Eating Disorders Therapists in Bannockburn, IL
![Photo of Jennie Ozan, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53fe9a74-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I treat a range of presenting problems including: relationship challenges, life transitions, school and work-related issues, low self-esteem, identity development, postpartum depression/anxiety, eating disorders, and parenting challenges.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience in mental health and wellness. My passion stems from wanting to help others learn new ways of coping with their environment and garnering new skills to help manage current life stressors and hurdles. My belief is that from early childhood we learn healthy, and sometimes unhealthy, strategies to manage challenges. Coping styles, especially maladaptive ones, work for a period of time, but may become ineffective. When this occurs, people often seek therapy. My job as a therapist is to help you learn, and implement, healthier coping strategies.
I treat a range of presenting problems including: relationship challenges, life transitions, school and work-related issues, low self-esteem, identity development, postpartum depression/anxiety, eating disorders, and parenting challenges.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience in mental health and wellness. My passion stems from wanting to help others learn new ways of coping with their environment and garnering new skills to help manage current life stressors and hurdles. My belief is that from early childhood we learn healthy, and sometimes unhealthy, strategies to manage challenges. Coping styles, especially maladaptive ones, work for a period of time, but may become ineffective. When this occurs, people often seek therapy. My job as a therapist is to help you learn, and implement, healthier coping strategies.
![Photo of Leigh C Rzepecki - Leigh Rzepecki, LCSW, CADC, PLLC, LCSW, CADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bec2a138-6ebb-47b2-afd2-1258ef756f05/3/320x400.jpeg)
Leigh Rzepecki, LCSW, CADC, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
Bannockburn, IL 60015
There are so many individuals and families that I enjoy working with. What I am most passionate about is working with individuals struggling to find peace with his/her/their body, food, and self-worth. This topic has been the focus of my training and professional life for nearly a decade. Working in higher levels of care has provided extensive training with emphasis on disordered eating and mood and anxiety diagnoses, as well as substance abuse. This training has helped to address patterns that often appear in family milieus and where shame often perpetuates the cycle of maladaptive behaviors.
There are so many individuals and families that I enjoy working with. What I am most passionate about is working with individuals struggling to find peace with his/her/their body, food, and self-worth. This topic has been the focus of my training and professional life for nearly a decade. Working in higher levels of care has provided extensive training with emphasis on disordered eating and mood and anxiety diagnoses, as well as substance abuse. This training has helped to address patterns that often appear in family milieus and where shame often perpetuates the cycle of maladaptive behaviors.
![Photo of Paul Nevin, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c6ce43d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
At Heart Light, we believe that personal growth is a natural psychological process that fundamentally belongs to you, not to us.
Some mental health professionals seem to imagine themselves as mental and emotional surgeons, whose goal is to identify problems and then fix them for you.
We envision ourselves as more akin to doctors that deliver babies. We are ready to intervene as and when needed, but our primary role is to facilitate a natural process that belongs, first and foremost, to you.
Our goal is to guide and encourage your growth by helping you to empower yourself.
At Heart Light, we believe that personal growth is a natural psychological process that fundamentally belongs to you, not to us.
Some mental health professionals seem to imagine themselves as mental and emotional surgeons, whose goal is to identify problems and then fix them for you.
We envision ourselves as more akin to doctors that deliver babies. We are ready to intervene as and when needed, but our primary role is to facilitate a natural process that belongs, first and foremost, to you.
Our goal is to guide and encourage your growth by helping you to empower yourself.
![Photo of Serge Sorokin, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cb68ceb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Sorokin effectively treats depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder and substance abuse by successfully combining hypnosis and psychotherapy. He also specializes in relationship problems, anger management, OCD, domestic abuse, sleep issues and PTSD. If you feel stock in life and powerless to change things, if you feel fatigue and constantly worry it's time to start changing your life. Dr. Sorokin utilizes his innovative approach to create a long-lasting improvement in your emotional and physical condition and achieve a successful, balanced life. He effectively utilizes holistic approach to help you recognize an important unity of human body, mind and spirit.
Dr. Sorokin effectively treats depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder and substance abuse by successfully combining hypnosis and psychotherapy. He also specializes in relationship problems, anger management, OCD, domestic abuse, sleep issues and PTSD. If you feel stock in life and powerless to change things, if you feel fatigue and constantly worry it's time to start changing your life. Dr. Sorokin utilizes his innovative approach to create a long-lasting improvement in your emotional and physical condition and achieve a successful, balanced life. He effectively utilizes holistic approach to help you recognize an important unity of human body, mind and spirit.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Marilyn Ann Morris, LCSW, MA, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c660d2c-2799-4073-9e86-154985080a0b/7/320x400.jpeg)
Marilyn Ann Morris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA, ACSW
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035 (Online Only)
Are you feeling depressed and anxious? I have years of experience and training to help people feel much better. I also work with other symptoms such as Eating Disorders and Body Image issues. I know it’s hard to choose a therapist. Call me for a free consultation to see if we are a good match. I am a provider for most EAPs and insurance companies. If you’re motivated for help, I’m available to work with you to improve things.
Are you feeling depressed and anxious? I have years of experience and training to help people feel much better. I also work with other symptoms such as Eating Disorders and Body Image issues. I know it’s hard to choose a therapist. Call me for a free consultation to see if we are a good match. I am a provider for most EAPs and insurance companies. If you’re motivated for help, I’m available to work with you to improve things.
![Photo of Brittany Gerard, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cda7cc56-1849-4fee-b5fb-14c9d67b743c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Gerard
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northbrook, IL 60062 (Online Only)
Brittany’s clinical interests include: eating disorders, grief, trauma, anxiety disorders, depression and other mood disorders, executive functioning, school and academic issues, identity development, relationship difficulties, communication, stress management, self-esteem challenges, behavioral challenges, divorce, family conflict, as well as social skills.
Finding the right therapist for your needs can be anxiety-provoking. I want to make it easier for you. I value building a strong sense of rapport with you through transparency, validation, and humor. I believe in working together to process your most pressing challenges, helping you adapt healthy coping behaviors that allow you to not only live a life you love, but one where you thrive.
Brittany’s clinical interests include: eating disorders, grief, trauma, anxiety disorders, depression and other mood disorders, executive functioning, school and academic issues, identity development, relationship difficulties, communication, stress management, self-esteem challenges, behavioral challenges, divorce, family conflict, as well as social skills.
Finding the right therapist for your needs can be anxiety-provoking. I want to make it easier for you. I value building a strong sense of rapport with you through transparency, validation, and humor. I believe in working together to process your most pressing challenges, helping you adapt healthy coping behaviors that allow you to not only live a life you love, but one where you thrive.
![Photo of Dana Cohen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a59a517-987a-484d-ac03-52b6b6bea093/3/320x400.jpeg)
You are overwhelmed. You are tired. You are not alone. I am here to sit beside you through this journey. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that works with individuals struggling with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, addiction & life transitions. I take pride in my warm, direct approach and believe that the therapeutic process is a collaborative one.
You are overwhelmed. You are tired. You are not alone. I am here to sit beside you through this journey. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that works with individuals struggling with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, addiction & life transitions. I take pride in my warm, direct approach and believe that the therapeutic process is a collaborative one.
![Photo of Melissa Carava, LCPC, NCC, CEDS-S, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f6f4343-ae2c-45d6-91ed-14ae907028e2/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a former therapist and clinical manager at Eating Recovery Center, I specialize in treating eating disorders, anxiety, and depression in teens and adults.
Do you feel that aspects of your life are out of control and unmanageable? Maybe you are noticing a pattern of avoiding people or places you once loved, or a sudden change in appetite, energy, or drive. Or maybe you know something is “off” and can’t quite put your finger on what is missing. The first step to change and healing is sometimes an overwhelming task. It takes a lot of courage to say, “it’s time to do something differently”.
As a former therapist and clinical manager at Eating Recovery Center, I specialize in treating eating disorders, anxiety, and depression in teens and adults.
Do you feel that aspects of your life are out of control and unmanageable? Maybe you are noticing a pattern of avoiding people or places you once loved, or a sudden change in appetite, energy, or drive. Or maybe you know something is “off” and can’t quite put your finger on what is missing. The first step to change and healing is sometimes an overwhelming task. It takes a lot of courage to say, “it’s time to do something differently”.
![Photo of Kelsey Schwab Lcpc, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/daa497f9-ddd6-4408-aa4c-33323cfeb74c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kelsey Schwab Lcpc
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a background in Eating Disorders and Mood and Anxiety Disorders, and Sport Psychology. I hold a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master's in Human and Sport Performance, both from Adler University. I am highly passionate about helping others find freedom in the pressures of our society to become the best version of ourselves.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a background in Eating Disorders and Mood and Anxiety Disorders, and Sport Psychology. I hold a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master's in Human and Sport Performance, both from Adler University. I am highly passionate about helping others find freedom in the pressures of our society to become the best version of ourselves.
![Photo of Madelaine Romito, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f9ce8a5-830e-47e6-b689-05f028bb5b65/2/320x400.jpeg)
Madelaine Romito
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Deerfield, IL 60015
My passion for working with eating disorders and body image stems from a belief in the resilience of the human spirit.
Do you feel ashamed of your "imperfections"? Do you feel overwhelmed by thoughts and behaviors you just can't seem to change? Do you find that controlling yourself, your body, food, or others' perceptions of you feels more and more out of control? Your struggle is understandable given the appearance-focused and uncertain world we live in. However, if you're curious whether freedom is possible, it absolutely is. In therapy, you and I can explore your relationships with food, body, and yourself to learn what no longer serves you... and find out what does.
My passion for working with eating disorders and body image stems from a belief in the resilience of the human spirit.
Do you feel ashamed of your "imperfections"? Do you feel overwhelmed by thoughts and behaviors you just can't seem to change? Do you find that controlling yourself, your body, food, or others' perceptions of you feels more and more out of control? Your struggle is understandable given the appearance-focused and uncertain world we live in. However, if you're curious whether freedom is possible, it absolutely is. In therapy, you and I can explore your relationships with food, body, and yourself to learn what no longer serves you... and find out what does.
![Photo of Kristen Sanders, LPC, ATR, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7506aec4-af5d-4d20-a50e-9df3595314ff/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kristen Sanders
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northbrook, IL 60062
Kristen’s clinical interests include: eating disorders, OCD, trauma, anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorders, bipolar disorders, substance use, autism, executive functioning, school and academic issues, career issues, mutism, relationship difficulties, stress management, self-esteem challenges, behavioral challenges, family conflict, and social skills.
It can be difficult to ask for support, especially when you aren't sure how it all works. I will work with you to create a treatment plan that makes sense to you and meets your unique goals. I value a person-centered approach to treatment where you and I work as a team to address the issues you want to explore. I believe that you have the answers to your struggles but need a safe space, support, and guidance, in order to achieve your goals.
Kristen’s clinical interests include: eating disorders, OCD, trauma, anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorders, bipolar disorders, substance use, autism, executive functioning, school and academic issues, career issues, mutism, relationship difficulties, stress management, self-esteem challenges, behavioral challenges, family conflict, and social skills.
It can be difficult to ask for support, especially when you aren't sure how it all works. I will work with you to create a treatment plan that makes sense to you and meets your unique goals. I value a person-centered approach to treatment where you and I work as a team to address the issues you want to explore. I believe that you have the answers to your struggles but need a safe space, support, and guidance, in order to achieve your goals.
![Photo of Mallory Silberman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cfb96bde-f9d5-45a5-809b-0cf36d3b1922/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mallory Silberman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Deerfield, IL 60015
I treat all eating disorders, disordered eating, body image struggles, and weight concerns through a health at every size (HAES), narrative, and humanistic framework.
Are you struggling with constantly feeling as if you are not good enough? You need to change yourself to “fit in,” or be successful? In the world that we live in, there is so much pressure around needing to push ourselves, to change our body, to be overanalyzing food and numbers on the scale. It can be really difficult to figure out how to navigate around the influences from other individuals, and living the life that you actually want to live. Trying to break free from a weight-obsessed world is really challenging. I can help walk alongside you on this journey of healing, and learning who your authentic self really is.
I treat all eating disorders, disordered eating, body image struggles, and weight concerns through a health at every size (HAES), narrative, and humanistic framework.
Are you struggling with constantly feeling as if you are not good enough? You need to change yourself to “fit in,” or be successful? In the world that we live in, there is so much pressure around needing to push ourselves, to change our body, to be overanalyzing food and numbers on the scale. It can be really difficult to figure out how to navigate around the influences from other individuals, and living the life that you actually want to live. Trying to break free from a weight-obsessed world is really challenging. I can help walk alongside you on this journey of healing, and learning who your authentic self really is.
![Photo of Trish Flaherty, LCSW, CADC, CGP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a7e0897-ba22-4f93-bcfb-c8cebfb54169/3/320x400.jpeg)
Trish Flaherty
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC, CGP
Verified Verified
Deerfield, IL 60015
Are addiction, eating disorders, or trauma impacting your ability to live your best life? Do you feel like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh, seeing life in a gloomy light? There are various ways people medicate pain and trauma. Perhaps you are drawn to risk and are using drugs or alcohol to the point where it's derailing your life. Food, exercise, money, work, or sex could also be used in a numbing way to help you escape reality. With all this chaos, there's no time to thrive; you're simply trying to survive.
Are addiction, eating disorders, or trauma impacting your ability to live your best life? Do you feel like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh, seeing life in a gloomy light? There are various ways people medicate pain and trauma. Perhaps you are drawn to risk and are using drugs or alcohol to the point where it's derailing your life. Food, exercise, money, work, or sex could also be used in a numbing way to help you escape reality. With all this chaos, there's no time to thrive; you're simply trying to survive.
![Photo of Stephanie Keeshin, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/19968e16-e97f-43a4-959b-759489d858ae/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Keeshin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highland Park, IL 60035
Are you wanting a safe & judgement-free space to learn more about yourself? Are you going through a tough phase in life and looking for someone to support you? Or maybe you know that you want to implement changes but are having trouble taking the first step. I am here to support you and your goals! I am passionate about working with teens, young adults, adults, and new moms who present with a range of struggles such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-esteem, perinatal/postpartum related struggles, life transitions and burnout. I strive to provide a safe and trusting space for my clients to work on their unique goals.
Are you wanting a safe & judgement-free space to learn more about yourself? Are you going through a tough phase in life and looking for someone to support you? Or maybe you know that you want to implement changes but are having trouble taking the first step. I am here to support you and your goals! I am passionate about working with teens, young adults, adults, and new moms who present with a range of struggles such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-esteem, perinatal/postpartum related struggles, life transitions and burnout. I strive to provide a safe and trusting space for my clients to work on their unique goals.
![Photo of Larissa Valentino, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1c6a6c25-85c7-4ff4-bf34-e47a8b0572ed/1/320x400.jpeg)
Larissa Valentino
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Deerfield, IL 60015
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD in adolescents and young adults. After establishing a trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship, I work with clients to identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, explore and connect with values, and change behaviors by building distress tolerance through approaching anxiety in a supported environment.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD in adolescents and young adults. After establishing a trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship, I work with clients to identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, explore and connect with values, and change behaviors by building distress tolerance through approaching anxiety in a supported environment.
![Photo of Jacqueline S Mallinger, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cdb59dc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My specialties include family therapy, anxiety disorders and eating disorders.
I am a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 34 years of clinical experience in various settings, including a mental health center, a college, a psychiatric hospital, a family service agency and private practice. I provided individual, couples and family therapy in these settings. I offer clients a supportive environment, enabling them to overcome a wide variety of challenges in their relationships and life situations. My therapeutic approach is tailored to the unique needs of each individual, blending psychodynamic, attachment and family systems treatment. I have extensive experience with clients of all ages and various backgrounds. Brief treatment is available. Medicare provider.
My specialties include family therapy, anxiety disorders and eating disorders.
I am a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 34 years of clinical experience in various settings, including a mental health center, a college, a psychiatric hospital, a family service agency and private practice. I provided individual, couples and family therapy in these settings. I offer clients a supportive environment, enabling them to overcome a wide variety of challenges in their relationships and life situations. My therapeutic approach is tailored to the unique needs of each individual, blending psychodynamic, attachment and family systems treatment. I have extensive experience with clients of all ages and various backgrounds. Brief treatment is available. Medicare provider.
![Photo of Erin Anderson, MS, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f6753d4-02a3-4963-9c22-8b3532729c94/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with clients with eating disorders, unhealthy relationships with food, and poor body-image.
My person-centered, holistic approach involves meeting clients where they are and providing non-judgemental support throughout the therapy process. My goal is to make each client comfortable in the therapeutic environment, and I provide an individualized approach to make sure that each client gets exactly what they need.
I specialize in working with clients with eating disorders, unhealthy relationships with food, and poor body-image.
My person-centered, holistic approach involves meeting clients where they are and providing non-judgemental support throughout the therapy process. My goal is to make each client comfortable in the therapeutic environment, and I provide an individualized approach to make sure that each client gets exactly what they need.
![Photo of Erin Borton, MA, LCPC, CADC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d698fed-b2c4-4ae2-b8d4-006b5cf334a4/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work primarily with clients who have more than one issue they want to address; multiple mental health diagnoses, mental illness and physical illness/pain, or relationship issues (parenting support, intimate relationships, family issues) due to mental health/addiction struggles. I started my career in addiction counseling about 17 years ago and then sought to learn about other mental health issues that typically go along with it. This grew my knowledge in ADHD, Trauma, OCD, Eating Disorders, and other specialties, so that both/all issues could be treated well. I hold my CADC and love helping loved ones of addicts too!
I work primarily with clients who have more than one issue they want to address; multiple mental health diagnoses, mental illness and physical illness/pain, or relationship issues (parenting support, intimate relationships, family issues) due to mental health/addiction struggles. I started my career in addiction counseling about 17 years ago and then sought to learn about other mental health issues that typically go along with it. This grew my knowledge in ADHD, Trauma, OCD, Eating Disorders, and other specialties, so that both/all issues could be treated well. I hold my CADC and love helping loved ones of addicts too!
![Photo of Sami Feldman, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b745010e-b33e-411e-9a51-1c7bc9c879cc/2/320x400.png)
Sami Feldman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Deerfield, IL 60015 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD. In addition, I have extensive training and treat Mood Disorders and Grief and Loss. I treat all eating disorders, disordered eating, body image struggles, and weight concerns through a health at every size (HAES), narrative, and humanistic framework.
I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD. In addition, I have extensive training and treat Mood Disorders and Grief and Loss. I treat all eating disorders, disordered eating, body image struggles, and weight concerns through a health at every size (HAES), narrative, and humanistic framework.
![Photo of Catherine M Cotter, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4638ed52-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy working with the spectrum of eating disorders from teens through adults, as well as working with depression and anxiety based disorders.
Contentment and happiness can often feel elusive in the busy, complicated lives that we lead. Sometimes, understanding the reason for our unhappiness seems just as elusive. The way we feel about our true selves as well as the meaning we give certain events in our lives can effect how we cope with the challenges that come our way. Often, we find ourselves in situations that feel beyond our control to recover from. Deep down, you are resilient, and know life could feel better than it does.
I enjoy working with the spectrum of eating disorders from teens through adults, as well as working with depression and anxiety based disorders.
Contentment and happiness can often feel elusive in the busy, complicated lives that we lead. Sometimes, understanding the reason for our unhappiness seems just as elusive. The way we feel about our true selves as well as the meaning we give certain events in our lives can effect how we cope with the challenges that come our way. Often, we find ourselves in situations that feel beyond our control to recover from. Deep down, you are resilient, and know life could feel better than it does.
See more therapy options for Bannockburn
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Bannockburn
- Buffalo Grove
- Deerfield
- Glencoe
- Glenview
- Highland Park
- Highwood
- Lake Forest
- Lincolnshire
- Northbrook
- Northfield
- Vernon Hills
- Wheeling
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.