Eating Disorders Therapists in San Pablo, CA
I’m a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
I’m a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
![Photo of Tanya Riley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/516c9247-10cb-4750-be0d-576a8c39191f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello there! My name is Tanya. I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker who is very passionate about helping to support my clients through challenges and coming out on the other side so that they can experience healing and growth.
Hello there! My name is Tanya. I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker who is very passionate about helping to support my clients through challenges and coming out on the other side so that they can experience healing and growth.
![Photo of Chaarenne Torris, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f3a409e-d355-45fc-991d-8bdf0734ce77/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chaarenne Torris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Pablo, CA 94806 (Online Only)
Hi, I am Chaarenne Torris, a licensed clinical social worker ( LCSW21541). I have been working as a psychotherapist for more than 40 years, during which time I have encountered a large variety of people, places, and issues. To provide help and healing for my clients I have studied and completed many intensive training programs in a variety of professional fields, in order to provide a holistic and integrated healing experience for my clients. I am a music therapist/singer/songwriter recording artist, Integral Yoga Teacher, Insight Meditation Teacher, Homeopathy Practitioner, and Microcurrent Healing Practitioner.
Hi, I am Chaarenne Torris, a licensed clinical social worker ( LCSW21541). I have been working as a psychotherapist for more than 40 years, during which time I have encountered a large variety of people, places, and issues. To provide help and healing for my clients I have studied and completed many intensive training programs in a variety of professional fields, in order to provide a holistic and integrated healing experience for my clients. I am a music therapist/singer/songwriter recording artist, Integral Yoga Teacher, Insight Meditation Teacher, Homeopathy Practitioner, and Microcurrent Healing Practitioner.
![Photo of Rocio Elisa Hernandez, PhD, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d4c63dc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Rocio Elisa Hernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Pablo, CA 94803
Reach Your Goal Now with Dr. Cio! Whether it is learning to love yourself, love your life, preparing for a marathon, improving your relationships, making a new relationship with a challenging diagnosis, traumatic experience, changing body, or you want to pass that big test that is holding you back from your future, I have helped thousands of people reach their goals. I would be honored to help you reach your your goal now. I also specialize in immigration evaluations and teach a course for others wanting to add to their practice.
Reach Your Goal Now with Dr. Cio! Whether it is learning to love yourself, love your life, preparing for a marathon, improving your relationships, making a new relationship with a challenging diagnosis, traumatic experience, changing body, or you want to pass that big test that is holding you back from your future, I have helped thousands of people reach their goals. I would be honored to help you reach your your goal now. I also specialize in immigration evaluations and teach a course for others wanting to add to their practice.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Johanna Marie McShane, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f872fb1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I often speak at conferences about eating disorders and related issues, and consult with and train clinicians, hospitals and clinics who want to learn more about treating these illnesses.
I specialize in helping people through life transitions of all kinds- from work/career to family and personal. Change is a part of life, and it can be disruptive, unsettling, and challenging. It can also be an opportunity for creativity and evaluation of our lives. I help people assess where they are now, where they want to go, and how to get there. Trained as a high level violinist, I have a particular passion for helping musicians and athletes through transitions related to their sport or instrument- things like dealing with injuries, or making decisions about whether to pursue athletics or music at the next higher level.
I often speak at conferences about eating disorders and related issues, and consult with and train clinicians, hospitals and clinics who want to learn more about treating these illnesses.
I specialize in helping people through life transitions of all kinds- from work/career to family and personal. Change is a part of life, and it can be disruptive, unsettling, and challenging. It can also be an opportunity for creativity and evaluation of our lives. I help people assess where they are now, where they want to go, and how to get there. Trained as a high level violinist, I have a particular passion for helping musicians and athletes through transitions related to their sport or instrument- things like dealing with injuries, or making decisions about whether to pursue athletics or music at the next higher level.
![Photo of Andria Marie Cremolini, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/88c0d8ed-cf1b-40a7-bddd-cabb48676f71/2/320x400.jpeg)
Andria Marie Cremolini
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
I specialize in working with preteens, teens and young adults with eating disorders, depression and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD, and trauma. I am passionate about working with individuals who want to foster a greater sense of self compassion, to improve self worth and body image, or to work to develop more satisfying relationships with others. I work collaboratively and from a strength-based perspective to aide in the development of skills that allow you to live a full and more meaningful life. My therapeutic style is warm, engaging and respectful.
I specialize in working with preteens, teens and young adults with eating disorders, depression and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD, and trauma. I am passionate about working with individuals who want to foster a greater sense of self compassion, to improve self worth and body image, or to work to develop more satisfying relationships with others. I work collaboratively and from a strength-based perspective to aide in the development of skills that allow you to live a full and more meaningful life. My therapeutic style is warm, engaging and respectful.
![Photo of Leora Fulvio, MA, MFT, CCHT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45916b5f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Leora Fulvio
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, CCHT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94608
I have been helping women heal from binge eating and bulimia since 2005.
If you are suffering with food & body image issues, issues of self-esteem & self-worth, relationship issues or dealing with trauma, I can help you. There are so many women who feel as though they are not enough. They believe that they somehow have to be better, look different, lose weight, be a whole different person to have a good relationship and a happy life. They beat themselves up constantly and are always trying to change. Do you understand this feeling? If so, I can help you have a loving relationship with yourself and settle into who you really are.
I have been helping women heal from binge eating and bulimia since 2005.
If you are suffering with food & body image issues, issues of self-esteem & self-worth, relationship issues or dealing with trauma, I can help you. There are so many women who feel as though they are not enough. They believe that they somehow have to be better, look different, lose weight, be a whole different person to have a good relationship and a happy life. They beat themselves up constantly and are always trying to change. Do you understand this feeling? If so, I can help you have a loving relationship with yourself and settle into who you really are.
![Photo of Danielle Elissa Comerford Worth - Danielle Comerford Worth, MA, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/487d3019-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Danielle Comerford Worth
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94701 (Online Only)
We explore a host of issues, including: emotionally rooted physiologic ailments, medical trauma, PTSD, developmental trauma, grief, energetic sensitivity, assault, boundary setting, anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders, addiction, codependency, and transitional and relational struggles.
As humans, we are brilliantly complex, wired for connection, attachment, and survival. Our experience of joy and suffering are innately human and are connected to our physical and emotional wellness--inseparable realms. In somatic psychotherapy we hold space for the body to have a language of its own, honoring what it has to say, so that we may more clearly see what is beneath the surface. As a somatic psychotherapist, I am a collaborator, guide and mirror, supporting you in increasing your own sense of exploration of conscious and unconscious patterns of behaviors, beliefs, body signals and cues.
We explore a host of issues, including: emotionally rooted physiologic ailments, medical trauma, PTSD, developmental trauma, grief, energetic sensitivity, assault, boundary setting, anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders, addiction, codependency, and transitional and relational struggles.
As humans, we are brilliantly complex, wired for connection, attachment, and survival. Our experience of joy and suffering are innately human and are connected to our physical and emotional wellness--inseparable realms. In somatic psychotherapy we hold space for the body to have a language of its own, honoring what it has to say, so that we may more clearly see what is beneath the surface. As a somatic psychotherapist, I am a collaborator, guide and mirror, supporting you in increasing your own sense of exploration of conscious and unconscious patterns of behaviors, beliefs, body signals and cues.
![Photo of Victoria Kapper, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00bb8a34-bda5-4c84-9aa5-d02d45cbf4e8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Victoria Kapper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94720
Victoria specializes in working with those who are experiencing anxiety, depression, eating disorders, stress and life transitions.
Victoria Kapper is a licensed psychotherapist treating children, adolescents, adults and families across California. In addition, she is affiliated with the La Jolla Therapy Center. Victoria whole-heartedly believes that the most significant indicator of successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship. Her approach is engaged, compassionate, strength-based and solution-focused. Victoria strives to create an open, respectful and safe environment where clients can address sensitive matters and experience growth, insight and change.
Victoria specializes in working with those who are experiencing anxiety, depression, eating disorders, stress and life transitions.
Victoria Kapper is a licensed psychotherapist treating children, adolescents, adults and families across California. In addition, she is affiliated with the La Jolla Therapy Center. Victoria whole-heartedly believes that the most significant indicator of successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship. Her approach is engaged, compassionate, strength-based and solution-focused. Victoria strives to create an open, respectful and safe environment where clients can address sensitive matters and experience growth, insight and change.
![Photo of Elisheva Dorfman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a800932d-c3ec-4143-87e8-12176d07fb1a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elisheva Dorfman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94703 (Online Only)
Do you struggle with food? Do you cycle through diet after diet and find yourself unable to stick to any? Do you binge eat? Are you afraid of food? Do you hate your body or wish it looked different? Do food and body issues take up a lot of your energy? Have you been diagnosed with an eating disorder and don't know where to turn? Alternatively, do you find yourself weighed down by anxiety? Do you find it hard to sleep, eat normally, and live in the way that you want? I specialize in evidence-based treatments for anxiety and eating disorders. I am trained in a number of modalities and I am a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor.
Do you struggle with food? Do you cycle through diet after diet and find yourself unable to stick to any? Do you binge eat? Are you afraid of food? Do you hate your body or wish it looked different? Do food and body issues take up a lot of your energy? Have you been diagnosed with an eating disorder and don't know where to turn? Alternatively, do you find yourself weighed down by anxiety? Do you find it hard to sleep, eat normally, and live in the way that you want? I specialize in evidence-based treatments for anxiety and eating disorders. I am trained in a number of modalities and I am a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor.
![Photo of Tom Wooldridge, PsyD, ABPP, FIPA, CEDS-S, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/68cf8c75-c0ad-401e-afc8-be35714d9c15/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tom Wooldridge
Psychologist, PsyD, ABPP, FIPA, CEDS-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94707
My books include Understanding Anorexia Nervosa in Males (Routledge, 2016), Psychoanalytic Treatment of Eating Disorders: When Words Fail and Bodies Speak (Relational Perspectives, Routledge, 2018) and Eating Disorders (Routledge, 2022).
Patients come to me with a wide range of difficulties and consistently tell me that my responsive and interactive style is helpful to them. You may already have a clear idea of the problems you want to solve. Or you may need time to explore your experience and to clarify what you'd like to change. I provide a safe space for this exploration to take place.
My books include Understanding Anorexia Nervosa in Males (Routledge, 2016), Psychoanalytic Treatment of Eating Disorders: When Words Fail and Bodies Speak (Relational Perspectives, Routledge, 2018) and Eating Disorders (Routledge, 2022).
Patients come to me with a wide range of difficulties and consistently tell me that my responsive and interactive style is helpful to them. You may already have a clear idea of the problems you want to solve. Or you may need time to explore your experience and to clarify what you'd like to change. I provide a safe space for this exploration to take place.
![Photo of Leah Lazar, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c33b02d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Stacey Hoffman, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fadb1fe-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience with the following: Both individual and couples therapy; Anxiety and Depression; Eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating, and/or body image issues • Relationships • Parenting Challenges • • Chronic pain • Addiction • Performance Anxiety for musicians, dancers, performers • Challenges around Creativity.
I work with adults and couples of all ages wanting a safe and confidential environment, with an experienced therapist. We all want to feel happy, connected to people we love, who love us in return, and/or connected to the work we do. These basic parts of life can bring tremendous fulfillment, but if not actualized, can evoke loneliness, depression, anxiety, anger or resentment. Sometimes the behaviors we turn to help us feel better in the moment, but create even more problems and suffering. I believe in my work and my client's desire to move out of anxiety, despair or suffering, and into a more satisfying and fulfilling life.
I have extensive experience with the following: Both individual and couples therapy; Anxiety and Depression; Eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating, and/or body image issues • Relationships • Parenting Challenges • • Chronic pain • Addiction • Performance Anxiety for musicians, dancers, performers • Challenges around Creativity.
I work with adults and couples of all ages wanting a safe and confidential environment, with an experienced therapist. We all want to feel happy, connected to people we love, who love us in return, and/or connected to the work we do. These basic parts of life can bring tremendous fulfillment, but if not actualized, can evoke loneliness, depression, anxiety, anger or resentment. Sometimes the behaviors we turn to help us feel better in the moment, but create even more problems and suffering. I believe in my work and my client's desire to move out of anxiety, despair or suffering, and into a more satisfying and fulfilling life.
![Photo of Maureen Fiorelli Therapy And Psychedelic Therapy, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/454c6108-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Maureen Fiorelli Therapy And Psychedelic Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94710
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.
![Photo of Emily Semow, PsyD, CEDS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6d312fb0-5e08-44f0-9ec1-131e06be27bf/3/320x400.jpeg)
If you're grappling with eating disorders, I'll bring my expertise as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist to support you.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or the weight of past trauma? Perhaps you are grappling with family issues, navigating a life transition, or dealing with the pressures of work or school. Maybe you're struggling with an eating disorder or body image distress. These are all challenges that I am adept and experienced in helping adults, teens, and teens' families navigate.
If you're grappling with eating disorders, I'll bring my expertise as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist to support you.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or the weight of past trauma? Perhaps you are grappling with family issues, navigating a life transition, or dealing with the pressures of work or school. Maybe you're struggling with an eating disorder or body image distress. These are all challenges that I am adept and experienced in helping adults, teens, and teens' families navigate.
![Photo of Andrea Hernandez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/de9788ee-ef47-458c-a5f9-b793934bdd2c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Andrea Hernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
My goal is to help people feel empowered to make changes in their lives and learn to cope with stressors healthily and effectively. I strive to build a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship and believe that empathy and understanding are the keys. I work from a foundation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy but include strategies from several different modalities to suit my clients' needs best. I have a wealth of experience treating depression and anxiety, and I specialize in treating Eating Disorders from a weight-neutral perspective. I also have experience treating codependency, relational issues, and trauma.
My goal is to help people feel empowered to make changes in their lives and learn to cope with stressors healthily and effectively. I strive to build a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship and believe that empathy and understanding are the keys. I work from a foundation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy but include strategies from several different modalities to suit my clients' needs best. I have a wealth of experience treating depression and anxiety, and I specialize in treating Eating Disorders from a weight-neutral perspective. I also have experience treating codependency, relational issues, and trauma.
![Photo of Dr. Brighton Earley, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/794237da-6bb9-4df0-b3e1-2ddede1556c2/2/320x400.jpeg)
I provide: Individual Therapy for Adults & Teens / Play Therapy for Children / Couples Therapy / Family Therapy / FBT for Eating Disorders / Psychological Assessment & Testing.
I currently have openings for children, adults, couples, and families at my Oakland office.
I provide: Individual Therapy for Adults & Teens / Play Therapy for Children / Couples Therapy / Family Therapy / FBT for Eating Disorders / Psychological Assessment & Testing.
I currently have openings for children, adults, couples, and families at my Oakland office.
![Photo of Emily Wong, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce2d1ae1-c72e-4788-a89c-5f07ce70e8fd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Wong
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618 (Online Only)
I also specialize in working with teenagers and young adults with eating disorders.
I believe that therapy is a collaborative process. I take a compassionate approach to helping people identify their strengths, but I also keep it real and authentically reflect what I am seeing.
I also specialize in working with teenagers and young adults with eating disorders.
I believe that therapy is a collaborative process. I take a compassionate approach to helping people identify their strengths, but I also keep it real and authentically reflect what I am seeing.
![Photo of Maayan Greene, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/409dc757-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in depression, anxiety, family issues, identity development , emotion regulation, and eating disorders.
If you are ready to learn more about yourself and develop a positive path toward growth seeking assistance can help you refocus on what's most meaningful to you. People come to therapy for many reasons, including needing help in handling stressful life transitions, to reduce psychological distress, increase one's self worth and to develop a better understanding of themselves. During therapy, we will explore unhealthy patterns by looking at the interplay between your thoughts, behaviors and emotions and how they affect your daily experiences. You will learn to develop fulfilling relationships, ways to cope in healthier ways, and ultimately live a fulfilling life.
I specialize in depression, anxiety, family issues, identity development , emotion regulation, and eating disorders.
If you are ready to learn more about yourself and develop a positive path toward growth seeking assistance can help you refocus on what's most meaningful to you. People come to therapy for many reasons, including needing help in handling stressful life transitions, to reduce psychological distress, increase one's self worth and to develop a better understanding of themselves. During therapy, we will explore unhealthy patterns by looking at the interplay between your thoughts, behaviors and emotions and how they affect your daily experiences. You will learn to develop fulfilling relationships, ways to cope in healthier ways, and ultimately live a fulfilling life.
![Photo of Jaime Levy, LMFT, RD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f8ea2809-fd27-4004-9dc8-693a63b0c2ec/3/320x400.jpeg)
Often we have so many judgments and intense feelings about food and our bodies that it can be difficult to see clearly. I offer support, guidance, and clarity. In addition to being a therapist I have 20 years of experience as an eating disorder dietitian. I work with individuals on a range of issues including struggles with food and body image, unlearning diet culture, embracing health at every size, and healing from eating disorders, anxiety and depression. My goal is to foster an atmosphere of comfort and safety, so we can explore your inner landscape with kindness and curiosity, so you can live with more ease, choice and joy.
Often we have so many judgments and intense feelings about food and our bodies that it can be difficult to see clearly. I offer support, guidance, and clarity. In addition to being a therapist I have 20 years of experience as an eating disorder dietitian. I work with individuals on a range of issues including struggles with food and body image, unlearning diet culture, embracing health at every size, and healing from eating disorders, anxiety and depression. My goal is to foster an atmosphere of comfort and safety, so we can explore your inner landscape with kindness and curiosity, so you can live with more ease, choice and joy.
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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.