Therapists in Westport, CT
![Photo of Cindy Lee James, RN, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f93821f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience helping clients with Depression, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Anxiety, Social Anxiety, and Relationship Issues.
No matter what stage of life, we are all subject to the stress of our modern world, and it is how we cope with distress that decides our social and emotional well being. I believe that if you can alter your thinking and preconceptions you can alter your self-experience. As a Clinical Psychologist for over 30 years, my role is to provide a safe environment to navigate clients in a creative self-discovery process. Self-expression with validation allows for the growth of confidence and reduction of self-defeating behaviors. As a team we can create coping skills that are the key to success.
I have extensive experience helping clients with Depression, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Anxiety, Social Anxiety, and Relationship Issues.
No matter what stage of life, we are all subject to the stress of our modern world, and it is how we cope with distress that decides our social and emotional well being. I believe that if you can alter your thinking and preconceptions you can alter your self-experience. As a Clinical Psychologist for over 30 years, my role is to provide a safe environment to navigate clients in a creative self-discovery process. Self-expression with validation allows for the growth of confidence and reduction of self-defeating behaviors. As a team we can create coping skills that are the key to success.
![Photo of Caroline H Schiff, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e04019f-1d16-4c00-9ecf-0d340d0ac548/1/320x400.jpeg)
Caroline H Schiff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Westport, CT 06880
Specialization: anxiety, depression, self esteem, body image, eating disorders, ADHD, life transitions, and interpersonal relationships.
Caroline Schiff, LCSW (owner/clinician) and Sasha Cabin, LCSW believe all people can heal, grow and improve their lives. We are here to help you find greater balance, feel more empowered, and develop a stronger sense of self. We will work together to identify the areas in your life that you want to improve and create a unique, individualized plan to get there. Our approach to therapy is empathic, non-judgmental, and entirely person-centered. By working with us, you can: experience relief, understand yourself and others better, develop new skills, become more resilient, and meet your goals.
Specialization: anxiety, depression, self esteem, body image, eating disorders, ADHD, life transitions, and interpersonal relationships.
Caroline Schiff, LCSW (owner/clinician) and Sasha Cabin, LCSW believe all people can heal, grow and improve their lives. We are here to help you find greater balance, feel more empowered, and develop a stronger sense of self. We will work together to identify the areas in your life that you want to improve and create a unique, individualized plan to get there. Our approach to therapy is empathic, non-judgmental, and entirely person-centered. By working with us, you can: experience relief, understand yourself and others better, develop new skills, become more resilient, and meet your goals.
![Photo of Donna Rogg, MS, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bc661c7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Asking for help can be challenging for many people, especially when you’re not feeling your best. Given the range of options, choosing the right therapist for you may feel overwhelming and confusing. Having an appreciation of the value of the therapist-client fit, I am committed to providing a comfortable and safe environment where issues may be better understood. As a seasoned therapist, I have worked with children, adolescents and adults who are struggling with concerns related to self-esteem, school, ADHD, work, family, life stage transitions, eating disorders, illness and losses.
Asking for help can be challenging for many people, especially when you’re not feeling your best. Given the range of options, choosing the right therapist for you may feel overwhelming and confusing. Having an appreciation of the value of the therapist-client fit, I am committed to providing a comfortable and safe environment where issues may be better understood. As a seasoned therapist, I have worked with children, adolescents and adults who are struggling with concerns related to self-esteem, school, ADHD, work, family, life stage transitions, eating disorders, illness and losses.
![Photo of Ann Abram, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bfa046f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychoanalyst and psychotherapist, and have a PhD in clinical social work, with a practice in Westport, CT. I have over 25 years of clinical experience in treating depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and parenting concerns. I also work with grandparents. I see adolescents, adults and couples including non-traditional families, and LGBTQ. Nothing is more important and comforting than feeling understood. No concern is too big or too small to explore. I welcome all feelings. Whether you feel overwhelmed or have feelings, thoughts and behavior patterns that concern you, we will work together to achieve your goals.
I am a psychoanalyst and psychotherapist, and have a PhD in clinical social work, with a practice in Westport, CT. I have over 25 years of clinical experience in treating depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and parenting concerns. I also work with grandparents. I see adolescents, adults and couples including non-traditional families, and LGBTQ. Nothing is more important and comforting than feeling understood. No concern is too big or too small to explore. I welcome all feelings. Whether you feel overwhelmed or have feelings, thoughts and behavior patterns that concern you, we will work together to achieve your goals.
![Photo of Lift Teen And Paren Wellness Center - Lift Teen and Parent Wellness Center, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e472b8d-5be2-4f80-a7cd-ebfd2c3ec4a3/1/320x400.png)
Lift Teen and Parent Wellness Center
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Westport, CT 06880
Our mission at Teen and Parent Wellness Centers is to provide concentrated and comprehensive treatment for mental health diagnoses and eating disorders for patients and their families. Our small-milieu settings allow for customization of care from admission through discharge/after-care. LIFT is the only Southwestern Connecticut program with PHP and IOP services offerings exclusively created and run by specialists and licensed providers. Unlike any other regional program, our direct service providers consist of a multidisciplinary clinical team of experts.
Our mission at Teen and Parent Wellness Centers is to provide concentrated and comprehensive treatment for mental health diagnoses and eating disorders for patients and their families. Our small-milieu settings allow for customization of care from admission through discharge/after-care. LIFT is the only Southwestern Connecticut program with PHP and IOP services offerings exclusively created and run by specialists and licensed providers. Unlike any other regional program, our direct service providers consist of a multidisciplinary clinical team of experts.
![Photo of Nicole Gabriel, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cb0e8c9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Within my practice, I have been particularly successful in working with individuals with eating disorders and disordered eating patterns.
I believe that helping individuals and families heal both physically and emotionally allows for changes in behavior and relationships. I am truly invested in helping ease the pain of those individuals in personal struggles through the realities of life. My goal is to restore peace and the human spirit within each individual. I work with individuals to reduce conflict, improve communication and relationships, and embrace individual strengths. I feel that a strong therapeutic relationship facilitates trust and growth. Individuals can expect to be treated with respect, compassion and care in a supportive and nurturing therapeutic environment.
Within my practice, I have been particularly successful in working with individuals with eating disorders and disordered eating patterns.
I believe that helping individuals and families heal both physically and emotionally allows for changes in behavior and relationships. I am truly invested in helping ease the pain of those individuals in personal struggles through the realities of life. My goal is to restore peace and the human spirit within each individual. I work with individuals to reduce conflict, improve communication and relationships, and embrace individual strengths. I feel that a strong therapeutic relationship facilitates trust and growth. Individuals can expect to be treated with respect, compassion and care in a supportive and nurturing therapeutic environment.
![Photo of Ingi A Soliman, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c6b3694-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in child/adolescent psychotherapy, parenting training, grief counseling, and eating disorders.
I have been in private practice for more than 15 years and pride myself on helping individuals develop a strong sense of identity. I received my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The New School for Social Research and have extensive training from Beth Israel Medical Center, North Central Bronx Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital, and New York Presbyterian Hospital. I practice in Westport, CT, and Manhattan, NY. I work with families, adults, children, and adolescents suffering from mood, anxiety, and eating disorders, and help cope with life transitions, including parenthood, divorce, emerging adulthood, medical illness, and end-of-life.
I specialize in child/adolescent psychotherapy, parenting training, grief counseling, and eating disorders.
I have been in private practice for more than 15 years and pride myself on helping individuals develop a strong sense of identity. I received my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The New School for Social Research and have extensive training from Beth Israel Medical Center, North Central Bronx Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital, and New York Presbyterian Hospital. I practice in Westport, CT, and Manhattan, NY. I work with families, adults, children, and adolescents suffering from mood, anxiety, and eating disorders, and help cope with life transitions, including parenthood, divorce, emerging adulthood, medical illness, and end-of-life.
![Photo of Mary Dobson, LMFT, CEDS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7155d3d8-aae2-45bf-befa-93a27f964a79/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am also a certified eating disorder specialist with 15 years of experience diagnosing and treating eating disorders.
My mission is to empower you to define and claim the authentic, peaceful life you were born to lead; letting go of self-judgment, guilt, and maladaptive patterns to uncover strength and resilience. I believe in the transformational, healing power of a trusted therapeutic relationship. I possess advanced training and expertise in a variety of evidence-based modalities. Collaborative assessments and thoughtful, intentional treatment planning yield a customized course of action tailored to match your presenting problem and case disposition. I look forward to working with you, and am honored to play a role in your unfolding story!
I am also a certified eating disorder specialist with 15 years of experience diagnosing and treating eating disorders.
My mission is to empower you to define and claim the authentic, peaceful life you were born to lead; letting go of self-judgment, guilt, and maladaptive patterns to uncover strength and resilience. I believe in the transformational, healing power of a trusted therapeutic relationship. I possess advanced training and expertise in a variety of evidence-based modalities. Collaborative assessments and thoughtful, intentional treatment planning yield a customized course of action tailored to match your presenting problem and case disposition. I look forward to working with you, and am honored to play a role in your unfolding story!
![Photo of Susan Scheufele, EdM, LPC, LP, Licensed Psychoanalyst](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ce9e932-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Scheufele
Licensed Psychoanalyst, EdM, LPC, LP
Verified Verified
Westport, CT 06880
Waitlist for new clients
I am a psychotherapist and psychoanalyst with over 25 years experience in private practice. Individuals come to see me about anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, eating disorders, gender identity, parenting, and life transitions. I will help you understand the causes of your stress and anxieties as we explore your thoughts, feelings and past and present day experiences. Together we will develop strategies for healing and pathways to personal change so that you may move forward and grow.
I am a psychotherapist and psychoanalyst with over 25 years experience in private practice. Individuals come to see me about anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, eating disorders, gender identity, parenting, and life transitions. I will help you understand the causes of your stress and anxieties as we explore your thoughts, feelings and past and present day experiences. Together we will develop strategies for healing and pathways to personal change so that you may move forward and grow.
![Photo of Alexis Meytin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/625a559c-c71d-4982-90d3-2d03f8ea08cc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alexis Meytin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Westport, CT 06880 (Online Only)
Are you struggling with an increase in anxiety, obsessive thinking, or guilt around food? Do you feel as though your relationship with food is keeping you from living the life you want? Are you so consumed with thoughts around food and body image that you struggle to prioritize what is most important to you? Are you compromising your values and morals to achieve perfection in an imperfect world? If so, I am here to help you on your journey to recovery and push through that perfectionism. I have training in the treatment of eating disorders at the inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient levels of care.
Are you struggling with an increase in anxiety, obsessive thinking, or guilt around food? Do you feel as though your relationship with food is keeping you from living the life you want? Are you so consumed with thoughts around food and body image that you struggle to prioritize what is most important to you? Are you compromising your values and morals to achieve perfection in an imperfect world? If so, I am here to help you on your journey to recovery and push through that perfectionism. I have training in the treatment of eating disorders at the inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient levels of care.
![Photo of Sharon Mccormick, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d55c23c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My experience treating anxiety, depression, infidelity, parenting challenges, eating disorders and substance abuse, in a private practice and hospital setting, has prepared me to help those dealing with severe symptoms as well as the everyday challenges that can cause distress.
The benefits of therapy have everything to do with the connection between client and therapist. As a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, I work hard to create an atmosphere where clients can comfortably explore difficulties and concerns in their lives and with their loves. My approach to working with individuals, couples and families is focused on maintaining an empathetic, non-judgemental environment, with much attention paid to sustainable solutions in support of the client's goals.
My experience treating anxiety, depression, infidelity, parenting challenges, eating disorders and substance abuse, in a private practice and hospital setting, has prepared me to help those dealing with severe symptoms as well as the everyday challenges that can cause distress.
The benefits of therapy have everything to do with the connection between client and therapist. As a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, I work hard to create an atmosphere where clients can comfortably explore difficulties and concerns in their lives and with their loves. My approach to working with individuals, couples and families is focused on maintaining an empathetic, non-judgemental environment, with much attention paid to sustainable solutions in support of the client's goals.
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![Photo of Zoe Cohen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/981da89d-22e0-41fd-ac6b-9601f16182c1/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, eating disorders, OCD, trauma, and general life struggles.
My practice focuses on providing evidence-based therapy to individuals seeking support while also creating a safe, comforting, and collaborative dynamic with my clients. I have intensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT), and Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT-E).
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, eating disorders, OCD, trauma, and general life struggles.
My practice focuses on providing evidence-based therapy to individuals seeking support while also creating a safe, comforting, and collaborative dynamic with my clients. I have intensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT), and Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT-E).
![Photo of Selbe Potter Ruggiero, LCSW, ADC, QLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3db4be9f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Selbe Potter Ruggiero
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ADC, QLC
Verified Verified
Westport, CT 06880
Anxiety, OCD, depression, eating disorders and relationship challenges can seem debilitating and overwhelming.
Anxious? Depressed? Substance abuse issues or addiction torment? Body image, weight and food a frequent obsession? Relationship problems? Not sure what to do in your life, need direction? If any of these questions haunt your life or trouble you, I can help. My professional training is extensive allowing me to customize treatment to individual personality, need and goals. I am a certified clinical supervisor associated with Columbia, NYU and Yale. Much of my work is Evidenced Based Practice which insures the best treatment outcomes. This foundation creates success, competence and well being. I can help you live your best life.
Anxiety, OCD, depression, eating disorders and relationship challenges can seem debilitating and overwhelming.
Anxious? Depressed? Substance abuse issues or addiction torment? Body image, weight and food a frequent obsession? Relationship problems? Not sure what to do in your life, need direction? If any of these questions haunt your life or trouble you, I can help. My professional training is extensive allowing me to customize treatment to individual personality, need and goals. I am a certified clinical supervisor associated with Columbia, NYU and Yale. Much of my work is Evidenced Based Practice which insures the best treatment outcomes. This foundation creates success, competence and well being. I can help you live your best life.
![Photo of Mary Ellen Staudt, LPC, NCC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43ebfd54-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mary Ellen Staudt
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Westport, CT 06880
I will help you to create the life you want to be living, by increasing your self-knowledge and effectiveness in bringing energy and inspiration to each day. We will identify opportunities for improvement based on existing strengths, as I assist you in developing productive strategies to overcome a wide range of common issues (anxiety, depression, grief, stress, trauma, physical/sexual/emotional abuse, self-injury, relational conflict, eating disorders, substance abuse, ACOA issues & career development concerns). My solution-focused approach fosters a sense of safety, providing space for introspection, reflection and growth.
I will help you to create the life you want to be living, by increasing your self-knowledge and effectiveness in bringing energy and inspiration to each day. We will identify opportunities for improvement based on existing strengths, as I assist you in developing productive strategies to overcome a wide range of common issues (anxiety, depression, grief, stress, trauma, physical/sexual/emotional abuse, self-injury, relational conflict, eating disorders, substance abuse, ACOA issues & career development concerns). My solution-focused approach fosters a sense of safety, providing space for introspection, reflection and growth.
![Photo of Randi Roth, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ba615d1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that the power for change resides in each individual and that therapy can promote and facilitate desired changes through the collaborative therapeutic relationship. I strive to create a safe environment and relationship within which each individual can explore old patterns of relating and create new relational capacities.
I have 23 years of experience and expertise treating depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse, divorce adjustment, parenting as well as couples therapy. I have post-doctoral training and teach new therapists at the post-doc level. In addition to psychotherapy.
I believe that the power for change resides in each individual and that therapy can promote and facilitate desired changes through the collaborative therapeutic relationship. I strive to create a safe environment and relationship within which each individual can explore old patterns of relating and create new relational capacities.
I have 23 years of experience and expertise treating depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse, divorce adjustment, parenting as well as couples therapy. I have post-doctoral training and teach new therapists at the post-doc level. In addition to psychotherapy.
![Photo of Michele Battey, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/421882c9-c3aa-4ab0-b0c9-a3d007ee5204/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), dedicated in helping my clients overcome their trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorder and substance use, in addition to other life challenges.
I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), dedicated in helping my clients overcome their trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorder and substance use, in addition to other life challenges.
![Photo of Kaitlyn Labbie, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/936d33fb-bd3b-444b-b6ce-836abbc31437/1/320x400.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.
![Photo of Shelly Allen, LCSW, HHC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d75797e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shelly Allen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, HHC
Verified Verified
Westport, CT 06880 (Online Only)
I am a holistic integrative psychotherapist practicing in NY and CT since 2009. I see people who want to improve their relationships for greater connections, anxiety and depression, loss and grief, disordered eating, negative body image, sexual issues, and various addictions. I view you as a unique individual so our work together is also unique, not cookie cutter. I embody a whole person approach between physical and emotional conflict resolution. Together we can work to heal, improve connections and grow.
I am a holistic integrative psychotherapist practicing in NY and CT since 2009. I see people who want to improve their relationships for greater connections, anxiety and depression, loss and grief, disordered eating, negative body image, sexual issues, and various addictions. I view you as a unique individual so our work together is also unique, not cookie cutter. I embody a whole person approach between physical and emotional conflict resolution. Together we can work to heal, improve connections and grow.
![Photo of Patricia Hardy - LIFT Wellness Group, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6707061-fa7e-40d7-9585-644294030b82/1/320x400.png)
Your family's wellness solution. For over a decade, Lift has served as CT's premier choice for counseling, psychotherapy, concierge medical, psychological testing, and nutrition services. Equipped to meet the myriad of needs of modern families, Lift's multidisciplinary team provides psychiatric evaluations, dietary services, individual, group, couples & family therapy, eating disorder treatment, CBT, DBT, EMDR, ADHD evaluations & care, play therapy, career/effectiveness coaching, and mood and anxiety treatment, in person (Westport CT,) and remotely (CT, TN, VA, CO, TX, NY, FL, MA, DC, GA, NC, PA.)
Your family's wellness solution. For over a decade, Lift has served as CT's premier choice for counseling, psychotherapy, concierge medical, psychological testing, and nutrition services. Equipped to meet the myriad of needs of modern families, Lift's multidisciplinary team provides psychiatric evaluations, dietary services, individual, group, couples & family therapy, eating disorder treatment, CBT, DBT, EMDR, ADHD evaluations & care, play therapy, career/effectiveness coaching, and mood and anxiety treatment, in person (Westport CT,) and remotely (CT, TN, VA, CO, TX, NY, FL, MA, DC, GA, NC, PA.)
![Photo of Laura Schacter, LCPC, RYT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46501304-b447-4db3-b205-3f5f94330b2d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am very passionate and devoted to helping adults, adolescents and families find a peaceful and empowering path to a greater quality of life. I am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior and Trauma Therapy. The use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is to strike a balance between validation (acceptance) of who you are, your challenges and the benefits of working towards change in “creating a life worth living”. I believe in treating the whole person (mind, body, soul) and the importance of understanding the messages we receive from our body, function of emotions and thoughts.
I am very passionate and devoted to helping adults, adolescents and families find a peaceful and empowering path to a greater quality of life. I am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior and Trauma Therapy. The use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is to strike a balance between validation (acceptance) of who you are, your challenges and the benefits of working towards change in “creating a life worth living”. I believe in treating the whole person (mind, body, soul) and the importance of understanding the messages we receive from our body, function of emotions and thoughts.
See more therapy options for Westport
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.