Eating Disorders Therapists in Wellesley, MA
![Photo of Dr. Sarah Karytko, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45024bdd-2acc-44d5-a9ab-e8d54fbeb390/1/320x400.jpeg)
My particular areas of expertise are working with trauma, substance use, eating disorders and all co-occurring disorders (which can include anxiety, depression, and character issues, among others).
I offer psychotherapy for individual adults 18 and older who may be embarking on life transitions related to professional careers, marriage, and family growth. In my practice I take a collaborative, empowering, and in-depth approach. I facilitate a warm, accepting environment that offers understanding and care, coupled with supportive challenges to help you grow. Whether you are seeking therapy to better manage current life stressors, address long-term issues, or improve your life experience, together we can develop an approach to fit your needs.
My particular areas of expertise are working with trauma, substance use, eating disorders and all co-occurring disorders (which can include anxiety, depression, and character issues, among others).
I offer psychotherapy for individual adults 18 and older who may be embarking on life transitions related to professional careers, marriage, and family growth. In my practice I take a collaborative, empowering, and in-depth approach. I facilitate a warm, accepting environment that offers understanding and care, coupled with supportive challenges to help you grow. Whether you are seeking therapy to better manage current life stressors, address long-term issues, or improve your life experience, together we can develop an approach to fit your needs.
![Photo of Jillian Burley - Birch Hill Behavioral Health, PLLC, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e71ed583-09cc-49f5-9e47-15e3baa4bc71/1/320x400.png)
While BHBH therapists have expertise in treating a wide variety of presenting concerns/diagnoses, our clinicians have particular expertise in the treatment of eating disorders, maladaptive coping behaviors, anxiety/mood disorders, trauma and suicidality.
Birch Hill Behavioral Health (BHBH) is a specialty group practice, offering thoughtful and tailored evidence-based treatments for adolescents and adults presenting with unique backgrounds, preferences, strengths, and challenges. We strive for a thorough understanding of our clients, their symptoms and concerns, and their expressed goals. This informs an individualized, integrative, and collaboratively-determined treatment plan. We value transparency in the treatment process, as well as a warm, interactive approach. You can expect your therapist to provide specific recommendations for your care.
While BHBH therapists have expertise in treating a wide variety of presenting concerns/diagnoses, our clinicians have particular expertise in the treatment of eating disorders, maladaptive coping behaviors, anxiety/mood disorders, trauma and suicidality.
Birch Hill Behavioral Health (BHBH) is a specialty group practice, offering thoughtful and tailored evidence-based treatments for adolescents and adults presenting with unique backgrounds, preferences, strengths, and challenges. We strive for a thorough understanding of our clients, their symptoms and concerns, and their expressed goals. This informs an individualized, integrative, and collaboratively-determined treatment plan. We value transparency in the treatment process, as well as a warm, interactive approach. You can expect your therapist to provide specific recommendations for your care.
![Photo of Irena Cafasso, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f1968c41-e557-492a-b60b-ef87f288a420/1/320x400.jpeg)
My areas of specialization include Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders/Body image, Grief/Loss, Addiction, as well as Trauma.
I offer a warm, compassionate and approachable environment with hope that each client has chance to be exactly who they are in the moment. I give each client my fullest, as I believe the power of being truly heard and seen without judgement. I believe that therapy is not necessarily about trying to fix oneself or fix one’s life, but an act of self-care. And, that increased self-awareness and self-compassion, both greatly contribute to healthier life and inner peace.
My areas of specialization include Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders/Body image, Grief/Loss, Addiction, as well as Trauma.
I offer a warm, compassionate and approachable environment with hope that each client has chance to be exactly who they are in the moment. I give each client my fullest, as I believe the power of being truly heard and seen without judgement. I believe that therapy is not necessarily about trying to fix oneself or fix one’s life, but an act of self-care. And, that increased self-awareness and self-compassion, both greatly contribute to healthier life and inner peace.
![Photo of Emilia Taliento, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1194c937-02af-40c1-a739-3684ef7dd91d/2/320x400.png)
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, domestic violence, eating disorders, dual diagnosis, or life changes? I can assist you with developing coping skills, practicing mindfulness, and utilizing tools to manage your mental health effectively. I aim to work with clients willing to help themselves and open to the therapeutic process. This mindset will allow us to build a positive therapeutic relationship that can bring about positive changes in their lives.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, domestic violence, eating disorders, dual diagnosis, or life changes? I can assist you with developing coping skills, practicing mindfulness, and utilizing tools to manage your mental health effectively. I aim to work with clients willing to help themselves and open to the therapeutic process. This mindset will allow us to build a positive therapeutic relationship that can bring about positive changes in their lives.
![Photo of Caroline Balz, MA, LMHC, MA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f4e637a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treating people with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders but also see people with an array of issues.
It takes so much courage to begin the process of change! By utilizing Dialectaical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), self-psychology and a relational approach, I believe in a model of full recovery. I also believe that you can't feel good about your self if you don't know who that SELF is. This approach tends to gives you the support necessary to help break the cycles of maladaptive behaviors and live the change you want to see in your life.
I specialize in treating people with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders but also see people with an array of issues.
It takes so much courage to begin the process of change! By utilizing Dialectaical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), self-psychology and a relational approach, I believe in a model of full recovery. I also believe that you can't feel good about your self if you don't know who that SELF is. This approach tends to gives you the support necessary to help break the cycles of maladaptive behaviors and live the change you want to see in your life.
![Photo of Yanina Gonzales Blanchard, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40d94e6a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My areas of interest include eating disorders, relationship problems, stress management issues, adjustment disorders, acculturation issues, grief/loss, depression and anxiety disorders.
Currently, accepting referrals for Adult DBT group starting on Sep 5th 2024. I see psychotherapy as a safe place where healing and change are fostered. I help patients to be able to gain awareness of their own thoughts, feelings and behaviors so they are able to change aspects of themselves that are holding them back from having a self-fulfilling life. I believe that everybody has the capacity to change and live a life worth living. The therapeutic relationship is central. I provide a warm, caring, nonjudgemental and compassionate environment that helps clients to feel supported while working on their goals.
My areas of interest include eating disorders, relationship problems, stress management issues, adjustment disorders, acculturation issues, grief/loss, depression and anxiety disorders.
Currently, accepting referrals for Adult DBT group starting on Sep 5th 2024. I see psychotherapy as a safe place where healing and change are fostered. I help patients to be able to gain awareness of their own thoughts, feelings and behaviors so they are able to change aspects of themselves that are holding them back from having a self-fulfilling life. I believe that everybody has the capacity to change and live a life worth living. The therapeutic relationship is central. I provide a warm, caring, nonjudgemental and compassionate environment that helps clients to feel supported while working on their goals.
![Photo of Andrea M Coleman, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d14d098-abc3-429b-b3fc-32ada42cd2f9/3/320x400.jpeg)
Andrea M Coleman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Wellesley, MA 02481
I have spent the last 20+ years in private practice treating people who struggle with eating disorders, food related issues and body image. I have specialized in working with this population because I believe that everyone can recover and build a healthy, happy and fulfilling life free from constant obsessive thoughts and behaviors involving food and body image. I work collaboratively with nutritionists and medical doctors to provide comprehensive care. I am also an expert at treating anxiety, depression, ADD and trauma based responses as these are often underlying conditions that require treatment as well.
I have spent the last 20+ years in private practice treating people who struggle with eating disorders, food related issues and body image. I have specialized in working with this population because I believe that everyone can recover and build a healthy, happy and fulfilling life free from constant obsessive thoughts and behaviors involving food and body image. I work collaboratively with nutritionists and medical doctors to provide comprehensive care. I am also an expert at treating anxiety, depression, ADD and trauma based responses as these are often underlying conditions that require treatment as well.
![Photo of Colleen E McHorney - Colleen E. McHorney, LICSW, LLC, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33df03bf-9c14-4041-94e3-7bfe4781276e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Colleen E. McHorney, LICSW, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Wellesley, MA 02482 (Online Only)
More specifically, people struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, drug/alcohol abuse, relationships, grief/loss, anger management, & life transitions.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by feelings of fear, anxiety, anger or sadness and don't know why? Have you ever felt like no one is really listening or truly understands how you are feeling inside? While taking the first step toward seeking help can be difficult, I believe finding a therapist who is the right fit for you can make all the difference. I would describe myself as a caring, genuine and candid therapist with a grounded, supportive and direct style that provides a calming environment, allowing you to feel comfortable and at ease in discussing your personal issues.
More specifically, people struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, drug/alcohol abuse, relationships, grief/loss, anger management, & life transitions.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by feelings of fear, anxiety, anger or sadness and don't know why? Have you ever felt like no one is really listening or truly understands how you are feeling inside? While taking the first step toward seeking help can be difficult, I believe finding a therapist who is the right fit for you can make all the difference. I would describe myself as a caring, genuine and candid therapist with a grounded, supportive and direct style that provides a calming environment, allowing you to feel comfortable and at ease in discussing your personal issues.
![Photo of Laura Curtiss Feder, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e657b07-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Curtiss Feder
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Wellesley, MA 02481 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Change is hard. People often seek psychotherapy around change. They want to change. People in their life want them to change. Or some life change is affecting them in a meaningful way. Often, it's a combination. By working together I can help you in this challenge. I frequently work with adolescents and adults struggling with addiction in themselves or in their families. Many of my patients are addressing anxiety, depression, questions or challenges regarding their sexual orientation, infertility, life transitions, traumatic experiences or eating disorders and other compulsive behaviors. A lot of my patients are college or graduate students.
Change is hard. People often seek psychotherapy around change. They want to change. People in their life want them to change. Or some life change is affecting them in a meaningful way. Often, it's a combination. By working together I can help you in this challenge. I frequently work with adolescents and adults struggling with addiction in themselves or in their families. Many of my patients are addressing anxiety, depression, questions or challenges regarding their sexual orientation, infertility, life transitions, traumatic experiences or eating disorders and other compulsive behaviors. A lot of my patients are college or graduate students.
![Photo of Marilyn Rosenberg, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0dc4607b-ad70-4681-acd8-0374101adc7f/2/320x400.jpeg)
My goal is to help you manage life’s challenges. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Social Thinking are some of the strategies that I use to support my clients. I have extensive experience working with school teams. I have supported adults, teens, and children in their struggles with anxiety, eating disorders, the psychological aspects of cancer, depression, social problems, attention deficit disorder, and learning disabilities. I also want to help people who care for their loved ones during times of illness.
My goal is to help you manage life’s challenges. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Social Thinking are some of the strategies that I use to support my clients. I have extensive experience working with school teams. I have supported adults, teens, and children in their struggles with anxiety, eating disorders, the psychological aspects of cancer, depression, social problems, attention deficit disorder, and learning disabilities. I also want to help people who care for their loved ones during times of illness.
![Photo of W Rachel Krenis, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f117560d-3065-4196-8f99-10216ef380f4/1/320x400.jpeg)
W Rachel Krenis
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Wellesley, MA 02481 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am qualified and passionate about treating a variety of mental health concerns such as Anxiety and Depression, Family and Relationship Stress, Eating Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Grief and Life Transitional Support, Parenting Support, Women's Issues such as body image concerns, in addition to Substance Abuse Support.
Are you looking for culturally sensitive, creative therapy? I provide culturally sensitive support to individuals seeking virtual counseling for depression, anxiety, transitions, inner peace-finding, and life coaching and planning. I help my clients feel more comfortable within their own bodies and life. I specialize in women's issues, stress and relationship issues. I also support art therapy and helping clients create safe comfortable spaces for everyday living through home design planning. I also provide support to other mental health LMHC professionals who need supervision towards licensure.
I am qualified and passionate about treating a variety of mental health concerns such as Anxiety and Depression, Family and Relationship Stress, Eating Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Grief and Life Transitional Support, Parenting Support, Women's Issues such as body image concerns, in addition to Substance Abuse Support.
Are you looking for culturally sensitive, creative therapy? I provide culturally sensitive support to individuals seeking virtual counseling for depression, anxiety, transitions, inner peace-finding, and life coaching and planning. I help my clients feel more comfortable within their own bodies and life. I specialize in women's issues, stress and relationship issues. I also support art therapy and helping clients create safe comfortable spaces for everyday living through home design planning. I also provide support to other mental health LMHC professionals who need supervision towards licensure.
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![Photo of Dr. April Berry-Fletcher, LICSW, EdD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8ce84352-6f02-4352-890b-33d0fff13a9a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. April Berry-Fletcher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, EdD
Verified Verified
Wellesley, MA 02482
I have worked extensively with individuals and families with concerns around ADHD, learning or academic issues, depression, trauma, anxiety and eating disorders.
I enthusiastically approach your therapy with a high level of skill and spirit of optimism. I have been fortunate to enjoy over 25 years practicing and teaching the art and science of therapy with issues related to ADHD, depression, trauma, anxiety, eating disorders, learning disabilities, family conflict, and relationship challenges. I specialize in helping you envision and to live a more satisfying life. Our work benefits from my advanced training in psychodynamic, somatic, hypnosis, psychedelic-assisted, EMDR, Cognitive-behavioral, and other therapies that enable us to work through barriers that block your healing and growth.
I have worked extensively with individuals and families with concerns around ADHD, learning or academic issues, depression, trauma, anxiety and eating disorders.
I enthusiastically approach your therapy with a high level of skill and spirit of optimism. I have been fortunate to enjoy over 25 years practicing and teaching the art and science of therapy with issues related to ADHD, depression, trauma, anxiety, eating disorders, learning disabilities, family conflict, and relationship challenges. I specialize in helping you envision and to live a more satisfying life. Our work benefits from my advanced training in psychodynamic, somatic, hypnosis, psychedelic-assisted, EMDR, Cognitive-behavioral, and other therapies that enable us to work through barriers that block your healing and growth.
![Photo of Kelsey Berry, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42acf32c-6019-48f1-9b00-794dff85cfcc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kelsey has experience and continued interest in growing in the treatment of eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD, and trauma.
Kelsey Berry is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Massachusetts who has been practicing since 2020. She studied at Boston College School of Social Work and Bates College. Kelsey's work with clients stems from a passion to help others discover and redefine what "health" means to them. Our physical and mental wellbeing is so individualized and impacted by our environment, our trauma, and various factors throughout our lives. Kelsey's services offer an opportunity to work towards longterm goals or build skills to simply make it through the day.
Kelsey has experience and continued interest in growing in the treatment of eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD, and trauma.
Kelsey Berry is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Massachusetts who has been practicing since 2020. She studied at Boston College School of Social Work and Bates College. Kelsey's work with clients stems from a passion to help others discover and redefine what "health" means to them. Our physical and mental wellbeing is so individualized and impacted by our environment, our trauma, and various factors throughout our lives. Kelsey's services offer an opportunity to work towards longterm goals or build skills to simply make it through the day.
![Photo of Dr. Cecile Gunn - Dr. Cecile Gunn at Evergreen Psychology, PLLC, MDiv, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a9ca4390-8bc3-4734-b462-cbbbd06d10b5/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Cecile Gunn at Evergreen Psychology, PLLC
Psychologist, MDiv, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wellesley, MA 02482
I specialize in seeing folx with trauma histories, spiritual/ religious struggles, and eating disorders.
I help clients who are coping with unresolved childhood trauma and the inevitable consequences: depression, anxiety, thwarted relationships, physical illness, and eating and sleep disorders. I have been practicing therapy for over 15 years, working with diverse (race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, class) clients who struggle with significant trauma histories. We will learn from our thoughts and emotions, as well as from our bodies' physical symptoms, in order to resolve the trauma, not just learn coping skills. I offer this work in the context of an affirming, respectful, warm and connected therapeutic relationship.
I specialize in seeing folx with trauma histories, spiritual/ religious struggles, and eating disorders.
I help clients who are coping with unresolved childhood trauma and the inevitable consequences: depression, anxiety, thwarted relationships, physical illness, and eating and sleep disorders. I have been practicing therapy for over 15 years, working with diverse (race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, class) clients who struggle with significant trauma histories. We will learn from our thoughts and emotions, as well as from our bodies' physical symptoms, in order to resolve the trauma, not just learn coping skills. I offer this work in the context of an affirming, respectful, warm and connected therapeutic relationship.
![Photo of Jillian D. Burley, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0e7c398-c309-4232-aabd-792327381589/3/320x400.jpeg)
It takes tremendous courage to begin the process of establishing a psychotherapy. In enhancing self-awareness we can learn how to cope and contend with many of life's challenges - and to begin to live with more ease. As a licensed Clinical Psychologist, I use evidence-based practices in an integrative way, tailoring treatment for individuals based on a shared and on-going discussion of lived experiences, inherent strengths, personal preferences, and psychological needs.
It takes tremendous courage to begin the process of establishing a psychotherapy. In enhancing self-awareness we can learn how to cope and contend with many of life's challenges - and to begin to live with more ease. As a licensed Clinical Psychologist, I use evidence-based practices in an integrative way, tailoring treatment for individuals based on a shared and on-going discussion of lived experiences, inherent strengths, personal preferences, and psychological needs.
![Photo of Cybill S Goldberg, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b8c169b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Over the years as a therapist, I have found that the common theme amongst my clients is not their diagnosis or their problems but their deep desire for Calmness, Clarity & Connection. They seek therapy because something is not right in their lives and they want to find a better way. The ingredients to healing are found in these three elements. Whether it is through individual therapy, teen support/skill building, The c3 Method or even within the audience of my public speaking events, my clients engage in a process that leads them away from their struggles to a place of Calmness, Clarity and Connection.
Over the years as a therapist, I have found that the common theme amongst my clients is not their diagnosis or their problems but their deep desire for Calmness, Clarity & Connection. They seek therapy because something is not right in their lives and they want to find a better way. The ingredients to healing are found in these three elements. Whether it is through individual therapy, teen support/skill building, The c3 Method or even within the audience of my public speaking events, my clients engage in a process that leads them away from their struggles to a place of Calmness, Clarity and Connection.
![Photo of Jackie Washington, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5049fd9b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! My goal is to provide a non-judgmental, warm, safe space for individuals and families to process their thoughts, feelings, obstacles, and traumas. Whether it’s every day stressors, debilitating anxiety, depression, or significant family conflict, my hope is that the therapeutic process will provide insight and skills for my clients to live their best lives.
Welcome! My goal is to provide a non-judgmental, warm, safe space for individuals and families to process their thoughts, feelings, obstacles, and traumas. Whether it’s every day stressors, debilitating anxiety, depression, or significant family conflict, my hope is that the therapeutic process will provide insight and skills for my clients to live their best lives.
![Photo of Pamela Slater, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/69c2b76a-44c0-45df-9c31-4e07de37bbbb/2/320x400.jpeg)
It takes courage to decide to change and to reach out to a therapist to join you on that journey. The best outcomes occur in the context of a therapeutic relationship that feels like the right match for you, in terms of the therapist's interpersonal style, approach, and expertise. My goal as a therapist is to collaborate with my clients to make the changes they are seeking in their relationships, their self-understanding, their unwanted patterns of behavior, and their mood. My approach is active, supportive, warm, respectful, compassionate, and strength-focused. I use multiple approaches to help clients find solutions.
It takes courage to decide to change and to reach out to a therapist to join you on that journey. The best outcomes occur in the context of a therapeutic relationship that feels like the right match for you, in terms of the therapist's interpersonal style, approach, and expertise. My goal as a therapist is to collaborate with my clients to make the changes they are seeking in their relationships, their self-understanding, their unwanted patterns of behavior, and their mood. My approach is active, supportive, warm, respectful, compassionate, and strength-focused. I use multiple approaches to help clients find solutions.
![Photo of Anna Berestova, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4006472b-af62-47b4-abf3-93fca62f7a4e/2/320x400.png)
I work with children, adolescents, and young adults who present various problems and concerns, such as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. I believe in the power of early interventions to help children and teens develop healthy boundaries and coping skills and have healthier and happier relationships with themselves and others.
I work with children, adolescents, and young adults who present various problems and concerns, such as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. I believe in the power of early interventions to help children and teens develop healthy boundaries and coping skills and have healthier and happier relationships with themselves and others.
![Photo of Natasha Holiday, BA, MSW, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/20babc77-bf3b-4cd5-92b1-a9d29e9d9984/1/320x400.jpeg)
Your life can be happier and feel more fulfilling! I specialize in relationships and therapy for both couples and individuals. Let me guide you to find better self-awareness and clarity as you understand and change your negative cycles and old patterns. My twenty-five years of experience, using insight oriented therapy, will enable you to improve your interpersonal communication with your mate, family and co-workers. I will help you develop strategies that will enhance your relationships, thus making them more fulfilling.
Your life can be happier and feel more fulfilling! I specialize in relationships and therapy for both couples and individuals. Let me guide you to find better self-awareness and clarity as you understand and change your negative cycles and old patterns. My twenty-five years of experience, using insight oriented therapy, will enable you to improve your interpersonal communication with your mate, family and co-workers. I will help you develop strategies that will enhance your relationships, thus making them more fulfilling.
See more therapy options for Wellesley
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Wellesley
- Auburndale
- Chestnut Hill
- Dover
- Natick
- Needham
- Newton
- Newton Centre
- Waban
- Waltham
- Wayland
- Wellesley Hills
- Weston
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.