Eating Disorders Therapists in Coloma, MI
![Photo of Stephanie Slye, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44c38a82-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
She has a special interest in psychoanalysis and has extensive experience treating persons with eating disorders and body image concerns.
Dr. Slye received her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University (2001) and her doctorate in clinical psychology from The George Washington University (2005). She completed her pre-doctoral internship with the New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute and her post-doctoral fellowship with The Metropolitan Center for Mental Health in New York City. Dr. Slye follows a patient-centered approach to help address patient concerns and achieve individual growth. She uses a modern ego psychology approach integrated with complementary methodologies and techniques to offer personalized care.
She has a special interest in psychoanalysis and has extensive experience treating persons with eating disorders and body image concerns.
Dr. Slye received her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University (2001) and her doctorate in clinical psychology from The George Washington University (2005). She completed her pre-doctoral internship with the New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute and her post-doctoral fellowship with The Metropolitan Center for Mental Health in New York City. Dr. Slye follows a patient-centered approach to help address patient concerns and achieve individual growth. She uses a modern ego psychology approach integrated with complementary methodologies and techniques to offer personalized care.
![Photo of Angela Shuey, LCPC, LPC, MA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d5c212a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Humans are imperfect and our imperfections can be hard to live with. However, the ability to accept ourselves and make change where needed allows us to feel strong, connected, and regulated. As a result of stress and the lack of learning how to cope with the difficulties of life, it is only natural to struggle. When we allow information into our awareness, we have the power to choose and make change. Once we can let go of negative core beliefs, regulate our bodies, and adopt a more compassionate understanding of self; we become more confident and grateful for our life in the present.
Humans are imperfect and our imperfections can be hard to live with. However, the ability to accept ourselves and make change where needed allows us to feel strong, connected, and regulated. As a result of stress and the lack of learning how to cope with the difficulties of life, it is only natural to struggle. When we allow information into our awareness, we have the power to choose and make change. Once we can let go of negative core beliefs, regulate our bodies, and adopt a more compassionate understanding of self; we become more confident and grateful for our life in the present.
![Photo of Holly Garces, MS, ATR, Art Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e636be93-20de-4c0f-9ffe-a02266bbef22/2/320x400.jpeg)
I incorporates traditional talk therapy techniques with carefully selected art media to allow clients to explore personal struggle through color, line and form. It is thru the creative process and the subsequent artwork where I aids clients in beginning their therapeutic journey. Art therapy is an effective therapeutic approach for clients across the lifespan. It can be applied to treat any mental health issues, or life challenge, be it short-term or ongoing. Anyone is a good candidate for art therapy. For many, it can be difficult to talk about complex issues.
I incorporates traditional talk therapy techniques with carefully selected art media to allow clients to explore personal struggle through color, line and form. It is thru the creative process and the subsequent artwork where I aids clients in beginning their therapeutic journey. Art therapy is an effective therapeutic approach for clients across the lifespan. It can be applied to treat any mental health issues, or life challenge, be it short-term or ongoing. Anyone is a good candidate for art therapy. For many, it can be difficult to talk about complex issues.
![Photo of Sandy Dennis, MA, LLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fc42685-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a Psychotherapist with 20 years experience offering psychotherapy and coaching services at Thrive Psychology in St. Jospeh, MI. I practice client centered psychotherapy with experience in family therapy, groups, women, men, adolescents and diversity. My main focus is in supporting my clients to develop into the healthy functioning individuals in their personal and professional lives. I have certification in IMAGO relationship therapy and EMDR therapy.
I'm a Psychotherapist with 20 years experience offering psychotherapy and coaching services at Thrive Psychology in St. Jospeh, MI. I practice client centered psychotherapy with experience in family therapy, groups, women, men, adolescents and diversity. My main focus is in supporting my clients to develop into the healthy functioning individuals in their personal and professional lives. I have certification in IMAGO relationship therapy and EMDR therapy.
![Photo of Kandyce K Brink, MA, LMSW, LPC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/544e3331-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I provide individual, couples and family counseling in a calm, comfortable setting. I have 30+ years experience working with a broad spectrum of issues including adjustment reactions, life issues, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. You are invited to visit my website for additional information. Please contact me if you would like to schedule an appointment or have additional questions.
I provide individual, couples and family counseling in a calm, comfortable setting. I have 30+ years experience working with a broad spectrum of issues including adjustment reactions, life issues, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. You are invited to visit my website for additional information. Please contact me if you would like to schedule an appointment or have additional questions.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Abi Austin, LMSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2e7bf575-73c1-4c15-8141-a6bf55fbbeeb/4/320x400.jpeg)
Abi Austin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW-C
Verified Verified
Benton Harbor, MI 49022 (Online Only)
Most days, being a human can be overwhelming enough on its own, but when something traumatic happens, it can feel impossible to know how to begin to heal. Chronic stress or trauma not only affects your emotional well being but your thoughts, nervous system, and relationships as well. If you are feeling numb, defeated, anxious, and struggling to live life to the fullest, I would be honored to walk alongside you through your healing. I love doing this work and am continually in awe of the inner strength people possess to change.
Most days, being a human can be overwhelming enough on its own, but when something traumatic happens, it can feel impossible to know how to begin to heal. Chronic stress or trauma not only affects your emotional well being but your thoughts, nervous system, and relationships as well. If you are feeling numb, defeated, anxious, and struggling to live life to the fullest, I would be honored to walk alongside you through your healing. I love doing this work and am continually in awe of the inner strength people possess to change.
![Photo of Laura Rohde, LCSW, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6d7b06d3-22f6-424b-9d13-cf40a67058d5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Rohde
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
I have been privileged to work alongside people as they dig for the unseen gold within themselves. I believe in helping you validate that your story matters. I use a variety of modalities including EMDR (Eye Movement Desentization Reprocessing), Coaching tools and The Core Gift. This process equips you to uncover past traumas and other barriers so that you can be free to create the life you never thought was possible. The metamorphosis that unfolds is miraculous and exciting. I believe everyone has what they need inside of themselves and that I am just a guide along the way.
I have been privileged to work alongside people as they dig for the unseen gold within themselves. I believe in helping you validate that your story matters. I use a variety of modalities including EMDR (Eye Movement Desentization Reprocessing), Coaching tools and The Core Gift. This process equips you to uncover past traumas and other barriers so that you can be free to create the life you never thought was possible. The metamorphosis that unfolds is miraculous and exciting. I believe everyone has what they need inside of themselves and that I am just a guide along the way.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Alyssa Smith, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/809d2847-8072-4cf8-a316-c8e4a5df07a0/3/320x400.jpeg)
Alyssa Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
I have a number of years experience working in the mental health field and worked closely with those struggling with depression and anxiety, severe mental illnesses, substance abuse, LGBTQ+ concerns, eating disorders, trauma, and other life challenges.
Welcome! My name is Alyssa Smith and I know that starting therapy can be an intimidating process, but I aim to provide my clients with a comfortable, non-judgmental space to be themselves and process the conflicts going on in their lives. I view therapy as a partnership, one where I can support you to make your own decisions, set your own goals, and be actively engaged in your own treatment process and healing. My goal is to assist clients in coping and processing with all of life’s difficulties, and ultimately live a life full of confidence and fulfillment.
I have a number of years experience working in the mental health field and worked closely with those struggling with depression and anxiety, severe mental illnesses, substance abuse, LGBTQ+ concerns, eating disorders, trauma, and other life challenges.
Welcome! My name is Alyssa Smith and I know that starting therapy can be an intimidating process, but I aim to provide my clients with a comfortable, non-judgmental space to be themselves and process the conflicts going on in their lives. I view therapy as a partnership, one where I can support you to make your own decisions, set your own goals, and be actively engaged in your own treatment process and healing. My goal is to assist clients in coping and processing with all of life’s difficulties, and ultimately live a life full of confidence and fulfillment.
![Photo of Tanya S Douglas, LMSW, CAADC, CHT, QIDP, QMHP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50107940-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Tanya S Douglas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CAADC, CHT, QIDP, QMHP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Greenville, MI 48838 (Online Only)
As an LMSW I have experience in treating substance use disorders, relapse prevention, crisis, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD, trauma, mood disorders, personality disorders, and more.
It can be scary and intimidating when entering therapy. It is quite common that people can feel very vulnerable with the idea of sharing intimate details of their life. As a therapist, I believe it is a privilege to be invited into another person’s life. My philosophy is that I do not believe that people are broken, but rather each person is a unique individual who has, at some point, encountered struggles on the journey of being human. Therapy is often needed when those struggles become so intense that they impact the quality of life. Therapy is not about fixing people but rather learning, adapting and overcoming the challenges.
As an LMSW I have experience in treating substance use disorders, relapse prevention, crisis, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD, trauma, mood disorders, personality disorders, and more.
It can be scary and intimidating when entering therapy. It is quite common that people can feel very vulnerable with the idea of sharing intimate details of their life. As a therapist, I believe it is a privilege to be invited into another person’s life. My philosophy is that I do not believe that people are broken, but rather each person is a unique individual who has, at some point, encountered struggles on the journey of being human. Therapy is often needed when those struggles become so intense that they impact the quality of life. Therapy is not about fixing people but rather learning, adapting and overcoming the challenges.
![Photo of Hope Welch, MA, LLPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80ad967c-dbf6-4a82-9ada-eea8725d5513/3/320x400.jpeg)
Besides a strong focus on client centered healing, I've received specific trainings in depression, anxiety, eating disorders and sport psychology.
Is life a little overwhelming right now? You deserve to be heard in a non-judgmental environment regardless of your life journey and the issues that you're currently facing. Despite what challenge it is that you're experiencing, there is a road map to improving your life satisfaction. Counseling can provide a space for each individual to self-navigate current life situations. You'll also learn coping skills for when future stressors arise. I offer Christian counseling as an option for those interested but I love working with people from all walks of life.
Besides a strong focus on client centered healing, I've received specific trainings in depression, anxiety, eating disorders and sport psychology.
Is life a little overwhelming right now? You deserve to be heard in a non-judgmental environment regardless of your life journey and the issues that you're currently facing. Despite what challenge it is that you're experiencing, there is a road map to improving your life satisfaction. Counseling can provide a space for each individual to self-navigate current life situations. You'll also learn coping skills for when future stressors arise. I offer Christian counseling as an option for those interested but I love working with people from all walks of life.
![Photo of Nicole Marganti, PsyD, ABPP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/210d04e7-5c7d-41ae-8789-adca6d52b8f9/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, life transitions, and eating disorders.
The choice to seek therapy is often complicated and forming a relationship with your therapist is an important part of the process. I create a collaborative space where you can discuss your concerns, identities and story. Together we can identify where you would like therapy to take you, build on day-to-day techniques and explore deeper patterns and experiences that may create barriers. My approach is integrative and incorporates skills, narrative processing, metaphor, and intentional decision making. I hope that through our work you will feel empowered to make changes and feel more secure, stable, an sync with your values.
I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, life transitions, and eating disorders.
The choice to seek therapy is often complicated and forming a relationship with your therapist is an important part of the process. I create a collaborative space where you can discuss your concerns, identities and story. Together we can identify where you would like therapy to take you, build on day-to-day techniques and explore deeper patterns and experiences that may create barriers. My approach is integrative and incorporates skills, narrative processing, metaphor, and intentional decision making. I hope that through our work you will feel empowered to make changes and feel more secure, stable, an sync with your values.
![Photo of Kristen Harris, LMSW, CAADC, ADS, EMDR T, CFNC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5826b4af-2fb5-48a7-a581-3add44dff498/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kristen Harris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CAADC, ADS, EMDR T, CFNC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richland, MI 49083
I love working with clients who struggle with self-esteem, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, self-sabotaging patterns, eating disorders, co-dependency, and trauma.
If you’re looking for a therapist that just nods and asks: “How do you feel about that?”, then you better keep on looking. I have an interactive no BS and no sugar-coating approach that all my clients state has been extremely refreshing and welcoming to them in the therapeutic process. Self-empowerment, radical acceptance, and authentic human connection will be the cornerstone of our work. I utilize strength based, solution focused, and neuroscientific theory to guide us in your journey. This is about you—your stories, successes, traumas, hopes, and infinite wisdom! Sometimes we’ll laugh. Often, we’ll cry. Onward to self discovery!
I love working with clients who struggle with self-esteem, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, self-sabotaging patterns, eating disorders, co-dependency, and trauma.
If you’re looking for a therapist that just nods and asks: “How do you feel about that?”, then you better keep on looking. I have an interactive no BS and no sugar-coating approach that all my clients state has been extremely refreshing and welcoming to them in the therapeutic process. Self-empowerment, radical acceptance, and authentic human connection will be the cornerstone of our work. I utilize strength based, solution focused, and neuroscientific theory to guide us in your journey. This is about you—your stories, successes, traumas, hopes, and infinite wisdom! Sometimes we’ll laugh. Often, we’ll cry. Onward to self discovery!
![Photo of Gary Snapper, MA, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c9c270d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My areas of specialty include: anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, HFA, and personality disorders.
For 20 years, I have been helping clients build upon strengths and face challenges to achieve their goals of therapy. As a licensed professional counselor I utilize the evidence based therapeutic approach of Cognitive Behavior Therapy as a basis for reducing suffering and achieving specific goals. Mindfulness and other coping techniques are incorporated to help address emotional suffering and to help tolerate environmental stressors to create a more balanced, tolerable life.
My areas of specialty include: anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, HFA, and personality disorders.
For 20 years, I have been helping clients build upon strengths and face challenges to achieve their goals of therapy. As a licensed professional counselor I utilize the evidence based therapeutic approach of Cognitive Behavior Therapy as a basis for reducing suffering and achieving specific goals. Mindfulness and other coping techniques are incorporated to help address emotional suffering and to help tolerate environmental stressors to create a more balanced, tolerable life.
![Photo of Kylie Schultz, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6be46c0d-1c54-4106-a17f-706b45efa5d9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kylie Schultz
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Lansing, MI 48933 (Online Only)
Hello! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan with 16 years of experience. I have worked extensively with young and middle-aged adults on concerns ranging from depression, anxiety, substance abuse and trauma to eating disorders, relationship challenges and academic & career transition issues. I am an avid runner, former college athlete and spend lots of time outdoors with my family (husband and two boys aged 7 and 10) in all seasons kayaking, camping and skiing.
Hello! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan with 16 years of experience. I have worked extensively with young and middle-aged adults on concerns ranging from depression, anxiety, substance abuse and trauma to eating disorders, relationship challenges and academic & career transition issues. I am an avid runner, former college athlete and spend lots of time outdoors with my family (husband and two boys aged 7 and 10) in all seasons kayaking, camping and skiing.
![Photo of Rhonda Overberger, MA, LPC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c9327cc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rhonda Overberger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LPC, LMFT
Not Verified Not Verified
2 Endorsed
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Expertise in Eating Disorders.
I practice evidence-based treatment rooted in science. My goals are to help clients alter negative repetitive patterns, defuse from overwhelming destructive behaviors, and create movement toward what is really important in their lives. I use acceptance and mindfulness skills, combined with behavior-change strategies, to help clients increase psychological flexibility. I believe that psychological suffering is caused by avoiding emotions and life experiences, which results in psychological rigidity, and greater suffering.
Expertise in Eating Disorders.
I practice evidence-based treatment rooted in science. My goals are to help clients alter negative repetitive patterns, defuse from overwhelming destructive behaviors, and create movement toward what is really important in their lives. I use acceptance and mindfulness skills, combined with behavior-change strategies, to help clients increase psychological flexibility. I believe that psychological suffering is caused by avoiding emotions and life experiences, which results in psychological rigidity, and greater suffering.
![Photo of Sabrina Lavengood, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ffa116a-e2ad-4027-8b1c-c5b45254cb0f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you feel as though you are going through the motions of life and not able to find joy? Are you feeling as though hope is nowhere to be found or that your problems are too big? I believe that every person’s story is worthy to be told and that there is hope even in the toughest of times. As a licensed therapist, I help you sort out the pieces of your story, make sense of them, and even find joy in them. I specialize in working with girls and women who are searching for support related to anxiety, depression, body image & self esteem related issues, eating disorders, relationships, trauma, and life transitions.
Do you feel as though you are going through the motions of life and not able to find joy? Are you feeling as though hope is nowhere to be found or that your problems are too big? I believe that every person’s story is worthy to be told and that there is hope even in the toughest of times. As a licensed therapist, I help you sort out the pieces of your story, make sense of them, and even find joy in them. I specialize in working with girls and women who are searching for support related to anxiety, depression, body image & self esteem related issues, eating disorders, relationships, trauma, and life transitions.
![Photo of Victoria Cane, PhD, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c9141df-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My areas of expertise include treatment of eating disorders and specific work with athletes, issues of over-control and maladaptive perfectionism, LGBT-affirmative therapy, and mood disorders.
I am a licensed psychologist with a background in community mental health and university counseling practicing privately since 2011. I take a holistic approach to therapeutic work, using the context of culture, personal development, and multiple dimensions of identity. I also specialize in evidence-based therapies including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), behavioral activation for depression, radically open dbt (RODBT) for issues of over-control, and prolonged exposure for PTSD. I am board certified as a DBT therapist through the Linehan Institute and infuse elements of DBT like mindfulness practice into my general work.
My areas of expertise include treatment of eating disorders and specific work with athletes, issues of over-control and maladaptive perfectionism, LGBT-affirmative therapy, and mood disorders.
I am a licensed psychologist with a background in community mental health and university counseling practicing privately since 2011. I take a holistic approach to therapeutic work, using the context of culture, personal development, and multiple dimensions of identity. I also specialize in evidence-based therapies including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), behavioral activation for depression, radically open dbt (RODBT) for issues of over-control, and prolonged exposure for PTSD. I am board certified as a DBT therapist through the Linehan Institute and infuse elements of DBT like mindfulness practice into my general work.
![Photo of Amy Hubbard, MA, LPC, LLP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cac1141-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe every individual has the ability to reach their full potential. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental place for you to share your thoughts, identify problems and work toward achieving desired goals. I have worked with individuals of all ages with varying issues including, but not limited to: mood and personality disorders, physical and sexual abuse, anger management, eating disorders, anxiety, stress management, relationship issues and major life changes. I appreciate the uniqueness of each individual and will treat you with respect, compassion, and honesty.
I believe every individual has the ability to reach their full potential. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental place for you to share your thoughts, identify problems and work toward achieving desired goals. I have worked with individuals of all ages with varying issues including, but not limited to: mood and personality disorders, physical and sexual abuse, anger management, eating disorders, anxiety, stress management, relationship issues and major life changes. I appreciate the uniqueness of each individual and will treat you with respect, compassion, and honesty.
![Photo of Angela Hastings, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/02fc500f-9d9b-4137-9823-ef556efeecd6/2/320x400.png)
Angela Hastings
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Wyoming, MI 49519 (Online Only)
You've taken a huge first step in being here today, and I am so glad you are! Reaching out for therapy isn't easy, and it takes a lot of strength to get started. I am a social worker licensed in Michigan with 10 years of experience in the clinical field. I have worked with clients to address crisis intervention, life transitions, and chronic anxiety and depression. My areas of passion also include crisis of faith, body image, self-harm, and eating disorders. My hope for my clients is that they'll find a safe space to address their concerns, to feel heard, and to leave with a greater understanding of self.
You've taken a huge first step in being here today, and I am so glad you are! Reaching out for therapy isn't easy, and it takes a lot of strength to get started. I am a social worker licensed in Michigan with 10 years of experience in the clinical field. I have worked with clients to address crisis intervention, life transitions, and chronic anxiety and depression. My areas of passion also include crisis of faith, body image, self-harm, and eating disorders. My hope for my clients is that they'll find a safe space to address their concerns, to feel heard, and to leave with a greater understanding of self.
![Photo of Steven Holmes, LLMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c9fd7308-50cc-4719-88da-14459cefaa87/2/320x400.jpeg)
Steven Holmes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Grand Ledge, MI 48837
Now accepting new clients - Through over twenty-five years of experience in the human service field I understand our struggles in life can be difficult and lonely. I have found that connection, laughter and a warm smile can be the key to healing. I strive to provide compassionate care to those learning to heal, and I have experience treating: men's issues, parenting issues, anxiety, depression, trauma stemming from childhood and interpersonal relationships, grief and loss, marriage/relationship difficulties, eating disorders/disordered eating, and weight loss related challenges.
Now accepting new clients - Through over twenty-five years of experience in the human service field I understand our struggles in life can be difficult and lonely. I have found that connection, laughter and a warm smile can be the key to healing. I strive to provide compassionate care to those learning to heal, and I have experience treating: men's issues, parenting issues, anxiety, depression, trauma stemming from childhood and interpersonal relationships, grief and loss, marriage/relationship difficulties, eating disorders/disordered eating, and weight loss related challenges.
See more therapy options for Coloma
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Coloma
See More Eating Disorders TherapistsEating 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.