Eating Disorders Therapists in Mount Dora, FL

Photo of Jamie Tyus, LMHC, Counselor
Jamie Tyus
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Dora, FL 32757
I work alongside those navigating eating disorders, codependency, substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+ issues and the pursuit of overall mental wellness, mindfulness and self-care.
The decision to seek therapy can be intimidating and the reality is that we all encounter struggles as we walk through life. I seek to normalize and destigmatize the concept of mental health. Far from being shameful, embarking on this journey shows considerable strength of character. I am passionate about creating a safe space to process feelings and explore new ways to understand your own thoughts and emotions. I pride myself on being relatable and use humor to stay grounded and remind my clients that we are all simply human. I utilize many modalities in my practice as I believe one size does not fit all.
I work alongside those navigating eating disorders, codependency, substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+ issues and the pursuit of overall mental wellness, mindfulness and self-care.
The decision to seek therapy can be intimidating and the reality is that we all encounter struggles as we walk through life. I seek to normalize and destigmatize the concept of mental health. Far from being shameful, embarking on this journey shows considerable strength of character. I am passionate about creating a safe space to process feelings and explore new ways to understand your own thoughts and emotions. I pride myself on being relatable and use humor to stay grounded and remind my clients that we are all simply human. I utilize many modalities in my practice as I believe one size does not fit all.
(407) 707-8870 View (407) 707-8870
Photo of Melinda M Sowka - Sowka Psychotherapy & Consultation, LLC, LMHC, MCAP, C-IRT, LPC
Sowka Psychotherapy & Consultation, LLC
Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, MCAP, C-IRT, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Dora, FL 32757
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience with all varieties of therapy from group to couples work, and I treat eating disorders, anxiety, stress management, holistic health and a wide variety of other presenting concerns.
One of the first things asked of me when creating this website profile was to describe my ideal client. I don't think I have an ideal client. To me that implies that I can pick and choose my client's problems, symptoms, relationships, and so forth, and it's that same individuality and variety of people and presenting concerns that I value. I wouldn't change that if I could. I meet a lot of people who don't really know what they need or cannot visualize/verbalize their true goals. Discovery can be a part of the therapeutic process.
I have experience with all varieties of therapy from group to couples work, and I treat eating disorders, anxiety, stress management, holistic health and a wide variety of other presenting concerns.
One of the first things asked of me when creating this website profile was to describe my ideal client. I don't think I have an ideal client. To me that implies that I can pick and choose my client's problems, symptoms, relationships, and so forth, and it's that same individuality and variety of people and presenting concerns that I value. I wouldn't change that if I could. I meet a lot of people who don't really know what they need or cannot visualize/verbalize their true goals. Discovery can be a part of the therapeutic process.
(352) 922-3820 View (352) 922-3820
Photo of Alexandra Perkinson, LMHC, Counselor
Alexandra Perkinson
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Dora, FL 32757  (Online Only)
I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor providing virtual therapy within the State of Florida. Over the past ten years, I have had the opportunity to work alongside those struggling with eating disorders, substance abuse, codependency, and trauma. I have worked at various levels of care including inpatient and outpatient settings in the United States and abroad and also supported loved ones and family members of those struggling with eating disorders via coaching sessions.
I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor providing virtual therapy within the State of Florida. Over the past ten years, I have had the opportunity to work alongside those struggling with eating disorders, substance abuse, codependency, and trauma. I have worked at various levels of care including inpatient and outpatient settings in the United States and abroad and also supported loved ones and family members of those struggling with eating disorders via coaching sessions.
(352) 645-3297 View (352) 645-3297
Photo of Erin O’Connor, MS, LMHC, Counselor
Erin O’Connor
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Mount Dora, FL 32757
"Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it"-Mary Oliver. Finding a therapist you feel comfortable telling about your life, obstacles you may be facing, or areas where you desire to change can feel daunting. I strive to build a collaborative relationship with you/your child to understand your struggles, help you gain insight about issues that may be beyond your awareness, and provide you with tools and skills that will help you/your child manage emotions, and work through life’s challenges. My approach is integrative and flexible, with the use of strategies from cognitive behavioral therapy.
"Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it"-Mary Oliver. Finding a therapist you feel comfortable telling about your life, obstacles you may be facing, or areas where you desire to change can feel daunting. I strive to build a collaborative relationship with you/your child to understand your struggles, help you gain insight about issues that may be beyond your awareness, and provide you with tools and skills that will help you/your child manage emotions, and work through life’s challenges. My approach is integrative and flexible, with the use of strategies from cognitive behavioral therapy.
(321) 450-4430 View (321) 450-4430
Photo of Patrick J Ward - Counseling & Development Center, Inc., PhD, MFT, LMHC, Counselor
Counseling & Development Center, Inc.
Counselor, PhD, MFT, LMHC
Verified Verified
Mount Dora, FL 32757
Solution Focused: See our website: counselinganddevelopment.com.- Our Approach to Services: We understand that while everyone is unique, we share many problems and challenges. Our therapists appreciate that we are physical, emotional, and spiritual beings and that each of these facets require recognition, nurturing and encouragement. Our methods are based upon the recognition of the uniqueness if the individual, whether it be in a crisis situation or just an opportunity to learn about ourselves and grow. Our approach combines sensitivity and caring with years of clinical experience.
Solution Focused: See our website: counselinganddevelopment.com.- Our Approach to Services: We understand that while everyone is unique, we share many problems and challenges. Our therapists appreciate that we are physical, emotional, and spiritual beings and that each of these facets require recognition, nurturing and encouragement. Our methods are based upon the recognition of the uniqueness if the individual, whether it be in a crisis situation or just an opportunity to learn about ourselves and grow. Our approach combines sensitivity and caring with years of clinical experience.
(352) 397-4172 View (352) 397-4172
Photo of Luis Torres - Advanced Behavioral Health Center
Advanced Behavioral Health Center
Verified Verified
Mount Dora, FL 32757
Advanced Behavioral Health Center offers state of the art comprehensive psychiatric and psychological services. We are the largest private practice in the area counting with general psychiatrists, child & adolescent psychiatrist, psychologists and counselors with a wide range of areas of interest and fields of expertise. We provide services for all age groups and have affiliations with Florida Hospital Waterman.
Advanced Behavioral Health Center offers state of the art comprehensive psychiatric and psychological services. We are the largest private practice in the area counting with general psychiatrists, child & adolescent psychiatrist, psychologists and counselors with a wide range of areas of interest and fields of expertise. We provide services for all age groups and have affiliations with Florida Hospital Waterman.
(352) 474-2282 View (352) 474-2282
Photo of Brandi Lefler - Life and Hope Counseling Center, LMHC, Counselor
Life and Hope Counseling Center
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Mount Dora, FL 32757
The mission of Life and Hope Counseling Center is to provide a caring environment that empowers our clients to begin to explore and make courageous choices that promote growth and healing. We are committed to families, individuals, couples and children to provide them with the best quality services that bring hope, support, and guidance into their life’s purpose. We focus on the strengths of each individual and family that will empower them to use these gifts as a catalyst for change. We believe that the counseling relationship is one of mutual trust and respect that promotes a healthy vision into one’s journey.
The mission of Life and Hope Counseling Center is to provide a caring environment that empowers our clients to begin to explore and make courageous choices that promote growth and healing. We are committed to families, individuals, couples and children to provide them with the best quality services that bring hope, support, and guidance into their life’s purpose. We focus on the strengths of each individual and family that will empower them to use these gifts as a catalyst for change. We believe that the counseling relationship is one of mutual trust and respect that promotes a healthy vision into one’s journey.
(352) 822-3554 View (352) 822-3554
Photo of Brittany Beary Petherbridge - Freedom Counseling Services, MA
Brittany Beary Petherbridge - Freedom Counseling Services
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MA
Verified Verified
Mount Dora, FL 32757  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Trauma and the effects of trauma can be relentless on one's mind, body and spirit. The effects of trauma can last for years if not addressed and or dealt with. The burden of trauma not only effects the individual, but the trauma can bleed into surrounding areas of one's life and rob one of emotionally and physically healing from one's wounds. If you are struggling with trauma and or the aftermath of someone else's trauma, I am here to help and together we can make short- and long-term goals in order to help you heal from the wounds that have caused you pain both physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Trauma and the effects of trauma can be relentless on one's mind, body and spirit. The effects of trauma can last for years if not addressed and or dealt with. The burden of trauma not only effects the individual, but the trauma can bleed into surrounding areas of one's life and rob one of emotionally and physically healing from one's wounds. If you are struggling with trauma and or the aftermath of someone else's trauma, I am here to help and together we can make short- and long-term goals in order to help you heal from the wounds that have caused you pain both physically, emotionally and spiritually.
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More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Marla Ruth Starnes, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marla Ruth Starnes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sorrento, FL 32776  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to cope with what life has thrown at you? As if day to day life isn't challenging enough due to past trauma or anxiety about the future, these past few years have been tough on a lot of us. Whether you are struggling with gaining control of your eating, body image issues, low self-esteem or unresolved trauma from the past, I am here to help you. I work well with teens and adults wanting to take a direct approach to improving their perspectives and behaviors. In my practice I see clients struggling with symptoms of trauma, PTSD, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and behavioral concerns.
Are you struggling to cope with what life has thrown at you? As if day to day life isn't challenging enough due to past trauma or anxiety about the future, these past few years have been tough on a lot of us. Whether you are struggling with gaining control of your eating, body image issues, low self-esteem or unresolved trauma from the past, I am here to help you. I work well with teens and adults wanting to take a direct approach to improving their perspectives and behaviors. In my practice I see clients struggling with symptoms of trauma, PTSD, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and behavioral concerns.
(352) 280-3418 View (352) 280-3418
Photo of Dr. Kinnari Birla, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Kinnari Birla
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leesburg, FL 34788  (Online Only)
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you, as stated by Dr. Maya Angelou, resonates deeply with our mission at Elvive Psychological Services. Founded by Dr. Birla, our practice is dedicated to empowering individuals to have a voice. Our therapists act as catalysts in your journey, offering a safe and supportive environment to foster psychological flexibility amidst life's trials. Committed to inclusivity, we serve a diverse population with various emotional and behavioral challenges. Our clinical approaches are rooted in evidence-based and culturally sensitive care, customized to meet needs of each client.
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you, as stated by Dr. Maya Angelou, resonates deeply with our mission at Elvive Psychological Services. Founded by Dr. Birla, our practice is dedicated to empowering individuals to have a voice. Our therapists act as catalysts in your journey, offering a safe and supportive environment to foster psychological flexibility amidst life's trials. Committed to inclusivity, we serve a diverse population with various emotional and behavioral challenges. Our clinical approaches are rooted in evidence-based and culturally sensitive care, customized to meet needs of each client.
(281) 949-6371 View (281) 949-6371
Photo of Deborah Tome, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Deborah Tome
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Umatilla, FL 32784
I am a laid-back therapist. I have over 40 years of experience in this profession and have learned a variety of approaches and techniques. My top modalities are Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Eclectic, Family Systems, Dialectical (DBT), Family / Marital, Interpersonal, Mindfulness, Trauma Therapy, and Couples Therapy. My specialties are Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Coping Skills, Trauma, and PTSD. I believe our relationship is a partnership, with both of us working as a team to provide you with success!
I am a laid-back therapist. I have over 40 years of experience in this profession and have learned a variety of approaches and techniques. My top modalities are Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Eclectic, Family Systems, Dialectical (DBT), Family / Marital, Interpersonal, Mindfulness, Trauma Therapy, and Couples Therapy. My specialties are Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Coping Skills, Trauma, and PTSD. I believe our relationship is a partnership, with both of us working as a team to provide you with success!
(813) 796-7584 View (813) 796-7584
Photo of Amanda Marie Chilleme, LMHC, LCMHC, MCAP, Counselor
Amanda Marie Chilleme
Counselor, LMHC, LCMHC, MCAP
Verified Verified
Leesburg, FL 34788  (Online Only)
Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Like the weight of the world was on your shoulders and you couldn't balance it. Have you ever felt numb? Like nothing in the world could make you feel alive. Have you ever felt disconnected? Like no one understands who you are. Have you ever felt that the only way to cope was to turn to drugs or alcohol? Like there was no way out of the darkness. If you answered yes to any of those questions, you are like the other 43 million Americans who struggle with mental health concerns; with over half also struggling with substance abuse. You are not alone, there is help available; there is a better way.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Like the weight of the world was on your shoulders and you couldn't balance it. Have you ever felt numb? Like nothing in the world could make you feel alive. Have you ever felt disconnected? Like no one understands who you are. Have you ever felt that the only way to cope was to turn to drugs or alcohol? Like there was no way out of the darkness. If you answered yes to any of those questions, you are like the other 43 million Americans who struggle with mental health concerns; with over half also struggling with substance abuse. You are not alone, there is help available; there is a better way.
(772) 218-7361 View (772) 218-7361
Photo of Alex Lopez, LMHC, QS/FL, Counselor
Alex Lopez
Counselor, LMHC, QS/FL
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leesburg, FL 34788
As a mental health counselor, I specialize in helping individuals manage anxiety, depression, and improve their overall well-being. In our sessions, we'll use various therapeutic techniques, including mindfulness and relaxation exercises, to help you gain better control over your anxiety and depression symptoms. Our goal will be to work together to reduce depression and anxiety's impact on your life and foster a greater sense of calm and confidence. Your confidentiality is a top priority, and I'm here
As a mental health counselor, I specialize in helping individuals manage anxiety, depression, and improve their overall well-being. In our sessions, we'll use various therapeutic techniques, including mindfulness and relaxation exercises, to help you gain better control over your anxiety and depression symptoms. Our goal will be to work together to reduce depression and anxiety's impact on your life and foster a greater sense of calm and confidence. Your confidentiality is a top priority, and I'm here
(772) 413-0816 View (772) 413-0816
Photo of Mark Zauss, LPC, NCC, LMHC, CCMHC, BC-TMC, Counselor
Mark Zauss
Counselor, LPC, NCC, LMHC, CCMHC, BC-TMC
Verified Verified
Leesburg, FL 34788  (Online Only)
As a double-board-certified licensed clinical psychotherapist with over 17 years of experience, Mark approaches therapy with patience, non-judgment, and empathy, creating a safe space for you to be heard. Utilizing his expertise as a cognitive behavioral therapist, he employs specific methods to help you challenge and navigate your thoughts and feelings, allowing for the successful resolution of your concerns. Mark is an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider - www.markzausstherapist.com. Licensed in Florida, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
As a double-board-certified licensed clinical psychotherapist with over 17 years of experience, Mark approaches therapy with patience, non-judgment, and empathy, creating a safe space for you to be heard. Utilizing his expertise as a cognitive behavioral therapist, he employs specific methods to help you challenge and navigate your thoughts and feelings, allowing for the successful resolution of your concerns. Mark is an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider - www.markzausstherapist.com. Licensed in Florida, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
(352) 717-6181 View (352) 717-6181
Photo of Jeanina Mann, RMHCI
Jeanina Mann
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, RMHCI
Verified Verified
Tavares, FL 32778  (Online Only)
Are you feeling trapped in a cycle of worry, sadness, and uncertainty? Do you long for a brighter, more fulfilling life where anxiety and depression no longer hold you back? I can imagine you are trying to navigate life's demands while feeling overwhelmed by the constant stream of negative thoughts, the weight of sadness, and the physical toll of stress. Therapy is not just a bandaid for your uncomfortable symptoms yet a place for you to develop a deeper sense of self-awareness that will serve as a foundation for lasting change.
Are you feeling trapped in a cycle of worry, sadness, and uncertainty? Do you long for a brighter, more fulfilling life where anxiety and depression no longer hold you back? I can imagine you are trying to navigate life's demands while feeling overwhelmed by the constant stream of negative thoughts, the weight of sadness, and the physical toll of stress. Therapy is not just a bandaid for your uncomfortable symptoms yet a place for you to develop a deeper sense of self-awareness that will serve as a foundation for lasting change.
(305) 614-2576 View (305) 614-2576
Photo of Robin Day - Robin Day, LPC, LMHC, LPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Robin Day, LPC, LMHC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Tavares, FL 32778  (Online Only)
Are you stuck in repetitive cycles or experience sudden mood shifts? Do you experience intrusive disturbing memories? Do you feel different from other people? No matter how the burdens of the past pull on you, it is possible to recover. Internal Family Systems therapy and reconnection with the body can help you to recover your full potential and inherent joy. Working with clients from all backgrounds, I am consistently amazed by the resilience of the human spirit.
Are you stuck in repetitive cycles or experience sudden mood shifts? Do you experience intrusive disturbing memories? Do you feel different from other people? No matter how the burdens of the past pull on you, it is possible to recover. Internal Family Systems therapy and reconnection with the body can help you to recover your full potential and inherent joy. Working with clients from all backgrounds, I am consistently amazed by the resilience of the human spirit.
(404) 721-1477 View (404) 721-1477
Photo of Deborah Tome, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Deborah Tome
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Astatula, FL 34705
I am a laid-back therapist. I have over 40 years of experience in this profession and have learned a variety of approaches and techniques. My top modalities are Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Eclectic, Family Systems, Dialectical (DBT), Family / Marital, Interpersonal, Mindfulness, Trauma Therapy, and Couples Therapy. My specialties are Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Coping Skills, Trauma, and PTSD. I believe our relationship is a partnership, with both of us working as a team to provide you with success!
I am a laid-back therapist. I have over 40 years of experience in this profession and have learned a variety of approaches and techniques. My top modalities are Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Eclectic, Family Systems, Dialectical (DBT), Family / Marital, Interpersonal, Mindfulness, Trauma Therapy, and Couples Therapy. My specialties are Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Coping Skills, Trauma, and PTSD. I believe our relationship is a partnership, with both of us working as a team to provide you with success!
(305) 518-1257 View (305) 518-1257
Photo of Dedrick Peyton, LMHC
Dedrick Peyton
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Sorrento, FL 32776
Dedrick works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Dedrick believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
Dedrick works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Dedrick believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
(407) 863-9274 View (407) 863-9274
Photo of Faith Mostella-Morgan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Faith Mostella-Morgan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Leesburg, FL 34788  (Online Only)
My ideal client is ready to see an improvement in their mood, self confidence and acceptance, self care, interpersonal relationships, family system, social skills and ability to adjust to life changes. They are ready to break free from the bond of an eating disorder, anxiety, depression or any other mental, emotional and/or spiritual stronghold they may be up against. They are looking for ways to increase healthy, effective coping strategies. They are ready to increase their self awareness and learn ways to effectively manage and regulate their emotions. My ideal client is ready to be honest, vulnerable and work hard in therapy.
My ideal client is ready to see an improvement in their mood, self confidence and acceptance, self care, interpersonal relationships, family system, social skills and ability to adjust to life changes. They are ready to break free from the bond of an eating disorder, anxiety, depression or any other mental, emotional and/or spiritual stronghold they may be up against. They are looking for ways to increase healthy, effective coping strategies. They are ready to increase their self awareness and learn ways to effectively manage and regulate their emotions. My ideal client is ready to be honest, vulnerable and work hard in therapy.
(850) 312-4419 View (850) 312-4419

Online Therapists

Photo of Francisca Ortiz, LMHC, C-DBT, NCC, Counselor
Francisca Ortiz
Counselor, LMHC, C-DBT, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Tampa, FL 33603  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Do you struggle with negative thoughts, memories or emotions you can't seem to change or get rid of? Do you want to develop a healthier relationship with yourself, food or exercise? You are not alone and there are ways to help. With a combination of personal experience, advanced education and practical experience in higher levels of care, I have dedicated myself to a career in helping individuals facing challenges with eating disorders, body image and trauma. My commitment is to offer comprehensive and person-centered therapy to address client's individual needs, help them gain clarity over their life values and achieve life goals.
Do you struggle with negative thoughts, memories or emotions you can't seem to change or get rid of? Do you want to develop a healthier relationship with yourself, food or exercise? You are not alone and there are ways to help. With a combination of personal experience, advanced education and practical experience in higher levels of care, I have dedicated myself to a career in helping individuals facing challenges with eating disorders, body image and trauma. My commitment is to offer comprehensive and person-centered therapy to address client's individual needs, help them gain clarity over their life values and achieve life goals.
(813) 773-1938 View (813) 773-1938
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.