Therapists in Moscow Mills, MO
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Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in Missouri below.Online Therapists
Nicole Cooper
Pre-Licensed Professional, PLPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kirkwood, MO 63122 (Online Only)
I utilize evidence-based techniques to support clients with concerns such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationship issues and unresolved trauma.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed or overwhelmed with constant worry? Are you experiencing difficulties with various relationships in your life? As a therapist I enjoy supporting others on their journey towards general wellbeing. I provide a safe, inclusive, space where we can further explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences without judgement.
I utilize evidence-based techniques to support clients with concerns such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationship issues and unresolved trauma.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed or overwhelmed with constant worry? Are you experiencing difficulties with various relationships in your life? As a therapist I enjoy supporting others on their journey towards general wellbeing. I provide a safe, inclusive, space where we can further explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences without judgement.
![Photo of Veronica L Delgado, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c5c5601e-e2e8-48dc-98be-b9569b30a85d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Veronica L Delgado
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Verified Verified
Clayton, MO 63105
Welcome to my Psychology Today profile, thanks for being here! My name is Veronica Delgado (she/ella) and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist. I am also currently pursuing training to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). I incorporate art making and somatic work into my psychotherapy practice to help adults and teenagers with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, histories of abuse and neglect (including sexual abuse and assault), and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Welcome to my Psychology Today profile, thanks for being here! My name is Veronica Delgado (she/ella) and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist. I am also currently pursuing training to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). I incorporate art making and somatic work into my psychotherapy practice to help adults and teenagers with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, histories of abuse and neglect (including sexual abuse and assault), and post-traumatic stress disorder.
![Photo of Monica Lieser - Sandhill Counseling & Consultation, LCSW, LPC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49e848fe-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sandhill Counseling & Consultation
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCSW, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
O Fallon, MO 63366
Anxiety * Grief/Loss * Life Transitions * Relationships Adolescent Self-Esteem and Anger Management * Sexual Addiction Recovery Intimacy and Sexuality * ADHD Assessment *Coping with Divorce * Trauma * Mindfulness * Substance Abuse * Family Conflict * Eating Disorders *Smoking Cessation * Spirituality * Healthy Lifestyle Choices * Adolescent Self-Injury *Play Therapy *Pre-Marital Counseling * Nutrition Counseling * Yoga *Art Therapy*Cognitive Behavioral Therapy* Happiness Work.
We are a diverse group of licensed professionals. We are compassionate, knowledgable and honored to work with individuals, couples, and families. We support our clients to discover their own personal grace and agility, their ability to express themselves with integrity and conviction and most importantly to restore their faith in themselves and in their relationships.
Anxiety * Grief/Loss * Life Transitions * Relationships Adolescent Self-Esteem and Anger Management * Sexual Addiction Recovery Intimacy and Sexuality * ADHD Assessment *Coping with Divorce * Trauma * Mindfulness * Substance Abuse * Family Conflict * Eating Disorders *Smoking Cessation * Spirituality * Healthy Lifestyle Choices * Adolescent Self-Injury *Play Therapy *Pre-Marital Counseling * Nutrition Counseling * Yoga *Art Therapy*Cognitive Behavioral Therapy* Happiness Work.
We are a diverse group of licensed professionals. We are compassionate, knowledgable and honored to work with individuals, couples, and families. We support our clients to discover their own personal grace and agility, their ability to express themselves with integrity and conviction and most importantly to restore their faith in themselves and in their relationships.
![Photo of Kimberly Osmanagic, LPC , Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1111786e-c447-481e-a80c-ee1449271da8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly Osmanagic
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Saint Peters, MO 63376 (Online Only)
My name is Kimberly Osmanagic, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 18+ years of experience working with a diverse population specializing in trauma, depression, anxiety and health coaching. My practice includes a variety of evidence-based treatments including CBT, EMDR, SE, and I am certified in Nutrition and Integrative medicine (CIMHP) and a trauma specialist. I also provide clinical supervision for professional counseling. My areas of specialty are: Trauma, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Eating Disorders, Addictions, Health Coaching, Nutrition Counseling, Geriatric Counseling, Marriage & Family Counseling.
My name is Kimberly Osmanagic, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 18+ years of experience working with a diverse population specializing in trauma, depression, anxiety and health coaching. My practice includes a variety of evidence-based treatments including CBT, EMDR, SE, and I am certified in Nutrition and Integrative medicine (CIMHP) and a trauma specialist. I also provide clinical supervision for professional counseling. My areas of specialty are: Trauma, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Eating Disorders, Addictions, Health Coaching, Nutrition Counseling, Geriatric Counseling, Marriage & Family Counseling.
![Photo of Sameera Malik, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/405d9dff-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sameera Malik
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
Are you working really hard at life without the outcomes you want? It can feel exhausting. Without the ability to effectively manage and cope with life's demands, a person's world can become a place filled with missed opportunities and experiences; a place of unrelenting anxiety, suffering and feelings of isolation. Change is hard and change is possibIe. It's about learning skills to do differently to live differently in a manner of your choosing. I'm a therapist who uses behavior-focused, outcome-driven treatments to address the symptoms of ADHD, OCD, PTSD, anorexia, abuse, anxiety and depression to increase quality in your life.
Are you working really hard at life without the outcomes you want? It can feel exhausting. Without the ability to effectively manage and cope with life's demands, a person's world can become a place filled with missed opportunities and experiences; a place of unrelenting anxiety, suffering and feelings of isolation. Change is hard and change is possibIe. It's about learning skills to do differently to live differently in a manner of your choosing. I'm a therapist who uses behavior-focused, outcome-driven treatments to address the symptoms of ADHD, OCD, PTSD, anorexia, abuse, anxiety and depression to increase quality in your life.
![Photo of Ida Duplantier, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a106ad46-f45b-4cd2-80ed-794bac763e1d/2/320x400.jpeg)
My work experience, training, and interests have focused on addiction, eating disorders, LGBTQIA+ concerns, religious trauma, cultic abuse, and animal-assisted therapy.
When working with clients, I promote mental health through empowerment and collaboration, exploring their individual concerns through a biopsychosocial model. I work with adult clients of all backgrounds in the St. Louis area.
My work experience, training, and interests have focused on addiction, eating disorders, LGBTQIA+ concerns, religious trauma, cultic abuse, and animal-assisted therapy.
When working with clients, I promote mental health through empowerment and collaboration, exploring their individual concerns through a biopsychosocial model. I work with adult clients of all backgrounds in the St. Louis area.
![Photo of Kira Collins, MSW, LCSW, RPT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a9e0fab-fc6a-4e66-bf4c-207369d03157/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kira Collins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Clayton, MO 63105
Seeking counseling is the hardest but most rewarding step a person can take. It is ok to not be ok & ask for help. We all need help now & then. Thank you for visiting my page! I hope that we can work together to meet your needs. I have a passion for working with children, youth and families. I would be honored to be a part of your continued success.
Seeking counseling is the hardest but most rewarding step a person can take. It is ok to not be ok & ask for help. We all need help now & then. Thank you for visiting my page! I hope that we can work together to meet your needs. I have a passion for working with children, youth and families. I would be honored to be a part of your continued success.
![Photo of Christina J Landry, MA, LPC, CMT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5bb7e814-deaf-47bf-a4ee-c97b50520a07/3/320x400.jpeg)
Christina J Landry
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CMT
Verified Verified
Rolla, MO 65401
Waitlist for new clients
CURRENTLY I AM NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. My approach to therapy is customized based on the needs of the individual client(s) and draws upon a broad and diverse base of clinical approaches and well-established techniques while incorporating Holistic Modalities including Nutrition, Exercise, and Mindfulness. I frequently utilize Animal Assisted Therapy, so Don’t Be Surprised to see my two certified therapy dogs present at sessions! I am a Certified Master Trainer, with specialty training in Nutrition, DNA Based Wellness & Weight Management, Exercise Recovery Therapy; Life Span Wellness and Health Transformation Exercise.
CURRENTLY I AM NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. My approach to therapy is customized based on the needs of the individual client(s) and draws upon a broad and diverse base of clinical approaches and well-established techniques while incorporating Holistic Modalities including Nutrition, Exercise, and Mindfulness. I frequently utilize Animal Assisted Therapy, so Don’t Be Surprised to see my two certified therapy dogs present at sessions! I am a Certified Master Trainer, with specialty training in Nutrition, DNA Based Wellness & Weight Management, Exercise Recovery Therapy; Life Span Wellness and Health Transformation Exercise.
![Photo of Mirranda Cardinali - Osage Valley Counseling, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc37ffd0-adf2-41a6-b81b-d47d8f51dd47/1/320x400.jpeg)
Osage Valley Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fenton, MO 63026
At Osage Valley Counseling, our mission is to provide compassionate and effective trauma-informed therapy, guided by evidence based practices. Through our specialized approach, we empower individuals to reclaim their lives, restore resilience, and embrace their future. We uphold the highest standards of integrity and hold a deep commitment to the quality of knowledge, and its application within the field of mental health. Our guiding values encompass integrity, expertise, and collaboration built on a foundation of accountability and confidentiality.
At Osage Valley Counseling, our mission is to provide compassionate and effective trauma-informed therapy, guided by evidence based practices. Through our specialized approach, we empower individuals to reclaim their lives, restore resilience, and embrace their future. We uphold the highest standards of integrity and hold a deep commitment to the quality of knowledge, and its application within the field of mental health. Our guiding values encompass integrity, expertise, and collaboration built on a foundation of accountability and confidentiality.
![Photo of Brittni Johnson - Empowered Movement, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/abaa6f71-d294-4de9-a126-772a5084f30c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Empowered Movement
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Clayton, MO 63105 (Online Only)
Life is beautiful but often/sometimes challenging. Some days we feel confident and happy while other days we may feel alone or overwhelmed. The clients I work with are seeking new tools, skills, techniques and interventions to help them feel better, more in control and empowered on a daily basis. I work with adolescents, young adults, adults and elders experiencing life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, low self-esteem and more. Everyone deserves to have a safe space, with unconditional support that allows them to be authentically themselves, always.
Life is beautiful but often/sometimes challenging. Some days we feel confident and happy while other days we may feel alone or overwhelmed. The clients I work with are seeking new tools, skills, techniques and interventions to help them feel better, more in control and empowered on a daily basis. I work with adolescents, young adults, adults and elders experiencing life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, low self-esteem and more. Everyone deserves to have a safe space, with unconditional support that allows them to be authentically themselves, always.
![Photo of Naaman L Lauderdale - First Choice Counseling Professional Corporation, ThD Psy, PhD CES, LPCCS, MAC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59b6a6f5-c52d-4fcd-bf0d-192ba138849b/1/320x400.jpeg)
First Choice Counseling Professional Corporation
Licensed Professional Counselor, ThD Psy, PhD CES, LPCCS, MAC, NCC
Verified Verified
University City, MO 63130
Our patients are individuals, couples or groups who have been struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorder and other behavioral challenges that have made ordinary day to day functioning impossible or extremely difficult. Through evidence-based clinical mental health therapy that includes EMDR, CBT, DBT, and SFBT, we assess, and diagnose individuals, couples and groups providing evidenced-based treatment plans.
Our patients are individuals, couples or groups who have been struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorder and other behavioral challenges that have made ordinary day to day functioning impossible or extremely difficult. Through evidence-based clinical mental health therapy that includes EMDR, CBT, DBT, and SFBT, we assess, and diagnose individuals, couples and groups providing evidenced-based treatment plans.
![Photo of James P Ahearn, MEd, LPC, JD, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d36b757-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
James P Ahearn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, JD
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Clayton, MO 63105
The clients I serve are often at a crossroads in their life story and unsure of how to close one chapter and begin anew. Clients I enjoy working with recognize that counseling continues outside of the session in self reflection, exploring behavior change, and shifting how we think and relate to ourselves. I find that counseling helps meet goals and needs as diverse as the client, and sometimes goals arise throughout the course of the relationship. No one needs a "good reason" to come to counseling, for the desire to reach out and try will always be sufficient.
The clients I serve are often at a crossroads in their life story and unsure of how to close one chapter and begin anew. Clients I enjoy working with recognize that counseling continues outside of the session in self reflection, exploring behavior change, and shifting how we think and relate to ourselves. I find that counseling helps meet goals and needs as diverse as the client, and sometimes goals arise throughout the course of the relationship. No one needs a "good reason" to come to counseling, for the desire to reach out and try will always be sufficient.
![Photo of Brittany Elizabeth Buchannon, MS, NCC, PLPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e11db845-f93f-4382-aacb-18309cc93810/1/320x400.jpeg)
My ideal client is anyone who is ready to enter into their stages of change. This can be anyone reasy to make shifts and changes as well as adopt new habits that can be reinforced or improved by initiating healing and working on their mental health.
My ideal client is anyone who is ready to enter into their stages of change. This can be anyone reasy to make shifts and changes as well as adopt new habits that can be reinforced or improved by initiating healing and working on their mental health.
![Photo of Ashley Murry - New Dawn Family Healing-Creve Coeur, Missouri, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6a1e870-51fb-437f-ad05-57e92647d5a9/4/320x400.jpeg)
New Dawn Family Healing-Creve Coeur, Missouri
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63141
We believe in creating an open, safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate therapeutic environment that is informed by structure to help you make the changes necessary to build the life that you want. We also believe in an equally kind and direct stylistic approach, coupled with a strong emphasis on collaboration. In our work together, we will provide you with scientifically studied tools to help move you in the direction you wish to go.
We believe in creating an open, safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate therapeutic environment that is informed by structure to help you make the changes necessary to build the life that you want. We also believe in an equally kind and direct stylistic approach, coupled with a strong emphasis on collaboration. In our work together, we will provide you with scientifically studied tools to help move you in the direction you wish to go.
![Photo of Catherine Kluge, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f1cac6c9-477f-4fdf-9277-40f801888564/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you tired of battling anxiety, depression, and codependency? Are you struggling to navigate your loved one's substance use disorder? New Dawn Family Healing is here for you. We believe in creating an open, safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate therapeutic environment that is informed by structure to help you make the changes necessary to build the life that you want.
Are you tired of battling anxiety, depression, and codependency? Are you struggling to navigate your loved one's substance use disorder? New Dawn Family Healing is here for you. We believe in creating an open, safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate therapeutic environment that is informed by structure to help you make the changes necessary to build the life that you want.
![Photo of Jessica Twehous, M Ed, PLPC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/538f4a1a-4799-471b-8698-20428fdf59a8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Twehous
Pre-Licensed Professional, M Ed, PLPC
Verified Verified
Jefferson City, MO 65109 (Online Only)
What if you could wake up tomorrow and finally feel better? What if you were living the life you truly desired? Therapy allows us to find real solutions to our greatest challenges. Perhaps your relationship or marriage is in a rut, your anxiety has left you paralyzed and fearful, or your depression has kept you in bed for weeks. Whatever your struggle is, I am here to offer a warm, helping hand so that we can help you get back to living your life. I seek to provide a safe space to work through your complex and unique challenges to foster lasting transformation. You weren't meant to merely survive, but to thrive.
What if you could wake up tomorrow and finally feel better? What if you were living the life you truly desired? Therapy allows us to find real solutions to our greatest challenges. Perhaps your relationship or marriage is in a rut, your anxiety has left you paralyzed and fearful, or your depression has kept you in bed for weeks. Whatever your struggle is, I am here to offer a warm, helping hand so that we can help you get back to living your life. I seek to provide a safe space to work through your complex and unique challenges to foster lasting transformation. You weren't meant to merely survive, but to thrive.
![Photo of Tami Daigle, MEd, PLPC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d48d5c7a-f5e0-4001-a7dd-66c1f64fb528/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tami Daigle
Pre-Licensed Professional, MEd, PLPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Weldon Spring, MO 63304
Are you looking for solace in your life? Do you or your child struggle with anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts, anger management, emotional regulation, poor self image, or communication? Are you looking for a play therapist or an expressive arts therapist that has a creative approach? Would you like to have a safe space to be vulnerable in as you gain insight, practice healthy coping interventions, and continue building your inner strengths? As a former school counselor who has also worked in a variety of therapeutic settings, I enjoy working with individuals from a wide age range.
Are you looking for solace in your life? Do you or your child struggle with anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts, anger management, emotional regulation, poor self image, or communication? Are you looking for a play therapist or an expressive arts therapist that has a creative approach? Would you like to have a safe space to be vulnerable in as you gain insight, practice healthy coping interventions, and continue building your inner strengths? As a former school counselor who has also worked in a variety of therapeutic settings, I enjoy working with individuals from a wide age range.
![Photo of Mark E. Wardlow - Advanced Counseling Solutions, LPC, CCDP-D, EMDR, DBT, MARS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5a540c8d-5cb0-4dac-8785-932a8de5c3ef/2/320x400.jpeg)
Advanced Counseling Solutions
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CCDP-D, EMDR, DBT, MARS
Verified Verified
Farmington, MO 63640
We all encounter problems at different stages in life. Some are easy to handle, whereas others leave us hurt, confused, and hopeless. Our brain is an important organ, and it can get sick, just like any of the other organs in our body. What it takes to heal differs between person to person. We will never pretend we know exactly what you are going through, because we aren't you. But, what we can do is help! Being licensed in both Missouri and Arizona allows us to reach out to help even more people. Whether you are looking to move forward from the past, learn to live with loss, handle stress and anxiety/depression better, we can help!
We all encounter problems at different stages in life. Some are easy to handle, whereas others leave us hurt, confused, and hopeless. Our brain is an important organ, and it can get sick, just like any of the other organs in our body. What it takes to heal differs between person to person. We will never pretend we know exactly what you are going through, because we aren't you. But, what we can do is help! Being licensed in both Missouri and Arizona allows us to reach out to help even more people. Whether you are looking to move forward from the past, learn to live with loss, handle stress and anxiety/depression better, we can help!
![Photo of Angela Sastry, PhD, LPC, EMDR-C, RYT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f640d5e3-a7f8-4b86-a855-18bc6804bb35/1/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Sastry
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, EMDR-C, RYT
Verified Verified
Ballwin, MO 63011
Waitlist for new clients
Are you looking to experience more joy and peace in your life while increasing your resilience and balance? Do you want to improve your relationships? I believe encouragement and acceptance are essential. Therefore, I utilize a holistic person-centered approach focused on you as a whole person. My goal as a therapist is to help you attain emotional well-being, enhance your resilience, and unlock your full potential. By adopting a nervous system approach that focuses on your entire being, body, and mind, you can tap into your innate capacity for healing, resulting in profound personal growth.
Are you looking to experience more joy and peace in your life while increasing your resilience and balance? Do you want to improve your relationships? I believe encouragement and acceptance are essential. Therefore, I utilize a holistic person-centered approach focused on you as a whole person. My goal as a therapist is to help you attain emotional well-being, enhance your resilience, and unlock your full potential. By adopting a nervous system approach that focuses on your entire being, body, and mind, you can tap into your innate capacity for healing, resulting in profound personal growth.
![Photo of Bill Clark, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6cbef324-24ea-45c3-a313-a10bc16ea5f8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bill Clark
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63126 (Online Only)
We all go through difficult times at different parts of our life. It can help to have someone to talk to. I have particular experience with adults in midlife crisis, couples counseling, and adolescents experiencing, school problems, behavior problems, parent/child conflict, and trauma. I have experience with individual therapy, parent/child conflict, divorce, alternative relationships and LGBTQIA issues. I specialize in trauma treatment for all age groups. CURRENTLY OFFERING TELEMEDICINE SESSIONS VIA ZOOM OR SKYPE.
We all go through difficult times at different parts of our life. It can help to have someone to talk to. I have particular experience with adults in midlife crisis, couples counseling, and adolescents experiencing, school problems, behavior problems, parent/child conflict, and trauma. I have experience with individual therapy, parent/child conflict, divorce, alternative relationships and LGBTQIA issues. I specialize in trauma treatment for all age groups. CURRENTLY OFFERING TELEMEDICINE SESSIONS VIA ZOOM OR SKYPE.
See more therapy options for Moscow Mills
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.