Eating Disorders Therapists in Greensboro, GA
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![Photo of Madison Day Grove, MS, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e5ee6034-228a-49aa-b007-22cccc0bbd4d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Madison Day Grove
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buckhead, GA 30625
I received my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University, and my BS in Psychology and Criminology with a concentration in Eating Disorders and Human Sexuality from KSU.
Hi there & Welcome! Let’s get to healing! I approach therapy from a very open-minded and affirming perspective. I believe that everyone can benefit from adding acceptance and confidence into their lives, and it is my goal as a therapist to help you maximize your life by guiding you through healing past wounds that are holding you back from experiencing all that life has to offer. As a couple's therapist, I can teach you how break unhelpful cycles and how to develop healthy communication. As an eating disorder therapist, I can help you gain food freedom, body neutrality, and learn how to prevent relapses.
I received my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University, and my BS in Psychology and Criminology with a concentration in Eating Disorders and Human Sexuality from KSU.
Hi there & Welcome! Let’s get to healing! I approach therapy from a very open-minded and affirming perspective. I believe that everyone can benefit from adding acceptance and confidence into their lives, and it is my goal as a therapist to help you maximize your life by guiding you through healing past wounds that are holding you back from experiencing all that life has to offer. As a couple's therapist, I can teach you how break unhelpful cycles and how to develop healthy communication. As an eating disorder therapist, I can help you gain food freedom, body neutrality, and learn how to prevent relapses.
![Photo of Therese Marie Skinner - Wind River Therapy Services, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4799a2c2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Wind River Therapy Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Buckhead, GA 30625
I am specialty trained in DBT for trauma (PTSD and complex), eating disorders, adolescents and family, and couples.
I am licensed in Arkansas LCSW 7331-C, Washington State LICSW-LW61228901, Georgia LCSW-CSW008640, Louisiana LCSW 17421. I require my clients to engage and follow DBT protocol. I have completed my Linehan DBT Certification. I also am a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) through IAEDP. I love to treat individuals that want change and need support. If you are unsure you want DBT or you want to work hard to change your life, I am not the therapist for you. I take what I do very seriously and love it.
I am specialty trained in DBT for trauma (PTSD and complex), eating disorders, adolescents and family, and couples.
I am licensed in Arkansas LCSW 7331-C, Washington State LICSW-LW61228901, Georgia LCSW-CSW008640, Louisiana LCSW 17421. I require my clients to engage and follow DBT protocol. I have completed my Linehan DBT Certification. I also am a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) through IAEDP. I love to treat individuals that want change and need support. If you are unsure you want DBT or you want to work hard to change your life, I am not the therapist for you. I take what I do very seriously and love it.
![Photo of Arielle Crain, MEd, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5437c5de-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Arielle Crain
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Buckhead, GA 30625
Welcome! I am so encouraged that you are here. I enjoy assisting adolescent and adult women who are struggling with issues related to self-esteem, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, body image, trauma, sexual assault survivors, grief, and relationship issues. I provide client-centered therapy and believe that successful treatment begins with building a strong client-therapist relationship. From this secure base, I can support you in working through pain towards growth and change. I view psychotherapy as a collaborative process defined by trust, safety, warmth, empathy, and unconditional acceptance.
Welcome! I am so encouraged that you are here. I enjoy assisting adolescent and adult women who are struggling with issues related to self-esteem, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, body image, trauma, sexual assault survivors, grief, and relationship issues. I provide client-centered therapy and believe that successful treatment begins with building a strong client-therapist relationship. From this secure base, I can support you in working through pain towards growth and change. I view psychotherapy as a collaborative process defined by trust, safety, warmth, empathy, and unconditional acceptance.
![Photo of Laura Laliberte-Bodner, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c39a64a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Laliberte-Bodner
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buckhead, GA 30625
I work with PTSD, dissociative identity, body image issues, eating disorders, and self-harming behaviors.
Does life seem difficult or challenging? Lets focus on how you can begin to feel better about yourself or your situation. People walk into the office for many different reasons and there are various effective approaches to the issues you struggle with in life. The type of approach we would use depends on your personality and comfort level. We will be discussing which coping skills fit your situation and needs the best. Therapy has been proven to create positive, life-changing effects. It can help you change the direction your life is going in. Choosing to engage in psychotherapy is admirable.
I work with PTSD, dissociative identity, body image issues, eating disorders, and self-harming behaviors.
Does life seem difficult or challenging? Lets focus on how you can begin to feel better about yourself or your situation. People walk into the office for many different reasons and there are various effective approaches to the issues you struggle with in life. The type of approach we would use depends on your personality and comfort level. We will be discussing which coping skills fit your situation and needs the best. Therapy has been proven to create positive, life-changing effects. It can help you change the direction your life is going in. Choosing to engage in psychotherapy is admirable.
![Photo of Mieke P Kramer, MS, LPC, CPCS, CEDS-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b1c4a3e-bdf6-461e-bfda-448fef3129a7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mieke P Kramer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CPCS, CEDS-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Buckhead, GA 30625
Welcome to Suns Up Counseling Center. Our clinic director, Mieke believes that change is a choice that begins with simply asking for help. Mieke works primarily with adult females recovering from trauma related issues, body image issues, and food relationship issues. Her counseling approach is client centered & solution focused. Combining her own personal recovery with her years of clinical experience, she understands the tough challenges that both food and body image can present. Her passion in counseling is to help guide clients through the process of hope, healing, & renewed faith.
Welcome to Suns Up Counseling Center. Our clinic director, Mieke believes that change is a choice that begins with simply asking for help. Mieke works primarily with adult females recovering from trauma related issues, body image issues, and food relationship issues. Her counseling approach is client centered & solution focused. Combining her own personal recovery with her years of clinical experience, she understands the tough challenges that both food and body image can present. Her passion in counseling is to help guide clients through the process of hope, healing, & renewed faith.
![Photo of Armann Fenger, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4394049d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Armann Fenger
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Buckhead, GA 30625
Let's start the journey of of living a happier, healthier, and make more memories by TALK IT OUT, not TOUGH IT OUT. Contact me today so we can get started.
Let's start the journey of of living a happier, healthier, and make more memories by TALK IT OUT, not TOUGH IT OUT. Contact me today so we can get started.
![Photo of Pamela Madsen, MS, LPC, NCC, RYT-200, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d09b7af0-073a-4932-a87d-a26a49dfb230/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pamela Madsen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, RYT-200
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buckhead, GA 30625
Everyone else thinks you've got it all together, but inside you feel like you have to play a role to fit into your own life. You have to be perfect, maybe rehearse what you'll say ahead of time, and then tell yourself that no one cares about you since they can't get close enough to know the real you. You know how to appear confident, but deep inside, there is this voice telling you that no one sees you. You crave the feelings of safety and being fully known. You want to feel connected to the people you love. Instead, you feel desperate to maintain control and feel stuck in painful relationships.
Everyone else thinks you've got it all together, but inside you feel like you have to play a role to fit into your own life. You have to be perfect, maybe rehearse what you'll say ahead of time, and then tell yourself that no one cares about you since they can't get close enough to know the real you. You know how to appear confident, but deep inside, there is this voice telling you that no one sees you. You crave the feelings of safety and being fully known. You want to feel connected to the people you love. Instead, you feel desperate to maintain control and feel stuck in painful relationships.
![Photo of Maddie McKeirnan, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cc0798ef-1a18-4ea9-a0fb-25f81e1926e5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maddie McKeirnan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Buckhead, GA 30625
Hi there! I understand the experiences you’ve had leading up to this decision may have been difficult, and you were able to navigate them the best way possible so far. Reaching out for the help you deserve speaks to your determination to be on a better path! I would be happy to join your support system and be there with you through whatever barriers you may encounter on this journey. These barriers might surface in many different ways: anxiety, depression, struggles with eating, identity crises, social conflicts, trouble focusing, low self-esteem, trauma and/or everyday problems that just don’t seem to let up.
Hi there! I understand the experiences you’ve had leading up to this decision may have been difficult, and you were able to navigate them the best way possible so far. Reaching out for the help you deserve speaks to your determination to be on a better path! I would be happy to join your support system and be there with you through whatever barriers you may encounter on this journey. These barriers might surface in many different ways: anxiety, depression, struggles with eating, identity crises, social conflicts, trouble focusing, low self-esteem, trauma and/or everyday problems that just don’t seem to let up.
![Photo of Ruth Howe, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/29955b60-5ecd-4095-a72f-8fbf61d17093/5/320x400.jpeg)
Ruth Howe
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Buckhead, GA 30625 (Online Only)
Hello! As an English/Spanish Bilingual trained Mental Health Professional Counselor, my approach is focus on helping individuals find their center and grow into the person they aspire to be aligns beautifully with the essence of GINOMAI. Working with women during challenging seasons, transitions, and life changes is a noble endeavor. Empowering them to overcome obstacles and understand their unique life journey is a powerful way to foster resilience and well-being. Keep shining your light and making a positive impact!
Hello! As an English/Spanish Bilingual trained Mental Health Professional Counselor, my approach is focus on helping individuals find their center and grow into the person they aspire to be aligns beautifully with the essence of GINOMAI. Working with women during challenging seasons, transitions, and life changes is a noble endeavor. Empowering them to overcome obstacles and understand their unique life journey is a powerful way to foster resilience and well-being. Keep shining your light and making a positive impact!
![Photo of Terell Irwin Tepper, LPC, NCC, CAMS II, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84520ca2-f6e4-4815-8e23-cbdf81fa23de/2/320x400.jpeg)
Terell Irwin Tepper
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CAMS II
Verified Verified
Buckhead, GA 30625
The Populations I have had Experience working with include but are not limited to: Adolescents and Teens: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, ODD, Anger Challenges, Challenges with Compliance to Rules, Probation/Legal Involvement, Trauma 2. Athletes: Performance Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment Disorder, Communication Challenges, mood swings, Trauma 3. Adults: Anxiety, Depression, Psychosis, Trauma, Grief, Addiction, Impulse Control, Couples, Families, LGBTQ+
The Populations I have had Experience working with include but are not limited to: Adolescents and Teens: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, ODD, Anger Challenges, Challenges with Compliance to Rules, Probation/Legal Involvement, Trauma 2. Athletes: Performance Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment Disorder, Communication Challenges, mood swings, Trauma 3. Adults: Anxiety, Depression, Psychosis, Trauma, Grief, Addiction, Impulse Control, Couples, Families, LGBTQ+
![Photo of Dr. Ashlenn Von Wiegand, PhD, LPC, CCH, CPCS, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e968f03-b3a3-49da-9530-d22dda600b50/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ashlenn Von Wiegand
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, CCH, CPCS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buckhead, GA 30625 (Online Only)
Everyone experiences difficulties in life because we are all human, make mistakes, and need support. I provide a nonjudgmental, empathetic, and supportive environmental for clients from a variety of different backgrounds. I believe therapy is most effective when you are seeing results, therefore, I make it my goals to help you see lasting, desired change. I encourage clients to recognize areas they can grow and equip them skills to help pursue that growth. If you want more control, peace, and contentment in life, then I would love to work with you in achieving your goals.
Everyone experiences difficulties in life because we are all human, make mistakes, and need support. I provide a nonjudgmental, empathetic, and supportive environmental for clients from a variety of different backgrounds. I believe therapy is most effective when you are seeing results, therefore, I make it my goals to help you see lasting, desired change. I encourage clients to recognize areas they can grow and equip them skills to help pursue that growth. If you want more control, peace, and contentment in life, then I would love to work with you in achieving your goals.
![Photo of Marni Ledwitz, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c5fdca91-9dad-4f58-9564-e2b505874c87/1/320x400.png)
Marni Ledwitz, I’ve been licensed since 1997, promoted through community mental health, to in and outpatient treatment facilities for impaired (addicted) physicians, before opening my private practice. Providing career aptitude batteries and mediation for college kids and C-level team building, showed me that peak performance training can help anyone at any stage. I provide teletherapy to Georgia and soon Florida individuals, couples and families. After getting to know each other, I’ll see which therapeutic approach would work best for you.
Marni Ledwitz, I’ve been licensed since 1997, promoted through community mental health, to in and outpatient treatment facilities for impaired (addicted) physicians, before opening my private practice. Providing career aptitude batteries and mediation for college kids and C-level team building, showed me that peak performance training can help anyone at any stage. I provide teletherapy to Georgia and soon Florida individuals, couples and families. After getting to know each other, I’ll see which therapeutic approach would work best for you.
![Photo of Rich Williams: Board Certified Hypnotherapist, CHT, NLP, LMT, CNMT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/409816ac-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rich Williams: Board Certified Hypnotherapist
CHT, NLP, LMT, CNMT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Buckhead, GA 30625
Are you feeling lost or stuck? I am passionate about making a real lasting difference in your life, and inspiring you to develop tools to move towards your goals in a flexible, gentle and supportive way. I approach the mind/body from an integrative and holistic point of view that combines eastern, western and energy medicine philosophies; my experience has shown that when this approach is used strategically you may heal the root causes and find deeply profound transformational healing. My goal is to help with any physical, mental, or emotional imbalance that may come up so that you can get back to living and loving life!
Are you feeling lost or stuck? I am passionate about making a real lasting difference in your life, and inspiring you to develop tools to move towards your goals in a flexible, gentle and supportive way. I approach the mind/body from an integrative and holistic point of view that combines eastern, western and energy medicine philosophies; my experience has shown that when this approach is used strategically you may heal the root causes and find deeply profound transformational healing. My goal is to help with any physical, mental, or emotional imbalance that may come up so that you can get back to living and loving life!
![Photo of Molly Halbrooks, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b84ba7b-d0c6-41b7-b1af-057b1b08a23b/2/320x400.jpeg)
In person sessions in the Charlotte area, telehealth across North Carolina and Georgia. Does anxiety run your life? Do you struggle to make sense of past hurts, to find meaning in the day to day, or to navigate relationships well? I work with adults who have experienced traumatic events, are facing life transitions such as divorce, new parenting, and career changes; individuals struggling with anxiety; and those who are wanting to make sense of and heal from past experiences.
In person sessions in the Charlotte area, telehealth across North Carolina and Georgia. Does anxiety run your life? Do you struggle to make sense of past hurts, to find meaning in the day to day, or to navigate relationships well? I work with adults who have experienced traumatic events, are facing life transitions such as divorce, new parenting, and career changes; individuals struggling with anxiety; and those who are wanting to make sense of and heal from past experiences.
![Photo of Tamika N England - Looking Forward Counseling & Mentoring Svcs, LLC, MEd, LPC, BC-TMH, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/536c0af2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Looking Forward Counseling & Mentoring Svcs, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, BC-TMH, CPCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buckhead, GA 30625
My goal as a clinician is to encourage and empower my clients to be the best version of themselves. Recognizing there is always room to grow beyond unfortunate circumstances is vital to increasing one's quality of life. Administering services within the social services spectrum with everything it entails to include but not limited to the coordination of care, community linkage and emotional support fit very with my desire to help my clients reach their full potential.
My goal as a clinician is to encourage and empower my clients to be the best version of themselves. Recognizing there is always room to grow beyond unfortunate circumstances is vital to increasing one's quality of life. Administering services within the social services spectrum with everything it entails to include but not limited to the coordination of care, community linkage and emotional support fit very with my desire to help my clients reach their full potential.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Nora Arkin, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a785e2e-549b-4995-8e5f-f5f6887d7674/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychologist who specializes in eating disorders, body image concerns, mindfulness and compassion, and relationship based therapies. I enjoy working collaboratively with a client, couple, or family to understand the role and function of different personal difficulties. Together we can work to see how someone's struggles relate to their larger goals, hopes, and motivations. I use approaches to therapy that focus on understanding the role and functions of emotions and behaviors, understanding someone's experience in the context of relationships, and utilizing strengths and competencies in the therapy process.
I am a psychologist who specializes in eating disorders, body image concerns, mindfulness and compassion, and relationship based therapies. I enjoy working collaboratively with a client, couple, or family to understand the role and function of different personal difficulties. Together we can work to see how someone's struggles relate to their larger goals, hopes, and motivations. I use approaches to therapy that focus on understanding the role and functions of emotions and behaviors, understanding someone's experience in the context of relationships, and utilizing strengths and competencies in the therapy process.
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 Molly Fine, AMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f529ac8-cf01-4889-9634-7a92a4dacd83/1/320x400.jpeg)
Beginning therapy can be overwhelming and I aim to make the process feel authentic and comfortable. I welcome adult and adolescent clients, their families and significant others who are motivated to learn about themselves, improve their relationships and transform their lives. I am fat-positive and use a Health At Every Size (HAES) approach, am welcoming to all gender and sexual identities, races, religions, and cultural backgrounds and am an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. I work with clients going through a wide range of difficulties including addiction, grief/loss, eating disorders, negative body image and relationship problems.
Beginning therapy can be overwhelming and I aim to make the process feel authentic and comfortable. I welcome adult and adolescent clients, their families and significant others who are motivated to learn about themselves, improve their relationships and transform their lives. I am fat-positive and use a Health At Every Size (HAES) approach, am welcoming to all gender and sexual identities, races, religions, and cultural backgrounds and am an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. I work with clients going through a wide range of difficulties including addiction, grief/loss, eating disorders, negative body image and relationship problems.
![Photo of Lisa Story, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8b24845-fa74-4fc6-9c89-fa8e6d5b0a36/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! Therapy is a place where we can explore what is closest to our hearts, such as longing for more connection, navigating complicated family relationships, or seeking deeper meaning and direction in our lives. With over 25 years as a Clinical Psychologist, I have extensive experience helping clients with a variety of concerns, including depression and anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, and relationship difficulties. I also worked for several years at the Duke Center for Eating Disorders, and I continue to offer support for many clients who are navigating disordered eating or body image concerns.
Welcome! Therapy is a place where we can explore what is closest to our hearts, such as longing for more connection, navigating complicated family relationships, or seeking deeper meaning and direction in our lives. With over 25 years as a Clinical Psychologist, I have extensive experience helping clients with a variety of concerns, including depression and anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, and relationship difficulties. I also worked for several years at the Duke Center for Eating Disorders, and I continue to offer support for many clients who are navigating disordered eating or body image concerns.
![Photo of Heather Merritt, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/760cb4d8-7764-477b-b172-8873fd9d7b1d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Merritt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Macon, GA 31210
I am a licensed clinical social worker with 23 years of experience in the field, 15 of which have been in counseling. I assist clients with issues surrounding self-esteem, body image, anxiety, depression and eating disorders. I also assist clients struggling with relationship issues and divorce. I have extensive experience in grief counseling and supporting clients as they process loss. I am passionate about helping others love themselves, take care of their bodies, and find freedom from societal standards!!
I am a licensed clinical social worker with 23 years of experience in the field, 15 of which have been in counseling. I assist clients with issues surrounding self-esteem, body image, anxiety, depression and eating disorders. I also assist clients struggling with relationship issues and divorce. I have extensive experience in grief counseling and supporting clients as they process loss. I am passionate about helping others love themselves, take care of their bodies, and find freedom from societal standards!!
See more therapy options for Greensboro
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.