Eating Disorders Therapists in Tarzana, CA
![Photo of Leslie Ackerman, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/35ac0493-878a-4bde-b214-b4d34ad3d7ee/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling with problems in relationships? Hoping someone will change? Do you get lost in a relationship? I can help you. I have extensive experience working with families/couples/individuals struggling with substance abuse, eating disorders, gambling and self destructive behaviors. I collaborate with my clients to achieve their goals while gaining insight into their patterns of behavior. Our work will help regulate emotions, to respond, not react. I am passionate about collaborating with clients using a variety of modalities. My clients feel secure, in a trusting environment as we address any concerns and goals.
Are you struggling with problems in relationships? Hoping someone will change? Do you get lost in a relationship? I can help you. I have extensive experience working with families/couples/individuals struggling with substance abuse, eating disorders, gambling and self destructive behaviors. I collaborate with my clients to achieve their goals while gaining insight into their patterns of behavior. Our work will help regulate emotions, to respond, not react. I am passionate about collaborating with clients using a variety of modalities. My clients feel secure, in a trusting environment as we address any concerns and goals.
![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
Tarzana, CA 91356 (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.
![Photo of Eris Huemer - Therapize Me, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e60a094-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Unresolved issues can lead to rocky relationships and more serious disorders such as anxiety, depression, alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, sex addiction, among others.
Are you feeling depressed, alone, or anxious? Are you struggling with an addiction? Are you tired of fighting with your partner? Do you want to heal after a break-up or divorce? Do you want to stop attracting the same partners in your life and start dating consciously? If you answered YES to any of these questions, chances are you feel frustrated, confused, and alone. The good news is that solutions do exist for you. We have helped many individuals, couples and families reach higher ground with an action-oriented approach to healing.
Unresolved issues can lead to rocky relationships and more serious disorders such as anxiety, depression, alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, sex addiction, among others.
Are you feeling depressed, alone, or anxious? Are you struggling with an addiction? Are you tired of fighting with your partner? Do you want to heal after a break-up or divorce? Do you want to stop attracting the same partners in your life and start dating consciously? If you answered YES to any of these questions, chances are you feel frustrated, confused, and alone. The good news is that solutions do exist for you. We have helped many individuals, couples and families reach higher ground with an action-oriented approach to healing.
![Photo of Samantha Grimes, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34b1aa3b-3520-4678-a907-d34b22000283/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi! My name is Samantha Grimes, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in anxiety, trauma, addiction recovery, and relationships. I am also trained in EMDR and Brainspotting. I tend to work best with the people who are faced with anxiety or panic attacks, mood disorders, people pleasers, intellectualizers, people who have had trauma, eating disorders or addiction, and people who want deeper more meaningful relationships with themselves and others. I use humor and creativity in my practice.
Hi! My name is Samantha Grimes, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in anxiety, trauma, addiction recovery, and relationships. I am also trained in EMDR and Brainspotting. I tend to work best with the people who are faced with anxiety or panic attacks, mood disorders, people pleasers, intellectualizers, people who have had trauma, eating disorders or addiction, and people who want deeper more meaningful relationships with themselves and others. I use humor and creativity in my practice.
![Photo of Michele Sherman, MFT, EMDR, C-DBT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f8e343e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My specialties include working with adults, adolescents and couples that are experiencing communication problems, anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, low self-esteem and various relationship issues.
Are you experiencing unhappiness, anxiety or feel hopeless? Do you repeat self destructive behaviors that may be negatively effecting your self esteem or relationships? My sessions provide in depth insight oriented work that integrates various therapeutic approaches. I help my clients identify barriers, and past trauma that may be effecting healthy expressions of your feelings and behaviors. By implementing better communication, coping skills & managing emotional exchanges with behavioral changes you can break the barriers that are preventing you from achieving your goals. We can work together to help you resolve your issues.
My specialties include working with adults, adolescents and couples that are experiencing communication problems, anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, low self-esteem and various relationship issues.
Are you experiencing unhappiness, anxiety or feel hopeless? Do you repeat self destructive behaviors that may be negatively effecting your self esteem or relationships? My sessions provide in depth insight oriented work that integrates various therapeutic approaches. I help my clients identify barriers, and past trauma that may be effecting healthy expressions of your feelings and behaviors. By implementing better communication, coping skills & managing emotional exchanges with behavioral changes you can break the barriers that are preventing you from achieving your goals. We can work together to help you resolve your issues.
![Photo of Lia Roy Nanda, MS, LMFT, PPS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cf278f4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
Lia Roy Nanda
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, PPS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tarzana, CA 91335
I provide therapy to children, adolescents, and adults for broad spectrum of issues ranging from mild to severe. I counsel individuals and families for relationship difficulties, separation/divorce, parenting challenges, individual/family crises, survivors of abuse, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, grief/loss, trauma, and suicidal/self-injurious behavior.During difficult times when a person feels very vulnerable, it takes a tremendous amount of courage and energy to seek help. My approach is warm and genuine; my sessions are collaborative so clients to develop effective coping skills to overcome obstacles in their life after therapy has terminated and not foster dependency.
I provide therapy to children, adolescents, and adults for broad spectrum of issues ranging from mild to severe. I counsel individuals and families for relationship difficulties, separation/divorce, parenting challenges, individual/family crises, survivors of abuse, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, grief/loss, trauma, and suicidal/self-injurious behavior.During difficult times when a person feels very vulnerable, it takes a tremendous amount of courage and energy to seek help. My approach is warm and genuine; my sessions are collaborative so clients to develop effective coping skills to overcome obstacles in their life after therapy has terminated and not foster dependency.
![Photo of Jackie Caputo, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d999daf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jackie Caputo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tarzana, CA 91357 (Online Only)
Another night of laying in bed, not being able to sleep only to think about how there really is no point in waking up to do it all over again the next day. You feel tremendous guilt & shame follow you around for no reason making it difficult for you to better your life. You avoid even going out & instead you instarcart your binge foods to your door step. Feeling stuck in your job or relationship feeling hopeless & alone. Do you remember a time where you were once happy and think about how it would be impossible to get back to that happiness? Do you look at your partner and are not able to recognize them due to the anger and rage.
Another night of laying in bed, not being able to sleep only to think about how there really is no point in waking up to do it all over again the next day. You feel tremendous guilt & shame follow you around for no reason making it difficult for you to better your life. You avoid even going out & instead you instarcart your binge foods to your door step. Feeling stuck in your job or relationship feeling hopeless & alone. Do you remember a time where you were once happy and think about how it would be impossible to get back to that happiness? Do you look at your partner and are not able to recognize them due to the anger and rage.
![Photo of Elise Tova Horwich - Elise Horwich, LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/453388c3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
We only know what we know, no shame in not knowing what we don’t. Consider it a privilege to accompany you on your journey to a more fulfilling life. Therapy shouldn't have to be complicated or intimidating. I work with a compassionate, supportive, and individualized approach reducing your distress and symptoms and build your strength and resilience. I'm a lmft with over 35 years experience. My style is interactive, direct, and supportive. I focus on the here-and-now but recognize that one's past impacts choices, feelings, and behaviors in the present. I hope you find therapy with me to be a safe, nurturing, productive experience.
We only know what we know, no shame in not knowing what we don’t. Consider it a privilege to accompany you on your journey to a more fulfilling life. Therapy shouldn't have to be complicated or intimidating. I work with a compassionate, supportive, and individualized approach reducing your distress and symptoms and build your strength and resilience. I'm a lmft with over 35 years experience. My style is interactive, direct, and supportive. I focus on the here-and-now but recognize that one's past impacts choices, feelings, and behaviors in the present. I hope you find therapy with me to be a safe, nurturing, productive experience.
![Photo of Nicole Rabiezadeh, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a856002-b157-452d-8748-b0e5fae75ba0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Rabiezadeh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tarzana, CA 91356 (Online Only)
I have always had a curiosity for human development and how our experiences shape us into who we are today. My empathetic drive to understand and help people brought me to psychotherapy at a young age. I received my Master's in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy From Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology. I currently work predominantly with young adults, families, teens and children wanting to figure out why they feel "stuck” or how to help themselves overcome anxiety, depression, grief, familial issues, and other interpersonal challenges. I offer CBT with a solution-oriented push.
I have always had a curiosity for human development and how our experiences shape us into who we are today. My empathetic drive to understand and help people brought me to psychotherapy at a young age. I received my Master's in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy From Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology. I currently work predominantly with young adults, families, teens and children wanting to figure out why they feel "stuck” or how to help themselves overcome anxiety, depression, grief, familial issues, and other interpersonal challenges. I offer CBT with a solution-oriented push.
![Photo of Tanya Nord - Tanya Nord, MA, CHt, MFTI, MA, CHT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d5b9fe0-b416-44e6-8156-d95572c03a16/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tanya Nord, MA, CHt
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MFTI, MA, CHT
Not Verified Not Verified
Tarzana, CA 91356
Waitlist for new clients
I help my clients through various challenges such as anxiety, anger, depression, grief, addictive behavior and transitions in their professional and personal lives. I use CBT, Narrative Therapy, Guided Imagery, Ericksonian Hypnosis, Life Coaching, Past Life Regression and Solution Focused Therapy modalities in my practice. I offer sessions in Russian and Italian.
I help my clients through various challenges such as anxiety, anger, depression, grief, addictive behavior and transitions in their professional and personal lives. I use CBT, Narrative Therapy, Guided Imagery, Ericksonian Hypnosis, Life Coaching, Past Life Regression and Solution Focused Therapy modalities in my practice. I offer sessions in Russian and Italian.
![Photo of Zack Reed-Fier, MA, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/79966901-d059-4baf-8e03-cf99329c2dd6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Zack Reed-Fier
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tarzana, CA 91356 (Online Only)
The struggle is real! Grief is one of the hardest things we go through. Does your world feel frozen and stuck since they left. A storm of emotions fear, sadness, anger, crashes over you daily. And missing them is a constant ache. Life without them feels terrifying and all you want to you do is hit the reset button. Maybe you're going through the motions, afraid to face the reality of this loss. And you even yearn to feel accomplished, to move forward, but every day feels like you are falling behind.
The struggle is real! Grief is one of the hardest things we go through. Does your world feel frozen and stuck since they left. A storm of emotions fear, sadness, anger, crashes over you daily. And missing them is a constant ache. Life without them feels terrifying and all you want to you do is hit the reset button. Maybe you're going through the motions, afraid to face the reality of this loss. And you even yearn to feel accomplished, to move forward, but every day feels like you are falling behind.
![Photo of Sharon Burnett - West Valley Counseling Center, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c23f5cf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/7/320x400.jpeg)
West Valley Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Tarzana, CA 91356
West Valley Counseling Center (WVCC) offers a wide range of therapeutic interventions and services to bring affordable mental health services to the San Fernando Valley. WVCC is a non-profit community mental health center that has been serving the Greater Los Angeles region for well over a decade. Our qualified therapists work with individuals, relationships, traditional families, and non-traditional families to help ease life's burdens and to provide specialty services.
West Valley Counseling Center (WVCC) offers a wide range of therapeutic interventions and services to bring affordable mental health services to the San Fernando Valley. WVCC is a non-profit community mental health center that has been serving the Greater Los Angeles region for well over a decade. Our qualified therapists work with individuals, relationships, traditional families, and non-traditional families to help ease life's burdens and to provide specialty services.
![Photo of April Blackwell, MA, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26f11848-e683-4fa5-a826-532b0b16b771/1/320x400.jpeg)
April Blackwell
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tarzana, CA 91356
As a clinician, it is important to me to know the reasons for someone wanting to attend therapy and if an individual has ever attended therapy before. If this is something you have never done, I would like to understand how you feel about attending? I would also like to discuss (if you have had therapy prior) if those experiences were helpful or not so helpful? Understanding what has helped is important for me as a clinician so that I have an idea of what actually might help you. Making the decision to attend therapy or go back to therapy is not easy, so I want to always make sure my clients feel safe, heard and validated.
As a clinician, it is important to me to know the reasons for someone wanting to attend therapy and if an individual has ever attended therapy before. If this is something you have never done, I would like to understand how you feel about attending? I would also like to discuss (if you have had therapy prior) if those experiences were helpful or not so helpful? Understanding what has helped is important for me as a clinician so that I have an idea of what actually might help you. Making the decision to attend therapy or go back to therapy is not easy, so I want to always make sure my clients feel safe, heard and validated.
![Photo of Adam Silberstein, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50d0fd63-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Adam Silberstein, Psy.D is a licensed clinical psychologist and has been working in the mental health field since 1994. Dr. Silberstein has extensive experience working with a broad range of populations.
Adam Silberstein, Psy.D is a licensed clinical psychologist and has been working in the mental health field since 1994. Dr. Silberstein has extensive experience working with a broad range of populations.
![Photo of Iris Nathaniel, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f2dc825-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a holistic psychotherapist , with training in mind body modalities. I practice a unique blend of psychodynamic therapy combined with somatic modalities such as sensorymotor psychotherapy Sessions are individually crafted to fit each individual's needs at the moment of seeking help while relaying not only on cognitive restructuring and and uncovering unconscious emotions but also draws from the natural intelligence of the body and the most recent neuroscience, in order to heal past traumas , undo maladaptive patterns and create an empowered and fulfilling life. I am engaged and active during sessions and a partner on your road towards health and vitality.
I'm a holistic psychotherapist , with training in mind body modalities. I practice a unique blend of psychodynamic therapy combined with somatic modalities such as sensorymotor psychotherapy Sessions are individually crafted to fit each individual's needs at the moment of seeking help while relaying not only on cognitive restructuring and and uncovering unconscious emotions but also draws from the natural intelligence of the body and the most recent neuroscience, in order to heal past traumas , undo maladaptive patterns and create an empowered and fulfilling life. I am engaged and active during sessions and a partner on your road towards health and vitality.
![Photo of Behnam Keyvan, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c78183d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you in crisis? Do you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or sad? Is your teen or younger child having difficulties? Perhaps you have struggled with anxiety, fear, sadness, loneliness, and difficulties in relationship. My intent is to help you discover what you want to be different in your life and then find ways to make those changes. Often this means improving relationships -- learning about communication, finding better ways to deal with conflict, and becoming closer. Finding a safe and collaborative place to explore and address what is troubling you is the first step in healing.
Are you in crisis? Do you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or sad? Is your teen or younger child having difficulties? Perhaps you have struggled with anxiety, fear, sadness, loneliness, and difficulties in relationship. My intent is to help you discover what you want to be different in your life and then find ways to make those changes. Often this means improving relationships -- learning about communication, finding better ways to deal with conflict, and becoming closer. Finding a safe and collaborative place to explore and address what is troubling you is the first step in healing.
![Photo of Judith Cotton, MA, LMFT, RLT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cfd0fdf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Judith Cotton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RLT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tarzana, CA 91356 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Psychotherapist with over 38 years of experience - successful - caring - warm - grounded - private and confidential. I believe in full respect living, diversity, and decency. Trained in trauma resolution, narrative and attachment theory, inner child work, and full respect relationship styles. I can be your individual therapist-and reliable confidential safe sounding board, relationship counselor and coach, or workshop provider/presenter as I have presented for over 20 years for the Motion Picture/Television Industry.
I am a Licensed Psychotherapist with over 38 years of experience - successful - caring - warm - grounded - private and confidential. I believe in full respect living, diversity, and decency. Trained in trauma resolution, narrative and attachment theory, inner child work, and full respect relationship styles. I can be your individual therapist-and reliable confidential safe sounding board, relationship counselor and coach, or workshop provider/presenter as I have presented for over 20 years for the Motion Picture/Television Industry.
![Photo of Diana Barrett, MA, LMFT, CHT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1982c0cd-a7a0-4744-9d78-7110fb518551/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling stressed, sad or stuck in any area of your life? Experiencing problems in your relationships, with your children, at work or socially? Difficult times require support to get through. I'm here to help! I focus on working with you in counseling from a holistic perspective (on the physical, mental, emotional & energetic level), to assist you in getting back in touch with your true self. It is my purpose to help you successfully navigate the tough times, reclaim your clarity, joy and balance, and achieve your goals. It's never too early or too late to get the support you need! Call or email us for your free consultation.
Are you feeling stressed, sad or stuck in any area of your life? Experiencing problems in your relationships, with your children, at work or socially? Difficult times require support to get through. I'm here to help! I focus on working with you in counseling from a holistic perspective (on the physical, mental, emotional & energetic level), to assist you in getting back in touch with your true self. It is my purpose to help you successfully navigate the tough times, reclaim your clarity, joy and balance, and achieve your goals. It's never too early or too late to get the support you need! Call or email us for your free consultation.
![Photo of Charles Lerman, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c9cb1f3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am honored to have my clients invite me to join them in a deep and caring search into their lives, personalities,challenges and dilemnas they face.Our focus is to work together in a respectful, open approach to provide help, relief, understanding and change toward goals of greater health, internal peace, satisfaction and connectedness.Psychotherapy was developed so that we wouldn't have to face our fears alone, without knowledge and the opportunity to learn emotionally and to improve our capabilty to deal with ourselves, the world and the people in our lives.Let me join you.
I am honored to have my clients invite me to join them in a deep and caring search into their lives, personalities,challenges and dilemnas they face.Our focus is to work together in a respectful, open approach to provide help, relief, understanding and change toward goals of greater health, internal peace, satisfaction and connectedness.Psychotherapy was developed so that we wouldn't have to face our fears alone, without knowledge and the opportunity to learn emotionally and to improve our capabilty to deal with ourselves, the world and the people in our lives.Let me join you.
![Photo of Gina Balit, MA, LMFT, ATR, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cc2bbb30-c8a6-4340-99f3-db544bdf495a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Gina Balit
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
19 Endorsed
Tarzana, CA 91356
Worried about your child or a special young kiddo you love? Have they always been active, funny, smart, and talkative but you’re starting to see things change at home or school? Thinking about how they may process new or upcoming changes in the family? Just want to make sure they're okay & maintain their wellbeing? Run out of options & need some new tools? My goal is to inspire & instill hope. My mission is helping children look up & into their future with less worry & fear & more confidence & happiness.
Worried about your child or a special young kiddo you love? Have they always been active, funny, smart, and talkative but you’re starting to see things change at home or school? Thinking about how they may process new or upcoming changes in the family? Just want to make sure they're okay & maintain their wellbeing? Run out of options & need some new tools? My goal is to inspire & instill hope. My mission is helping children look up & into their future with less worry & fear & more confidence & happiness.
See more therapy options for Tarzana
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Tarzana
- Canoga Park
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- Northridge
- Panorama City
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- Sherman Oaks
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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.