Eating Disorders Therapists in Milton, MA
![Photo of Mary Beth Scalice, MA, EdD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/511324f9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Therapy can be a gateway for those wanting more love, less fear, more joining, less separation. We enter into a safe and sacred space to share a journey together, healing our painful and limiting beliefs, exploring our gifts and values. Old painful narratives are healed through heart-opening dialogue, trust, and deep listening. Behind fears, doubts, and limits your true self shines, waiting for acceptance and recognition.
Therapy can be a gateway for those wanting more love, less fear, more joining, less separation. We enter into a safe and sacred space to share a journey together, healing our painful and limiting beliefs, exploring our gifts and values. Old painful narratives are healed through heart-opening dialogue, trust, and deep listening. Behind fears, doubts, and limits your true self shines, waiting for acceptance and recognition.
![Photo of Lisa Alexander, LICSW, LADCI, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ccd3d81-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
"Feeling like things need to change?" I have worked in the mental health field for the last 25 years with a wide variety of people. I have treated people for depression, trauma, anxiety-related issues, family problems, substance abuse, and other mental-health issues. I enjoy working with an individual, couple, or family with whatever issue that is presented. My past experience, which included working in corrections, has given me the ability to help an individual cope in the most undesirable circumstances. I have also been certified as a licensed drug and alcohol counselor.
"Feeling like things need to change?" I have worked in the mental health field for the last 25 years with a wide variety of people. I have treated people for depression, trauma, anxiety-related issues, family problems, substance abuse, and other mental-health issues. I enjoy working with an individual, couple, or family with whatever issue that is presented. My past experience, which included working in corrections, has given me the ability to help an individual cope in the most undesirable circumstances. I have also been certified as a licensed drug and alcohol counselor.
![Photo of John Francis Schatzel - Schatzel Counseling Group, PC, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b2d5e348-e565-4471-859d-c1dce507d351/2/320x400.jpeg)
Schatzel Counseling Group, PC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milton, MA 02186
Growth toward a more comfortable and confident you: Services are provided so that clients may develop growth across a number of domains. Clients are asked to be active participants in our work together, in addition to any plans for their own personal development. Approaches include but are not limited to developing a repertoire of skills based around the following categories: Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, and Mindfulness/Meditation. Furthermore, Schatzel Counseling Group takes a humanistic and client centered approach which incorporates several disciplines from a varying array of fields.
Growth toward a more comfortable and confident you: Services are provided so that clients may develop growth across a number of domains. Clients are asked to be active participants in our work together, in addition to any plans for their own personal development. Approaches include but are not limited to developing a repertoire of skills based around the following categories: Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, and Mindfulness/Meditation. Furthermore, Schatzel Counseling Group takes a humanistic and client centered approach which incorporates several disciplines from a varying array of fields.
![Photo of Kelsey Rudeck, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26702b6e-d95d-4940-9c7f-79aed634fc87/4/320x400.jpeg)
Kelsey Rudeck
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milton, MA 02186 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I have special interest in working with depression, anxiety, communication skills, substance use disorders, eating disorders, athletes, couples, and trauma.
Welcome to my practice! I currently meet with clients via telehealth. Telehealth offers clients flexibility in their schedule while still receiving the same high quality therapeutic support. My passion has always been helping people improve their quality of life and create a life worth living. My goal is to help you gain insight into your presenting challenges and develop healthy coping skills to help manage symptoms and regulate emotions.
I have special interest in working with depression, anxiety, communication skills, substance use disorders, eating disorders, athletes, couples, and trauma.
Welcome to my practice! I currently meet with clients via telehealth. Telehealth offers clients flexibility in their schedule while still receiving the same high quality therapeutic support. My passion has always been helping people improve their quality of life and create a life worth living. My goal is to help you gain insight into your presenting challenges and develop healthy coping skills to help manage symptoms and regulate emotions.
![Photo of Stephanie Wallace, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40b71f57-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Wallace
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Milton, MA 02186
Not accepting new clients
Many of my clients seek therapy because they feel stuck - in the same endless fight with their partner, in a power struggle with their child, or in a place of anxiety or depression. As a relationally trained therapist, I help couples and families improve communication, minimize conflict, and develop interactions that make the family and/or relationship a source of positivity, peace, comfort, and joy - not chaos, stress, or constant struggle. I help individuals figure out how to better understand and deal with emotions, develop a more confident sense of self, and work through difficult experiences, both past and present.
Many of my clients seek therapy because they feel stuck - in the same endless fight with their partner, in a power struggle with their child, or in a place of anxiety or depression. As a relationally trained therapist, I help couples and families improve communication, minimize conflict, and develop interactions that make the family and/or relationship a source of positivity, peace, comfort, and joy - not chaos, stress, or constant struggle. I help individuals figure out how to better understand and deal with emotions, develop a more confident sense of self, and work through difficult experiences, both past and present.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Bridget McAdams, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cdf054a5-8cf6-48f5-8043-380aab9e9405/3/320x400.jpeg)
Bridget McAdams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) at Nourished Minds Counseling + Wellness, I specialize in treating adolescents and adults struggling with eating disorders, complex trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, OCD and personality disorders. My clinical approach flexibly incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I enjoy working with clients to meet their goals with curiosity, compassion and humor.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) at Nourished Minds Counseling + Wellness, I specialize in treating adolescents and adults struggling with eating disorders, complex trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, OCD and personality disorders. My clinical approach flexibly incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I enjoy working with clients to meet their goals with curiosity, compassion and humor.
![Photo of Lauren Posner, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d773e3cf-7e72-4432-a2db-951bfc15ea59/1/320x400.jpeg)
Her Clinical background includes working with both adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, and she is trained in family-based therapy (FBT).
Lauren Posner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Massachusetts who has been practicing since 2022. Lauren believes authentic rapport-building is the first step to any therapeutic relationship. She uses a strengths-based approach to view her clients as people capable of healing and living full lives. When clients come to therapy feeling lost or stuck, Lauren sees her role as a collaborator and gentle guide. She utilizes a lot of humor in her work with clients to create an informal and relaxed space.
Her Clinical background includes working with both adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, and she is trained in family-based therapy (FBT).
Lauren Posner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Massachusetts who has been practicing since 2022. Lauren believes authentic rapport-building is the first step to any therapeutic relationship. She uses a strengths-based approach to view her clients as people capable of healing and living full lives. When clients come to therapy feeling lost or stuck, Lauren sees her role as a collaborator and gentle guide. She utilizes a lot of humor in her work with clients to create an informal and relaxed space.
![Photo of Naya Schere - Van Dusen Nutrition, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac4576cc-0799-4414-bf95-6c7a63cad26f/2/320x400.png)
Naya Schere - Van Dusen Nutrition
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02494
I specialize in providing therapy to people with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
I'm Naya, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to guiding individuals through healing from disordered eating, weight, and body concerns. I believe in the potential for gaining insight, solving problems, and achieving personal growth. With diverse experience, I understand the challenge of finding a supportive, collaborative provider who uses a person-centered approach. Together, we'll explore beyond your eating disorder or co-occurring diagnosis to embrace your best self in a safe and affirming environment.
I specialize in providing therapy to people with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
I'm Naya, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to guiding individuals through healing from disordered eating, weight, and body concerns. I believe in the potential for gaining insight, solving problems, and achieving personal growth. With diverse experience, I understand the challenge of finding a supportive, collaborative provider who uses a person-centered approach. Together, we'll explore beyond your eating disorder or co-occurring diagnosis to embrace your best self in a safe and affirming environment.
![Photo of Lucie Waldman, MS, CCIEDC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d24faab-5962-4ecc-86ae-735b8d5edd22/3/320x400.jpeg)
As a therapist, my goal is to help clients navigate struggles in their lives and provide a space of safety and compassion as they work to overcome challenges. I believe therapy is a collaborative process and clients come to therapy with an inner wisdom. I intend to guide them to understand themselves and live more authentically. I work closely to individualize therapy so it fits the needs of the client. I have experience working with adolescents, young adults, and adults with a wide range of concerns, including eating disorders, trauma, relationships, and ADHD.
As a therapist, my goal is to help clients navigate struggles in their lives and provide a space of safety and compassion as they work to overcome challenges. I believe therapy is a collaborative process and clients come to therapy with an inner wisdom. I intend to guide them to understand themselves and live more authentically. I work closely to individualize therapy so it fits the needs of the client. I have experience working with adolescents, young adults, and adults with a wide range of concerns, including eating disorders, trauma, relationships, and ADHD.
![Photo of Angela Ficken, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e6acbf7-a035-4b0d-9759-2d8ee6417759/1/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Ficken
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02116 (Online Only)
Have you ever been to see a therapist, and felt like you just talked the whole time, while the therapist just sat there and listened? Well, I am different. I am an active listener in sessions and believe that providing feedback is the best way to challenge behavior patterns and ultimately help you connect to your own strengths, wisdom, and inner resources. I ask questions and will engage you in a thoughtful way while providing you with a non-judgmental, supportive environment. I work with clients who seek assistance with a range of issues; such as OCD, eating disorders, anxiety, and more.
Have you ever been to see a therapist, and felt like you just talked the whole time, while the therapist just sat there and listened? Well, I am different. I am an active listener in sessions and believe that providing feedback is the best way to challenge behavior patterns and ultimately help you connect to your own strengths, wisdom, and inner resources. I ask questions and will engage you in a thoughtful way while providing you with a non-judgmental, supportive environment. I work with clients who seek assistance with a range of issues; such as OCD, eating disorders, anxiety, and more.
![Photo of Karen Chinca - Karen Chinca-Nourished Minds Counseling + Wellness, LICSW, MSW, CEDS-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ebf446c4-7647-4ae7-97a9-896b3d4fb923/3/320x400.png)
Karen Chinca-Nourished Minds Counseling + Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW, CEDS-S
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446
At Nourished Minds, we offer compassionate, holistic, and evidence-based counseling to adolescents, adults, and families. We provide a safe, affirming, and inclusive therapeutic space for clients struggling with a wide range of mental health disorders which include anxiety disorders, eating disorders, trauma, OCD, and depression. Our licensed and experienced therapists specialize in treatment modalities which include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and internal family systems (IFS).
At Nourished Minds, we offer compassionate, holistic, and evidence-based counseling to adolescents, adults, and families. We provide a safe, affirming, and inclusive therapeutic space for clients struggling with a wide range of mental health disorders which include anxiety disorders, eating disorders, trauma, OCD, and depression. Our licensed and experienced therapists specialize in treatment modalities which include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and internal family systems (IFS).
![Photo of Elayne S Daniels, PhD, RYT, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/452e43a6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I individually tailor interventions and work collaboratively to help navigate through life's ups and downs. Treatment incorporates empirically based approaches with humor, homework, music, and other techniques. My caseload includes individuals presenting with depression, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, eating disorders, self-injury, body image difficulties, and/or other coping challenges. I treat men and women, teens and adults. I am also a Certified Yoga Teacher with specialized yoga training to treat eating disorders, sexual dysfunction, depression, trauma, and anxiety. I am a Licensed Body Positive facilitator as well.
I individually tailor interventions and work collaboratively to help navigate through life's ups and downs. Treatment incorporates empirically based approaches with humor, homework, music, and other techniques. My caseload includes individuals presenting with depression, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, eating disorders, self-injury, body image difficulties, and/or other coping challenges. I treat men and women, teens and adults. I am also a Certified Yoga Teacher with specialized yoga training to treat eating disorders, sexual dysfunction, depression, trauma, and anxiety. I am a Licensed Body Positive facilitator as well.
![Photo of Kristina Wischhusen, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/70a7d431-4745-4344-b9fe-469fd19e4d54/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kristina Wischhusen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02139
Through relational and trauma informed lenses, I work with individuals who struggle in areas that include anxiety, depression, relationship problems, eating disorders, grief and loss, transitions, ADHD, identity issues, and much more.
With the foundation of a trusting therapeutic relationship, I offer a safe space for adults and older adolescents to self-reflect and grow through their personal development. I use a curious, collaborative, and compassionate approach so my clients can feel seen, heard, and even challenged at times. Growth and change can happen when we explore our vulnerabilities, feelings, and struggles in a safe and supportive environment. I aspire for each of my clients to live a grounded, fulfilling, and optimal life.
Through relational and trauma informed lenses, I work with individuals who struggle in areas that include anxiety, depression, relationship problems, eating disorders, grief and loss, transitions, ADHD, identity issues, and much more.
With the foundation of a trusting therapeutic relationship, I offer a safe space for adults and older adolescents to self-reflect and grow through their personal development. I use a curious, collaborative, and compassionate approach so my clients can feel seen, heard, and even challenged at times. Growth and change can happen when we explore our vulnerabilities, feelings, and struggles in a safe and supportive environment. I aspire for each of my clients to live a grounded, fulfilling, and optimal life.
![Photo of Laura Aversa, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ea41a21-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treating anxiety disorders with extensive experience treating eating disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Therapy can be many things. It can start as support and assistance during a crisis and move towards exploration of the underlying factors that maintain unhappiness, anxiety, or maladaptive coping behaviors.
I specialize in treating anxiety disorders with extensive experience treating eating disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Therapy can be many things. It can start as support and assistance during a crisis and move towards exploration of the underlying factors that maintain unhappiness, anxiety, or maladaptive coping behaviors.
![Photo of Nyssa Wittliff Boardman, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7452c6a7-d300-4005-b0c2-376c2dfc6ed0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nyssa Wittliff Boardman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 (Online Only)
While I specialize in eating disorders and body image concerns, these issues do not occur in isolation.
I consider it a great privilege to hear people’s stories and struggles. With my outside perspective and training, we can create a therapy that will shed light on patterns in your life that you would like to change, help make sense of how they came to be, and create a plan to address them head on. I take an active role in therapy by asking thought provoking questions and offering my observations and feedback, which promotes movement towards lasting change.
While I specialize in eating disorders and body image concerns, these issues do not occur in isolation.
I consider it a great privilege to hear people’s stories and struggles. With my outside perspective and training, we can create a therapy that will shed light on patterns in your life that you would like to change, help make sense of how they came to be, and create a plan to address them head on. I take an active role in therapy by asking thought provoking questions and offering my observations and feedback, which promotes movement towards lasting change.
![Photo of Andrea Gefteas, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44a297dd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have specialty training in eating disorders, particularly binge eating disorder and bariatrics, and perinatal mood disorders.
**I currently have daytime availability. Please email me, including your scheduling needs** I believe that everyone has the ability to grow, achieve, and overcome their struggles. Sometimes, though, that's easier said than done. My goal is to create a safe and welcoming space for my clients to explore themselves and learn effective tools to create positive change in their lives. I integrate many different treatment approaches in order to tailor treatment towards my clients' specific needs, including cognitive, behavioral, dialectic, dynamic, and relational techniques, taking a positive, strengths-based approach to treatment.
I have specialty training in eating disorders, particularly binge eating disorder and bariatrics, and perinatal mood disorders.
**I currently have daytime availability. Please email me, including your scheduling needs** I believe that everyone has the ability to grow, achieve, and overcome their struggles. Sometimes, though, that's easier said than done. My goal is to create a safe and welcoming space for my clients to explore themselves and learn effective tools to create positive change in their lives. I integrate many different treatment approaches in order to tailor treatment towards my clients' specific needs, including cognitive, behavioral, dialectic, dynamic, and relational techniques, taking a positive, strengths-based approach to treatment.
![Photo of Jenna Kauffman, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74329139-a83c-4f17-a994-eadc365be9eb/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am versed in working with anxiety disorders and panic attacks, OCD, depression, eating disorders, trauma and PTSD, phase of life concerns, adjustment issues, stress management, and relationship issues.
With the right clinician, therapy can give you the freedom to be who you are and who you want to be. Therefore my primary focus to treatment is establishing and strengthening an authentic and collaborative relationship, one that offers a non-judgmental and safe space for healing to occur. I utilize evidence-based practices based in training in multiple modalities of psychotherapy, catered to each individual. Taking into account the multidimensionality of the human experience, I offer both theory and practice towards living a meaningful life, doing the work of self-discovery, and healing with greater perspective and awareness.
I am versed in working with anxiety disorders and panic attacks, OCD, depression, eating disorders, trauma and PTSD, phase of life concerns, adjustment issues, stress management, and relationship issues.
With the right clinician, therapy can give you the freedom to be who you are and who you want to be. Therefore my primary focus to treatment is establishing and strengthening an authentic and collaborative relationship, one that offers a non-judgmental and safe space for healing to occur. I utilize evidence-based practices based in training in multiple modalities of psychotherapy, catered to each individual. Taking into account the multidimensionality of the human experience, I offer both theory and practice towards living a meaningful life, doing the work of self-discovery, and healing with greater perspective and awareness.
![Photo of Sarah Frenette, LCMHC, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6d2d9ed5-cde3-48be-b4e3-58cf8d0aad67/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treating eating disorders and body image concerns, anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, family conflict, grief, stress, life transitions and relationship concerns.
I believe that most of us can greatly benefit from a safe, trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship. Seeking help can be an overwhelming and intimidating process. I am a warm, engaged and directive therapist who believes that people can make positive changes to feel better and live more fulfilling and connected lives. My approach to therapy is integrative; combining psychodynamic, behavioral, and relational models. I work with teens, college students, adults and couples on a variety of presenting concerns. Additionally, I offer consultation and supervision services to other clinicians.
I specialize in treating eating disorders and body image concerns, anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, family conflict, grief, stress, life transitions and relationship concerns.
I believe that most of us can greatly benefit from a safe, trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship. Seeking help can be an overwhelming and intimidating process. I am a warm, engaged and directive therapist who believes that people can make positive changes to feel better and live more fulfilling and connected lives. My approach to therapy is integrative; combining psychodynamic, behavioral, and relational models. I work with teens, college students, adults and couples on a variety of presenting concerns. Additionally, I offer consultation and supervision services to other clinicians.
![Photo of Jacquelyn MacDougall (Mahoney-Roche), LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c7151aba-f03e-409f-a93f-f0dcb8290346/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jacquelyn MacDougall (Mahoney-Roche)
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Weymouth, MA 02188 (Online Only)
Accepting new clients June of 2024! Please reach out if you are looking for an honest and supportive team mate. I work most often with folks who live with depression, anxiety, and/or eating disorders; although I have experience working with a wide variety of needs and goals. I'm interested in earning your trust, getting to know the real you, and supporting you without judgment. If we can be authentic with each other we can make a plan to move you towards your goals. Of note- I embrace HAES, intuitive eating, and love collaborating with intuitive eating dietitians. To get to know more please visit twotruthscounseling.com.
Accepting new clients June of 2024! Please reach out if you are looking for an honest and supportive team mate. I work most often with folks who live with depression, anxiety, and/or eating disorders; although I have experience working with a wide variety of needs and goals. I'm interested in earning your trust, getting to know the real you, and supporting you without judgment. If we can be authentic with each other we can make a plan to move you towards your goals. Of note- I embrace HAES, intuitive eating, and love collaborating with intuitive eating dietitians. To get to know more please visit twotruthscounseling.com.
![Photo of Mary Dustin, MA, MS, CMPC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f9a234a4-2280-4cc5-b552-2a2ca4876cb2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mary Dustin
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MS, CMPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stoughton, MA 02072 (Online Only)
If life isn't going the way you'd hoped and you're struggling to find meaning and purpose, you're in the right place. Many of my clients seek support with stress resulting from life transitions like entering college or the workforce, pressure to meet societal norms/standards, and/or difficulty finding community. I help clients address intrusive/unwanted thoughts, better understand and cope with their emotions, and recognize the systems influencing their lives. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with eating disorders and body image concerns, and I have additional training in working with athlete populations.
If life isn't going the way you'd hoped and you're struggling to find meaning and purpose, you're in the right place. Many of my clients seek support with stress resulting from life transitions like entering college or the workforce, pressure to meet societal norms/standards, and/or difficulty finding community. I help clients address intrusive/unwanted thoughts, better understand and cope with their emotions, and recognize the systems influencing their lives. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with eating disorders and body image concerns, and I have additional training in working with athlete populations.
See more therapy options for Milton
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Milton
- Boston
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- Chestnut Hill
- Dedham
- Hyde Park
- Jamaica Plain
- Quincy
- Roslindale
- South Boston
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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.