Eating Disorders Therapists in Sacramento, CA
![Photo of Enid Wilson, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a0b476b-5f0b-4de7-b49a-44033598b98b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Enid Wilson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95825
I work with trauma survivors and anxiety-based disorders: PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, eating disorders, OCD and OCPD.
I am passionate about helping clients reconnect with themselves and move forward after trauma or hurtful relationships with a sense of strength, self-confidence, and healthy coping skills. I work with individuals (ages 10+) who are healing from a harmful event or relationship, struggling with a sense of self and satisfaction, or want to gain insight into themselves and their relationships. Together we can work toward more self-awareness, satisfaction, and stronger communication skills while decreasing the negative effects of stress and conflict.
I work with trauma survivors and anxiety-based disorders: PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, eating disorders, OCD and OCPD.
I am passionate about helping clients reconnect with themselves and move forward after trauma or hurtful relationships with a sense of strength, self-confidence, and healthy coping skills. I work with individuals (ages 10+) who are healing from a harmful event or relationship, struggling with a sense of self and satisfaction, or want to gain insight into themselves and their relationships. Together we can work toward more self-awareness, satisfaction, and stronger communication skills while decreasing the negative effects of stress and conflict.
My varied experience over the past years has given a strong background in providing services to people struggling with severe mental illness, personality disorders, developmental disabilities, substance use issues, eating disorders and general difficulties with life transitions.
The Therapist for People Who Don't Like Therapy... My biggest goal in therapy is to get you out of my office and back into your life! With that said, I have found that most people, at some point in their life, could benefit from some professional listening and feedback. Our friends and family are great sources of support, but are often too closely involved to provide the kind of unbiased perspective that we need to help us out of a rut or to enact the true change that we really desire.
My varied experience over the past years has given a strong background in providing services to people struggling with severe mental illness, personality disorders, developmental disabilities, substance use issues, eating disorders and general difficulties with life transitions.
The Therapist for People Who Don't Like Therapy... My biggest goal in therapy is to get you out of my office and back into your life! With that said, I have found that most people, at some point in their life, could benefit from some professional listening and feedback. Our friends and family are great sources of support, but are often too closely involved to provide the kind of unbiased perspective that we need to help us out of a rut or to enact the true change that we really desire.
![Photo of Jessie Regan, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d00da1b1-7d14-4a0f-bbae-7e7c24b8b3b5/2/320x400.png)
I also have extensive experience in treating eating disorders and am passionate about supporting clients through the complexities of recovery.
I’m the type of therapist who enjoys taking on the complexity of life, emotions, and relationships. I help individuals and couples who find themselves in a place in life where so much seems to be going right, but stress or insecurities may be taking big toll. On the outside it may seem like you have it all together, but what others might not see is the immense pressure or emotional distress that has been building up beneath the surface. It might feel like we should be able to figure it all out on our own, but even the most successful, self-sufficient people need support working through life's challenges.
I also have extensive experience in treating eating disorders and am passionate about supporting clients through the complexities of recovery.
I’m the type of therapist who enjoys taking on the complexity of life, emotions, and relationships. I help individuals and couples who find themselves in a place in life where so much seems to be going right, but stress or insecurities may be taking big toll. On the outside it may seem like you have it all together, but what others might not see is the immense pressure or emotional distress that has been building up beneath the surface. It might feel like we should be able to figure it all out on our own, but even the most successful, self-sufficient people need support working through life's challenges.
![Photo of Dr. Zoe Ross-Nash, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/daae58c1-844d-44cf-97db-ccf7c74feea7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Zoe Ross-Nash
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816 (Online Only)
Dr. Ross-Nash provides clinical services to individuals, couples, and families. She specializes in and treats various situations and disorders, including trauma, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and relationship concerns. Dr. Ross-Nash seeks to understand what happened to her clients in context of their histories and identities, not what is wrong with them.
Dr. Ross-Nash provides clinical services to individuals, couples, and families. She specializes in and treats various situations and disorders, including trauma, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and relationship concerns. Dr. Ross-Nash seeks to understand what happened to her clients in context of their histories and identities, not what is wrong with them.
![Photo of Julia Hollingshead (Sierra Center For Wellness), LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c696ac90-0092-4523-950a-d144fcbae38d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Julia Hollingshead (Sierra Center For Wellness)
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95825
Hello! I've been practicing as a therapist for five years. I have significant experience using Family Based Treatment (FBT), the leading evidence-based treatment for adolescents with anorexia that can effectively treat other eating disorders as well. I also have ample experience in treating adolescents and young adults with eating disorders with more common modalities such as CBT and DBT. People with eating disorders often struggle with other things, such as trauma and anxiety. As a result, I've become competent in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based treatment for trauma and other stressors.
Hello! I've been practicing as a therapist for five years. I have significant experience using Family Based Treatment (FBT), the leading evidence-based treatment for adolescents with anorexia that can effectively treat other eating disorders as well. I also have ample experience in treating adolescents and young adults with eating disorders with more common modalities such as CBT and DBT. People with eating disorders often struggle with other things, such as trauma and anxiety. As a result, I've become competent in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based treatment for trauma and other stressors.
![Photo of Tricia Brandes, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a45fd489-a215-4291-8368-ffcefe90a6f4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tricia Brandes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816 (Online Only)
My clinical work is dedicated to helping people overcome suffering while developing healthy, productive, and fulfilling relationships and lives. I specialize in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, eating disorders, life transitions, grief/bereavement, self-esteem and body image issues. I offer supportive, confidential, and individually-tailored treatment for adults and young adults. I have a flexible and integrative orientation that is influenced by psychodynamic relational theories while integrating mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and values based therapies.
My clinical work is dedicated to helping people overcome suffering while developing healthy, productive, and fulfilling relationships and lives. I specialize in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, eating disorders, life transitions, grief/bereavement, self-esteem and body image issues. I offer supportive, confidential, and individually-tailored treatment for adults and young adults. I have a flexible and integrative orientation that is influenced by psychodynamic relational theories while integrating mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and values based therapies.
![Photo of Dr. Katie S Polsky, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/547ee4a5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked in all levels of eating disorder care (residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, colleges) to help those suffering from Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who as a generalist works with a variety of presenting problems and enjoys working with different populations. I have extensive experience working with women, men, adolescents, and children with eating disorders and OCD. It is critical to individually tailor treatment to each client's needs. I utilize relational, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, values based therapies in my practice. I have experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I have a collaborative approach where therapist and client work as a team to better understand the problem and work towards healing and emotional health.
I have worked in all levels of eating disorder care (residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, colleges) to help those suffering from Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who as a generalist works with a variety of presenting problems and enjoys working with different populations. I have extensive experience working with women, men, adolescents, and children with eating disorders and OCD. It is critical to individually tailor treatment to each client's needs. I utilize relational, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, values based therapies in my practice. I have experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I have a collaborative approach where therapist and client work as a team to better understand the problem and work towards healing and emotional health.
![Photo of Susan L Boulware, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cb7334f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treating eating disorders in adolescents and adults.
I have been in private practice for 30 years, providing psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy to adolescents and adults. Each person is unique and I strive to listen carefully to you and your life history. I create a treatment plan that is unique to you. My approach addresses the underlying, mostly unconscious beliefs, emotions, and expectations that create problems in life. This approach is appropriate for many different issues as it addresses the deep causes of difficulties. The changes you make in psychoanalytic psychotherapy are deep and enduring and eliminates the need for symptoms as coping strategies.
I specialize in treating eating disorders in adolescents and adults.
I have been in private practice for 30 years, providing psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy to adolescents and adults. Each person is unique and I strive to listen carefully to you and your life history. I create a treatment plan that is unique to you. My approach addresses the underlying, mostly unconscious beliefs, emotions, and expectations that create problems in life. This approach is appropriate for many different issues as it addresses the deep causes of difficulties. The changes you make in psychoanalytic psychotherapy are deep and enduring and eliminates the need for symptoms as coping strategies.
![Photo of Maria Miller, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bc59aa4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maria Miller
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95864 (Online Only)
I have extensive experience with adult and adolescent clients and their families dealing with eating disorders, anxiety, stress management, self hatred, trauma, life transitions, depression, addictions, and identity issues.
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or out of control? I offer effective and compassionate psychotherapy services to adults and couples. I specialize in treating eating disorders, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship issues. You'll find me to be a compassionate listener, working with you to help you achieve the changes you would like to see in your life. Together we will identify and develop your strengths and interests so you can achieve your goals. I offer a safe place for you to talk about your fears and worries, body image and self-esteem struggles, relationship challenges, career and life transitions.
I have extensive experience with adult and adolescent clients and their families dealing with eating disorders, anxiety, stress management, self hatred, trauma, life transitions, depression, addictions, and identity issues.
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or out of control? I offer effective and compassionate psychotherapy services to adults and couples. I specialize in treating eating disorders, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship issues. You'll find me to be a compassionate listener, working with you to help you achieve the changes you would like to see in your life. Together we will identify and develop your strengths and interests so you can achieve your goals. I offer a safe place for you to talk about your fears and worries, body image and self-esteem struggles, relationship challenges, career and life transitions.
![Photo of Tony Paulson, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ce9b09b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
In the 35 years I have treated people suffering from eating disorders I have witnessed many reclaim their lives from ED and live the life they were meant to have. The path to your recovery can be steep and full of obstacles. You might feel like you can't take another step or the obstacles are too large. I can assure you that you will not walk this path alone. You will be given guidance, comfort and motivation to keep you moving toward recovery. Don't let another day go by trapped by your eating disorder.
In the 35 years I have treated people suffering from eating disorders I have witnessed many reclaim their lives from ED and live the life they were meant to have. The path to your recovery can be steep and full of obstacles. You might feel like you can't take another step or the obstacles are too large. I can assure you that you will not walk this path alone. You will be given guidance, comfort and motivation to keep you moving toward recovery. Don't let another day go by trapped by your eating disorder.
![Photo of Karen Miller, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/89fc8778-9cd4-43f6-9f18-94e66e7a6959/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed psychologist who specializes in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, eating disorders, life transitions, career issues, grief/bereavement, gains and losses, self-esteem and body image issues, and trauma. I work collaboratively with clients in order to empower them to be their best selves. I use a client-centered approach to counsel and address clients’ unique challenges from developmental, cultural, and psychological viewpoints. I help clients to see what is in their control to change and where it may help to practice acceptance.
I am a licensed psychologist who specializes in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, eating disorders, life transitions, career issues, grief/bereavement, gains and losses, self-esteem and body image issues, and trauma. I work collaboratively with clients in order to empower them to be their best selves. I use a client-centered approach to counsel and address clients’ unique challenges from developmental, cultural, and psychological viewpoints. I help clients to see what is in their control to change and where it may help to practice acceptance.
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![Photo of Debbie Warner Glander, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/687b0095-df6b-4c9d-a98f-de08e9026c6d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Debbie Warner Glander
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95825
Shame, anxiety, overwhelming stress and relationship difficulties can disrupt our ability to live a mindful and conscious life. Working with adults and adolescents to promote acceptance, empathy and compassion is my primary interest and the approach I take in therapy. I also have experience and a passion for working with clients who are struggling with Eating Disorders and body image issues. I feel that the energy between therapist and client is the first step in healing emotional wounds and promoting positive changes.
Shame, anxiety, overwhelming stress and relationship difficulties can disrupt our ability to live a mindful and conscious life. Working with adults and adolescents to promote acceptance, empathy and compassion is my primary interest and the approach I take in therapy. I also have experience and a passion for working with clients who are struggling with Eating Disorders and body image issues. I feel that the energy between therapist and client is the first step in healing emotional wounds and promoting positive changes.
![Photo of Kimberly Benning, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6d467132-0a58-41f9-bf4b-e667549ba262/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly Benning
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95838
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in eating disorders and disordered eating, addictions, anxiety, and depression. I work largely from a cognitive-behavioral framework, helping patients to identify and restructure their thoughts that lead to maladaptive behaviors, in order to engage in healthier and more productive ways. If you want to make peace with food, learn to love your body, feel more stable and secure in your emotions, strengthen your relationships, break free from addictive behaviors, or just have someone to talk to when life gets rough, please reach out!
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in eating disorders and disordered eating, addictions, anxiety, and depression. I work largely from a cognitive-behavioral framework, helping patients to identify and restructure their thoughts that lead to maladaptive behaviors, in order to engage in healthier and more productive ways. If you want to make peace with food, learn to love your body, feel more stable and secure in your emotions, strengthen your relationships, break free from addictive behaviors, or just have someone to talk to when life gets rough, please reach out!
![Photo of Kendra Hester, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0bdf865b-a270-4990-ad5c-74f89dcdb4d9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kendra Hester
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95864
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, disordered eating, body image and self-esteem challenges, and co-occurring disorders in children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Hello and welcome! Are you or your child struggling with an eating disorder or body image issues and don't know where to start? Are you are feeling alone, overwhelmed, or uncertain about navigating eating disorder recovery? I have experience working with teenagers, groups, families, and adults as they work to build a life free of eating disorder behaviors and in alignment with their core values.
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, disordered eating, body image and self-esteem challenges, and co-occurring disorders in children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Hello and welcome! Are you or your child struggling with an eating disorder or body image issues and don't know where to start? Are you are feeling alone, overwhelmed, or uncertain about navigating eating disorder recovery? I have experience working with teenagers, groups, families, and adults as they work to build a life free of eating disorder behaviors and in alignment with their core values.
![Photo of Emily Hanson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1811096c-9f90-42fb-995b-7332c1a573a6/3/320x400.jpeg)
I welcome clients of varying backgrounds and my specialties are Trauma (specifically sexual assault trauma and workplace trauma), Eating Disorders, Addiction, Anxiety, and Depression.
Are you feeling lost, depressed or anxious? Is recent or past trauma disrupting your life? Are you consumed with distressing thoughts about food and/or your body? Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed with life stressors, struggling in your relationships or feeling disconnected from your values. Through therapy, I can offer you a non-judgmental, compassionate and trusting space to support you in exploring the areas of your life that are painful, overwhelming or unfulfilling. Using your values as a guide, we will establish goals to work through the barriers preventing you from achieving your happiest, healthiest and most authentic self.
I welcome clients of varying backgrounds and my specialties are Trauma (specifically sexual assault trauma and workplace trauma), Eating Disorders, Addiction, Anxiety, and Depression.
Are you feeling lost, depressed or anxious? Is recent or past trauma disrupting your life? Are you consumed with distressing thoughts about food and/or your body? Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed with life stressors, struggling in your relationships or feeling disconnected from your values. Through therapy, I can offer you a non-judgmental, compassionate and trusting space to support you in exploring the areas of your life that are painful, overwhelming or unfulfilling. Using your values as a guide, we will establish goals to work through the barriers preventing you from achieving your happiest, healthiest and most authentic self.
![Photo of Maggie Kohout, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc20dbee-d38b-453c-9220-2a7e27c944bd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maggie Kohout
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 94203 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm Maggie. It would be a great honor to be a part of your journey towards healing, rest, and recovery. My hope is to help you in whatever way I can. Everyone's path looks different, and my aim is to get to know you and to support you with your goals and intentions. I help people with many things; however some of my main specialties include eating disorders, body image, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, relationships, job stress, transition into adulthood, pregnancy, postpartum, and being new to parenthood.
Hi! I'm Maggie. It would be a great honor to be a part of your journey towards healing, rest, and recovery. My hope is to help you in whatever way I can. Everyone's path looks different, and my aim is to get to know you and to support you with your goals and intentions. I help people with many things; however some of my main specialties include eating disorders, body image, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, relationships, job stress, transition into adulthood, pregnancy, postpartum, and being new to parenthood.
![Photo of Molly Paris, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b22e963c-fb9d-470b-81e6-a8d2cd2f0350/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treating those with eating disorders, poor body image, and self-esteem issues.
Sharing our inner experiences with someone can often feel frightening, which is exactly why I place such an importance on connection and acceptance in the therapeutic process. I aim to create a safe environment that will invite my clients to delve deeper into their personal narrative, as I truly believe we are not built to process emotions alone. As humans, we all have a propensity to grow and become our true selves, unfortunately we aren’t always gifted with the circumstances to allow it. I am passionate about creating a space for not only self-discovery and self acceptance, but to allow clients to feel seen, heard, and valued.
I specialize in treating those with eating disorders, poor body image, and self-esteem issues.
Sharing our inner experiences with someone can often feel frightening, which is exactly why I place such an importance on connection and acceptance in the therapeutic process. I aim to create a safe environment that will invite my clients to delve deeper into their personal narrative, as I truly believe we are not built to process emotions alone. As humans, we all have a propensity to grow and become our true selves, unfortunately we aren’t always gifted with the circumstances to allow it. I am passionate about creating a space for not only self-discovery and self acceptance, but to allow clients to feel seen, heard, and valued.
![Photo of Elizabeth Reyes, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8a1c72d0-e096-4ce2-af6f-e87831c399ed/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Reyes
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95826
I believe each person’s journey of growth and healing is unique. I am passionate about empowering individuals through complex life experiences and unlocking their resilience. I’ve had the opportunity to work with folks of various ages from young childhood to adulthood in individual, family, and group therapy. I’ve worked with a range of mental health and life challenges related to anxiety, depression, life transitions, eating disorders, mood disorders, and family dynamics.
I believe each person’s journey of growth and healing is unique. I am passionate about empowering individuals through complex life experiences and unlocking their resilience. I’ve had the opportunity to work with folks of various ages from young childhood to adulthood in individual, family, and group therapy. I’ve worked with a range of mental health and life challenges related to anxiety, depression, life transitions, eating disorders, mood disorders, and family dynamics.
![Photo of Erin Patterson, MC, LPCC, CEDS-C, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d7e71bce-16c5-4322-bcb7-1117298e8d8d/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and Consultant and specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Whatever has brought you here, welcome. If you or a loved one are struggling with eating disorder behaviors or other self-destructive behaviors, I am effective at treating these and addressing the underlying issues that fuel them.
I'm a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and Consultant and specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Whatever has brought you here, welcome. If you or a loved one are struggling with eating disorder behaviors or other self-destructive behaviors, I am effective at treating these and addressing the underlying issues that fuel them.
![Photo of Corey Lucero-Perkins, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1fb52a56-33b9-4d73-9b33-0a97f8c60671/1/320x400.jpeg)
Corey Lucero-Perkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95817
Welcome! If you are reading this, you have taken the first step to uncover the obstacles and barriers to living your valued life. Do you feel you are trying but it's not working? Are you feeling stuck, tired and frustrated? I offer a safe space for you to gain clarity on the underlying issues of eating disorders, depression, anxiety disorders and other life issues that may be interfering with your life. I believe in an individual's innate capacity to heal and grow at any stage in their life. It can and will happen.
Welcome! If you are reading this, you have taken the first step to uncover the obstacles and barriers to living your valued life. Do you feel you are trying but it's not working? Are you feeling stuck, tired and frustrated? I offer a safe space for you to gain clarity on the underlying issues of eating disorders, depression, anxiety disorders and other life issues that may be interfering with your life. I believe in an individual's innate capacity to heal and grow at any stage in their life. It can and will happen.
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Eating Disorders Therapists
What happens in therapy for eating disorders?
In therapy for eating disorders, patients typically describe their eating and exercise behaviors, their patterns of eating in relation to stress, their beliefs about their body, the ways their eating behavior affects their relationships, and their desire (or lack of it) to change. Such information helps the therapist understand the origins of the disorder and the role it plays in the patient’s life, important for guiding treatment. Attitudes and feelings about food and eating, body weight, and physical appearance are common topics of discussion throughout treatment.
What therapy types help with eating disorders?
Once any acute medical or psychiatric emergency is resolved, psychoactive medication is often prescribed, requiring the supervision of a psychiatrist. In addition, patients receive some form of nutritional counseling along with one or more forms of psychotherapy. For adolescents, family-based treatment is empirically validated and considered the first line of treatment; parents and their children meet weekly with a clinician as the adults are coached on how to nourish and psychologically support the young patient. Adults typically receive some form of individual psychotherapy, intended to resolve the cognitive and behavioral disturbances that underlie the disorder and to relieve the mood disturbances that accompany it. In addition, patients may also be helped by group therapy.
What is the goal of therapy for eating disorders?
The most immediate goal of treatment for eating disorders is to save the life of people who are on a path of starving themselves to death or engaging in eating patterns that are doing irreparable physical harm to their body. Once the acute medical danger is past, therapy is required to understand the nature of the disordered eating and/or exercise patterns, establish healthy eating behavior, and to tackle the many erroneous beliefs and distorted self-perceptions that underlie eating disorders and continue to pose a threat to health and life. Therapy also addresses the impaired mood that not only accompanies eating disorders but intensifies the danger to health and life.
What are the limitations of therapy for eating disorders?
Therapy can be very helpful for eating disorders—but that can happen only after people recognize they have a condition that must be treated. Especially with anorexia, the distortions in self-image that accompany the disorder can keep people from acknowledging they have a problem. Individuals may in fact see their eating disorder as a badge of self-control. Those with binge-eating disorder may feel too ashamed to seek help. Therapy cannot help those who do not avail themselves of it.
How long does therapy last for eating disorders?
Because of their complexity, recovery from eating disorders is usually a long-term process—measured in months and years— often marked by setbacks and relapse. Some form of help, such as individual or group therapy, may be advisable for much of that time. It is a general rule of thumb that the longer the illness has endured and the dysregulated eating behavior has taken root, the longer treatment is likely to be needed.