Eating Disorders Therapists in Hernando, FL

Photo of Ronnye M Drexler - Solution Focused Counseling and Consultation, LLC, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Solution Focused Counseling and Consultation, LLC
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hernando, FL 34442  (Online Only)
I specialize in the follow areas: antisocial behavior, chronic pain, eating disorders, family conflict, grief and loss unresolved, low self-esteem, medical issues, phase of life problems, PTSD, sleep disturbances, spiritual confusion, trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar, sexual identity, substance abuse and addiction, and parenting.
I am accepting new patients. Has the Covid-19 caused difficulties in your life. Well we are here to help. Are you anxious, feeling stuck, or depressed? Do you have family conflict or parent-child issues? There is hope for a more peaceful productive life. It is my goal to provide a safe nonjudgmental place to empower people with the insight and skills needed to move forward. I have experience and success in helping people with various types of anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, substance abuse, relationship issues, family problems, hard to handle teens. I am accepting new clients.
I specialize in the follow areas: antisocial behavior, chronic pain, eating disorders, family conflict, grief and loss unresolved, low self-esteem, medical issues, phase of life problems, PTSD, sleep disturbances, spiritual confusion, trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar, sexual identity, substance abuse and addiction, and parenting.
I am accepting new patients. Has the Covid-19 caused difficulties in your life. Well we are here to help. Are you anxious, feeling stuck, or depressed? Do you have family conflict or parent-child issues? There is hope for a more peaceful productive life. It is my goal to provide a safe nonjudgmental place to empower people with the insight and skills needed to move forward. I have experience and success in helping people with various types of anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, substance abuse, relationship issues, family problems, hard to handle teens. I am accepting new clients.
(352) 464-9620 View (352) 464-9620
Photo of Maria Eugenia Lizardi, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Maria Eugenia Lizardi
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Hernando, FL 34442  (Online Only)
My personal and professional experience with depression, anxiety, the grief process, and eating disorders.
Hola, I'm Maria, a licensed mental health counselor providing a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Together, we will navigate life's challenges and uncover your path to healing, growth, and fulfillment. Helping you learn coping strategies to walk through difficult situations or relationships. I work with multicultural issues. Fully bilingual (English and Spanish).
My personal and professional experience with depression, anxiety, the grief process, and eating disorders.
Hola, I'm Maria, a licensed mental health counselor providing a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Together, we will navigate life's challenges and uncover your path to healing, growth, and fulfillment. Helping you learn coping strategies to walk through difficult situations or relationships. I work with multicultural issues. Fully bilingual (English and Spanish).
(352) 204-0276 View (352) 204-0276
Photo of Myra F Ricketts, LMHC, LPC, CBHCMS, Counselor
Myra F Ricketts
Counselor, LMHC, LPC, CBHCMS
Verified Verified
Hernando, FL 34442
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem issues or just overwhelmed? Is your child having behavioral problems? Is your life going where you want it to? If you are ready to make the next move to improve your life, contact me so we can explore what might be getting in your way to being the person you want to be. I am also a Certified Life Coach and am passionate about helping my clients work towards achieving a better emotional and behavioral well-being.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem issues or just overwhelmed? Is your child having behavioral problems? Is your life going where you want it to? If you are ready to make the next move to improve your life, contact me so we can explore what might be getting in your way to being the person you want to be. I am also a Certified Life Coach and am passionate about helping my clients work towards achieving a better emotional and behavioral well-being.
(352) 436-8073 View (352) 436-8073
Photo of Martha M Phelps - Therapeutic Health Endeavors Institute Inc, LCSW, ACSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Therapeutic Health Endeavors Institute Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Hernando, FL 34442
At Therapeutic Health Endeavors Institute (THE Institute) therapy options are more than just a standardized method of service delivery. Our therapy practice offers a personalized way to examine your emotional/behavioral needs on your way to improving your life. By working with you to build skills to help yourself, THE Institute helps you make improvements that are lifelong. THE Institute has trained and skilled professionals who offer acceptance and warmth delivered in an atmosphere which is tailored to engage therapeutic growth and empowerment to all age groups and treatment areas.
At Therapeutic Health Endeavors Institute (THE Institute) therapy options are more than just a standardized method of service delivery. Our therapy practice offers a personalized way to examine your emotional/behavioral needs on your way to improving your life. By working with you to build skills to help yourself, THE Institute helps you make improvements that are lifelong. THE Institute has trained and skilled professionals who offer acceptance and warmth delivered in an atmosphere which is tailored to engage therapeutic growth and empowerment to all age groups and treatment areas.
(352) 269-0992 View (352) 269-0992

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Nathaniel Johnston, LCMHC, Counselor
Nathaniel Johnston
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, FL 34465
I am licensed in Florida with 12 years of professional work experience helping clients learn effective skills to manage stress and anxiety, along with identifying the root causes of addictions, & how to cope with trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with feeling depression, adjustment disorders, and relationship dysfunction, as well as with high school, college, and professional athletes for improved performance and well-being. I believe in short-term (3-5 days) and long-term (As long as needed) therapy treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion.
I am licensed in Florida with 12 years of professional work experience helping clients learn effective skills to manage stress and anxiety, along with identifying the root causes of addictions, & how to cope with trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with feeling depression, adjustment disorders, and relationship dysfunction, as well as with high school, college, and professional athletes for improved performance and well-being. I believe in short-term (3-5 days) and long-term (As long as needed) therapy treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion.
(904) 747-8388 View (904) 747-8388
Photo of Kathleen Kinney, LMHC, CAP, ACS, Counselor
Kathleen Kinney
Counselor, LMHC, CAP, ACS
Verified Verified
Inverness, FL 34452
I use Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psycho-Educational Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, and Reality Therapy to assist in clients meeting goals. My approach is based on the belief that clients help to manage their counseling experience. They will learn and establish boundaries within their life that help them recognize the things they can control and what they cannot. Clients will understand that the therapeutic relationship is a partnership in which they will be expected to put in the effort for homework, be accountable, and present within counseling alliance.
I use Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psycho-Educational Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, and Reality Therapy to assist in clients meeting goals. My approach is based on the belief that clients help to manage their counseling experience. They will learn and establish boundaries within their life that help them recognize the things they can control and what they cannot. Clients will understand that the therapeutic relationship is a partnership in which they will be expected to put in the effort for homework, be accountable, and present within counseling alliance.
(352) 644-7870 View (352) 644-7870

Online Therapists

Photo of Wendy Kimelman, LMHC, RN, BSN, Counselor
Wendy Kimelman
Counselor, LMHC, RN, BSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orlando, FL 32819
I also have experience working with eating disorders and clients and families dealing with chronic illness.
I believe that my clients have everything they need to achieve the life they want. Sometimes they just need a little light to shine in the darker places. I enjoy working with clients who are struggling with transition. Many of my clients have adopted life patterns that no longer suit them. I am inspired by the work I have seen my clients do. Supporting them to shift out of old stories that no longer suit them and move into a new narrative for their life that gets them to a place of joy is the best part of my work.
I also have experience working with eating disorders and clients and families dealing with chronic illness.
I believe that my clients have everything they need to achieve the life they want. Sometimes they just need a little light to shine in the darker places. I enjoy working with clients who are struggling with transition. Many of my clients have adopted life patterns that no longer suit them. I am inspired by the work I have seen my clients do. Supporting them to shift out of old stories that no longer suit them and move into a new narrative for their life that gets them to a place of joy is the best part of my work.
(407) 743-8381 View (407) 743-8381
Photo of Alexandra Englert, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alexandra Englert
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
The Villages, FL 32162
Hi! I am Ali, a Licensed Mental Health, and Marriage and Family Therapist! I am extremely passionate about helping people work through challenges, meet goals and grow. I have worked with individuals, both adults and adolescents, couples, and families in areas such as eating disorders, substance use, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and transitions.
Hi! I am Ali, a Licensed Mental Health, and Marriage and Family Therapist! I am extremely passionate about helping people work through challenges, meet goals and grow. I have worked with individuals, both adults and adolescents, couples, and families in areas such as eating disorders, substance use, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and transitions.
(321) 805-3263 View (321) 805-3263
Photo of Caiti Bradbury, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Caiti Bradbury
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orlando, FL 32806  (Online Only)
Feeling alone, misunderstood, self-destructive, stressed, stuck, disconnected, and/or not like yourself is often what it means to be human. It’s a human experience to struggle, but you don’t have to carry your own burdens any longer. Although I consider myself a generalist, I specialize in anxiety, eating disorders, and trauma. Regardless of your reasons for seeking therapy, finding the right counselor for you means finding the right professional to help you hold and unpack your struggles, experiences, and vulnerabilities through thoughtful, evidence-based interventions.
Feeling alone, misunderstood, self-destructive, stressed, stuck, disconnected, and/or not like yourself is often what it means to be human. It’s a human experience to struggle, but you don’t have to carry your own burdens any longer. Although I consider myself a generalist, I specialize in anxiety, eating disorders, and trauma. Regardless of your reasons for seeking therapy, finding the right counselor for you means finding the right professional to help you hold and unpack your struggles, experiences, and vulnerabilities through thoughtful, evidence-based interventions.
(407) 305-4218 View (407) 305-4218
Photo of Tina Deveau, PhD, LMHC, QS, Counselor
Tina Deveau
Counselor, PhD, LMHC, QS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Clermont, FL 34711
Tina is also trained in Brainspotting, eating disorders, Safe and Sound Protocol, ketamine assisted therapies, and Imago couples therapy.
My main goal is to create a judgment-free environment to foster growth and healing for all my clients. I first help my clients to feel safe and heard. Your emotions and reactions are valid, and I want to first offer you empathy. My goal is to help my clients alter their perspective of past trauma and help them love themselves, because you deserve empathy and peace. I use brainspotting to help my clients heal from traumatic memories. I also work with couples to heal attachment wounds and to help couples to have fulfilling and safe relationships. Ultimately, I come along side you as your therapeutic journey unfolds.
Tina is also trained in Brainspotting, eating disorders, Safe and Sound Protocol, ketamine assisted therapies, and Imago couples therapy.
My main goal is to create a judgment-free environment to foster growth and healing for all my clients. I first help my clients to feel safe and heard. Your emotions and reactions are valid, and I want to first offer you empathy. My goal is to help my clients alter their perspective of past trauma and help them love themselves, because you deserve empathy and peace. I use brainspotting to help my clients heal from traumatic memories. I also work with couples to heal attachment wounds and to help couples to have fulfilling and safe relationships. Ultimately, I come along side you as your therapeutic journey unfolds.
(352) 525-3793 View (352) 525-3793
Photo of Shannon Fowler, PhD, Psychologist
Shannon Fowler
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Longwood, FL 32779  (Online Only)
Since the end of my PhD program I have worked in outpatient counseling centers where I have seen individuals with a wide variety of issues including depression, PTSD, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, pain, grief, difficulty adapting to medical issues, diabetes behavioral management, weight loss, etc.
I graduated Eastern Michigan University with a major in psychology and a minor in nutrition in 2007. I completed my PhD program at the University of Detroit Mercy in 2014. During that time period I worked with patients in outpatient and inpatient settings including the University psychology clinic, Wayne State Family Medicine Center, Providence Alaska Family Medicine Center, and Providence Alaska inpatient services. My training allowed for me to develop techniques to help people who have medical complications as well as those with mental health issues.
Since the end of my PhD program I have worked in outpatient counseling centers where I have seen individuals with a wide variety of issues including depression, PTSD, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, pain, grief, difficulty adapting to medical issues, diabetes behavioral management, weight loss, etc.
I graduated Eastern Michigan University with a major in psychology and a minor in nutrition in 2007. I completed my PhD program at the University of Detroit Mercy in 2014. During that time period I worked with patients in outpatient and inpatient settings including the University psychology clinic, Wayne State Family Medicine Center, Providence Alaska Family Medicine Center, and Providence Alaska inpatient services. My training allowed for me to develop techniques to help people who have medical complications as well as those with mental health issues.
(407) 329-6070 View (407) 329-6070
Photo of Beth Warner, LMHC, Counselor
Beth Warner
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Tampa, FL 33614
Beth Ann Warner, MS, LMHC I am a solution-focused therapist and develop Master Treatment Plans that address the challenges systematically. I work with a population suffering from Major Depressive Disorder, General Anxiety Disorder, Eating Disorders, Addiction (in all forms) Individuals, Couples, and Family issues. I work with individuals suffering from PTSD and trauma (in all forms). I also offer Life Coaching to individuals who are stuck with life challenges and/or newly clean and sober trying to find their way.
Beth Ann Warner, MS, LMHC I am a solution-focused therapist and develop Master Treatment Plans that address the challenges systematically. I work with a population suffering from Major Depressive Disorder, General Anxiety Disorder, Eating Disorders, Addiction (in all forms) Individuals, Couples, and Family issues. I work with individuals suffering from PTSD and trauma (in all forms). I also offer Life Coaching to individuals who are stuck with life challenges and/or newly clean and sober trying to find their way.
(813) 592-7624 View (813) 592-7624
Photo of Jenelle P Coolidge, MS, LMHC, CCTP-II, Counselor
Jenelle P Coolidge
Counselor, MS, LMHC, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Ocoee, FL 34761
I have trauma informed training in different areas; such as, specialized training to help those struggling with Eating disorders, PTSD/CPTSD, and have chronic illnesses/pain.
Are you struggling with body image and feel like you have an internal battle that no one can see? Do you sometimes feel like you are "stuck" emotionally and need help to keep moving forward. It is difficult to feel seen and understood when struggling with an eating disorder and when struggling with the pain of past traumas. My work with eating disorders and body image is conducted through a Health at Every Size (HAES) lens that provides a safe growing environment to heal.
I have trauma informed training in different areas; such as, specialized training to help those struggling with Eating disorders, PTSD/CPTSD, and have chronic illnesses/pain.
Are you struggling with body image and feel like you have an internal battle that no one can see? Do you sometimes feel like you are "stuck" emotionally and need help to keep moving forward. It is difficult to feel seen and understood when struggling with an eating disorder and when struggling with the pain of past traumas. My work with eating disorders and body image is conducted through a Health at Every Size (HAES) lens that provides a safe growing environment to heal.
(321) 456-9588 View (321) 456-9588
Photo of Sarah Stewart- Grief And Trauma Specialist; Enneagram Certified, LMHC, MEd, EdS, Counselor
Sarah Stewart- Grief And Trauma Specialist; Enneagram Certified
Counselor, LMHC, MEd, EdS
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Gainesville, FL 32605
Hi there! I'm Sarah, and I work with individuals (teens & adults) struggling with grief, anxiety, and trauma. A specific area of interest for me has been working with those who have tried therapy in the past, but for whatever reason had difficulty showing up fully in the counseling space. My aim is to change that narrative with relational psychotherapy, somatic processing, & EMDRIA approved EMDR. I have clinical experience working in areas such as depression, shame, self-harm, suicidal ideation, body-image issues, eating disorders, life transitions, faith-based issues, relational challenges, phobias, addiction, & self-esteem.
Hi there! I'm Sarah, and I work with individuals (teens & adults) struggling with grief, anxiety, and trauma. A specific area of interest for me has been working with those who have tried therapy in the past, but for whatever reason had difficulty showing up fully in the counseling space. My aim is to change that narrative with relational psychotherapy, somatic processing, & EMDRIA approved EMDR. I have clinical experience working in areas such as depression, shame, self-harm, suicidal ideation, body-image issues, eating disorders, life transitions, faith-based issues, relational challenges, phobias, addiction, & self-esteem.
(352) 619-0033 View (352) 619-0033
Photo of Dr. Nestor Cuevas, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Nestor Cuevas
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Orlando, FL 32810  (Online Only)
Life can often feel like navigating an intricate maze, with each turn presenting a new challenge. I have worked in English and Spanish with depression, anxiety, parenting, ADHD evaluations, autism evaluations, PTSD, and eating disorders.
Life can often feel like navigating an intricate maze, with each turn presenting a new challenge. I have worked in English and Spanish with depression, anxiety, parenting, ADHD evaluations, autism evaluations, PTSD, and eating disorders.
(321) 478-2820 View (321) 478-2820
Photo of Bridget Stanton, LMHC, Counselor
Bridget Stanton
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Saint Augustine, FL 32084  (Online Only)
With a specialization in the treatment of eating disorders and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), I bring years of valuable experience to our therapeutic relationship.
Imagine a life where intrusive thoughts no longer dictate your actions. Picture yourself enjoying a meal without the burden of guilt or anxiety. I believe that everyone deserves to experience these moments of true liberation. That's why I offer a comprehensive, evidence-based approach tailored specifically to OCD and eating disorders. I understand the overwhelming challenges that individuals facing OCD and eating disorders encounter every day. I'm here to tell you that there is hope and a path to freedom. I have spent my professional career specialized in helping individuals just like you overcome the shackles of these conditions.
With a specialization in the treatment of eating disorders and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), I bring years of valuable experience to our therapeutic relationship.
Imagine a life where intrusive thoughts no longer dictate your actions. Picture yourself enjoying a meal without the burden of guilt or anxiety. I believe that everyone deserves to experience these moments of true liberation. That's why I offer a comprehensive, evidence-based approach tailored specifically to OCD and eating disorders. I understand the overwhelming challenges that individuals facing OCD and eating disorders encounter every day. I'm here to tell you that there is hope and a path to freedom. I have spent my professional career specialized in helping individuals just like you overcome the shackles of these conditions.
(904) 901-6330 View (904) 901-6330
Photo of Brittany Rivers, LMHC, NCC, Counselor
Brittany Rivers
Counselor, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Gainesville, FL 32601
Hey, thanks for stopping by. Most of my clients are queer and neurodivergent struggling with the self-doubt that comes from years of invalidation. As a result of these experiences, they have developed survival strategies like self-criticism, rejection sensitivity, substance use, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts and self-injury. I see my role as creating a supportive space for authenticity and self-compassion to emerge. A space to become self-allies and advocates, shifting to challenging exclusionary systems and accepting ourselves. I appreciate the opportunity to incorporate nature and spirituality into our sessions if desired.
Hey, thanks for stopping by. Most of my clients are queer and neurodivergent struggling with the self-doubt that comes from years of invalidation. As a result of these experiences, they have developed survival strategies like self-criticism, rejection sensitivity, substance use, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts and self-injury. I see my role as creating a supportive space for authenticity and self-compassion to emerge. A space to become self-allies and advocates, shifting to challenging exclusionary systems and accepting ourselves. I appreciate the opportunity to incorporate nature and spirituality into our sessions if desired.
(352) 703-0357 View (352) 703-0357
Photo of Amanda Wiegert, LMHC, CEDS, MCAP, Counselor
Amanda Wiegert
Counselor, LMHC, CEDS, MCAP
Verified Verified
Maitland, FL 32751
Do you feel crippled by anxiety, fear, or grief? Do you often feel stuck in the same unhealthy patterns? I truly believe that great healing can emerge when you allow yourself to be open to learning and exploring new ways of coping with difficult life experiences. Making the decision to begin counseling is the first step in your journey towards understanding your pain and finding fulfillment and purpose in your life. I specialize in working with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, sexuality, and grief. I also have extensive experience working with first responders and their families.
Do you feel crippled by anxiety, fear, or grief? Do you often feel stuck in the same unhealthy patterns? I truly believe that great healing can emerge when you allow yourself to be open to learning and exploring new ways of coping with difficult life experiences. Making the decision to begin counseling is the first step in your journey towards understanding your pain and finding fulfillment and purpose in your life. I specialize in working with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, sexuality, and grief. I also have extensive experience working with first responders and their families.
(407) 448-9521 View (407) 448-9521
Photo of Dr. Samantha Winton, PhD, CEDS-S, Psychologist
Dr. Samantha Winton
Psychologist, PhD, CEDS-S
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Saint Petersburg, FL 33713
I work with clients of all ages with mild to severe anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, binge eating, OCD, anxiety, poor body image, exercise addiction, perfectionism, workaholism, picky eating, or body dysmorphia.
Are you or your child struggling with picky eating, disordered eating patterns, poor body image, perfectionism, restricting, binging, purging, or over exercise? If you or your loved one are feeling entrapped by thoughts of food, weight, shape, picky eating, perfectionism, repetitive behaviors, loneliness, or anxiety feel free to reach out to me to develop a plan to get your life back! I work with clients who struggle with their relationships with food or their bodies. As a licensed psychologist, we can work together to help you or your child reach full recovery from their eating disorder or disordered eating behaviors.
I work with clients of all ages with mild to severe anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, binge eating, OCD, anxiety, poor body image, exercise addiction, perfectionism, workaholism, picky eating, or body dysmorphia.
Are you or your child struggling with picky eating, disordered eating patterns, poor body image, perfectionism, restricting, binging, purging, or over exercise? If you or your loved one are feeling entrapped by thoughts of food, weight, shape, picky eating, perfectionism, repetitive behaviors, loneliness, or anxiety feel free to reach out to me to develop a plan to get your life back! I work with clients who struggle with their relationships with food or their bodies. As a licensed psychologist, we can work together to help you or your child reach full recovery from their eating disorder or disordered eating behaviors.
(727) 490-8811 View (727) 490-8811
Photo of Alexa Buford, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alexa Buford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Orlando, FL 32822
My name is Alexa (Lex) Buford and I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based out of Palm Harbor, Florida and working with clients statewide via Telehealth. I work with adolescents, teenagers, and adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, relationship issues, stress, and eating disorders. My approach to therapy is supportive and collaborative. I have found that my style and approach is a good fit for teens and adults navigating difficult life transitions, stressors of daily life, social pressures, relationship issues, as well as eating disorders. Many of my clients have depression and anxiety.
My name is Alexa (Lex) Buford and I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based out of Palm Harbor, Florida and working with clients statewide via Telehealth. I work with adolescents, teenagers, and adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, relationship issues, stress, and eating disorders. My approach to therapy is supportive and collaborative. I have found that my style and approach is a good fit for teens and adults navigating difficult life transitions, stressors of daily life, social pressures, relationship issues, as well as eating disorders. Many of my clients have depression and anxiety.
(904) 944-7419 View (904) 944-7419

See more therapy options for Hernando

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.