Therapists in Santa Maria, 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 Domonqe Walker, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/16ea6506-e93f-413d-9a60-6751de83dad7/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Domonqe Walker, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in San Diego, California. I work statewide with clients via telehealth and occasionally in person depending on demand in the area. I work with a wide range of populations from children, adolescents, and adults to elder adults focusing on stress, anxiety, eating disorders, depression, pre and post-pregnancy concerns, and couples/ marriage therapy with a specialized interest in ADHD and ARFID. I use an integrative method for services that address tailor-made needs based on client resources.
My name is Domonqe Walker, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in San Diego, California. I work statewide with clients via telehealth and occasionally in person depending on demand in the area. I work with a wide range of populations from children, adolescents, and adults to elder adults focusing on stress, anxiety, eating disorders, depression, pre and post-pregnancy concerns, and couples/ marriage therapy with a specialized interest in ADHD and ARFID. I use an integrative method for services that address tailor-made needs based on client resources.
![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 Dr. Holli Stewart - Dr Holli Stewart & Associates in Counseling , MS , MA, LMFT, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e61502c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Holli Stewart & Associates in Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS , MA, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Dr. Holli Stewart has multiple specialties in Psychology with two Masters, PHD & 30 years of experience. w/children as young as 2 years, teens, adults & couples. Her specialties include: Play Therapy, PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety w/ Panic, Family conflict (such as past or current abuse, domestic violence, & reunification), Depression, Chronic Pain, & OCD. In general self esteem, life transition skills & identifying patterns that contribute to current stressors are incorporated into care. Dr Stewart also treats anger substance & co-dependency. She’s written a psychological advice column for 24 years,taught classes and many news & radio shows.
Dr. Holli Stewart has multiple specialties in Psychology with two Masters, PHD & 30 years of experience. w/children as young as 2 years, teens, adults & couples. Her specialties include: Play Therapy, PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety w/ Panic, Family conflict (such as past or current abuse, domestic violence, & reunification), Depression, Chronic Pain, & OCD. In general self esteem, life transition skills & identifying patterns that contribute to current stressors are incorporated into care. Dr Stewart also treats anger substance & co-dependency. She’s written a psychological advice column for 24 years,taught classes and many news & radio shows.
![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 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 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 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 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 Michelle L Walker, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08b68283-09e3-43d8-a1da-35677d0d2208/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you experiencing anxiety you can’t just shake? Are you experiencing depression due to life situations? Are you experiencing trauma from your past? Are you experiencing addiction use, abuse, or relapse? All of these struggles along with life’s challenges can be overwhelming. Your life doesn’t have to be this challenging anymore. Choose to engage in therapy, develop trust, and share your concerns with someone who cares.
Are you experiencing anxiety you can’t just shake? Are you experiencing depression due to life situations? Are you experiencing trauma from your past? Are you experiencing addiction use, abuse, or relapse? All of these struggles along with life’s challenges can be overwhelming. Your life doesn’t have to be this challenging anymore. Choose to engage in therapy, develop trust, and share your concerns with someone who cares.
![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
More Therapists Nearby
![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.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Linda S Wells, LCSW, CEDS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ce95ac9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Linda Wells - Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Eating Disorders Specialist, LCSW, CEDS. I specialize in the clinical treatment of eating disorders, with 25 years of experience in the field. I work closely with a team of providers in Santa Barbara County, and inpatient programs, to assist in obtaining the best care for you or your family member. In addition to eating disorders, my practice focuses on the clinical treatment of child abuse, depression, and anxiety. I offer individual counseling & family counseling.
Linda Wells - Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Eating Disorders Specialist, LCSW, CEDS. I specialize in the clinical treatment of eating disorders, with 25 years of experience in the field. I work closely with a team of providers in Santa Barbara County, and inpatient programs, to assist in obtaining the best care for you or your family member. In addition to eating disorders, my practice focuses on the clinical treatment of child abuse, depression, and anxiety. I offer individual counseling & family counseling.
![Photo of Tricia Parido, IMAC, CATCIII, NCPLC, BS Psyc, NCIP, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f0bae9d-e5c8-4fe3-bbc6-6c6f7e15a6b7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tricia Parido
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, IMAC, CATCIII, NCPLC, BS Psyc, NCIP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (Online Only)
Craving freedom from relentless internal battles? It's time to envision a journey of self-discovery with a certified recovery specialist. Tired of the drain from habits like drinking, dieting, and the emotional struggle? Longing for liberation from trauma, substance abuse, and anxiety with the guidance of an addiction coach? Life's too short for anything less. Beyond societal norms, your struggles delve into control needs, eating disorders, and abandonment issues—find support from a mental health coach ready to assist. It's more than chemical—it's reclaiming control, overcoming trauma, and embracing holistic well-being.
Craving freedom from relentless internal battles? It's time to envision a journey of self-discovery with a certified recovery specialist. Tired of the drain from habits like drinking, dieting, and the emotional struggle? Longing for liberation from trauma, substance abuse, and anxiety with the guidance of an addiction coach? Life's too short for anything less. Beyond societal norms, your struggles delve into control needs, eating disorders, and abandonment issues—find support from a mental health coach ready to assist. It's more than chemical—it's reclaiming control, overcoming trauma, and embracing holistic well-being.
![Photo of Lauren Rutledge, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c06ef83-94a1-43f1-bb64-b8e193a301e8/1/320x400.jpeg)
drugs, alcohol, and eating disorders).
My name is Lauren, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Calistoga, California where I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I specialize in anxiety, grief, life transitions, trauma, PTSD, and addiction. Depending on the needs of each client, I like to explore cognitive, affective, and somatic approaches to support them in experiencing well-being.
drugs, alcohol, and eating disorders).
My name is Lauren, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Calistoga, California where I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I specialize in anxiety, grief, life transitions, trauma, PTSD, and addiction. Depending on the needs of each client, I like to explore cognitive, affective, and somatic approaches to support them in experiencing well-being.
![Photo of John J Dowling Lmft, LMFT, CCHt, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cce6b87-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
John J Dowling Lmft
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CCHt
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ventura, CA 93001
I work with a diverse population of clients providing individual, group, couples, and family therapy to those struggling with alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders as well as mood and anxiety disorders. I have extensive experience working in both inpatient settings and in my private practice. In my work I am compassionate, engaged, attentive, playful, fierce, challenging, non-judgmental, and tender. I am a client centered, humanistic, depth psychologist, which means that therapy is focused on clients and their issues. I believe in authenticity, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. Together we work to address multiple areas of client's life.
I work with a diverse population of clients providing individual, group, couples, and family therapy to those struggling with alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders as well as mood and anxiety disorders. I have extensive experience working in both inpatient settings and in my private practice. In my work I am compassionate, engaged, attentive, playful, fierce, challenging, non-judgmental, and tender. I am a client centered, humanistic, depth psychologist, which means that therapy is focused on clients and their issues. I believe in authenticity, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. Together we work to address multiple areas of client's life.
![Photo of Evelyn Turner - Evelyn Turner, PsyD Licensed Psychologist, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cc79f6f6-c9ab-4a8e-a0cf-c5e3b36c0b3b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Evelyn Turner, PsyD Licensed Psychologist
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I have experience working in supporting clients experiencing depression, anxiety, eating disorders, life transition, addiction, PTSD and mood disorders.
Welcome, I’m so glad you’re here. Starting therapy can be a daunting process, I take a collaborative approach so that together, we create change that leads to a life well lived. I utilize therapeutic techniques that serve as a set of tools that can support you in the most challenging seasons of your life. I primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with strong influences from Person-Centered Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). The therapeutic relationship we will build will be used as an agent for change. As we work together, we will develop meaningful and reasonable goals that feel empowering.
I have experience working in supporting clients experiencing depression, anxiety, eating disorders, life transition, addiction, PTSD and mood disorders.
Welcome, I’m so glad you’re here. Starting therapy can be a daunting process, I take a collaborative approach so that together, we create change that leads to a life well lived. I utilize therapeutic techniques that serve as a set of tools that can support you in the most challenging seasons of your life. I primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with strong influences from Person-Centered Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). The therapeutic relationship we will build will be used as an agent for change. As we work together, we will develop meaningful and reasonable goals that feel empowering.
![Photo of Sean S Baker - The New Beginnings Center - Sean Baker, LMFT, SEP, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46391ebb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
The New Beginnings Center - Sean Baker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Camarillo, CA 93010
I work with people who are addressing the challenges of resolving trauma, whose symptoms often appear as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain and illness. As an LMFT, I hold certifications in both Somatic Experiencing® and gestalt therapy. I specialize in addressing emotional health/well-being and relationship concerns of the queer community. I support my clients' discovery and expression of their gender and sexual identity in ways that honor their unique individuality and sense of self.
I work with people who are addressing the challenges of resolving trauma, whose symptoms often appear as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain and illness. As an LMFT, I hold certifications in both Somatic Experiencing® and gestalt therapy. I specialize in addressing emotional health/well-being and relationship concerns of the queer community. I support my clients' discovery and expression of their gender and sexual identity in ways that honor their unique individuality and sense of self.
![Photo of Lisa Ruth Garber, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40078f82-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I apply my skills to the treatment of eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma and the relationship issues.
You are unique, sometimes quirky with an inner world that requires management. Your pain is about being able to express what matters most, both to yourself and others. You usually manage well, but life events have become over-whelming. Currently you are feeling, lost, uncertain and the past has risen up in memory, or action to haunt the day to day. The desire to make meaning of the present and cope more efficiently, while finding joy in the current circumstance motivates you. Perhaps it is death, relationship, work or health problem that brings you to seek therapy at this time.
I apply my skills to the treatment of eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma and the relationship issues.
You are unique, sometimes quirky with an inner world that requires management. Your pain is about being able to express what matters most, both to yourself and others. You usually manage well, but life events have become over-whelming. Currently you are feeling, lost, uncertain and the past has risen up in memory, or action to haunt the day to day. The desire to make meaning of the present and cope more efficiently, while finding joy in the current circumstance motivates you. Perhaps it is death, relationship, work or health problem that brings you to seek therapy at this time.
See more therapy options for Santa Maria
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Santa Maria
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.