Eating Disorders Therapists in Highwood, IL
![Photo of Jeffrey Caldcleugh, CSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a72c68ed-3312-49cc-bc29-676b5dc34ff8/1/320x400.png)
I specialize in individual, couples and family therapy related to substance use disorders, eating disorders, process addictions, anxiety/depression, trauma/PTSD, self-esteem, shame, grief and loss and crisis intervention.
Hello! I use a collaborative and strengths-based approach with each of my clients. I have years of experience working with Client's and Families/Couple's from working in both mental health treatment facilities and outpatient private practice. I integrate a variety of evidenced-based treatment interventions to address behavioral health issues, including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Twelve-Step Facilitation Therapy, Psychodynamics and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy.
I specialize in individual, couples and family therapy related to substance use disorders, eating disorders, process addictions, anxiety/depression, trauma/PTSD, self-esteem, shame, grief and loss and crisis intervention.
Hello! I use a collaborative and strengths-based approach with each of my clients. I have years of experience working with Client's and Families/Couple's from working in both mental health treatment facilities and outpatient private practice. I integrate a variety of evidenced-based treatment interventions to address behavioral health issues, including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Twelve-Step Facilitation Therapy, Psychodynamics and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy.
![Photo of Lori Ashbaugh, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a320f0a-f6ba-4be4-93b2-bfd850e109c5/1/320x400.png)
Lori Ashbaugh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Highwood, IL 60040 (Online Only)
We all experience trauma in our lives, and sometimes severe life stressors leave us feeling stuck. As an ally, teacher, and therapist, Lori collaborates with you to go from surviving to thriving. She understands that healing is dynamic, and provides a mind-body-spirit approach to treatment. Therapy is an opportunity to honor our experience and become friends with ourselves. Lori uses a combination of holistic modalities including EMDR, clinical hypnotherapy and movement to tackle core issues.
We all experience trauma in our lives, and sometimes severe life stressors leave us feeling stuck. As an ally, teacher, and therapist, Lori collaborates with you to go from surviving to thriving. She understands that healing is dynamic, and provides a mind-body-spirit approach to treatment. Therapy is an opportunity to honor our experience and become friends with ourselves. Lori uses a combination of holistic modalities including EMDR, clinical hypnotherapy and movement to tackle core issues.
![Photo of Rena Sauve-Hansen, MA, LCPC, CMHIMP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6950921e-5840-4bf8-82b0-d1b3ae7bd481/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rena Sauve-Hansen
Counselor, MA, LCPC, CMHIMP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highwood, IL 60040 (Online Only)
Life provides us with many challenges and occasional obstacles in our path. It is natural to feel stuck or overwhelmed at times. I'm here to offer a different lens and help you create a new perspective. By offering insights and challenging the behaviors, emotions and beliefs that are no longer serving you, space is created for healthier patterns to develop. Our work together will support you in your journey to find your authentic self. As a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider, my approach to healing and wellness is a holistic one. By developing a healthy mind, body and spirit meaningful change is possible.
Life provides us with many challenges and occasional obstacles in our path. It is natural to feel stuck or overwhelmed at times. I'm here to offer a different lens and help you create a new perspective. By offering insights and challenging the behaviors, emotions and beliefs that are no longer serving you, space is created for healthier patterns to develop. Our work together will support you in your journey to find your authentic self. As a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider, my approach to healing and wellness is a holistic one. By developing a healthy mind, body and spirit meaningful change is possible.
![Photo of Phanisushma Cheturvedula, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50f71b00-6a9c-43d4-a5ec-9b257e9f5ce2/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about undoing loneliness, increasing one's capacity to self-love and care, create and maintain healthy and loving relationships and co-create the narrative to become the best version of yourself. When we understand and accept ourselves, growth and healing can occur!.
I am passionate about undoing loneliness, increasing one's capacity to self-love and care, create and maintain healthy and loving relationships and co-create the narrative to become the best version of yourself. When we understand and accept ourselves, growth and healing can occur!.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Catherine M Cotter, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4638ed52-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Catherine M Cotter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035
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.
![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 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 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 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 Rachel Salk, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c1a40cb-061f-4b9e-a2e2-284bceeafc80/2/320x400.jpeg)
Salk has expertise in mood disorders, eating disorders, behavioral sleep medicine, perinatal mental health, and gender and sexual minority youth.
Dr. Rachel Salk is a licensed psychologist who provides individual therapy to adolescents and adults. Dr. Salk primarily uses a client-centered and cognitive-behavioral approach when working with clients. She also incorporates elements from mindfulness-based stress reduction, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavioral therapy. Dr. Salk specializes in working with women and girls at various life transitions, including adolescence, college, and the perinatal period.
Salk has expertise in mood disorders, eating disorders, behavioral sleep medicine, perinatal mental health, and gender and sexual minority youth.
Dr. Rachel Salk is a licensed psychologist who provides individual therapy to adolescents and adults. Dr. Salk primarily uses a client-centered and cognitive-behavioral approach when working with clients. She also incorporates elements from mindfulness-based stress reduction, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavioral therapy. Dr. Salk specializes in working with women and girls at various life transitions, including adolescence, college, and the perinatal period.
![Photo of Karlee Williams, LSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/459a5a85-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Karlee Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highland Park, IL 60035
I often work with life transitions, grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-esteem, boys and girls issues, peer issues, marital concerns, relationship issues, crisis of faith and spiritual issues.
"I am equipped to assist you in developing new coping strategies to reduce your suffering, effectively adjust to challenging realities in life, and help you gain a sense of healing and adequacy as you move forward in your life. Using an integrative therapeutic approach, I quickly adapt to your needs and personality. I will connect with your story to develop an understanding of your unique circumstance rather than imposing my beliefs or perspectives on you. My highest values in counseling are a nonjudgmental understanding and a nuanced compassion for you and your circumstances. Through these skills and principles, we can achieve fresh perspectives and transformation.
I often work with life transitions, grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-esteem, boys and girls issues, peer issues, marital concerns, relationship issues, crisis of faith and spiritual issues.
"I am equipped to assist you in developing new coping strategies to reduce your suffering, effectively adjust to challenging realities in life, and help you gain a sense of healing and adequacy as you move forward in your life. Using an integrative therapeutic approach, I quickly adapt to your needs and personality. I will connect with your story to develop an understanding of your unique circumstance rather than imposing my beliefs or perspectives on you. My highest values in counseling are a nonjudgmental understanding and a nuanced compassion for you and your circumstances. Through these skills and principles, we can achieve fresh perspectives and transformation.
![Photo of Linda B Greco, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2f0c9564-8dbd-49f9-a61b-387deeccdd8b/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have over 20 years experience. I work with children, adolescents and young adults. I do family therapy, groups, individual and couples therapy. I work with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADD/ADHD, oppositional and conduct disorders, bi-polar depression, and learning/academic issues.
I have over 20 years experience. I work with children, adolescents and young adults. I do family therapy, groups, individual and couples therapy. I work with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADD/ADHD, oppositional and conduct disorders, bi-polar depression, and learning/academic issues.
![Photo of Elissa Geier, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43d3b151-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I work with individuals with relationship and family problems, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, emotional abuse, social, career and academic stress, life transitions, self-harm, low self-esteem, eating disorders and addiction.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist working in private practice since 1998 and the co-founder of Lakeshore Psychology Group (click website). I provide individual psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, as well as treatment, for couples. I am very active in the therapy relationship and work to help clients uncover patterns, which become barriers to healthy relationships, career goals and personal happiness by learning more effective ways of coping and gaining greater insight into their problems. My clients describe me as accessible, authentic, empathic and supportive. My therapeutic approach is tailored to fit the unique needs and desires of each client
I work with individuals with relationship and family problems, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, emotional abuse, social, career and academic stress, life transitions, self-harm, low self-esteem, eating disorders and addiction.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist working in private practice since 1998 and the co-founder of Lakeshore Psychology Group (click website). I provide individual psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, as well as treatment, for couples. I am very active in the therapy relationship and work to help clients uncover patterns, which become barriers to healthy relationships, career goals and personal happiness by learning more effective ways of coping and gaining greater insight into their problems. My clients describe me as accessible, authentic, empathic and supportive. My therapeutic approach is tailored to fit the unique needs and desires of each client
![Photo of Andrea S Morse, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e1bd375d-40dd-4e93-93ce-4cc739e28727/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have advanced training/skills in the areas of Eating Disorders/ Body Image, Trauma Recovery, Medical Hypnosis and Telebehavioral Health.
I value understanding my clients' concerns as fully as possible. I will work collaboratively with you towards clarifying and meeting your treatment goals. As an eclectic, creative psychologist with training in a variety of treatment methods, your particular concerns and personality will inform my individualized approach. My focus is on helping you to clarify and meet your own goals and feel resolved and stronger after our work together. I truly enjoy working with each of my clients and am inspired by what we can accomplish together.
I have advanced training/skills in the areas of Eating Disorders/ Body Image, Trauma Recovery, Medical Hypnosis and Telebehavioral Health.
I value understanding my clients' concerns as fully as possible. I will work collaboratively with you towards clarifying and meeting your treatment goals. As an eclectic, creative psychologist with training in a variety of treatment methods, your particular concerns and personality will inform my individualized approach. My focus is on helping you to clarify and meet your own goals and feel resolved and stronger after our work together. I truly enjoy working with each of my clients and am inspired by what we can accomplish together.
![Photo of Nicole Gerber, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4612a3e8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I help those who have experienced physical, sexual, emotional abuse, self harm, substance abuse, eating disorders, chronic/acute physical illness, grief, and loss.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and have been in private practice since 1998. I am the co-founder of Lakeshore Psychology Group (click on the website link to learn more). I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families struggling with a range of issues. I provide a safe environment to help people feel at ease discussing their thoughts and feelings. My style of therapy is interactive, engaging and direct. I have been described as genuine, accessible, caring, empathic, and an advocate for my clients. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them find the necessary tools to grow, develop, and achieve their goals.
I help those who have experienced physical, sexual, emotional abuse, self harm, substance abuse, eating disorders, chronic/acute physical illness, grief, and loss.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and have been in private practice since 1998. I am the co-founder of Lakeshore Psychology Group (click on the website link to learn more). I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families struggling with a range of issues. I provide a safe environment to help people feel at ease discussing their thoughts and feelings. My style of therapy is interactive, engaging and direct. I have been described as genuine, accessible, caring, empathic, and an advocate for my clients. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them find the necessary tools to grow, develop, and achieve their goals.
![Photo of Adrianne Hedberg, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6dca97cc-b451-4c0d-bcc4-cb7d49296e65/1/320x400.jpeg)
Adrianne Hedberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highland Park, IL 60035
I am a licensed clinical social worker with a dedication to helping individuals make positive, meaningful change in their lives. I specialize in working with clients struggling with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, adolescent issues, life transitions, and family/relationship communication issues. My passion is treating those struggling with eating disorders and related issues such as disordered eating patterns, body image, and low self-esteem/self-worth.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with a dedication to helping individuals make positive, meaningful change in their lives. I specialize in working with clients struggling with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, adolescent issues, life transitions, and family/relationship communication issues. My passion is treating those struggling with eating disorders and related issues such as disordered eating patterns, body image, and low self-esteem/self-worth.
![Photo of Stephanie Mantelman, MA, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c69192a3-853e-40d5-8a9a-1fb21712c9f9/1/320x400.jpeg)
I further specialize in working with sexual abuse survivors, eating disorders, self-harm and suicidal ideation.
I am a trauma-informed psychotherapist with 8 years of experience in many settings. One of the most important things is to make a connection, create a safe space, and build a course of treatment based on each individual needs. I offer compassion and also direction to my clients.
I further specialize in working with sexual abuse survivors, eating disorders, self-harm and suicidal ideation.
I am a trauma-informed psychotherapist with 8 years of experience in many settings. One of the most important things is to make a connection, create a safe space, and build a course of treatment based on each individual needs. I offer compassion and also direction to my clients.
![Photo of Erica Schreiber, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e69e503-4406-4557-b7f2-c5e3825960f0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Erica Schreiber
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035
Sometimes even day to day activities can feel overwhelming. Whether you are a child just starting school, an adolescent going through changes, a young adult navigating being on your own for the first time, or a parent who is struggling with understanding your child, know that you are never alone. Taking that first step in asking for help and seeking out therapy is understandably difficult, even if it isn’t the first time, but can make a world of difference. Therapy is a way to better understand you and/or your child’s experiences, while also creating healthy coping skills, boundaries, and sense of self.
Sometimes even day to day activities can feel overwhelming. Whether you are a child just starting school, an adolescent going through changes, a young adult navigating being on your own for the first time, or a parent who is struggling with understanding your child, know that you are never alone. Taking that first step in asking for help and seeking out therapy is understandably difficult, even if it isn’t the first time, but can make a world of difference. Therapy is a way to better understand you and/or your child’s experiences, while also creating healthy coping skills, boundaries, and sense of self.
![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
Highland Park, IL 60035
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.
See more therapy options for Highwood
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Highwood
- Bannockburn
- Deerfield
- Glencoe
- Glenview
- Highland Park
- Lake Bluff
- Lake Forest
- Lincolnshire
- Northbrook
- Northfield
- Wheeling
- Winnetka
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.