help no longer do. Change is not easy, but it is possible. As a clinical psychologist, I work collaboratively with you to build the insight, tools, and confidence to develop new patterns & behaviors. We will work to identify the source of your pain and empower you to resolve it using evidenced-based treatments in a supportive, action-oriented environment.
I specialize in disruptions of the mind-body connection, which often relate to trauma, eating disorders, & attachment anxiety.
While there are many reasons people seek therapy, one thought is central: something has to change. You may be a goal-oriented individual who has always been able to work through problems on your own, but now something feels different. You feel stuck, and the things that used to help no longer do. Change is not easy, but it is possible. As a clinical psychologist, I work collaboratively with you to build the insight, tools, and confidence to develop new patterns & behaviors. We will work to identify the source of your pain and empower you to resolve it using evidenced-based treatments in a supportive, action-oriented environment.
Jennifer R. Fedorov, MS, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94101 (Online Only)
Although specifically trained in Eating Disorders, I also love to work with people struggling with existential concerns.
My mission as a therapist is to assist clients in accessing their inner wisdom to form a meaningful response to the challenges that arise in life. I believe relationship is a channel through which great healing can occur and it is often through the therapeutic relationship that this healing can begin. I work with individuals, couples, families and groups who are struggling with a variety of issues that include depression, anxiety, relationship impasse and eating disorders. Please feel free to contact me with any questions if you feel I may be of assistance.
Although specifically trained in Eating Disorders, I also love to work with people struggling with existential concerns.
My mission as a therapist is to assist clients in accessing their inner wisdom to form a meaningful response to the challenges that arise in life. I believe relationship is a channel through which great healing can occur and it is often through the therapeutic relationship that this healing can begin. I work with individuals, couples, families and groups who are struggling with a variety of issues that include depression, anxiety, relationship impasse and eating disorders. Please feel free to contact me with any questions if you feel I may be of assistance.
Stephen Reeder
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LPCC, CEDS-S, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94133 (Online Only)
I have clinical experience working with all genders struggling with anxiety, depression, anger management, relationships, co-dependency, eating disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Have you ever heard the saying "the mind is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master?" I can help you learn to not follow your every thought as if it is a command, and to be more connected to the present moment. Integrity, humility, benevolence, and community are the core values of my practice. As your therapist, I will help you identify your core values and what is most important to you. Once we know what is most important, we can nourish those areas while changing how you relate to unhelpful internal patterns. I believe therapy is about repairing relationships, whether to food, to your body, to others or with yourself.
I have clinical experience working with all genders struggling with anxiety, depression, anger management, relationships, co-dependency, eating disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Have you ever heard the saying "the mind is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master?" I can help you learn to not follow your every thought as if it is a command, and to be more connected to the present moment. Integrity, humility, benevolence, and community are the core values of my practice. As your therapist, I will help you identify your core values and what is most important to you. Once we know what is most important, we can nourish those areas while changing how you relate to unhelpful internal patterns. I believe therapy is about repairing relationships, whether to food, to your body, to others or with yourself.
Donald Marks
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102 (Online Only)
Having experience in multiple levels of care for eating disorders, I use a variety of interventions including person centered, strengths based, collaborative approach, with techniques from Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavior therapies, motivational interviewing, and other modalities to fit what each individual is needing.
If you are thinking about starting therapy, you've already taken the first step toward making a change. I strive to help you grow into your best self, to collaborate on holistic goal setting, to feel validated and heard, and have increased self-compassion. I work with adolescents and adults who struggle with eating disorders/disordered eating, compulsive exercise, anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, relational stress, and life transitions. It is my belief that having an accepting, respectful, and collaborative relationship is necessary for the healing and change process to occur.
Having experience in multiple levels of care for eating disorders, I use a variety of interventions including person centered, strengths based, collaborative approach, with techniques from Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavior therapies, motivational interviewing, and other modalities to fit what each individual is needing.
If you are thinking about starting therapy, you've already taken the first step toward making a change. I strive to help you grow into your best self, to collaborate on holistic goal setting, to feel validated and heard, and have increased self-compassion. I work with adolescents and adults who struggle with eating disorders/disordered eating, compulsive exercise, anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, relational stress, and life transitions. It is my belief that having an accepting, respectful, and collaborative relationship is necessary for the healing and change process to occur.
I work with adolescents and adults suffering from Anxiety, Trauma, Eating Disorders, and the affects of Narcissistic Abuse.
Congratulations on taking the first step toward a deeper self awareness! I work with my clients to help them understand how personal challenges like anxiety, depression, addiction or trauma may be influencing their relationships, work, or daily life. My style is interactive, engaged, and non-judgmental while integrating the psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual well being of the whole person. I also feel that it is important to incorporate laughter into the healing process! Once we can find the humor in our human-ness it becomes easier to forgive ourselves and others as we move toward more authentic happiness.
I work with adolescents and adults suffering from Anxiety, Trauma, Eating Disorders, and the affects of Narcissistic Abuse.
Congratulations on taking the first step toward a deeper self awareness! I work with my clients to help them understand how personal challenges like anxiety, depression, addiction or trauma may be influencing their relationships, work, or daily life. My style is interactive, engaged, and non-judgmental while integrating the psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual well being of the whole person. I also feel that it is important to incorporate laughter into the healing process! Once we can find the humor in our human-ness it becomes easier to forgive ourselves and others as we move toward more authentic happiness.
Runjhun Pandit
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104 (Online Only)
I have extensive training in Family Based Treatment (FBT) for eating disorders and CBT to challenge the negative thought process that are experienced with disordered eating and life stressors.
Are you worried about your teen losing weight or struggling with body image concerns? Do you notice that your teen is restricting meals and want to effectively support them? Or feeling stuck in your own mental health journey? Do you tend to ask yourself, Why am i not good enough? or Why do I often feel stressed about daily life, finding it hard to sustain a "work life balance?" Or even as new moms, do you feel weighed down by the sudden changes in life and feeling overwhelmed, and looking to transition back to work? It can feel exhausting trying to do it all whether you are a parent/caregiver or coming here to support your teen.
I have extensive training in Family Based Treatment (FBT) for eating disorders and CBT to challenge the negative thought process that are experienced with disordered eating and life stressors.
Are you worried about your teen losing weight or struggling with body image concerns? Do you notice that your teen is restricting meals and want to effectively support them? Or feeling stuck in your own mental health journey? Do you tend to ask yourself, Why am i not good enough? or Why do I often feel stressed about daily life, finding it hard to sustain a "work life balance?" Or even as new moms, do you feel weighed down by the sudden changes in life and feeling overwhelmed, and looking to transition back to work? It can feel exhausting trying to do it all whether you are a parent/caregiver or coming here to support your teen.
Archana Neelmegh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MHRS, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94107
I specialize in working with a range of anxiety disorders, including OCD and eating disorders and most recently, anxiety from narcissistic abuse.
Hi I'm Archana aka Archie. Many of my clients are women facing issues that are in some ways appear manageable to the outsider but in actuality they are struggling internally from day to day. Whether it is anxiety, eating disorders, difficult relationships, or the demands of life like college, work, new or seasoned mom, I apply my extensive experience as an eclectic therapist drawing from multiple east and western modalities to provide support to fit my clients needs. My approach is warm, creative, collaborative, but also I take pride in gently challenging you for deep reflection. After all, you are here for change right?
I specialize in working with a range of anxiety disorders, including OCD and eating disorders and most recently, anxiety from narcissistic abuse.
Hi I'm Archana aka Archie. Many of my clients are women facing issues that are in some ways appear manageable to the outsider but in actuality they are struggling internally from day to day. Whether it is anxiety, eating disorders, difficult relationships, or the demands of life like college, work, new or seasoned mom, I apply my extensive experience as an eclectic therapist drawing from multiple east and western modalities to provide support to fit my clients needs. My approach is warm, creative, collaborative, but also I take pride in gently challenging you for deep reflection. After all, you are here for change right?
Mollie Coughlin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CEDS
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94112 (Online Only)
Welcome! I believe that we are all capable of personal and positive growth. I would love to guide you on your journey to healing and increase your overall quality of life. I specialize in individual therapy for adults (18+) and have over 20 years experience helping people recover from Eating Disorders such as Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating & Chronic Dieting. I also provide therapy and support for Anxiety, Life Transitions (i.e. college, new job), Stress Reduction and Negative Body Image. I incorporate a variety of highly effective interventions so I can focus treatment on your individual needs.
Welcome! I believe that we are all capable of personal and positive growth. I would love to guide you on your journey to healing and increase your overall quality of life. I specialize in individual therapy for adults (18+) and have over 20 years experience helping people recover from Eating Disorders such as Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating & Chronic Dieting. I also provide therapy and support for Anxiety, Life Transitions (i.e. college, new job), Stress Reduction and Negative Body Image. I incorporate a variety of highly effective interventions so I can focus treatment on your individual needs.
I also specialize in eating disorders and addiction.
Do you feel as though your anxiety and depression are unmanageable? How about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness like you’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling to find hope for tomorrow? Once we start to unravel the details of our past and trauma we give ourselves the ability to process feelings that we have long suppressed. I aim to collaborate with you and provide tools to decrease the challenging feelings you are currently facing and achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to emotional healing and personal growth.
I also specialize in eating disorders and addiction.
Do you feel as though your anxiety and depression are unmanageable? How about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness like you’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling to find hope for tomorrow? Once we start to unravel the details of our past and trauma we give ourselves the ability to process feelings that we have long suppressed. I aim to collaborate with you and provide tools to decrease the challenging feelings you are currently facing and achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to emotional healing and personal growth.
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Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123 (Online Only)
Imagine what it would be like to have enough space inside to feel anything and be OK with it. To not get thrown around, to not feel like you are sinking or drowning, and to maintain your balance when things get tough. To be calm when you normally would get angry. To find moments of joy when it seems like everything is negative. While it may not feel like it right now, change is possible. You can do something about your feelings of anxiety or depression, drug or alcohol use, OCD, eating disorders, etc.
Imagine what it would be like to have enough space inside to feel anything and be OK with it. To not get thrown around, to not feel like you are sinking or drowning, and to maintain your balance when things get tough. To be calm when you normally would get angry. To find moments of joy when it seems like everything is negative. While it may not feel like it right now, change is possible. You can do something about your feelings of anxiety or depression, drug or alcohol use, OCD, eating disorders, etc.
Sara Alexander
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
Underneath depression, anxiety, marital conflict, eating disorders, substance abuse, and other troubles there lies a single, painful, relentless problem: self judgement. Feelings are transient, and there are not good ones or bad ones, but we are not all raised to understand that. Encouraged by our culture to appear strong and happy, we feel pressured to hide our true feelings from each other. But when we take the time and care to pay attention to our authentic experience, it is possible to grow an enormous love for ourselves and great tenderness towards others, and even deep inner peace and great humor.
Underneath depression, anxiety, marital conflict, eating disorders, substance abuse, and other troubles there lies a single, painful, relentless problem: self judgement. Feelings are transient, and there are not good ones or bad ones, but we are not all raised to understand that. Encouraged by our culture to appear strong and happy, we feel pressured to hide our true feelings from each other. But when we take the time and care to pay attention to our authentic experience, it is possible to grow an enormous love for ourselves and great tenderness towards others, and even deep inner peace and great humor.
I work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, low self-esteem, life transitions, parenting issues, migration issues, aging challenges, neurodivergence, childhood trauma, and marital issues. In the last 15 yrs I've helped people find relief from emotional distress, gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, improve coping skills, and foster resilience. I can help you achieve mental well-being, build healthier relationships, rediscover purpose and meaning in life, cultivate a sense of self-acceptance and fulfillment, and navigate life's challenges with greater ease, understanding, and authenticity.
I work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, low self-esteem, life transitions, parenting issues, migration issues, aging challenges, neurodivergence, childhood trauma, and marital issues. In the last 15 yrs I've helped people find relief from emotional distress, gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, improve coping skills, and foster resilience. I can help you achieve mental well-being, build healthier relationships, rediscover purpose and meaning in life, cultivate a sense of self-acceptance and fulfillment, and navigate life's challenges with greater ease, understanding, and authenticity.
My specialty areas are substance abuse, couples issues, eating disorders, life coaching, bariatric surgery issues, infertility/adoption, helping caregivers cope with dealing with a loved one's chronic illness.
My focus is to develop a relationship with the client. This is called the two person model which is different than the old fashion practice where the doctor is one up and the client is one down. Rather, the two person model attempts to understand the client through questions and mutual discussion. I am not a silent therapist. I give feedback and remain fully engaged with the patient. Together we build a rapport. I adhere to a humanistic approach.
My specialty areas are substance abuse, couples issues, eating disorders, life coaching, bariatric surgery issues, infertility/adoption, helping caregivers cope with dealing with a loved one's chronic illness.
My focus is to develop a relationship with the client. This is called the two person model which is different than the old fashion practice where the doctor is one up and the client is one down. Rather, the two person model attempts to understand the client through questions and mutual discussion. I am not a silent therapist. I give feedback and remain fully engaged with the patient. Together we build a rapport. I adhere to a humanistic approach.
Barbara Ochsner-Walsh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94116
Problems for individuals can include, eating disorders, organizational/relationship problems, ADD, Autism, and reaching life goals.
With more than 20 yrs as a life coach and now a clinical psychologist as well, I work with the elderly and their family members who are experiencing gerontological issues. This can be either within the family or in a residential setting. I work with couples in primary relationships with external issues that can include unemployment, substance abuse, parenting, as well as those specific to the relationship such as communication difficulties and maintaining a healthy sexual/intimate life. For individuals who are stuck in any area, together we'll identify the issues and how to resolve them.
Problems for individuals can include, eating disorders, organizational/relationship problems, ADD, Autism, and reaching life goals.
With more than 20 yrs as a life coach and now a clinical psychologist as well, I work with the elderly and their family members who are experiencing gerontological issues. This can be either within the family or in a residential setting. I work with couples in primary relationships with external issues that can include unemployment, substance abuse, parenting, as well as those specific to the relationship such as communication difficulties and maintaining a healthy sexual/intimate life. For individuals who are stuck in any area, together we'll identify the issues and how to resolve them.
Bay Area Gestalt Institute
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Not Verified Not Verified
16 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94108
We are Bay Area Gestalt Institute (BAGI), a non-profit collective of highly trained marriage and family therapists and associates, providing affordable psychotherapy throughout the Bay Area. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, families, and children. Our work is active, creative and holistic. Our therapists work with a variety of issues including: * Relationship Issues * Anxiety * Depression * LGBTQI Concerns * Trauma * Substance Use / Abuse * Eating Disorders * Spiritual * Personal Growth * Integration of Non-Ordinary States
We are Bay Area Gestalt Institute (BAGI), a non-profit collective of highly trained marriage and family therapists and associates, providing affordable psychotherapy throughout the Bay Area. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, families, and children. Our work is active, creative and holistic. Our therapists work with a variety of issues including: * Relationship Issues * Anxiety * Depression * LGBTQI Concerns * Trauma * Substance Use / Abuse * Eating Disorders * Spiritual * Personal Growth * Integration of Non-Ordinary States
Dr. Christine E. Dickson: Board Certified Psychologist
Psychologist, PhD, MS, MA, LP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94105
We work together to help you 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.
Unlike traditional therapy that focuses on the past, we focus on the present and take action to change unproductive thought patterns, manage your emotions, and modify unhealthy habits. With over 25 years experience as a mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapist, I help you take control of your mind rather than let your mind take control of you. Learning to find the off button in your mind and no longer reacting to every thought and feeling is priceless. Nearly 33,000 people worldwide follow my blog to learn my approach. Visit christinedickson.com to learn more.
We work together to help you 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.
Unlike traditional therapy that focuses on the past, we focus on the present and take action to change unproductive thought patterns, manage your emotions, and modify unhealthy habits. With over 25 years experience as a mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapist, I help you take control of your mind rather than let your mind take control of you. Learning to find the off button in your mind and no longer reacting to every thought and feeling is priceless. Nearly 33,000 people worldwide follow my blog to learn my approach. Visit christinedickson.com to learn more.
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.
I also specialize in working with individuals experiencing addiction issues, and eating disorders.
I work primarily with adults who are wanting to manage symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and trauma. I will be with you on your path to discovery, recovery, and finding the person you would like to become. I approach therapy with a client-centered approach in order to create a safe, comfortable space for you to share and express yourself, and your vulnerabilities. We will explore healthy ways to process your trauma, regulate difficult emotions, and restore broken relationships. I believe the trust built between Client and Therapist is powerful, and necessary in order to help you through your healing journey.
I also specialize in working with individuals experiencing addiction issues, and eating disorders.
I work primarily with adults who are wanting to manage symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and trauma. I will be with you on your path to discovery, recovery, and finding the person you would like to become. I approach therapy with a client-centered approach in order to create a safe, comfortable space for you to share and express yourself, and your vulnerabilities. We will explore healthy ways to process your trauma, regulate difficult emotions, and restore broken relationships. I believe the trust built between Client and Therapist is powerful, and necessary in order to help you through your healing journey.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
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.