Eating Disorders Therapists in Skokie, IL
![Photo of Julie Friedman, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4bc0ee0a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of Binge Eating Disorder, Bulimia Nervosa, Night Eating Syndrome, Traumatic Stress, PTSD, and Borderline Personality Disorder. I am particularly interested in the relationship between traumatic stress and eating pathology as well as trauma and sleep. I also specialize in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, DBT PE, Exposure and Response Prevention, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Written Exposure Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and EMDR. I am an Assistant Professor at the Northwestern University Medical School in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of Binge Eating Disorder, Bulimia Nervosa, Night Eating Syndrome, Traumatic Stress, PTSD, and Borderline Personality Disorder. I am particularly interested in the relationship between traumatic stress and eating pathology as well as trauma and sleep. I also specialize in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, DBT PE, Exposure and Response Prevention, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Written Exposure Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and EMDR. I am an Assistant Professor at the Northwestern University Medical School in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences.
![Photo of Laura Lange, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c5ae28e0-7cbb-48a8-bc1c-7edd32a57539/1/320x400.jpeg)
Many people come to me saying that they don't recognize themselves anymore or that they are not living the life they want to be living. They might feel plagued with negative thoughts, fear, anxiety and overall feel stuck because the things they were using to cope in the past are not helping them now. If you have been feeling this way, you are not alone! I have spent my career working in clinical leadership and providing care for clients struggling with eating disorders, PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, depression & body image concerns. I believe in providing empathy + evidenced-based treatments and the power of healing in community.
Many people come to me saying that they don't recognize themselves anymore or that they are not living the life they want to be living. They might feel plagued with negative thoughts, fear, anxiety and overall feel stuck because the things they were using to cope in the past are not helping them now. If you have been feeling this way, you are not alone! I have spent my career working in clinical leadership and providing care for clients struggling with eating disorders, PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, depression & body image concerns. I believe in providing empathy + evidenced-based treatments and the power of healing in community.
![Photo of Mindy Marx, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93772fd1-0c90-46c5-8af1-0a7f822b87e0/1/320x400.jpeg)
While I have specialized in treating both eating disorders and trauma for most of my career, I also have a great deal of experience and interest in treating anxiety, depression, grief, adoption related issues and navigating life transitions.
Selecting a Therapist to partner in your journey of self discovery and change is an important decision. I have over 30 years of experience treating adolescents and adults with a wide range of issues. My experience has taught me that people have a great deal of internal wisdom, but sometimes need assistance in accessing and utilizing that information. In 2012 I founded Reflections Psychotherapy: Seeing, Freeing, Being. This name mirrors many aspects of my treatment approach.
While I have specialized in treating both eating disorders and trauma for most of my career, I also have a great deal of experience and interest in treating anxiety, depression, grief, adoption related issues and navigating life transitions.
Selecting a Therapist to partner in your journey of self discovery and change is an important decision. I have over 30 years of experience treating adolescents and adults with a wide range of issues. My experience has taught me that people have a great deal of internal wisdom, but sometimes need assistance in accessing and utilizing that information. In 2012 I founded Reflections Psychotherapy: Seeing, Freeing, Being. This name mirrors many aspects of my treatment approach.
![Photo of Ali Buckman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40ed7a4a-9e73-416b-b604-0ee4c6895a1b/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with adults, young adults, and adolescents who are struggling with eating disorders and body image, depression, anxiety, ADHD, life transitions, relationship issues and sexual identity.
My first goal in the therapeutic process is to create a trusting, safe and collaborative relationship. Through active exploration, it is my hope that you will uncover insight into thoughts, emotions and behavior that will empower and support you in transforming your life. I recognize the difficulty of developing and maintaining a sense of self that reflects a value of inner worth rather than outer societal or familial ideals and expectations. My intention is for you to become the person you really are and from that place, make choices leading you towards a greater sense of wholeness, peace and well-being.
I specialize in working with adults, young adults, and adolescents who are struggling with eating disorders and body image, depression, anxiety, ADHD, life transitions, relationship issues and sexual identity.
My first goal in the therapeutic process is to create a trusting, safe and collaborative relationship. Through active exploration, it is my hope that you will uncover insight into thoughts, emotions and behavior that will empower and support you in transforming your life. I recognize the difficulty of developing and maintaining a sense of self that reflects a value of inner worth rather than outer societal or familial ideals and expectations. My intention is for you to become the person you really are and from that place, make choices leading you towards a greater sense of wholeness, peace and well-being.
![Photo of Dara Weil, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c31e068-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Although I am trained as a generalist, I have extensive experience in working with clients with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and phase of life concerns.
Offering virtual therapy and member of Psypact. I am a very collaborative therapist who enjoys helping clients to identify their goals for treatment and making direct suggestions as to how to achieve those changes. I understand that it takes tremendous courage to engage in the therapeutic process and do my best to be direct, yet empathetically challenge my clients to make necessary changes in their lives. I strive to help my clients identify the triggers to their thoughts and feelings and guide them in learning new ways to cope with the stressors around them.
Although I am trained as a generalist, I have extensive experience in working with clients with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and phase of life concerns.
Offering virtual therapy and member of Psypact. I am a very collaborative therapist who enjoys helping clients to identify their goals for treatment and making direct suggestions as to how to achieve those changes. I understand that it takes tremendous courage to engage in the therapeutic process and do my best to be direct, yet empathetically challenge my clients to make necessary changes in their lives. I strive to help my clients identify the triggers to their thoughts and feelings and guide them in learning new ways to cope with the stressors around them.
![Photo of Kelly Schilder Ray, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c9c68ab8-2b6a-409a-a821-10838a727391/1/320x400.jpeg)
In addition, I have a specialty in treating eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and emotional/binge eating.
I consider it a privilege to work with clients as they navigate through times of pain, sorrow, and self-exploration.
I appreciate learning from clients their goals for the therapy process and how they hope to change. I assist clients in understanding possible triggers to uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, while also identifying ways in which they may find themselves stuck. Together, we will identify healthy coping skills for managing and ultimately moving past the distress, leading to a healthier and lighter way of being.
In addition, I have a specialty in treating eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and emotional/binge eating.
I consider it a privilege to work with clients as they navigate through times of pain, sorrow, and self-exploration.
I appreciate learning from clients their goals for the therapy process and how they hope to change. I assist clients in understanding possible triggers to uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, while also identifying ways in which they may find themselves stuck. Together, we will identify healthy coping skills for managing and ultimately moving past the distress, leading to a healthier and lighter way of being.
![Photo of Brittany Findlan-Sawant, LPC, PsyD, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b9fc6eb3-0044-41a9-a8a0-b7031809411f/3/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Findlan-Sawant
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Skokie, IL 60076
I aim to provide a safe, empathic space and specialize in eating disorders, self-esteem and women's issues, trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship issues, college mental health, life transitions, and stress management.
Have you found yourself struggling with your relationship with your body and food? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, sadness, self-doubt, or struggling to heal from painful past experiences? Perhaps you even desire more connection with others in your life, but find it difficult to show your authentic self out of fear that you may not be “enough.” If so, know that your experiences matter and that it is possible to live a life that feels meaningful to you. As human beings we all need support and guidance in our lives and deserve a sense of peace. Therapy can be a remarkable way to heal and live more authentically.
I aim to provide a safe, empathic space and specialize in eating disorders, self-esteem and women's issues, trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship issues, college mental health, life transitions, and stress management.
Have you found yourself struggling with your relationship with your body and food? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, sadness, self-doubt, or struggling to heal from painful past experiences? Perhaps you even desire more connection with others in your life, but find it difficult to show your authentic self out of fear that you may not be “enough.” If so, know that your experiences matter and that it is possible to live a life that feels meaningful to you. As human beings we all need support and guidance in our lives and deserve a sense of peace. Therapy can be a remarkable way to heal and live more authentically.
![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
Skokie, IL 60076 (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 Dr. Allison Minnich, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f189a893-9bf9-4952-b817-413a87fde0ec/2/320x400.jpeg)
I know that therapy is an investment- both of time and money, and as such, I want it to be effective for you. To this end, I draw from evidence-based treatments including ACT, ERP, CBT, I-CBT, and DBT, and prioritize building a supportive, trusting, and empathic relationship with each of my clients. I have specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of generalized anxiety, OCD, specific phobias, panic disorder, depressive disorders, and eating disorders.
I know that therapy is an investment- both of time and money, and as such, I want it to be effective for you. To this end, I draw from evidence-based treatments including ACT, ERP, CBT, I-CBT, and DBT, and prioritize building a supportive, trusting, and empathic relationship with each of my clients. I have specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of generalized anxiety, OCD, specific phobias, panic disorder, depressive disorders, and eating disorders.
![Photo of Fenna M. Semken, LSW, MSW, BSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/229b60ed-ed0b-4e35-a1dc-92d4b8b366da/1/320x400.jpeg)
Fenna M. Semken
Licensed Social Worker, LSW, MSW, BSW
Verified Verified
Skokie, IL 60076
Waitlist for new clients
Fenna provides a holistic approach to care, incorporating the physiological aspects of human anatomy into treatment for mental health disorders and concerns. She focuses on the intersection between physical and psychological health within individuals, families, and couples, such as the the intersection of chronic illnesses and eating disorders. By utilizing a strengths-based approach in conjunction with internal family systems, modified cognitive behavioral therapy, and polyvagal theories, Fenna provides a full-spectrum level of care that focuses on healing from the inside out.
Fenna provides a holistic approach to care, incorporating the physiological aspects of human anatomy into treatment for mental health disorders and concerns. She focuses on the intersection between physical and psychological health within individuals, families, and couples, such as the the intersection of chronic illnesses and eating disorders. By utilizing a strengths-based approach in conjunction with internal family systems, modified cognitive behavioral therapy, and polyvagal theories, Fenna provides a full-spectrum level of care that focuses on healing from the inside out.
![Photo of Judy Kramer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6ba0fb6-dec5-4399-9602-99de39f1096d/1/320x400.jpeg)
If you are looking for an experienced therapist who is compassionate, insightful, positive, supportive, humorous and directive, then contact me. In addition to teaching coping skills and parenting skills, I help clients to better understand themselves and to fully accept themselves so that true joy can be found. I specialize in eating disorders, substance abuse, behavioral disorders and am a trauma informed therapist. I see ages 7 upward for either individual or family counseling. These sessions can be remote or in-person at either the Ravenswood neighborhood office in Chicago or at another location in Lincolnwood, IL.
If you are looking for an experienced therapist who is compassionate, insightful, positive, supportive, humorous and directive, then contact me. In addition to teaching coping skills and parenting skills, I help clients to better understand themselves and to fully accept themselves so that true joy can be found. I specialize in eating disorders, substance abuse, behavioral disorders and am a trauma informed therapist. I see ages 7 upward for either individual or family counseling. These sessions can be remote or in-person at either the Ravenswood neighborhood office in Chicago or at another location in Lincolnwood, IL.
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![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
Skokie, IL 60076 (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 Nicole Wahlert - Nicole Wahlert, PLLC, MS, LCPC, CADC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42815d34-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
During my past 25 years as a therapist I've worked with several clients with a variety of presenting problems, including anxiety and depression, chemical dependency, emotional abuse, sex addiction, codependency, eating disorders, and childhood trauma. I offer a supportive, confidential and safe place for you, your partner, spouse and/or family to work through obstacles, struggles, and current/past traumas to find success. It is my role to respect your values and the goal you set out to reach in therapy.
During my past 25 years as a therapist I've worked with several clients with a variety of presenting problems, including anxiety and depression, chemical dependency, emotional abuse, sex addiction, codependency, eating disorders, and childhood trauma. I offer a supportive, confidential and safe place for you, your partner, spouse and/or family to work through obstacles, struggles, and current/past traumas to find success. It is my role to respect your values and the goal you set out to reach in therapy.
![Photo of Joan Durlacher, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d69ff67-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked extensively with people suffering from depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, health issues, grief, couple issues, parents with special needs children, fertility issues, addictions, life transitions, procrastination, eating disorders, adjustment disorders, ADD, family issues, work concerns, and more.
"I appreciate that you are down to earth and real. You have a passion for life, for my life". If these are qualities you would appreciate in your therapist, then contact me. I will guide you through identifying and exploring your core concerns and issues, utilizing the expertise developed in 20 years of practice. My style of therapy is respectful, non-judgmental, practical, soothing and solution focused. Collaboratively we will create new, adaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to enhance the quality of your life and your relationships.
I have worked extensively with people suffering from depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, health issues, grief, couple issues, parents with special needs children, fertility issues, addictions, life transitions, procrastination, eating disorders, adjustment disorders, ADD, family issues, work concerns, and more.
"I appreciate that you are down to earth and real. You have a passion for life, for my life". If these are qualities you would appreciate in your therapist, then contact me. I will guide you through identifying and exploring your core concerns and issues, utilizing the expertise developed in 20 years of practice. My style of therapy is respectful, non-judgmental, practical, soothing and solution focused. Collaboratively we will create new, adaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to enhance the quality of your life and your relationships.
![Photo of Natalie Eve DuBois, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6869c079-8105-4509-a757-3fa117cbedf8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Natalie Eve DuBois
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Skokie, IL 60076
Thank you for taking the time to review my profile. Helping adults find overall balance and wellness is a primary focus of my practice. I have 20+ years of experience helping people with relationship/family issues, eating concerns, mood/anxiety disorders, interpersonal vulnerabilities and general work/life stress. I offer a therapy relationship that provides a focus on psychological wellness and a non-judgmental and collaborative environment in which to work together on personal growth and a return to a more positive and fulfilled state-of-being.
Thank you for taking the time to review my profile. Helping adults find overall balance and wellness is a primary focus of my practice. I have 20+ years of experience helping people with relationship/family issues, eating concerns, mood/anxiety disorders, interpersonal vulnerabilities and general work/life stress. I offer a therapy relationship that provides a focus on psychological wellness and a non-judgmental and collaborative environment in which to work together on personal growth and a return to a more positive and fulfilled state-of-being.
![Photo of Mark Pletcher, MA, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ce66aaa-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
People often search for a therapist when they feel like they've tried everything and it's just not working well enough. It can be hard to see a situation clearly when you've been immersed in it for so long. I help people to take a step back, so they can see things more objectively. Through psychotherapy, people can find internal strength and resources they didn't know were there. They can then start to see new perspectives, both of themselves and their situations, and can begin to make changes.
People often search for a therapist when they feel like they've tried everything and it's just not working well enough. It can be hard to see a situation clearly when you've been immersed in it for so long. I help people to take a step back, so they can see things more objectively. Through psychotherapy, people can find internal strength and resources they didn't know were there. They can then start to see new perspectives, both of themselves and their situations, and can begin to make changes.
![Photo of Ira Finkel, LCSW, CCATP, C-SSWS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5a692a21-60af-4349-9e4e-86d3f60557b2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ira Finkel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCATP, C-SSWS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Skokie, IL 60077
Is your anxiety preventing you (or your child) from being who you (or they) want to be? Wish you or your child could just get over it? If it was only that simple. Sometimes we just need someone who can give us the tools to not be crippled with anxiety. Anxiety is a necessary part of life, but shouldn't interfere. You're not looking for someone to just talk to on an ongoing basis; that's what your friends and family are for (and you don't need to pay them!) I'm going to help you get in and out of my office feeling "cured" as quickly as we can so that you can save money and be who you want to be.
Is your anxiety preventing you (or your child) from being who you (or they) want to be? Wish you or your child could just get over it? If it was only that simple. Sometimes we just need someone who can give us the tools to not be crippled with anxiety. Anxiety is a necessary part of life, but shouldn't interfere. You're not looking for someone to just talk to on an ongoing basis; that's what your friends and family are for (and you don't need to pay them!) I'm going to help you get in and out of my office feeling "cured" as quickly as we can so that you can save money and be who you want to be.
![Photo of David Lipschutz, LCSW, CADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9cd53c54-726a-42ff-adcb-d987aefb368a/1/320x400.jpeg)
David Lipschutz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
Skokie, IL 60077
Waitlist for new clients
I use a variety of approaches, adapting my style to each individual's unique struggles and goals while primarily drawing from modern psychoanalytic theory. We will work together to identify how relationships and the systems we reside in inform our life experiences and beyond. Understanding the origins of unsatisfying relationships and anxieties provides a chance for new perspectives and the possibility for lasting change. I am also informed by developmental perspectives when working with children, teens, and their families to cultivate inner capacities of growth and potential.
I use a variety of approaches, adapting my style to each individual's unique struggles and goals while primarily drawing from modern psychoanalytic theory. We will work together to identify how relationships and the systems we reside in inform our life experiences and beyond. Understanding the origins of unsatisfying relationships and anxieties provides a chance for new perspectives and the possibility for lasting change. I am also informed by developmental perspectives when working with children, teens, and their families to cultivate inner capacities of growth and potential.
![Photo of Lynn Renee Zakeri, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43ee41fb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I often say it is my job to help make life better. Whether you are worrying too much (anxiety), feeling sad (depression), or dealing with trauma, I will do just that: Help make life better. I have experience with children, adolescents, adults and families and have worked in both the school system and in full-time private practice. My style is practical, and focuses a lot on coping mechanisms and strategies. I have had much success working on a variety of issues as noted below. I enjoy assisting in the progress and achievement of attaining goals. My COVID mission has been "always an opening" and now have associates too!
I often say it is my job to help make life better. Whether you are worrying too much (anxiety), feeling sad (depression), or dealing with trauma, I will do just that: Help make life better. I have experience with children, adolescents, adults and families and have worked in both the school system and in full-time private practice. My style is practical, and focuses a lot on coping mechanisms and strategies. I have had much success working on a variety of issues as noted below. I enjoy assisting in the progress and achievement of attaining goals. My COVID mission has been "always an opening" and now have associates too!
![Photo of Dee Crowley, LCSW, E-RYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42a024f7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dee Crowley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, E-RYT
Verified Verified
Skokie, IL 60077 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
If you are motivated to show up for YOURSELF in a new way I am here as your trusted ally on this sacred journey of life! As a Holistic Psychotherapist, it is my passion to accompany you as you invite your full self; body, mind and intuitive/wisdom center into the therapeutic process--creating opportunities for insights into thoughts, emotions and behaviors that support and empower you. I have extensive experience working with individuals seeking healing and peace from issues related to trauma and abuse, mood management, disordered eating, loss and grief, relationship challenges and personal/spiritual fulfillment.
If you are motivated to show up for YOURSELF in a new way I am here as your trusted ally on this sacred journey of life! As a Holistic Psychotherapist, it is my passion to accompany you as you invite your full self; body, mind and intuitive/wisdom center into the therapeutic process--creating opportunities for insights into thoughts, emotions and behaviors that support and empower you. I have extensive experience working with individuals seeking healing and peace from issues related to trauma and abuse, mood management, disordered eating, loss and grief, relationship challenges and personal/spiritual fulfillment.
See more therapy options for Skokie
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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.