Eating Disorders Therapists in Ellicott City, MD
![Photo of Sharon Cannon, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ca8e159-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked with a broad range of issues, with extensive background in eating disorders, issues of adolescence and young adulthood, life transitions, depression, anxiety problems, low self-esteem, and Asperger's Disorder (including relationship issues).
I emphasize a collaborative approach to therapy--I bring 30 years of clinical experience, as well as enthusiasm, hope, and a dose of humor, and ask only that you bring an openness to change. Together, we identify specific life goals and generate plans to achieve them. Ultimately, you will come to understand that you make perfect sense; you may just not have been able to use this self-awareness to make the most productive decisions. My strong suit is quickly identifying underlying problems and patterns, as well as your personal strengths and resources.
I have worked with a broad range of issues, with extensive background in eating disorders, issues of adolescence and young adulthood, life transitions, depression, anxiety problems, low self-esteem, and Asperger's Disorder (including relationship issues).
I emphasize a collaborative approach to therapy--I bring 30 years of clinical experience, as well as enthusiasm, hope, and a dose of humor, and ask only that you bring an openness to change. Together, we identify specific life goals and generate plans to achieve them. Ultimately, you will come to understand that you make perfect sense; you may just not have been able to use this self-awareness to make the most productive decisions. My strong suit is quickly identifying underlying problems and patterns, as well as your personal strengths and resources.
![Photo of Sarah J Blake, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c36e0d31-aad3-468e-8f1c-8d9801777518/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah J Blake
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ellicott City, MD 21042
I have specialized in working with eating disorders and women's issues throughout my career.
I am so excited that you are here, looking for help. That is the most important step you can take to get the help you need. The next best step you can take is therapist shopping. You are unlikely to be best friends with every person you meet and not every therapist will be the best match for you, so shop around and do your homework! Ask lots of questions and read everything you can find until you are satisfied and comfortable. I am here to answer those questions and help you take the next step. Then it will be one step at a time towards meeting your goals.
I have specialized in working with eating disorders and women's issues throughout my career.
I am so excited that you are here, looking for help. That is the most important step you can take to get the help you need. The next best step you can take is therapist shopping. You are unlikely to be best friends with every person you meet and not every therapist will be the best match for you, so shop around and do your homework! Ask lots of questions and read everything you can find until you are satisfied and comfortable. I am here to answer those questions and help you take the next step. Then it will be one step at a time towards meeting your goals.
![Photo of Mary Sidhwani, RN, PsyD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bdd35e1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome- I am a therapist who specializes in hypnotherapy. I have been in private practice since 2000 and have had the privilege of helping many clients overcome longstanding habit issues and dysfunctional patterns. Therapy is provided in a safe,comfortable and private settting. Each client is supported and respected within the framework of compassionate understanding. I feel honored to work with each client, helping and guiding them towards their goals and dreams.
Welcome- I am a therapist who specializes in hypnotherapy. I have been in private practice since 2000 and have had the privilege of helping many clients overcome longstanding habit issues and dysfunctional patterns. Therapy is provided in a safe,comfortable and private settting. Each client is supported and respected within the framework of compassionate understanding. I feel honored to work with each client, helping and guiding them towards their goals and dreams.
![Photo of Stewart A Zelman, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bf4bd48-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
I work with clients who want to finally change their psychology and manage their lives more effectively. This work can help you manage your obesity, depression and anxiety. Based on your needs and goals, we can improve your relationships,ability to create and achieve your goals. If you are struggling with finally lose weight, we have developed an assessment, WALT and tools to help you stop struggling. By improving your ability to manage your mind and emotions, improve your motivation and body image we can help you lose the weight. We use specific treatment modalities which create goal achievement in a solution focused atmosphere.
I work with clients who want to finally change their psychology and manage their lives more effectively. This work can help you manage your obesity, depression and anxiety. Based on your needs and goals, we can improve your relationships,ability to create and achieve your goals. If you are struggling with finally lose weight, we have developed an assessment, WALT and tools to help you stop struggling. By improving your ability to manage your mind and emotions, improve your motivation and body image we can help you lose the weight. We use specific treatment modalities which create goal achievement in a solution focused atmosphere.
![Photo of Gina M. Santoro - Santoro Psychological Services, PhD, NCSP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1241e694-42a8-4181-bd2e-deea448e99a4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Santoro Psychological Services has been providing psychological services to the community since 2008. We have a dedicated staff with a number of different specializations. Our staff provides a variety of therapeutic and forensic services including individual therapy to children, adolescents, and adults; parent training; Gottman-trained couples' counseling; court-ordered psychological evaluations; custody evaluations; psychological and educational testing for school-aged students; and expert-witness testimony.
Santoro Psychological Services has been providing psychological services to the community since 2008. We have a dedicated staff with a number of different specializations. Our staff provides a variety of therapeutic and forensic services including individual therapy to children, adolescents, and adults; parent training; Gottman-trained couples' counseling; court-ordered psychological evaluations; custody evaluations; psychological and educational testing for school-aged students; and expert-witness testimony.
![Photo of Terra Bufkin, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c7e1bbe-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Terra Bufkin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Ellicott City, MD 21042 (Online Only)
As your therapist, my goal is to work in collaboration with you, to uncover your true potential and provide the guidance to overcome the challenges you are facing. We will work together to better understand and resolve challenges in an environment of support and guidance. I will use a variety of treatment approaches in our work to help you address your issues and concerns.
As your therapist, my goal is to work in collaboration with you, to uncover your true potential and provide the guidance to overcome the challenges you are facing. We will work together to better understand and resolve challenges in an environment of support and guidance. I will use a variety of treatment approaches in our work to help you address your issues and concerns.
![Photo of Clarissa B Thomas, MSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41f7a42a-c253-4f7e-8952-ec1d9d01adce/4/320x400.jpeg)
Clarissa B Thomas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Ellicott City, MD 21042
Clarissa’s therapeutic approach varies based on the needs and goals of her clients I am master certified for Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for trauma intervention and a Gottman clinically trained couples’ therapist. Other treatment approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT); Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Clarissa is dedicated to bringing compassionate, patient-centered care that empowers, supports, and brings hope and healing to her clients.
Clarissa’s therapeutic approach varies based on the needs and goals of her clients I am master certified for Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for trauma intervention and a Gottman clinically trained couples’ therapist. Other treatment approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT); Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Clarissa is dedicated to bringing compassionate, patient-centered care that empowers, supports, and brings hope and healing to her clients.
![Photo of Rachel Menditch, PsyD, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/401c0b24-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! I am a licensed psychologist who is passionate about my work and genuinely enjoy helping others through the process of personal healing and growth. I have several years of experience conducting therapy and psychological assessments to patients of diverse backgrounds and presenting issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, loss, self-esteem, identity, adjustments, and life transitions.
Welcome! I am a licensed psychologist who is passionate about my work and genuinely enjoy helping others through the process of personal healing and growth. I have several years of experience conducting therapy and psychological assessments to patients of diverse backgrounds and presenting issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, loss, self-esteem, identity, adjustments, and life transitions.
![Photo of Nancy Narrett, LCPC, MEd, CAS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4989478f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nancy Narrett
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, MEd, CAS
Verified Verified
Ellicott City, MD 21042
I understand that the stream of life can prove difficult to navigate. It can create challenges and difficulties that leave a person feeling disconnected, anxious, depressed and isolated. As an Integrative psychotherapist, I bring a wealth of experience to my counseling practice. Collaborating closely with my clients, we connect in a safe, trusting space to charter a path tailored uniquely to each individual. Utilizing a psychodynamic approach, I incorporate Stress Reduction exercises, Trauma Informed Care & Self-Compassion practices into the treatment experience, guiding clients to embrace their inner strength and resources.
I understand that the stream of life can prove difficult to navigate. It can create challenges and difficulties that leave a person feeling disconnected, anxious, depressed and isolated. As an Integrative psychotherapist, I bring a wealth of experience to my counseling practice. Collaborating closely with my clients, we connect in a safe, trusting space to charter a path tailored uniquely to each individual. Utilizing a psychodynamic approach, I incorporate Stress Reduction exercises, Trauma Informed Care & Self-Compassion practices into the treatment experience, guiding clients to embrace their inner strength and resources.
![Photo of Elizabeth Lynn Meritt, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3de70e2b-fad5-4d64-81c1-47a4c7745b1d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Lynn Meritt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ellicott City, MD 21043
I work with adults struggling with depression and anxiety, substance abuse disorders, relationship difficulties, and life stressors. I utilize a collaborative process to help you learn important coping skills and tools to create a more enjoyable life. It is my goal to work with each client and provide them with a safe and positive environment to explore the issues and destructive patterns that cause distress and discover healthy and adaptive ways to live and thrive. **NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS**
I work with adults struggling with depression and anxiety, substance abuse disorders, relationship difficulties, and life stressors. I utilize a collaborative process to help you learn important coping skills and tools to create a more enjoyable life. It is my goal to work with each client and provide them with a safe and positive environment to explore the issues and destructive patterns that cause distress and discover healthy and adaptive ways to live and thrive. **NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS**
![Photo of Inahlai Powers, MS, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/147249ee-d7e6-4614-80b6-b51fef139e8c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Inahlai Powers
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ellicott City, MD 21042 (Online Only)
You are worthy! You are powerful! You deserve good things! Are you struggling to feel your personal power, your worth, due to depression, anxiety, anger, low self esteem, relationship issues, fear, addiction, stress, emotional pain, or trauma and abuse? I know what it's like to be afraid and in pain. I provide a safe space for you to give voice to your pain and be validated. This is a sacred space where you will learn to connect with your personal power, stand in your truth, and discover a love of self that is life changing and life affirming! If you are a highly sensitive person/HSP or Empath, WELCOME, this is a place to call home!
You are worthy! You are powerful! You deserve good things! Are you struggling to feel your personal power, your worth, due to depression, anxiety, anger, low self esteem, relationship issues, fear, addiction, stress, emotional pain, or trauma and abuse? I know what it's like to be afraid and in pain. I provide a safe space for you to give voice to your pain and be validated. This is a sacred space where you will learn to connect with your personal power, stand in your truth, and discover a love of self that is life changing and life affirming! If you are a highly sensitive person/HSP or Empath, WELCOME, this is a place to call home!
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![Photo of Nicole DeChirico, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44dde500-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole DeChirico
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ellicott City, MD 21042
***ACCEPTING NEW BLUE CROSS PATIENTS FOR ONLINE SESSIONS**PLEASE EMAIL OR TEXT FOR FASTEST RESPONSE. Imagine what you can accomplish in your life when your wellness is restored and your soul is healed. Everyone has the ability to heal and I would like to be your guide through this journey with compassion and non-judgment. I have over 10 years' experience helping individuals recover from mental health challenges. I am prepared to use my training, persistence, and competence to bring comfort and wellness to you and your loved ones in the darkest of times.
***ACCEPTING NEW BLUE CROSS PATIENTS FOR ONLINE SESSIONS**PLEASE EMAIL OR TEXT FOR FASTEST RESPONSE. Imagine what you can accomplish in your life when your wellness is restored and your soul is healed. Everyone has the ability to heal and I would like to be your guide through this journey with compassion and non-judgment. I have over 10 years' experience helping individuals recover from mental health challenges. I am prepared to use my training, persistence, and competence to bring comfort and wellness to you and your loved ones in the darkest of times.
![Photo of Jennifer Ann Milner, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d7a9256-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting new clients! Please email me to schedule your initial appointment! I work with people experiencing a broad range of human problems, such as anxiety, depression, mood instability, conflict within their relationships, and many other issues that tend to be a natural, yet unfortunate party of the human experience. I don’t have a magic potion to cure your problems and make you immune to all life difficulties. Unfortunately, I can’t take the teeth out of life, but I can help you learn how to master your own mind and become your own therapist so you are equipped to face difficulties in life.
Accepting new clients! Please email me to schedule your initial appointment! I work with people experiencing a broad range of human problems, such as anxiety, depression, mood instability, conflict within their relationships, and many other issues that tend to be a natural, yet unfortunate party of the human experience. I don’t have a magic potion to cure your problems and make you immune to all life difficulties. Unfortunately, I can’t take the teeth out of life, but I can help you learn how to master your own mind and become your own therapist so you are equipped to face difficulties in life.
![Photo of Anthony Ha, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9634811e-a9fd-4fbc-a0e4-f94f9f28a4e7/1/320x400.png)
Are you grappling with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, PTSD, C-PTSD, addictions, or borderline personality disorder? My aim is to assist clients in reconnecting with their authentic selves and regaining a sense of empowerment over their lives. Together, we will navigate past wounds, tackle present challenges, & cultivate the resilience necessary to embrace a more fulfilling future. I seek to connect with individuals open to a compassionate and collaborative therapeutic relationship where they can work together to create a safe space for exploring the depths of emotions, thoughts, & experiences without judgment.
Are you grappling with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, PTSD, C-PTSD, addictions, or borderline personality disorder? My aim is to assist clients in reconnecting with their authentic selves and regaining a sense of empowerment over their lives. Together, we will navigate past wounds, tackle present challenges, & cultivate the resilience necessary to embrace a more fulfilling future. I seek to connect with individuals open to a compassionate and collaborative therapeutic relationship where they can work together to create a safe space for exploring the depths of emotions, thoughts, & experiences without judgment.
![Photo of Stacey J Hellman, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dfeb3467-cce2-4bda-b223-04959d862e35/3/320x400.jpeg)
Stacey J Hellman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ellicott City, MD 21043
If you have tried traditional "talk therapy" in the past and are still stuck, I can help! If you're struggling with anxiety, PTSD, or trauma, I encourage you to try a different approach. Together we will dive deeper to get to the root cause rather than immediately trying to fix the problem. It's always more complex than it appears on the surface and this work takes time and effort. I offer more expressive and experiential modalities to help you make meaningful, lasting changes and take you beyond just talk therapy. I take a holistic and integrative approach and see you as a whole person and not just a person with "issues."
If you have tried traditional "talk therapy" in the past and are still stuck, I can help! If you're struggling with anxiety, PTSD, or trauma, I encourage you to try a different approach. Together we will dive deeper to get to the root cause rather than immediately trying to fix the problem. It's always more complex than it appears on the surface and this work takes time and effort. I offer more expressive and experiential modalities to help you make meaningful, lasting changes and take you beyond just talk therapy. I take a holistic and integrative approach and see you as a whole person and not just a person with "issues."
![Photo of Lauren Berdeguez, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26204f64-370a-465b-9f43-1c2def2b7548/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Berdeguez
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Ellicott City, MD 21042
Seeking out therapeutic services is healthy for our mind/body/soul connection. Just as we go to the gym to keep our bodies healthy, or puzzles to keep our mind sharp, we go to therapy to keep our connection between our mind/body/soul. Further, relationships are the center of connection: how we relate to others (family, friends, coworkers,) and the relationship we have with ourselves. It is my privilege to sit with you (or your family members) while we navigate the roadblocks and successes that make your life experience uniquely yours. It is my hope that in through this exploration and work, we can improve your relationships.
Seeking out therapeutic services is healthy for our mind/body/soul connection. Just as we go to the gym to keep our bodies healthy, or puzzles to keep our mind sharp, we go to therapy to keep our connection between our mind/body/soul. Further, relationships are the center of connection: how we relate to others (family, friends, coworkers,) and the relationship we have with ourselves. It is my privilege to sit with you (or your family members) while we navigate the roadblocks and successes that make your life experience uniquely yours. It is my hope that in through this exploration and work, we can improve your relationships.
![Photo of Deepan Chatterjee - Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness, LLC, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/977aa3e0-c6dd-44f2-9586-2e2a655ee568/2/320x400.jpeg)
Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness, LLC
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Ellicott City, MD 21042
WE STRIVE TO PUT PATIENTS FIRST AND CARE FOR YOUR WHOLENESS. We are a multi-specialty psychiatric practice offering comprehensive psychological and psychiatric care to individuals, families, children, adults and seniors. We offer same day service in some instances. Our goal is to serve you with a holistic framework where we pay equal attention to the mind as we do to the body. Our treatment approach combines Eastern mindfulness perspectives and traditional Western psychiatric medicine to provide you with a perfect marriage of sorts. We are confident that you will become a better version of yourself if you give us a try.
WE STRIVE TO PUT PATIENTS FIRST AND CARE FOR YOUR WHOLENESS. We are a multi-specialty psychiatric practice offering comprehensive psychological and psychiatric care to individuals, families, children, adults and seniors. We offer same day service in some instances. Our goal is to serve you with a holistic framework where we pay equal attention to the mind as we do to the body. Our treatment approach combines Eastern mindfulness perspectives and traditional Western psychiatric medicine to provide you with a perfect marriage of sorts. We are confident that you will become a better version of yourself if you give us a try.
![Photo of Kristin Backstrom - Weight and Lifestyle Transformation, PhD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2fa8cd37-94d8-48a2-b907-745eaff2e937/1/320x400.jpeg)
Join us for one of our online weight loss groups! Our group participants, over ten online sessions, learn more about the Big 10 reasons why losing weight and keeping it off is so difficult. We work through long and short-term goal setting, specific exercises related to each Big 10 dimension, engage in active learning, and reflection. This will help you lose weight more easily, and keep it off for good. Our small and personal groups are limited to ten people, are completely confidential, build accountability, and are actively engaging.
Join us for one of our online weight loss groups! Our group participants, over ten online sessions, learn more about the Big 10 reasons why losing weight and keeping it off is so difficult. We work through long and short-term goal setting, specific exercises related to each Big 10 dimension, engage in active learning, and reflection. This will help you lose weight more easily, and keep it off for good. Our small and personal groups are limited to ten people, are completely confidential, build accountability, and are actively engaging.
![Photo of Jacqueline Segue-Wilkins, LCPC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bf2ddd3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Jacqueline Segue-Wilkins
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Ellicott City, MD 21041
Do you struggle with negative feelings about yourself? Do you frequently compare yourself to others? Are you experiencing feelings of hopelessness and helplessness? Do you find yourself in chronic cycles of addictive behavior (overeating, binging & purging, alcohol or drug abuse, overspending. etc.) ? Are these addictive behaviors followed by feelings of guilt and depression? Are you easily overwhelmed? Are you feeling tired and discouraged? Are you suffering in silence with anxiety or visions of abuse? You no longer have to suffer. Emotional pain is an invitation to change!
Do you struggle with negative feelings about yourself? Do you frequently compare yourself to others? Are you experiencing feelings of hopelessness and helplessness? Do you find yourself in chronic cycles of addictive behavior (overeating, binging & purging, alcohol or drug abuse, overspending. etc.) ? Are these addictive behaviors followed by feelings of guilt and depression? Are you easily overwhelmed? Are you feeling tired and discouraged? Are you suffering in silence with anxiety or visions of abuse? You no longer have to suffer. Emotional pain is an invitation to change!
![Photo of Whitney Thompson - Anchor Counseling Centers](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e724a1ed-e4e3-4e09-9e77-6e8d4763773e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Anchor Counseling Centers
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Our professional, experienced counselors work with children, adolescents and adults in individual sessions as well as family or couples counseling. The counselors have a variety of backgrounds ranging from substance abuse, foster care, case management, Employee Assistance Programs, and school counseling. We are happy to discuss your needs and match you with the most appropriate counselor in the practice. We have locations in Columbia, Cumberland, Eldersburg, Sykesville & Westminster.
Our professional, experienced counselors work with children, adolescents and adults in individual sessions as well as family or couples counseling. The counselors have a variety of backgrounds ranging from substance abuse, foster care, case management, Employee Assistance Programs, and school counseling. We are happy to discuss your needs and match you with the most appropriate counselor in the practice. We have locations in Columbia, Cumberland, Eldersburg, Sykesville & Westminster.
See more therapy options for Ellicott City
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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.