Eating Disorders Therapists in Topanga, CA
![Photo of Molly Binenfeld, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ff98e30-0fb8-4e22-890b-5e7f96f97221/1/320x400.jpeg)
Molly Binenfeld
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Topanga, CA 90290 (Online Only)
In addition to working in private practice, I also work in treatment, where I help clients navigate recovery from eating disorders, body image concerns, anxiety, depression, and substance use.
I create a space for you to bring your authentic self into the room without feeling like you have to show up in the "right" way. My approach is direct, compassionate, practical, and personalized towards your values, goals, and experience. My lived and professional experience allows me to help you create a more fulfilling and congruent life while supporting you in coping with daily stressors, relationship dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depression. I am passionate about helping you overcome the challenges you face in today's society, including diet culture, body image, social media pressure, and unrealistic beauty standards.
In addition to working in private practice, I also work in treatment, where I help clients navigate recovery from eating disorders, body image concerns, anxiety, depression, and substance use.
I create a space for you to bring your authentic self into the room without feeling like you have to show up in the "right" way. My approach is direct, compassionate, practical, and personalized towards your values, goals, and experience. My lived and professional experience allows me to help you create a more fulfilling and congruent life while supporting you in coping with daily stressors, relationship dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depression. I am passionate about helping you overcome the challenges you face in today's society, including diet culture, body image, social media pressure, and unrealistic beauty standards.
![Photo of Dianne Porchia, MA, DMBM](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/532c384b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dianne Porchia is featured in HEAL Documentary film for her successful healing work with advance stage cancer client who remains cancer free over 5 years after diagnosis with stage IV colorectal cancer. Porchia's unique holistic approach to healing integrates the principles and practice of mind-body-heart-soul energy medicine, epigenetics, psychoneuroimmunology and heart-centered communication skills to reduce mental-emotional stress, support immune function and create and maintain successful and loving relationships through high stress life challenges such as divorce, death, loss of job, serious illness, disease and cancer.
Dianne Porchia is featured in HEAL Documentary film for her successful healing work with advance stage cancer client who remains cancer free over 5 years after diagnosis with stage IV colorectal cancer. Porchia's unique holistic approach to healing integrates the principles and practice of mind-body-heart-soul energy medicine, epigenetics, psychoneuroimmunology and heart-centered communication skills to reduce mental-emotional stress, support immune function and create and maintain successful and loving relationships through high stress life challenges such as divorce, death, loss of job, serious illness, disease and cancer.
![Photo of Carder Stout, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3eb2eee1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, my name is Dr. Carder Stout. I want to thank you for joining me. You may be here because something in your life is not working. As a Depth Psychologist I believe that everyone has the capacity to be happy. My aim as a therapist is to heal those parts of you that are standing in the way. Let me help you connect with the joy in your life. I have been described as compassionate, calm and insightful. My patients tell me that I am present with them as a good listener and guide.
Hello, my name is Dr. Carder Stout. I want to thank you for joining me. You may be here because something in your life is not working. As a Depth Psychologist I believe that everyone has the capacity to be happy. My aim as a therapist is to heal those parts of you that are standing in the way. Let me help you connect with the joy in your life. I have been described as compassionate, calm and insightful. My patients tell me that I am present with them as a good listener and guide.
![Photo of Alison Young, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44e66afe-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling like relationships shouldn't be this hard? Maybe you wonder why you feel so drained and let down but drawn in at the same time? Tired of constantly questioning yourself, wondering if you did or said something wrong? Anxiety, bodily tension and self-blame feeling too much like the norm? Perhaps you have found ways to feel temporary relief only to have these feelings resurface. I understand these feelings and can offer a path out of self-blame and into a more empowered state of being. Call or text me to set up a free 15-minute phone consultation.
Are you feeling like relationships shouldn't be this hard? Maybe you wonder why you feel so drained and let down but drawn in at the same time? Tired of constantly questioning yourself, wondering if you did or said something wrong? Anxiety, bodily tension and self-blame feeling too much like the norm? Perhaps you have found ways to feel temporary relief only to have these feelings resurface. I understand these feelings and can offer a path out of self-blame and into a more empowered state of being. Call or text me to set up a free 15-minute phone consultation.
![Photo of Denise Payne, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c4a1539-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. We can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.
My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. We can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.
![Photo of Setareh Vatan, MA, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/91acc143-706f-44d3-8191-501007b5d64a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Setareh Vatan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Topanga, CA 90290 (Online Only)
I am an advocate for the soul’s desire for expansion and connection with others. I work in the service of the psyche to bring unconscious material to the conscious to facilitate sustainable change, transformation, and growth. I welcome you as you are, whether you are suffering from a dependency, such as problematic substance use, or a mental health condition, like trauma-related difficulties. I incorporate both the Twelve Step and harm reduction methods in my practice. Since I honor and see the value in both modalities, I will work collaboratively with you to determine which approach would best serve your path towards wholeness.
I am an advocate for the soul’s desire for expansion and connection with others. I work in the service of the psyche to bring unconscious material to the conscious to facilitate sustainable change, transformation, and growth. I welcome you as you are, whether you are suffering from a dependency, such as problematic substance use, or a mental health condition, like trauma-related difficulties. I incorporate both the Twelve Step and harm reduction methods in my practice. Since I honor and see the value in both modalities, I will work collaboratively with you to determine which approach would best serve your path towards wholeness.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Tessa Gordon - Eating Disorder Chronic Illness, MA, LMFT, RYT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50a194af-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tessa Gordon - Eating Disorder Chronic Illness
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RYT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 (Online Only)
Eating disorders can feel hopeless, but they aren’t. Whether this is your first time seeking help or your umpteenth time, I believe everyone can recover. Just as there are many reasons why an eating disorder manifests in your life, the way you recover will be just as unique. If there was a one-size-fits-all solution, that would perhaps be as deceptive as the problem itself. Whether it’s perfectionism, judgment, loneliness, self-improvement, health, fear, family issues…Together we will discover what invites these problems into your life and begin to find what recovery means for you.
Eating disorders can feel hopeless, but they aren’t. Whether this is your first time seeking help or your umpteenth time, I believe everyone can recover. Just as there are many reasons why an eating disorder manifests in your life, the way you recover will be just as unique. If there was a one-size-fits-all solution, that would perhaps be as deceptive as the problem itself. Whether it’s perfectionism, judgment, loneliness, self-improvement, health, fear, family issues…Together we will discover what invites these problems into your life and begin to find what recovery means for you.
![Photo of Patrice Spinner, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ba9c912-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
In Westwood near UCLA, I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, eating disorders, breast cancer and relationships. I provide psychotherapy for adults and children in a safe, supportive environment where we will explore behaviors and emotions that hamper healthy self-expression and relationships. By identifying personal goals we can gain a better understanding of the repetitive patterns that block these goals. Often coping strategies from childhood are no longer useful. By becoming mindful of these patterns, we can begin to let these patterns go and begin to form new patterns that will move us in the direction we want.
In Westwood near UCLA, I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, eating disorders, breast cancer and relationships. I provide psychotherapy for adults and children in a safe, supportive environment where we will explore behaviors and emotions that hamper healthy self-expression and relationships. By identifying personal goals we can gain a better understanding of the repetitive patterns that block these goals. Often coping strategies from childhood are no longer useful. By becoming mindful of these patterns, we can begin to let these patterns go and begin to form new patterns that will move us in the direction we want.
![Photo of Laudan Kermani Gish, LCSW, PPSC, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d1476bb-b410-4621-a96a-d124c335cbe2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Laudan Kermani Gish
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401 (Online Only)
Laudan has completed extensive post graduate specialization training in co-occuring mood disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, trauma, crisis management, mindfulness, and perinatal mental health.
After nearly a decade in the entertainment industry, Laudan left her post in the publicity department at a major movie studio to pursue her passion of becoming a psychotherapist and coach. Laudan meets clients virtually where she provides high-quality therapy and coaching services in English and Farsi. Laudan utilizes a holistic therapeutic approach, integrating a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities to enhance the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of those with whom she works.
Laudan has completed extensive post graduate specialization training in co-occuring mood disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, trauma, crisis management, mindfulness, and perinatal mental health.
After nearly a decade in the entertainment industry, Laudan left her post in the publicity department at a major movie studio to pursue her passion of becoming a psychotherapist and coach. Laudan meets clients virtually where she provides high-quality therapy and coaching services in English and Farsi. Laudan utilizes a holistic therapeutic approach, integrating a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities to enhance the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of those with whom she works.
![Photo of Lisa Crilley, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3db70e31-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa Crilley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90064
I specialize in working through past and present traumas, relationships, issues regarding personality, mood, and eating disorders.
Telehealth Provider. People reach out to me for a variety of reasons. Some are struggling or facing a crisis, others are feeling stuck in their lives and are looking for a new way of being. In my work with adults and adolescents I help to move you toward living a more rewarding life in a place where challenges are met in a nurturing and supportive way.
I specialize in working through past and present traumas, relationships, issues regarding personality, mood, and eating disorders.
Telehealth Provider. People reach out to me for a variety of reasons. Some are struggling or facing a crisis, others are feeling stuck in their lives and are looking for a new way of being. In my work with adults and adolescents I help to move you toward living a more rewarding life in a place where challenges are met in a nurturing and supportive way.
![Photo of Jannell Greene Banchik, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/783ffc65-3711-4967-98fc-b73ddc046e5c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jannell Greene Banchik
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I’m experienced in helping individuals and couples manage depression, anxiety, eating disorders, life-transitions, self-esteem, sexual intimacy, grief, aging, trauma, anger, and gender identity.
Being human is exciting and beautiful... and challenging! My work is grounded in respect and empathy for how individuals, couples, and families pave a path in life. Together we make change possible by bringing your unique, personal knowledge and experience into awareness, and then moving through the stuckness of painful trauma, unkind thoughts, or feelings of powerlessness before problems. Together we will work to reconnect you to the whole experience of being human: feeling emotions, attuning to thoughts and beliefs, creating healthy relationships, and recognizing your whole life story in its complexity of joy, sorrow, and growth.
I’m experienced in helping individuals and couples manage depression, anxiety, eating disorders, life-transitions, self-esteem, sexual intimacy, grief, aging, trauma, anger, and gender identity.
Being human is exciting and beautiful... and challenging! My work is grounded in respect and empathy for how individuals, couples, and families pave a path in life. Together we make change possible by bringing your unique, personal knowledge and experience into awareness, and then moving through the stuckness of painful trauma, unkind thoughts, or feelings of powerlessness before problems. Together we will work to reconnect you to the whole experience of being human: feeling emotions, attuning to thoughts and beliefs, creating healthy relationships, and recognizing your whole life story in its complexity of joy, sorrow, and growth.
![Photo of Britt Palmer, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe6c38ee-aea5-4359-a8e4-8048badaae5d/1/320x400.jpeg)
The treatment of complex histories of trauma, eating disorders, and attachment disruptions must include interventions that rewire the brain from the bottom up, somatic movement to reintegrate the body with the brain, and a felt sense of safety, in the context of relationship. This provides lasting change for improved regulation, mood, energy, the ability to be present and attune to others. Too many therapies focus on decision making, problem solving, or changing your thoughts. This is not how we are wired to work. It leads to disappointment. My evidenced based interventions promise to be different.
The treatment of complex histories of trauma, eating disorders, and attachment disruptions must include interventions that rewire the brain from the bottom up, somatic movement to reintegrate the body with the brain, and a felt sense of safety, in the context of relationship. This provides lasting change for improved regulation, mood, energy, the ability to be present and attune to others. Too many therapies focus on decision making, problem solving, or changing your thoughts. This is not how we are wired to work. It leads to disappointment. My evidenced based interventions promise to be different.
![Photo of Stacie Sustin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db263994-f6c5-46d3-9d96-bf560c98ac79/2/320x400.jpeg)
For the past ten years, I have worked as a therapist and clinical director at the residential level of care helping individuals who suffer from eating disorders and related issues like anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, substance use, relationship issues, and a lack of self-knowing/self-worth.
As human beings, we are all on the same journey of self-understanding, self-compassion, self-growth and the belief in our self-worth. What I have seen happen time after time is that people get stuck in the lack of self-compassion and then struggle to move forward from there. This leaves them with more insecurities, anxiety, and depression that drive other unhealthy behavior use. People so often feel disconnected from their inner strengths. My goal is to help clients reconnect with their internal resources so they can move past the doubt and judgement and take that next step towards self-compassion and a better sense of self-worth.
For the past ten years, I have worked as a therapist and clinical director at the residential level of care helping individuals who suffer from eating disorders and related issues like anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, substance use, relationship issues, and a lack of self-knowing/self-worth.
As human beings, we are all on the same journey of self-understanding, self-compassion, self-growth and the belief in our self-worth. What I have seen happen time after time is that people get stuck in the lack of self-compassion and then struggle to move forward from there. This leaves them with more insecurities, anxiety, and depression that drive other unhealthy behavior use. People so often feel disconnected from their inner strengths. My goal is to help clients reconnect with their internal resources so they can move past the doubt and judgement and take that next step towards self-compassion and a better sense of self-worth.
![Photo of Tara Christine Egemo, MA, LMFT, PMH-C, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb191215-9df9-4fa9-b24e-77469e1a3a98/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tara Christine Egemo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91316 (Online Only)
I specialize in treating clients struggling with eating disorders, exercise addiction, maternal mental health, substance abuse/dependence, anxiety, depression and trauma.
Looking for the right therapist can be a very difficult process. My therapeutic approach is client-centered and strengths-based. I understand how difficult it can be to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences. With this in mind, as your therapist, I will create a safe space that is non-judgmental and supportive.
I specialize in treating clients struggling with eating disorders, exercise addiction, maternal mental health, substance abuse/dependence, anxiety, depression and trauma.
Looking for the right therapist can be a very difficult process. My therapeutic approach is client-centered and strengths-based. I understand how difficult it can be to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences. With this in mind, as your therapist, I will create a safe space that is non-judgmental and supportive.
![Photo of Kaley Leshem, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/010303d8-48b4-4fe0-8b29-9a9e7d7d1777/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kaley Leshem
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
I help clients develop self-compassion and empower them to create meaningful lives informed by their values. I am passionate about supporting my clients through overwhelming challenges including life transitions, family dynamics, and relationship conflicts. I specialize in treating eating disorders, body image, and depression and anxiety. I often work with individuals who are feeling lost or suffering from low self-esteem and perfectionism. I am also fully trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, a method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences.
I help clients develop self-compassion and empower them to create meaningful lives informed by their values. I am passionate about supporting my clients through overwhelming challenges including life transitions, family dynamics, and relationship conflicts. I specialize in treating eating disorders, body image, and depression and anxiety. I often work with individuals who are feeling lost or suffering from low self-esteem and perfectionism. I am also fully trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, a method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences.
![Photo of Michele Merlob, MS, LMHC, LPC, LPCC, CEDS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4682f0f4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Since 1997, I have been treating clients with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions & all associated issues. I am licensed in Florida, Texas, California & Hawaii. As well as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. I have maintained private practices in FL, TX & CA. In addition, I worked at the Renfrew Center in Coconut Creek, FL & Los Angeles, CA and Cedar Springs Austin. It is my belief that an important piece of treatment & recovery is utilizing a multi-disciplinary treatment team to address the individual needs of each client.
Since 1997, I have been treating clients with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions & all associated issues. I am licensed in Florida, Texas, California & Hawaii. As well as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. I have maintained private practices in FL, TX & CA. In addition, I worked at the Renfrew Center in Coconut Creek, FL & Los Angeles, CA and Cedar Springs Austin. It is my belief that an important piece of treatment & recovery is utilizing a multi-disciplinary treatment team to address the individual needs of each client.
![Photo of Laura Ortman, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46373333-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Ortman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302 (Online Only)
My role as a therapist is not about helping others. It is about giving guidance and focusing on self-empowerment to my clients so they can have the tools to assist themselves. Prior to private practice, I worked at treatment facilities for both substance abuse and eating disorders, worked with victims of crimes (domestic violence and sexual abuse), and a suicide hotline.
My role as a therapist is not about helping others. It is about giving guidance and focusing on self-empowerment to my clients so they can have the tools to assist themselves. Prior to private practice, I worked at treatment facilities for both substance abuse and eating disorders, worked with victims of crimes (domestic violence and sexual abuse), and a suicide hotline.
![Photo of Megan Reily, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d03f8819-d5bf-43aa-b335-9b7a7869078e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Reily
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
Hi there, I'm Megan. Do you feel lost in life? Do you ever feel unseen or unheard by other people around you? Is it difficult for you to express your feelings and needs? We all need support sometimes and I would love to be the person to help move you towards your ideal life. I believe that everyone can find a place of self-actualization no matter where they start. My approach is to work collaboratively with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, psychosis, and other challenges to reach their personal goals.
Hi there, I'm Megan. Do you feel lost in life? Do you ever feel unseen or unheard by other people around you? Is it difficult for you to express your feelings and needs? We all need support sometimes and I would love to be the person to help move you towards your ideal life. I believe that everyone can find a place of self-actualization no matter where they start. My approach is to work collaboratively with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, psychosis, and other challenges to reach their personal goals.
![Photo of Dr. Tanya Hope Peters, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cd88603-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I appreciate your interest in psychotherapy and commend your effort in finding a therapist. It is an important step to take towards feeling better. I am a clinical psychologist with several years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and families. I have worked with people who have experienced trauma, depression, eating disorders, addiction, anxiety, loss, and life transitions. I work collaboratively with my clients, and am supportive and dedicated to their increased well being. My approach to therapy is to be genuine, open and honest, supportive, and curious.
I appreciate your interest in psychotherapy and commend your effort in finding a therapist. It is an important step to take towards feeling better. I am a clinical psychologist with several years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and families. I have worked with people who have experienced trauma, depression, eating disorders, addiction, anxiety, loss, and life transitions. I work collaboratively with my clients, and am supportive and dedicated to their increased well being. My approach to therapy is to be genuine, open and honest, supportive, and curious.
![Photo of Diana Benjamin, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/27fcbbba-74f1-4a68-b7a8-320327fc3742/2/320x400.jpeg)
In addition, I specialize in treating the continuum of eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder.
I have over 25 years of experience treating individuals, couples, families and groups. I work with a wide spectrum of psychological issues including but not limited to relationship difficulties, mood and anxiety disorders, addiction and grief. I have advanced training in couples counseling, eating disorders and mindfulness practices . My work is informed by family systems, cognitive behavioral and attachment theory.
In addition, I specialize in treating the continuum of eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder.
I have over 25 years of experience treating individuals, couples, families and groups. I work with a wide spectrum of psychological issues including but not limited to relationship difficulties, mood and anxiety disorders, addiction and grief. I have advanced training in couples counseling, eating disorders and mindfulness practices . My work is informed by family systems, cognitive behavioral and attachment theory.
See more therapy options for Topanga
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Topanga
- Agoura
- Calabasas
- Canoga Park
- Encino
- Hidden Hills
- Lake Balboa
- Malibu
- Pacific Palisades
- Santa Monica
- Tarzana
- West Hills
- Woodland Hills
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.