Eating Disorders Therapists in Alpharetta, GA
![Photo of Megan McKinney, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b65a230-db69-43f8-a1b3-44d10b32423e/2/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Megan and I am a Licensed Master of Social Work. I am passionate about assisting clients connect with their authentic selves and create a more fulfilling life. I believe in the healing power of connection and helping individuals feel empowered. I have experience working with teens and adults who struggle with eating disorders, trauma, relationships, depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
My name is Megan and I am a Licensed Master of Social Work. I am passionate about assisting clients connect with their authentic selves and create a more fulfilling life. I believe in the healing power of connection and helping individuals feel empowered. I have experience working with teens and adults who struggle with eating disorders, trauma, relationships, depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
![Photo of Kristen Wedge, MA, LPC, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b02ffcd-6a96-4ad7-a4c6-32d888651cae/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kristen Wedge
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alpharetta, GA 30005
Waitlist for new clients
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I provide psychotherapy to adult clients from a person-centered perspective. Utilizing a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to therapy, I believe that therapy is built on the foundation of trust and rapport between the patient and the therapist. I respect and affirm you as an autonomous and capable person. I specialize in working with patients with eating disorders (from a non-diet and Health At Every Size approach), LGBTQ+ patients, and patients with cancer, disabilities and chronic pain.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I provide psychotherapy to adult clients from a person-centered perspective. Utilizing a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to therapy, I believe that therapy is built on the foundation of trust and rapport between the patient and the therapist. I respect and affirm you as an autonomous and capable person. I specialize in working with patients with eating disorders (from a non-diet and Health At Every Size approach), LGBTQ+ patients, and patients with cancer, disabilities and chronic pain.
![Photo of Jo-Anne T Liakakos, MA, LPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/518d1647-af00-4cea-a086-7d01c0d9bdc9/1/320x400.jpeg)
In addition I hold a Bachelors Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a Specialty in Foods and Nutrition; working with eating disorders and emotional and behavioral issues surrounding food.
As a therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and assist you in creating the life you desire. While we can't change difficult situations of the past we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques we will work together to resolve issues and lead you to experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
In addition I hold a Bachelors Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a Specialty in Foods and Nutrition; working with eating disorders and emotional and behavioral issues surrounding food.
As a therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and assist you in creating the life you desire. While we can't change difficult situations of the past we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques we will work together to resolve issues and lead you to experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
![Photo of Herani Argoe, LPC, NCC, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa22640c-ed13-427b-8760-a4bde680fe61/2/320x400.jpeg)
Herani Argoe
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Alpharetta, GA 30005
I work with different mental health issues including, but not limited to: trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and women's issues.
Taking the first step to counseling is not an easy one. I am glad you are here! It truly brings me so much joy to walk alongside clients and their families as they work towards healing, freedom, and personal growth. My goal is to build a caring, nonjudgmental environment to ensure that everyone who enters my office feels accepted and safe.
I work with different mental health issues including, but not limited to: trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and women's issues.
Taking the first step to counseling is not an easy one. I am glad you are here! It truly brings me so much joy to walk alongside clients and their families as they work towards healing, freedom, and personal growth. My goal is to build a caring, nonjudgmental environment to ensure that everyone who enters my office feels accepted and safe.
![Photo of Diann Chere' Stuart, LAMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54bf440d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Diann Chere' Stuart
Marriage & Family Therapist, LAMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Alpharetta, GA 30022
All to often individual’s, couples and families view therapy as a one and done, one-sided conversation where all their problems can be solved quickly. Life is hard enough and when you add depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, grief, eating disorders, addiction or other life controlling issues to your daily life the day ahead often seems impossible. The key is finding your voice and learning how to use it to achieve your dreams, goals, hopes and desires so you can live your best life, the life you have always wanted. Discovering want it means to be real and authentic makes the process of staying stuck where you are more difficult.
All to often individual’s, couples and families view therapy as a one and done, one-sided conversation where all their problems can be solved quickly. Life is hard enough and when you add depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, grief, eating disorders, addiction or other life controlling issues to your daily life the day ahead often seems impossible. The key is finding your voice and learning how to use it to achieve your dreams, goals, hopes and desires so you can live your best life, the life you have always wanted. Discovering want it means to be real and authentic makes the process of staying stuck where you are more difficult.
![Photo of Ryan R Schwerzmann, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d6c3d56-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ryan R Schwerzmann
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Alpharetta, GA 30022
I have over 15 years of experience treating children, couples and families using an integrated approach based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family systems theories. My primary interests are in communication, self-expression, self-esteem, anxiety and behavior problems. I served as the Student and Associate Chair of the Georgia Association of Marriage and Family Therapists from 2009 -2012. I am the founder of Adaptive Therapy Counseling Group, LLC in Lilburn and Alpharetta, where I have treated individuals and families suffering from eating disorders, anxiety disorders and mood disorders for over 10 years.
I have over 15 years of experience treating children, couples and families using an integrated approach based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family systems theories. My primary interests are in communication, self-expression, self-esteem, anxiety and behavior problems. I served as the Student and Associate Chair of the Georgia Association of Marriage and Family Therapists from 2009 -2012. I am the founder of Adaptive Therapy Counseling Group, LLC in Lilburn and Alpharetta, where I have treated individuals and families suffering from eating disorders, anxiety disorders and mood disorders for over 10 years.
![Photo of Jenifer Harcourt, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40d9d67c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jenifer Harcourt
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alpharetta, GA 30004
We specialize in anxiety disorders, eating disorders, addictions, grief/ loss, trauma failure to launch, chronic mental illness.
Welcome. Magnolia Tree Counseling Services is a group practice that serves clients throughout the state of Georgia and several other states. Our beliefs and goals for clients is total healing and wellness. Most people come to therapy because they feel lost, broken or stuck and are looking to be whole again. We help clients realize their full potential in a safe setting where they can be vulnerable with their emotions. Anxiety disorders, addictions, eating disorders, grief, and depression do not have to control your life. We look forward to helping you experience emotions in the journey to become whole again.
We specialize in anxiety disorders, eating disorders, addictions, grief/ loss, trauma failure to launch, chronic mental illness.
Welcome. Magnolia Tree Counseling Services is a group practice that serves clients throughout the state of Georgia and several other states. Our beliefs and goals for clients is total healing and wellness. Most people come to therapy because they feel lost, broken or stuck and are looking to be whole again. We help clients realize their full potential in a safe setting where they can be vulnerable with their emotions. Anxiety disorders, addictions, eating disorders, grief, and depression do not have to control your life. We look forward to helping you experience emotions in the journey to become whole again.
![Photo of Tori Rodriguez, MA, LPC, AHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/92554d9d-ab33-4092-a2bf-a7a4e8a9ba97/1/320x400.png)
Tori can help with various concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, body image issues, aging concerns, relationship difficulties, and substance use.
Tori is an integrative psychotherapist, wellness coach, health and medicine journalist, and fitness expert. She offers a unique mind-body approach combining complementary and integrative modalities (such as Ayurveda and mindfulness-based strategies) with modern health science and psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive psychology. As an intersectional feminist with a non-judgmental, collaborative approach, Tori considers the whole person and honors their individuality instead of treating their concerns as isolated problems with generic solutions. Many clients have described her as warm, engaging, and down to earth.
Tori can help with various concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, body image issues, aging concerns, relationship difficulties, and substance use.
Tori is an integrative psychotherapist, wellness coach, health and medicine journalist, and fitness expert. She offers a unique mind-body approach combining complementary and integrative modalities (such as Ayurveda and mindfulness-based strategies) with modern health science and psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive psychology. As an intersectional feminist with a non-judgmental, collaborative approach, Tori considers the whole person and honors their individuality instead of treating their concerns as isolated problems with generic solutions. Many clients have described her as warm, engaging, and down to earth.
![Photo of Chelyan McComas, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ee39606-e084-4ab9-9a93-9e31bc50976a/1/320x400.png)
Chelyan McComas
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Alpharetta, GA 30009
I specialize in working with preteens, teens, and young adults struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, eating disorders, and body image.
Navigating the adolescent years is full of ups and downs for both parents and kids. Your teen or young adult is someone who is high-achieving and bright, but finds themselves dealing with perfectionism, feeling overwhelmed and anxious, and comparing themselves to others. They tend to overanalyze, overthink, and their inner voice is too critical. As a parent you’re ready to see your child feel whole again. You’re ready to support them as they navigate change and transition. Most of all, you’re ready for them to see the wonderful gifts they have to offer. I want to help your family get there.
I specialize in working with preteens, teens, and young adults struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, eating disorders, and body image.
Navigating the adolescent years is full of ups and downs for both parents and kids. Your teen or young adult is someone who is high-achieving and bright, but finds themselves dealing with perfectionism, feeling overwhelmed and anxious, and comparing themselves to others. They tend to overanalyze, overthink, and their inner voice is too critical. As a parent you’re ready to see your child feel whole again. You’re ready to support them as they navigate change and transition. Most of all, you’re ready for them to see the wonderful gifts they have to offer. I want to help your family get there.
![Photo of Celia Webb, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/292edc3a-6a67-40eb-947b-6702528cd84a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Celia Webb
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Alpharetta, GA 30004
The decision to begin (or deepen) therapy is a big one. I imagine you’ve attempted to manage a lot of things as best as you possibly could and that led you here. I’m so happy you’re here. I help clients navigate life when there’s been a few (or many) wrong turns and bumps in the road. I am skilled at working with all parts of a client when they have a history of trauma (knowingly or not). This often takes the form of eating disorders, anxiety, emotional overwhelm or dysregulation, dissociation, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, or substance use.
The decision to begin (or deepen) therapy is a big one. I imagine you’ve attempted to manage a lot of things as best as you possibly could and that led you here. I’m so happy you’re here. I help clients navigate life when there’s been a few (or many) wrong turns and bumps in the road. I am skilled at working with all parts of a client when they have a history of trauma (knowingly or not). This often takes the form of eating disorders, anxiety, emotional overwhelm or dysregulation, dissociation, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, or substance use.
![Photo of Kelsey Anne Donahue, BA, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/917b7704-d54b-40ec-bf1e-45427a37cfd8/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kelsey Anne Donahue
Licensed Professional Counselor, BA, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Alpharetta, GA 30004
I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults who suffer from anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
Hello! Thank you for visiting my profile. Finding the right counselor that fits your needs is an important part of the therapeutic journey. My first goal as a counselor is to build rapport in the first few sessions. Trusting your counselor is important to making progress in each session. I'm compassionate, empathetic, and open-minded. Each client is unique in their own way and it is important that I tailor each client to the appropriate therapeutic modality.
I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults who suffer from anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
Hello! Thank you for visiting my profile. Finding the right counselor that fits your needs is an important part of the therapeutic journey. My first goal as a counselor is to build rapport in the first few sessions. Trusting your counselor is important to making progress in each session. I'm compassionate, empathetic, and open-minded. Each client is unique in their own way and it is important that I tailor each client to the appropriate therapeutic modality.
15 Second Videos
Chelyan McComas
Tara Coppola Croy
Calypso Kneller
Mallory Callans
Laurie Adams Newcomb
Maritza Garza
Sarah Woolson
Jessica Bassett
Natalie Casey
![Photo of Julia F. Harris, MS, LPC, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8263e6e4-b969-4238-bd40-c06d3fb32432/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julia F. Harris
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CPCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alpharetta, GA 30005
Are you an adult or teen who is struggling to manage difficult emotions? Have you experienced emotional trauma, unhealthy or difficult relationships, or low self esteem? Are you exhausted from emotional distress and need support? If so, please consider contacting me for therapy. I am passionate about helping people live a happy, fulfilled lives. Together, we can work to help you gain deeper understanding and work to accomplish goals that make life more satisfying. My areas of focus include suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, body image, depression, anxiety, trauma, CPTSD, relationships, identity, and self-esteem.
Are you an adult or teen who is struggling to manage difficult emotions? Have you experienced emotional trauma, unhealthy or difficult relationships, or low self esteem? Are you exhausted from emotional distress and need support? If so, please consider contacting me for therapy. I am passionate about helping people live a happy, fulfilled lives. Together, we can work to help you gain deeper understanding and work to accomplish goals that make life more satisfying. My areas of focus include suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, body image, depression, anxiety, trauma, CPTSD, relationships, identity, and self-esteem.
![Photo of Erin Conley, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cee9607-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
I am an integrative psychotherapist, combining traditional psychotherapy with science based mind-body approaches to restore and enhance emotional, mental, and physiological balance, health, and well-being. My specialities include eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, stress reduction, self acceptance and overall personal growth. I believe in identifying qualities of health and strength in each person I meet and I enjoy working with individuals who are willing to explore the root causes of symptoms and are motivated to improve their quality of life.
I am an integrative psychotherapist, combining traditional psychotherapy with science based mind-body approaches to restore and enhance emotional, mental, and physiological balance, health, and well-being. My specialities include eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, stress reduction, self acceptance and overall personal growth. I believe in identifying qualities of health and strength in each person I meet and I enjoy working with individuals who are willing to explore the root causes of symptoms and are motivated to improve their quality of life.
![Photo of Mary Elizabeth Burns, MS, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b03e7b9a-4331-408e-89c1-7fbc5a254a15/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mary Elizabeth Burns
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Alpharetta, GA 30004
I believe that healing involves reconnecting with your authentic self and reclaiming your sense of peace and empowerment. My therapeutic approach integrates traditional talk therapy with holistic techniques, including somatic therapy, mindfulness practices, and breathwork. These methods help release trauma stored in the body, reduce anxiety, and foster emotional resilience. I also incorporate elements of trauma-informed care and cognitive-behavioral techniques to support you in building healthier coping mechanisms and self-awareness. I specialize in PTSD, eating disorders, narcissistic abuse recovery and ADHD.
I believe that healing involves reconnecting with your authentic self and reclaiming your sense of peace and empowerment. My therapeutic approach integrates traditional talk therapy with holistic techniques, including somatic therapy, mindfulness practices, and breathwork. These methods help release trauma stored in the body, reduce anxiety, and foster emotional resilience. I also incorporate elements of trauma-informed care and cognitive-behavioral techniques to support you in building healthier coping mechanisms and self-awareness. I specialize in PTSD, eating disorders, narcissistic abuse recovery and ADHD.
![Photo of Christine Bunyan, MS, LAPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c7dd9332-2ff7-45dc-b532-d3cc891df88e/3/320x400.jpeg)
I utilize DBT and CBT skills to teach clients to cope with symptoms related to a wide variety of clinical concerns, including anxiety, depression, OCD, self-harm, eating disorders, and addiction.
Whatever circumstances you are coming from, I am here to validate your experience with non-judgmental support. I work with adolescents and adults who struggle with many different issues, including relationship problems, low self-esteem, adjustment difficulties, and identity exploration. I began my career as a therapist at a counseling center where clients focused on recovery from sexual abuse, which led me to develop a passion for helping clients heal from traumatic experiences.
I utilize DBT and CBT skills to teach clients to cope with symptoms related to a wide variety of clinical concerns, including anxiety, depression, OCD, self-harm, eating disorders, and addiction.
Whatever circumstances you are coming from, I am here to validate your experience with non-judgmental support. I work with adolescents and adults who struggle with many different issues, including relationship problems, low self-esteem, adjustment difficulties, and identity exploration. I began my career as a therapist at a counseling center where clients focused on recovery from sexual abuse, which led me to develop a passion for helping clients heal from traumatic experiences.
![Photo of Danielle Greene - Attento Counseling, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d416af91-a5da-4444-8ea0-468c004bee0c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Danielle Greene - Attento Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Alpharetta, GA 30005
I see individuals dealing with different difficulties including trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, highly sensitive, and life transitions.
I truly believe that each individual has within them what they need to heal, but often experience extremes that can impact access to who they really are. It would be an honor to work with you from a open and compassionate space on the path to healing while gaining access to who you are.
I see individuals dealing with different difficulties including trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, highly sensitive, and life transitions.
I truly believe that each individual has within them what they need to heal, but often experience extremes that can impact access to who they really are. It would be an honor to work with you from a open and compassionate space on the path to healing while gaining access to who you are.
![Photo of Whitney Rudd, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ab8c084-2adf-4142-b8c5-ac61c8e1b07a/1/320x400.png)
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in eating disorders, relational issues, life transitions, anxiety and depression.
In life, there are times when we feel stuck, either in a negative mindset, bad habit or situation wondering what happened and how we arrived at such a place. Often times our problems/situations are prolonged or hidden by shame, defense, hurt or anger. In these situations, what is needed is a safe nonjudgmental space where we feel seen and understood, and to explore challenges in our lives, and the possibility of change. Therapy is meant to create a safe space that allows emotional healing and restoration to take place through rapport building, openness, trust, and awareness.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in eating disorders, relational issues, life transitions, anxiety and depression.
In life, there are times when we feel stuck, either in a negative mindset, bad habit or situation wondering what happened and how we arrived at such a place. Often times our problems/situations are prolonged or hidden by shame, defense, hurt or anger. In these situations, what is needed is a safe nonjudgmental space where we feel seen and understood, and to explore challenges in our lives, and the possibility of change. Therapy is meant to create a safe space that allows emotional healing and restoration to take place through rapport building, openness, trust, and awareness.
![Photo of Leah Goodson, MS, LAPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c5aecf9-cb74-4832-96ba-df41a8d574c4/1/320x400.png)
I work in treating eating disorders, depression, suicidal ideation/self-harm, anxiety, emotional regulation, OCD, behavioral problems, and personal growth.
The therapeutic process can be challenging therefore I strive to offer my clients a nonjudgemental safe space to be comfortable in the uncomfortable feelings of change. It is important that we build an authentic therapeutic relationship to be effective. We all move at our own pace and struggle with our own individualized battles.
I work in treating eating disorders, depression, suicidal ideation/self-harm, anxiety, emotional regulation, OCD, behavioral problems, and personal growth.
The therapeutic process can be challenging therefore I strive to offer my clients a nonjudgemental safe space to be comfortable in the uncomfortable feelings of change. It is important that we build an authentic therapeutic relationship to be effective. We all move at our own pace and struggle with our own individualized battles.
Our expertise lies in the areas of anxiety disorders, parenting issues, teens/adolescents, eating disorders, alcohol/drug abuse/use, couples counseling, family counseling, divorce counseling, life coaching and general life issues, sport psychology, Borderline Personality Disorder, and psychological testing.
While active listening is an important skill for a therapist, listening can only go so far. All of the therapists here believe that what sets us apart from many other therapists is the fact we actually help you help yourself make the necessary changes in your life by giving you techniques, tools, skills, and guidance to achieve your goals. You'll almost always walk out of a session with a new technique or two that you can go home and start using immediately. All eight of our therapists are highly trained, personable, and ready to give you the stills and techniques you need.
Our expertise lies in the areas of anxiety disorders, parenting issues, teens/adolescents, eating disorders, alcohol/drug abuse/use, couples counseling, family counseling, divorce counseling, life coaching and general life issues, sport psychology, Borderline Personality Disorder, and psychological testing.
While active listening is an important skill for a therapist, listening can only go so far. All of the therapists here believe that what sets us apart from many other therapists is the fact we actually help you help yourself make the necessary changes in your life by giving you techniques, tools, skills, and guidance to achieve your goals. You'll almost always walk out of a session with a new technique or two that you can go home and start using immediately. All eight of our therapists are highly trained, personable, and ready to give you the stills and techniques you need.
![Photo of Tara Coppola Croy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bae24be0-ae8e-443e-914d-2988e1cf61f1/2/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy assisting people of all ages in overcoming the effects of specialties such as depression, anxiety, physical and sexual abuse, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Addiction, and Behavior Problems.
The challenges of life in today's society presents the need for behavioral and mental health services like never before. I have twenty-four years of experience in providing outpatient therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in order to assist them in overcoming the effects of these challenges. I utilize a solution-focused approach, because I believe that there is always a solution to every problem! I enjoy helping people understand that they have the ability to effectively cope with their emotions and life situations, which therefore enables them to live their best lives.
I enjoy assisting people of all ages in overcoming the effects of specialties such as depression, anxiety, physical and sexual abuse, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Addiction, and Behavior Problems.
The challenges of life in today's society presents the need for behavioral and mental health services like never before. I have twenty-four years of experience in providing outpatient therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in order to assist them in overcoming the effects of these challenges. I utilize a solution-focused approach, because I believe that there is always a solution to every problem! I enjoy helping people understand that they have the ability to effectively cope with their emotions and life situations, which therefore enables them to live their best lives.
See more therapy options for Alpharetta
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Alpharetta
- Brookhaven
- Chamblee
- Cumming
- Duluth
- Dunwoody
- Holly Springs
- Johns Creek
- Milton
- Norcross
- Peachtree Corners
- Roswell
- Suwanee
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.