Eating Disorders Therapists in Lawrenceburg, KY
![Photo of Megan Ashby, MEd, LPCC-S](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e95d4c5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Ashby
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MEd, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lawrenceburg, KY 40342
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families treating a variety of life's problems. I am committed to providing a safe, supportive, and judgment free environment for all of my clients. As a counselor I use a variety of techniques and work to increase my clients coping skills, communication skills, and ability to deal with life's full variety of problems. I work from and focus on evidenced based treatments to provide clients with the best treatment possible to sustain their long term mental health.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families treating a variety of life's problems. I am committed to providing a safe, supportive, and judgment free environment for all of my clients. As a counselor I use a variety of techniques and work to increase my clients coping skills, communication skills, and ability to deal with life's full variety of problems. I work from and focus on evidenced based treatments to provide clients with the best treatment possible to sustain their long term mental health.
![Photo of Melissa Hart - Hart Counseling Services, LLC, MA, LPCC-S, LMHC, LCADC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40d0429c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hart Counseling Services, LLC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC-S, LMHC, LCADC
Verified Verified
Lawrenceburg, KY 40342
Sessions are available in-person and/or tele-health. Do you feel you have hit a dead end in life? Struggling with experiences that have you "stuck" and seem to be keeping you from enjoying life? Are you ready to make changes that can help you overcome obstacles and move forward towards your life goals? Finding solutions can often be overwhelming, but the good news is you don't have to do it alone. Making life changes requires a supportive and safe therapeutic environment, essential for meeting your specific needs and becoming a happier, healthier you. This is the first step in making that possible and I welcome you!
Sessions are available in-person and/or tele-health. Do you feel you have hit a dead end in life? Struggling with experiences that have you "stuck" and seem to be keeping you from enjoying life? Are you ready to make changes that can help you overcome obstacles and move forward towards your life goals? Finding solutions can often be overwhelming, but the good news is you don't have to do it alone. Making life changes requires a supportive and safe therapeutic environment, essential for meeting your specific needs and becoming a happier, healthier you. This is the first step in making that possible and I welcome you!
![Photo of Kristina Elizabeth Hayden, MEd, LPCC-S](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e9f43ae-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kristina Elizabeth Hayden
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MEd, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lawrenceburg, KY 40342
I work with adolescents, adults, children, couples, families, and groups. As a counselor, I believe the most important element in treatment is the relationship between the therapist and the client. Utilizing this relationship we can work together to address many of life's challenges. It is my goal to help clients learn coping skills in a supportive, warm and nonjudgmental environment. My experience includes working with trauma survivors, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders and family conflict while focusing on relapse prevention.
I work with adolescents, adults, children, couples, families, and groups. As a counselor, I believe the most important element in treatment is the relationship between the therapist and the client. Utilizing this relationship we can work together to address many of life's challenges. It is my goal to help clients learn coping skills in a supportive, warm and nonjudgmental environment. My experience includes working with trauma survivors, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders and family conflict while focusing on relapse prevention.
![Photo of Susan Buckman, LCSW, MSSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fbf38570-a8ff-4dcd-a279-03234bfa1bfa/3/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Buckman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lawrenceburg, KY 40342
We would all enjoy an opportunity to make a wish that would quickly solve our problems and improve our lives. Making a wish and having a dream renews hope for living. I believe that therapy is about renewing hope for your life. At Wishing Tree Counseling, I use a client-centered therapeutic approach that incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and canine therapy when working with my clients.
We would all enjoy an opportunity to make a wish that would quickly solve our problems and improve our lives. Making a wish and having a dream renews hope for living. I believe that therapy is about renewing hope for your life. At Wishing Tree Counseling, I use a client-centered therapeutic approach that incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and canine therapy when working with my clients.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of William DeWitt, LPCC, LMHC, LPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3aafce61-4fa1-4ba6-9f3d-1a2d946b719f/1/320x400.jpeg)
William DeWitt
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Frankfort, KY 40601
With adults, William is trained and has used eye movement desensitization reprocessing therapy (EMDR); cognitive processing therapy (CPT); cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); emotionally focused couples therapy (EFCT), and in treatments for eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.
William DeWitt is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Kentucky who has been practicing since 1987. He has a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Central Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Western Washington University. William approaches each client as an individual and adjusts the treatment to meet their individual needs. He works collaboratively with the client to determine the best approach for the client's particular struggles.
With adults, William is trained and has used eye movement desensitization reprocessing therapy (EMDR); cognitive processing therapy (CPT); cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); emotionally focused couples therapy (EFCT), and in treatments for eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.
William DeWitt is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Kentucky who has been practicing since 1987. He has a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Central Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Western Washington University. William approaches each client as an individual and adjusts the treatment to meet their individual needs. He works collaboratively with the client to determine the best approach for the client's particular struggles.
![Photo of William Back, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/947e4551-92d6-4e8a-9363-5e42f10c9816/2/320x400.jpeg)
William David Back earned his master's degree in education and his bachelor's degree in Psychology from University of Kentucky. He has over 9 years of experience in inpatient and outpatient settings. His specialty areas include anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), seasonal affective disorder and substance use. He has training in and utilizes eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). He sees adolescents and adults for individual, couples and family therapy.
William David Back earned his master's degree in education and his bachelor's degree in Psychology from University of Kentucky. He has over 9 years of experience in inpatient and outpatient settings. His specialty areas include anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), seasonal affective disorder and substance use. He has training in and utilizes eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). He sees adolescents and adults for individual, couples and family therapy.
![Photo of Amber Hord-Helme, PhD, LPCC-S, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/797d15a1-b8a2-4657-8c66-4715b5121c3e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amber Hord-Helme
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PhD, LPCC-S, NCC
Verified Verified
Bondville, KY 40372 (Online Only)
I provide person-centered therapy for individuals, couples, adolescents and children. I provide trauma informed care for those who have experienced loss, abuse and mood/anxiety disorders.
I provide person-centered therapy for individuals, couples, adolescents and children. I provide trauma informed care for those who have experienced loss, abuse and mood/anxiety disorders.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Cheri A Levinson - Be Well Kentucky, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53031962-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
We specialize in two different practices, Louisville OCD clinic and Louisville Center for Eating disorders.
Our Mission: To offer the highest quality of accessible, evidence-based clinical and professional care that positively impacts our clients and community through active engagement in training, team-based treatment, and research. At our facilities we offer two separate offices: Louisville OCD Clinic and Louisville Center for Eating Disorders.
We specialize in two different practices, Louisville OCD clinic and Louisville Center for Eating disorders.
Our Mission: To offer the highest quality of accessible, evidence-based clinical and professional care that positively impacts our clients and community through active engagement in training, team-based treatment, and research. At our facilities we offer two separate offices: Louisville OCD Clinic and Louisville Center for Eating Disorders.
![Photo of Kate Price, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f736336-4af2-41e1-a7bd-a339f8102f7d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Price has further experience with the treatment of children and adolescents with Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, anxiety disorders, adjustment concerns, behavioral concerns (including sleep, toileting, feeding difficulties), functional neurological symptoms, and psychological effects of acute and chronic medical concerns. Dr. Price utilizes evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Parent Management Training, with individuals, groups, and families from a strengths-based and solution-focused perspective.
Dr. Price has further experience with the treatment of children and adolescents with Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, anxiety disorders, adjustment concerns, behavioral concerns (including sleep, toileting, feeding difficulties), functional neurological symptoms, and psychological effects of acute and chronic medical concerns. Dr. Price utilizes evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Parent Management Training, with individuals, groups, and families from a strengths-based and solution-focused perspective.
![Photo of Leah Klensch, LPCC-KY, LCPC-IL, LPCC OH, PMH-C, CRC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/749f2d6e-7b1c-4a30-8a74-4d1b148ceb38/1/320x400.png)
Leah Klensch
Counselor, LPCC-KY, LCPC-IL, LPCC OH, PMH-C, CRC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40207
For the last 15 years, Leah has specialized in eating disorders, working in higher levels of care and outpatient. She also has experience providing support for those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones from eating disorders. In addition, Leah is certified in perinatal mental health and supports women and their support person(s) who are going through infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and infant loss. While Leah works in an office in Louisville, KY, she continues to meet with clients in the virtual space who not only live in Kentucky, but also Illinois and Ohio.
For the last 15 years, Leah has specialized in eating disorders, working in higher levels of care and outpatient. She also has experience providing support for those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones from eating disorders. In addition, Leah is certified in perinatal mental health and supports women and their support person(s) who are going through infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and infant loss. While Leah works in an office in Louisville, KY, she continues to meet with clients in the virtual space who not only live in Kentucky, but also Illinois and Ohio.
![Photo of Dr. Melissa Gibson, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07bdb048-36dd-4222-8efe-7117c196b62e/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in treating teens and young adults with anxiety disorders and eating disorders. I am passionate about helping people who are stuck in strong feelings, unhelpful habits or relationship patterns. After assessing your symptoms, I focus on building a trusting & collaborative relationship to help you understand your “stuckness”, clarify your values, and use evidenced based treatment to help you create meaningful change in your life.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in treating teens and young adults with anxiety disorders and eating disorders. I am passionate about helping people who are stuck in strong feelings, unhelpful habits or relationship patterns. After assessing your symptoms, I focus on building a trusting & collaborative relationship to help you understand your “stuckness”, clarify your values, and use evidenced based treatment to help you create meaningful change in your life.
![Photo of Traci Braun, MEd, LPCC, EMDR, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dbdd5243-03e2-4979-87d9-fa0cdc5f30a5/2/320x400.jpeg)
In addition to being a licensed counselor, I am also a committed Christian and practice in a Christian counseling center. I work with individuals: teenagers (14+) and adults of various ages and with a variety of issues. Although my experience is not limited to these, specific areas of focus include the following: depression, anxiety, high-functioning autism, adoption-related issues, alcoholism and eating disorders, spiritual struggles, and general life issues. I am interested in working with people who are ready to improve the quality of their life.
In addition to being a licensed counselor, I am also a committed Christian and practice in a Christian counseling center. I work with individuals: teenagers (14+) and adults of various ages and with a variety of issues. Although my experience is not limited to these, specific areas of focus include the following: depression, anxiety, high-functioning autism, adoption-related issues, alcoholism and eating disorders, spiritual struggles, and general life issues. I am interested in working with people who are ready to improve the quality of their life.
![Photo of Dr. Rachel M Butler, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d3f9f859-d596-4b61-a804-b67756ce34b8/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Rachel M Butler
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40508
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome! I’m Dr. Rachel Butler, a Licensed Psychologist in Kentucky. I offer therapy sessions via telehealth and in my office in Lexington, KY. I specialize in working with clients experiencing anxiety, eating disorders, body image concerns, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, and trauma. My style is warm, collaborative, empathetic, and acceptance-based. I love working with clients to help them identify what is keeping them stuck and live a more meaningful, fulfilling life based on their values. My clients and I work as a team to identify their goals for our work together!
Welcome! I’m Dr. Rachel Butler, a Licensed Psychologist in Kentucky. I offer therapy sessions via telehealth and in my office in Lexington, KY. I specialize in working with clients experiencing anxiety, eating disorders, body image concerns, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, and trauma. My style is warm, collaborative, empathetic, and acceptance-based. I love working with clients to help them identify what is keeping them stuck and live a more meaningful, fulfilling life based on their values. My clients and I work as a team to identify their goals for our work together!
![Photo of Tracy McQuarter - Resilience Counseling Services](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e349d07d-d49f-4b80-98a6-d2367aac371e/1/320x400.png)
Resilience Counseling Services
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Verified Verified
Somerset, KY 42503
We also have a therapist who is continually expanding their training on eating disorders to provide good client care in areas where it is hard to find help.
Resilience Counseling Services was started to help people in our community build their mental wellness. We enjoy helping our clients identify and reach their goals. We help our clients work on concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, eating disorders and self esteem just to name a few. We provide clients with a safe, judgement free area to express their concerns and talk about their stressors.
We also have a therapist who is continually expanding their training on eating disorders to provide good client care in areas where it is hard to find help.
Resilience Counseling Services was started to help people in our community build their mental wellness. We enjoy helping our clients identify and reach their goals. We help our clients work on concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, eating disorders and self esteem just to name a few. We provide clients with a safe, judgement free area to express their concerns and talk about their stressors.
![Photo of Sara Wallace, MA, LPA, Psychological Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/064351a1-3bba-4b76-aa2f-3d0779931a30/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sara Wallace is a licensed psychological associate who has experience working with adolescent and adult populations, who have a history of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and personality disorders.
Sara has received training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Family Based Therapy (FBT), DBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Parallel with the main goal in DBT, Sara believes in “creating a life worth living” with her clients. She walks next to her clients on their journey to mental and emotional stability and provides support and encouragement along the way. Sara believes in conducting empirically supported treatment that is best suited for each client’s individual needs.
Sara Wallace is a licensed psychological associate who has experience working with adolescent and adult populations, who have a history of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and personality disorders.
Sara has received training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Family Based Therapy (FBT), DBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Parallel with the main goal in DBT, Sara believes in “creating a life worth living” with her clients. She walks next to her clients on their journey to mental and emotional stability and provides support and encouragement along the way. Sara believes in conducting empirically supported treatment that is best suited for each client’s individual needs.
![Photo of Coralie McEachron, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f9474125-4ed7-436d-b1aa-ffbb39b3c46f/1/320x400.png)
Coralie McEachron
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40204 (Online Only)
I believe that we can get stuck in the mire of hopelessness when we feel overwhelmed, or when our circumstances are more than we can handle. If you struggle with navigating your emotions, finding meaning/purpose, overcoming difficult or painful circumstances of the past (flashbacks, avoidance, fear, triggers) or even the present (arguments, emotional angst, numbness, irritation, anxiety, worry, hypervigilance), I want to support you. I specialize in anxiety; depression; eating disorders; relational issues; sex therapy and education, as well as helping folks work through general/sexual trauma using somatic or body-centered methods.
I believe that we can get stuck in the mire of hopelessness when we feel overwhelmed, or when our circumstances are more than we can handle. If you struggle with navigating your emotions, finding meaning/purpose, overcoming difficult or painful circumstances of the past (flashbacks, avoidance, fear, triggers) or even the present (arguments, emotional angst, numbness, irritation, anxiety, worry, hypervigilance), I want to support you. I specialize in anxiety; depression; eating disorders; relational issues; sex therapy and education, as well as helping folks work through general/sexual trauma using somatic or body-centered methods.
![Photo of Emily Stein, MSW, MDiv, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f6571829-d672-4f29-9878-64ff9a884e6c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I utilize a client-centered approach with specific training in both eating disorders and trauma (such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, family-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, emotion focused family therapy).
Feeling tired at 2 PM, thinking about snacking but worried about fitting into your outfit for tonight? Or experiencing intense emotions that seem out of control, whether too big or numb? If this sounds like you, let's chat. I focus on helping adolescents and adults with eating issues and trauma. I understand the rollercoaster of diet culture, emotions and the impact of trauma.
I utilize a client-centered approach with specific training in both eating disorders and trauma (such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, family-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, emotion focused family therapy).
Feeling tired at 2 PM, thinking about snacking but worried about fitting into your outfit for tonight? Or experiencing intense emotions that seem out of control, whether too big or numb? If this sounds like you, let's chat. I focus on helping adolescents and adults with eating issues and trauma. I understand the rollercoaster of diet culture, emotions and the impact of trauma.
![Photo of Lynn Supple, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/478d7ad5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My goal is to provide warm and effective care for individuals suffering from eating disorders.
Do you feel like food controls you? Are you tired of constantly thinking about your weight, food, or exercise? Do you feel like you've lost a sense of what matters most? You are not alone in this! An eating disorder can take away your passion, strength, and relationships. I want to help you through the recovery process so you can live the life you desire! We will work together to reset the way you think about food and your body, with the goal of living your best life. To learn more, visit aspirewellnessky.com.
My goal is to provide warm and effective care for individuals suffering from eating disorders.
Do you feel like food controls you? Are you tired of constantly thinking about your weight, food, or exercise? Do you feel like you've lost a sense of what matters most? You are not alone in this! An eating disorder can take away your passion, strength, and relationships. I want to help you through the recovery process so you can live the life you desire! We will work together to reset the way you think about food and your body, with the goal of living your best life. To learn more, visit aspirewellnessky.com.
![Photo of Dr. Hayley Meadows, PhD, HSP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/319b030b-6dcf-4a17-8f33-91fe1956a96a/3/320x400.jpeg)
- VIRTUAL AND IN PERSON SERVICES - Do you struggle to control your anxiety or panic? Do you worry or obsesses excessively? I approach treatment from a compassionate, medical model, recognizing these are symptoms of illnesses to be managed. I specialize in treating children, teens, and adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, and anxiety-related disorders. I also work with people with depression, ADHD, PTSD, and mild eating disorders. To help, I use evidence-based treatments like Exposure with Response-Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I also offer affirming care for the LGBTQIA+ community.
- VIRTUAL AND IN PERSON SERVICES - Do you struggle to control your anxiety or panic? Do you worry or obsesses excessively? I approach treatment from a compassionate, medical model, recognizing these are symptoms of illnesses to be managed. I specialize in treating children, teens, and adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, and anxiety-related disorders. I also work with people with depression, ADHD, PTSD, and mild eating disorders. To help, I use evidence-based treatments like Exposure with Response-Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I also offer affirming care for the LGBTQIA+ community.
![Photo of Alma Sue Banks, MSW, CSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ede5f9f-7495-4db3-8fbb-b06de754fb95/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alma Sue Banks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, CSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, KY 40475 (Online Only)
I love my work and offer clients a safe and supportive environment to process unpleasant and 2 uncomfortable emotions such as anxiety, struggles with parenting, issues related to transitions in life, eating disorders/disordered eating, and grief. I aim to partner with you to learn how to accept and cope with the inevitable pain and stress of being a human.
I love my work and offer clients a safe and supportive environment to process unpleasant and 2 uncomfortable emotions such as anxiety, struggles with parenting, issues related to transitions in life, eating disorders/disordered eating, and grief. I aim to partner with you to learn how to accept and cope with the inevitable pain and stress of being a human.
See more therapy options for Lawrenceburg
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Lawrenceburg
- Anchorage
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- Georgetown
- Lexington
- Lyndon
- Nicholasville
- Prospect
- Richmond
- Saint Matthews
- Versailles
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.