Eating Disorders Therapists in Storrs, CT
![Photo of Hillary Stern, LCSW, ADTR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c2e6e4c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
Hillary Stern
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ADTR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Storrs, CT 06268
"Our sorrows and wounds are healed only when we touch them with compassion."
-- Buddha.
I utilize a gentle but direct approach to assist you in recovering from the pain and sorrow that can be a part of life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Dance Movement Therapist. Using my creativity and diverse skill set I help my clients overcome depression, anxiety, eating disorders, traumas and loss. Working with the body, mind and spirit together, I will help you find the way to reconnect with your most authentic self and restore your relationships. My clients are adults, couples, children and adolecents.
"Our sorrows and wounds are healed only when we touch them with compassion."
-- Buddha.
I utilize a gentle but direct approach to assist you in recovering from the pain and sorrow that can be a part of life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Dance Movement Therapist. Using my creativity and diverse skill set I help my clients overcome depression, anxiety, eating disorders, traumas and loss. Working with the body, mind and spirit together, I will help you find the way to reconnect with your most authentic self and restore your relationships. My clients are adults, couples, children and adolecents.
![Photo of Ashlie M Gionfriddo, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dfd15bb7-9480-4437-83f7-dce6fb22bacf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting new patients. My specialties: adolescents, mood issues, anxiety, grief, college students, relationships, vocational stress, coaching, parenting, and women's issues. I also have extensive experience working with eating disorders. My clients say I'm "real", "experienced", "insightful", "flexible" and "compassionate". I aim to create a safe space to navigate difficult topics. As we move along in our treatment, you will gain strategies to regulate mood/anxiety, reclaim your life, develop purpose and feel more skillful. I offer both remote and in person sessions. You are making a brave step and I am here to support you.
Accepting new patients. My specialties: adolescents, mood issues, anxiety, grief, college students, relationships, vocational stress, coaching, parenting, and women's issues. I also have extensive experience working with eating disorders. My clients say I'm "real", "experienced", "insightful", "flexible" and "compassionate". I aim to create a safe space to navigate difficult topics. As we move along in our treatment, you will gain strategies to regulate mood/anxiety, reclaim your life, develop purpose and feel more skillful. I offer both remote and in person sessions. You are making a brave step and I am here to support you.
![Photo of Ryan Schaffer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b8c69c5b-9d98-4b0a-bacc-c2c52a3daa76/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ryan Schaffer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Storrs, CT 06268 (Online Only)
Personal power is a phrase often said, but not always understood. Owning the impact of the choices you make, comes with recognizing the power your voice and behavior have on your future. The journey I have chosen has offered me the understanding of the physical and emotional impact of change, by owning my power to have the life I want. I want to offer you the support we all require, to consciously begin your journey to own your power to change your life.
Personal power is a phrase often said, but not always understood. Owning the impact of the choices you make, comes with recognizing the power your voice and behavior have on your future. The journey I have chosen has offered me the understanding of the physical and emotional impact of change, by owning my power to have the life I want. I want to offer you the support we all require, to consciously begin your journey to own your power to change your life.
![Photo of Dana Petre, LCMHCA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/760d6421-1203-4f1b-8c8c-072242141ed0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dana Petre
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Storrs, CT 06268 (Online Only)
Are you stressed and feeling overwhelmed? Do you feel like you are lost, depressed, or anxious and losing motivation toward your goals? If you answered yes to the questions above you are in the right place. I work with clients to help them learn skills to manage their stress, deal with life transitions, find motivation, cope with anxiety and depression in healthy productive ways, and process difficult emotions.
Are you stressed and feeling overwhelmed? Do you feel like you are lost, depressed, or anxious and losing motivation toward your goals? If you answered yes to the questions above you are in the right place. I work with clients to help them learn skills to manage their stress, deal with life transitions, find motivation, cope with anxiety and depression in healthy productive ways, and process difficult emotions.
![Photo of Susan M Cohen, LCSW, MSW, BS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dc06c44-3086-44e6-8255-897c10f02176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Susan M Cohen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, BS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Storrs, CT 06268
Working with college students, couples, gender issues, individuals, parenting. If you are a Veteran about to deploy/post deployment- I am a provider for the MilitaryOne program. I incorporate trauma work/yoga, mind-body connections ElderCare throughout the life span and working with caregivers is also provided for the sandwiched baby boomer. Addictions/family problems are difficult & an area of specialization. If you seek a therapeutic alliance to work out problems in a compassionate & empowering environment, call me: 860 450-6267. In-office, Telephone and video sessions are possible for all CT residents. Thank-you.
Working with college students, couples, gender issues, individuals, parenting. If you are a Veteran about to deploy/post deployment- I am a provider for the MilitaryOne program. I incorporate trauma work/yoga, mind-body connections ElderCare throughout the life span and working with caregivers is also provided for the sandwiched baby boomer. Addictions/family problems are difficult & an area of specialization. If you seek a therapeutic alliance to work out problems in a compassionate & empowering environment, call me: 860 450-6267. In-office, Telephone and video sessions are possible for all CT residents. Thank-you.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Lynn Dove, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cdfe50b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that change is possible. Realizing when things are not working, and that something needs to change, is an important point in creating the life you want to have. I am glad that you have chosen to see if therapy can help you. My goal is to create a safe place in which you can learn to understand yourself, heal your wounds, and to become the person you want to be. I work with adults and adolescents dealing with a variety of issues; from everyday struggles, anxiety, depression, psychological trauma and dissociation, eating disorders, relationship issues, spirituality, and aging.
I believe that change is possible. Realizing when things are not working, and that something needs to change, is an important point in creating the life you want to have. I am glad that you have chosen to see if therapy can help you. My goal is to create a safe place in which you can learn to understand yourself, heal your wounds, and to become the person you want to be. I work with adults and adolescents dealing with a variety of issues; from everyday struggles, anxiety, depression, psychological trauma and dissociation, eating disorders, relationship issues, spirituality, and aging.
![Photo of Winifred M Neville, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/465f2a76-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have been working in the field of Mental Health and Addiction for 20 years. I graduated with a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from CCSU. My main focus is trauma, centering on Addictions, including substance abuse, eating disorders and excessive spending, however, I am also experienced working with clients who have, depression, anxiety or trauma related symptoms. I have extensive experience working with adolescents and adults I believe strongly in recovery, use various therapeutic approaches to assist clients to live a productive and self directed life. And pets are always welcome so bring yours in.
I have been working in the field of Mental Health and Addiction for 20 years. I graduated with a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from CCSU. My main focus is trauma, centering on Addictions, including substance abuse, eating disorders and excessive spending, however, I am also experienced working with clients who have, depression, anxiety or trauma related symptoms. I have extensive experience working with adolescents and adults I believe strongly in recovery, use various therapeutic approaches to assist clients to live a productive and self directed life. And pets are always welcome so bring yours in.
![Photo of Julie M Hoagland, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/489dbd6b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Online Sessions available during this time. I offer a safe place for you to lean into your discomfort and teach how to be courageous and compassionate with yourself. I am committed to helping you set free from negative thoughts and beliefs that have led to unwanted patterns. Together we will open up options, choices and possibilities where you likely now think you have none. Change can be hard, we will celebrate the small wins we make along the way.
Online Sessions available during this time. I offer a safe place for you to lean into your discomfort and teach how to be courageous and compassionate with yourself. I am committed to helping you set free from negative thoughts and beliefs that have led to unwanted patterns. Together we will open up options, choices and possibilities where you likely now think you have none. Change can be hard, we will celebrate the small wins we make along the way.
![Photo of Jill A. Jones, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ec9d6c2-c109-4ef6-977d-5caaafb40101/1/320x400.jpeg)
You may have wondered whether therapy could be helpful to you. I understand the importance of your psychological health in your everyday functioning and am committed to helping during this time. I offer a free consultation to discuss any questions you may have. As a senior staff therapist at Greenwich Psychology group, I enjoy working with individuals who are committed to self-exploration and may be struggling with anxiety, depression, family concerns, and/or work issues. I work to create a safe and non-judgmental space where we can explore your challenges and find ways to reconnect with your healthier and positive self.
You may have wondered whether therapy could be helpful to you. I understand the importance of your psychological health in your everyday functioning and am committed to helping during this time. I offer a free consultation to discuss any questions you may have. As a senior staff therapist at Greenwich Psychology group, I enjoy working with individuals who are committed to self-exploration and may be struggling with anxiety, depression, family concerns, and/or work issues. I work to create a safe and non-judgmental space where we can explore your challenges and find ways to reconnect with your healthier and positive self.
![Photo of New England Holistic Well-Being Center - New England Holistic Well-being Center, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d88cdad3-97c5-4dfb-8394-c26721fc0073/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psychological, physical, and social difficulties can contribute to distress and hamper our day-to-day activities. At New England Holistic Well-Being Center we approach treatment, coaching, and intervention from a health psychology perspective that emphasizes a holistic understanding of you. We take into account not only a person’s physical and emotional symptoms but also their life experiences, social context, and other factors that promote and maintain health. We encourage the adoption of tailored strategies that fit your goals and understand that not every approach will work for everyone.
Psychological, physical, and social difficulties can contribute to distress and hamper our day-to-day activities. At New England Holistic Well-Being Center we approach treatment, coaching, and intervention from a health psychology perspective that emphasizes a holistic understanding of you. We take into account not only a person’s physical and emotional symptoms but also their life experiences, social context, and other factors that promote and maintain health. We encourage the adoption of tailored strategies that fit your goals and understand that not every approach will work for everyone.
![Photo of Susan Blayer, LCSW, MDiv, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/469da69b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Blayer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MDiv
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mansfield Center, CT 06250 (Online Only)
You deserve to stop struggling with the issues in your life and to be happier. No matter what you may be feeling, or what thought or behavior patterns may be holding you back, there is hope. It is a powerful first step to ask for help. I provide a safe, non-judgemental space where we can explore whatever is in the way of your best life and most ideal self. Specializing in couples therapy, particularly those facing issues of betrayal.
You deserve to stop struggling with the issues in your life and to be happier. No matter what you may be feeling, or what thought or behavior patterns may be holding you back, there is hope. It is a powerful first step to ask for help. I provide a safe, non-judgemental space where we can explore whatever is in the way of your best life and most ideal self. Specializing in couples therapy, particularly those facing issues of betrayal.
![Photo of Thomas A Cordier, PhD, MALPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46b894b2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you feel you’re surviving through life rather than living it? Has your anxiety and/or depression immobilized you? Since 2003, I have helped thousands of individuals and families overcome their behavioral health issues. My therapy is an evidence-based clinical program called Neuro-Emotive Cognitive Behavioral therapy (NE-CBT). Individuals are taught to change their thinking, feelings, and behaviors. In my clinical sessions, I teach skills and concepts while helping individuals adapt them into their lives so that they may experience relief from their symptoms. Through NE-CBT, you can ground yourself both inward and outward.
Do you feel you’re surviving through life rather than living it? Has your anxiety and/or depression immobilized you? Since 2003, I have helped thousands of individuals and families overcome their behavioral health issues. My therapy is an evidence-based clinical program called Neuro-Emotive Cognitive Behavioral therapy (NE-CBT). Individuals are taught to change their thinking, feelings, and behaviors. In my clinical sessions, I teach skills and concepts while helping individuals adapt them into their lives so that they may experience relief from their symptoms. Through NE-CBT, you can ground yourself both inward and outward.
![Photo of Julian Finnegan, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc480574-d711-4b5e-9312-cea48144f1e2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julian Finnegan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tolland, CT 06084
Are you tired of your struggle with anxiety? Do you worry or obsess excessively? I specialize in the treatment of all forms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using exposure and response prevention (ERP). OCD treatment is short term, being complete in 17-20 sessions, so it does not require years of therapy. I offer treatment in person and online, and can service all areas of Connecticut. Wether your concerns are washing, checking, worries about harming people accidentally or on purpose, unwanted sexual thoughts, religious obsessions or more, I can help.
Are you tired of your struggle with anxiety? Do you worry or obsess excessively? I specialize in the treatment of all forms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using exposure and response prevention (ERP). OCD treatment is short term, being complete in 17-20 sessions, so it does not require years of therapy. I offer treatment in person and online, and can service all areas of Connecticut. Wether your concerns are washing, checking, worries about harming people accidentally or on purpose, unwanted sexual thoughts, religious obsessions or more, I can help.
![Photo of Jayson M Brunelle, MEd, CAGS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/56b5f9fb-024b-44b5-9d85-e28b13ff1a6b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jayson M Brunelle
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, CAGS, LPC
Verified Verified
Coventry, CT 06238
Are you a person of faith who has been experiencing difficulties in life? Have you found yourself asking, "If God is all-good and all-powerful, why is there so much evil in the world, and in my own life?!" Have your emotions taken a turn for the worse? Do you find yourself depressed and/or anxious - more often than not? Have you been turning to alcohol and/or drugs to "kill the pain?" Are you plagued by, or living in, the past, and/or filled with fear and uncertainty regarding the future? Finally, do you want to find a way out of all the overwhelming & frustrating emotions that have been putting your life on "pause?"
Are you a person of faith who has been experiencing difficulties in life? Have you found yourself asking, "If God is all-good and all-powerful, why is there so much evil in the world, and in my own life?!" Have your emotions taken a turn for the worse? Do you find yourself depressed and/or anxious - more often than not? Have you been turning to alcohol and/or drugs to "kill the pain?" Are you plagued by, or living in, the past, and/or filled with fear and uncertainty regarding the future? Finally, do you want to find a way out of all the overwhelming & frustrating emotions that have been putting your life on "pause?"
![Photo of Michelle Allison, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ca321b0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Allison
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Storrs Mansfield, CT 06268 (Online Only)
It's not easy reaching out for professional help with relationship, family or emotional problems, but I hope you choose to take this important first step toward changing your life for the better. In my 30 years of practice, I have never felt a greater sense of hope and optimism about what talk therapy can realistically offer to reduce suffering and improve our personal and family lives. I can present you with a "user friendly" path into treatment that will ease your very understandable anxiety and skepticism. My goals for you as a client are learning, growth, empowerment and customer satisfaction.
It's not easy reaching out for professional help with relationship, family or emotional problems, but I hope you choose to take this important first step toward changing your life for the better. In my 30 years of practice, I have never felt a greater sense of hope and optimism about what talk therapy can realistically offer to reduce suffering and improve our personal and family lives. I can present you with a "user friendly" path into treatment that will ease your very understandable anxiety and skepticism. My goals for you as a client are learning, growth, empowerment and customer satisfaction.
![Photo of Carroll Foley, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c2f4c87-31a5-4c4f-824a-e8eb30a992cd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carroll Foley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Storrs Mansfield, CT 06269
I specialize in the really hard stuff life throws our way. I work with adults, college students, and teens affected by grief and loss, complex trauma (abuse and neglect) and PTSD, serious and chronic health conditions (like cancer, ALS, MS, MD), disability, and other big life changes and challenges resulting in depression and anxiety. I believe that our inability to control what happens to us is not something to be overcome. Instead, it is the reality of life that we all live within. This is where the real work of being a person begins. And this is where good, meaningful, compassionate therapy comes in. I'm glad you're here.
I specialize in the really hard stuff life throws our way. I work with adults, college students, and teens affected by grief and loss, complex trauma (abuse and neglect) and PTSD, serious and chronic health conditions (like cancer, ALS, MS, MD), disability, and other big life changes and challenges resulting in depression and anxiety. I believe that our inability to control what happens to us is not something to be overcome. Instead, it is the reality of life that we all live within. This is where the real work of being a person begins. And this is where good, meaningful, compassionate therapy comes in. I'm glad you're here.
![Photo of Andrew FB Campbell, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cfa222b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Andrew FB Campbell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mansfield Center, CT 06250 (Online Only)
Kindness. Letting Go. Acceptance. Patience. Trust. Peace. If these words resonate with you, you may benefit from an approach like mindfulness based cognitive behavioral therapy. With this approach you can practice being kind and accepting towards yourself, including your thoughts and feelings, while at the same time working towards understanding and changing any unhelpful beliefs, habits, or situations in your life. Modern life, with all its stress and busyness and commotion, seems to combine with our individual challenges, difficulties, and burdens to push our human minds and bodies past the point of health and wellness.
Kindness. Letting Go. Acceptance. Patience. Trust. Peace. If these words resonate with you, you may benefit from an approach like mindfulness based cognitive behavioral therapy. With this approach you can practice being kind and accepting towards yourself, including your thoughts and feelings, while at the same time working towards understanding and changing any unhelpful beliefs, habits, or situations in your life. Modern life, with all its stress and busyness and commotion, seems to combine with our individual challenges, difficulties, and burdens to push our human minds and bodies past the point of health and wellness.
![Photo of Archna Khattar - Inlight Professional Counseling Services, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a7a6111-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Inlight Professional Counseling Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Willimantic, CT 06226
Do you find yourself conflicted within your thoughts and feelings? Do you spend a lot of mental energy trying to cope with your inner angst and turmoil or sadness or anger? maybe even rage? or Fear? Do you find yourself wishing you knew how to feel better emotionally so you could just be more happy in life? Our Feelings are a wonderful gift that makes us HUMAN but when our feelings are not balanced, when we are carrying unresolved issues from past, when we are flooded by feelings and not able to see things clearly, they provide the biggest pain and heartache in life. Would you like someone to help you with your inner struggle?
Do you find yourself conflicted within your thoughts and feelings? Do you spend a lot of mental energy trying to cope with your inner angst and turmoil or sadness or anger? maybe even rage? or Fear? Do you find yourself wishing you knew how to feel better emotionally so you could just be more happy in life? Our Feelings are a wonderful gift that makes us HUMAN but when our feelings are not balanced, when we are carrying unresolved issues from past, when we are flooded by feelings and not able to see things clearly, they provide the biggest pain and heartache in life. Would you like someone to help you with your inner struggle?
![Photo of Druanne Cahill, MA, LPC, MAC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/504be015-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Thank you for reading my profile. I am a licensed professional counselor with over thirty years of experience. I graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1984 with my bachelors degree and Tufts University in 1987 with my masters degree I see my role as a therapist who guides clients through the difficult journeys we all struggle with. I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment in which we can develop a constructive therapeutic relationship to address the issues. I can assist with skills such as communication skills, assertiveness skills, relaxation skills and relationship skills. .
Thank you for reading my profile. I am a licensed professional counselor with over thirty years of experience. I graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1984 with my bachelors degree and Tufts University in 1987 with my masters degree I see my role as a therapist who guides clients through the difficult journeys we all struggle with. I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment in which we can develop a constructive therapeutic relationship to address the issues. I can assist with skills such as communication skills, assertiveness skills, relaxation skills and relationship skills. .
![Photo of Kaitlyn Labbie, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/68829ab4-6c2c-47b2-aaf8-66f984d15426/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a clinician in both Connecticut and New York. I had extensive clinical experience working as a court appointed Guardian ad Litem, previously working in Therapeutic Foster Care and as a Psychotherapist. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Political Science from Central Connecticut State University and earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Saint Joseph. I have worked in various professional settings through direct practice and in social advocacy. I have worked alongside state non-profits in child welfare, as well as school base counseling and outpatient clinics.
I am a clinician in both Connecticut and New York. I had extensive clinical experience working as a court appointed Guardian ad Litem, previously working in Therapeutic Foster Care and as a Psychotherapist. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Political Science from Central Connecticut State University and earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Saint Joseph. I have worked in various professional settings through direct practice and in social advocacy. I have worked alongside state non-profits in child welfare, as well as school base counseling and outpatient clinics.
See more therapy options for Storrs
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Storrs
- Columbia
- East Hartford
- Ellington
- Glastonbury
- Manchester
- Mansfield Center
- South Glastonbury
- South Windsor
- Storrs Mansfield
- Tolland
- Vernon
- Willimantic
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.