Eating Disorders Therapists in Salisbury, NC

Photo of Natalie R Atwell - Concord Counseling Assocs  - Dr. Natalie Atwell , EdD, LCMHCS, BCPCC, Counselor
Concord Counseling Assocs - Dr. Natalie Atwell
Counselor, EdD, LCMHCS, BCPCC
Verified Verified
Salisbury, NC 28144
Dr. Atwell and Associates view counseling as a collaborative effort in which they will assist each client in gathering information, exploring various issues, and changing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the desired direction. Although the counseling style is eclectic, they tend to use a cognitive-behavioral, client-centered approach in conjunction with reality-based and solution-focused applications. Our therapists work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, marriage and family struggles, mood disorders, grief, and more.
Dr. Atwell and Associates view counseling as a collaborative effort in which they will assist each client in gathering information, exploring various issues, and changing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the desired direction. Although the counseling style is eclectic, they tend to use a cognitive-behavioral, client-centered approach in conjunction with reality-based and solution-focused applications. Our therapists work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, marriage and family struggles, mood disorders, grief, and more.
(980) 209-6328 View (980) 209-6328
Photo of Jefferson Mccombs, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jefferson Mccombs
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Salisbury, NC 28144
My ideal client would be a person who is motivated for change, however one of my main specialties is the ablilty to work with unmotivated and even hostile clients who have been court ordered or adolescents who are forced to come by their parents. I can work with a client on a myriad of issues including anixiety, depression, low self-esteem, complusions and addictions.
My ideal client would be a person who is motivated for change, however one of my main specialties is the ablilty to work with unmotivated and even hostile clients who have been court ordered or adolescents who are forced to come by their parents. I can work with a client on a myriad of issues including anixiety, depression, low self-esteem, complusions and addictions.
(704) 751-4949 View (704) 751-4949
Photo of Janiece Jenkins - The Jenkins Creative Counseling Center, PLLC, LCSW, LISW-CP, RPT-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
The Jenkins Creative Counseling Center, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW-CP, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salisbury, NC 28144
We care about you and your ability to thrive! JCCC is a proud believer in positive psychology and the ability to work past all of life’s curveballs. Be it early childhood development years or difficulty navigating marital issues, we employ unique and fun mental health-based therapies for an explorative approach towards healing. We utilize different techniques such as Play Therapy, Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (horses), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and much more! Our creative approach to therapy is a unique way to assist many clients with overcoming various challenges in their lives.
We care about you and your ability to thrive! JCCC is a proud believer in positive psychology and the ability to work past all of life’s curveballs. Be it early childhood development years or difficulty navigating marital issues, we employ unique and fun mental health-based therapies for an explorative approach towards healing. We utilize different techniques such as Play Therapy, Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (horses), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and much more! Our creative approach to therapy is a unique way to assist many clients with overcoming various challenges in their lives.
(704) 237-6722 View (704) 237-6722
Photo of Alexandra Negron Tuck, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alexandra Negron Tuck
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Salisbury, NC 28144  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Alex and I'm a Christian therapist here to help and serve. I'm passionate about helping people reach their goals in a personable, comfy, and non-stuffy way. I offer Telehealth therapy, and I accept most major insurances. Online therapy provides the help you need in the comfort of your home. It eliminated the worries about child care, the time and gas for the drive, and instead you get to cozy up to your pet, on your sofa, in your pajamas, with hot tea, a notebook, and an attitude ready to dive in! I would be honored to help! My front office staff are ready to receive your calls to set up your intake appointment today.
Hello, I'm Alex and I'm a Christian therapist here to help and serve. I'm passionate about helping people reach their goals in a personable, comfy, and non-stuffy way. I offer Telehealth therapy, and I accept most major insurances. Online therapy provides the help you need in the comfort of your home. It eliminated the worries about child care, the time and gas for the drive, and instead you get to cozy up to your pet, on your sofa, in your pajamas, with hot tea, a notebook, and an attitude ready to dive in! I would be honored to help! My front office staff are ready to receive your calls to set up your intake appointment today.
(704) 734-9294 View (704) 734-9294

Online Therapists

Photo of Kristin Brooks, LCMHC, Counselor
Kristin Brooks
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28202  (Online Only)
Hi, I am Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in NC and received my Master's Degree from Western Carolina in May of 2019. I have worked with a wide range of clients aging from 4-65 years and have experience treating a wide range of mental health concerns to include Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Psychosis, Attachment Disorders, Mood Disorders, Eating Disorders, and Addiction.
Hi, I am Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in NC and received my Master's Degree from Western Carolina in May of 2019. I have worked with a wide range of clients aging from 4-65 years and have experience treating a wide range of mental health concerns to include Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Psychosis, Attachment Disorders, Mood Disorders, Eating Disorders, and Addiction.
(980) 372-2776 View (980) 372-2776
Photo of Joshua D Ramsey, MDiv, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Joshua D Ramsey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27707
I specialize in relationships, spirituality, life transitions, and eating disorders.
I invite you to pause and to breathe deeply. Allow yourself the space to feel your emotions and to listen to your thoughts. What do you want out of therapy? What do you want for your relationships? What do you need through your vocation? What do you want out of life? Therapy will help you to connect more deeply and honestly with yourself, so that you can answer these questions sincerely, and become more free to engage in authentic living. Give me a call or an email so we can schedule an introductory session and discuss what it is that you are pursuing.
I specialize in relationships, spirituality, life transitions, and eating disorders.
I invite you to pause and to breathe deeply. Allow yourself the space to feel your emotions and to listen to your thoughts. What do you want out of therapy? What do you want for your relationships? What do you need through your vocation? What do you want out of life? Therapy will help you to connect more deeply and honestly with yourself, so that you can answer these questions sincerely, and become more free to engage in authentic living. Give me a call or an email so we can schedule an introductory session and discuss what it is that you are pursuing.
(984) 203-9078 View (984) 203-9078
Photo of Eileen Case, LCSW, CEDS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Eileen Case
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CEDS
Verified Verified
Holly Springs, NC 27540
I am a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist helping those with Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder and overall disordered eating.
Are you tired of being stuck in the cycle of problematic behaviors that keep you feeling anxious, depressed or hopeless? Whether its using food, over exercise, substances, excessive sleep, explosive anger or some other perilous action to cope, there is help out there. It begins with understanding the function of these behaviors and then learning new tools to help you engage in your life in a way that is in line with your true values. When we build the capacity to cope with the challenges of our past, present and future in more effective ways, we create the space and capacity for joy, love and a sense of belonging.
I am a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist helping those with Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder and overall disordered eating.
Are you tired of being stuck in the cycle of problematic behaviors that keep you feeling anxious, depressed or hopeless? Whether its using food, over exercise, substances, excessive sleep, explosive anger or some other perilous action to cope, there is help out there. It begins with understanding the function of these behaviors and then learning new tools to help you engage in your life in a way that is in line with your true values. When we build the capacity to cope with the challenges of our past, present and future in more effective ways, we create the space and capacity for joy, love and a sense of belonging.
(984) 205-6396 View (984) 205-6396
Photo of Louisa R Oswald, LCMHCA, MT-BC, DBT-C, Counselor
Louisa R Oswald
Counselor, LCMHCA, MT-BC, DBT-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28211  (Online Only)
I have over 5 years of working in the field of mental health doing individual and group therapy. I am a counselor and board-certified music therapist who is dedicated to helping children, adolescents & adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, neurodivergent people, OCD, eating disorders, and identity issues. My ideal population is looking for tools and skills to work on their goals in a collaborative environment. I consider my ability to build connection and strong therapeutic rapport with my clients my best strength. I foster helping my clients grow a stronger sense of themselves and build their self-esteem.
I have over 5 years of working in the field of mental health doing individual and group therapy. I am a counselor and board-certified music therapist who is dedicated to helping children, adolescents & adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, neurodivergent people, OCD, eating disorders, and identity issues. My ideal population is looking for tools and skills to work on their goals in a collaborative environment. I consider my ability to build connection and strong therapeutic rapport with my clients my best strength. I foster helping my clients grow a stronger sense of themselves and build their self-esteem.
(980) 458-4523 View (980) 458-4523
Photo of Tyler Kramer, LCMHC, Counselor
Tyler Kramer
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Huntersville, NC 28078
I work with individuals, couples, and families of all walks of life who are dealing with things such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, trauma/PTSD, as well as marital issues.
Have you ever felt as though everything that you’ve planned for in your life is falling apart piece by piece? Sometimes when this is happening we feel as though we are alone. What if the answer is right in front of us and we just can’t find it? Sometimes it helps to have a second person, someone to walk the journey along side you, someone who won’t judge you but will walk with you side by side to help guide you to find that missing piece. I want to work with you where you are at and help you achieve the goals you want to achieve. Together as a team we will work step by step to achieve a happier and healthier life.
I work with individuals, couples, and families of all walks of life who are dealing with things such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, trauma/PTSD, as well as marital issues.
Have you ever felt as though everything that you’ve planned for in your life is falling apart piece by piece? Sometimes when this is happening we feel as though we are alone. What if the answer is right in front of us and we just can’t find it? Sometimes it helps to have a second person, someone to walk the journey along side you, someone who won’t judge you but will walk with you side by side to help guide you to find that missing piece. I want to work with you where you are at and help you achieve the goals you want to achieve. Together as a team we will work step by step to achieve a happier and healthier life.
(980) 220-4639 View (980) 220-4639
Photo of Alysann Whitley Price, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alysann Whitley Price
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27606
Hi, my name is Alysann and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 6 years of clinical experience. My therapeutic approach is strengths-based, which means I will empower you by building on your strengths. I specialize in OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Alcohol Addiction, Eating Disorders, Sleep/Insomnia, Stress, Self-esteem, Coping Skills, and Chronic Pain. I am trained in many different modalities such as, ERP, DBT, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and ACT, but I will tailor my therapy modality to the individual and find which approach will aid you the most to help accomplish any goals you might have.
Hi, my name is Alysann and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 6 years of clinical experience. My therapeutic approach is strengths-based, which means I will empower you by building on your strengths. I specialize in OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Alcohol Addiction, Eating Disorders, Sleep/Insomnia, Stress, Self-esteem, Coping Skills, and Chronic Pain. I am trained in many different modalities such as, ERP, DBT, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and ACT, but I will tailor my therapy modality to the individual and find which approach will aid you the most to help accomplish any goals you might have.
(919) 925-4566 View (919) 925-4566
Photo of Anthony Negron - Vita Nova Counseling Services, PLLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Vita Nova Counseling Services, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greensboro, NC 27410
Waitlist for new clients
I serve clients in-person and remotely, ages 18 and up, who are dealing with issues around depression, loss, anxiety, panic disorder, eating disorders, trauma and a host of other mental health issues, and who are looking to overcome their internal and external life challenges and create a richer, fuller, more meaningful life for themselves. This clientele is looking for ways to gain new coping skills, address prior trauma and be able to navigate the ups and downs of life while keeping their focus on what really matters to them in life.
I serve clients in-person and remotely, ages 18 and up, who are dealing with issues around depression, loss, anxiety, panic disorder, eating disorders, trauma and a host of other mental health issues, and who are looking to overcome their internal and external life challenges and create a richer, fuller, more meaningful life for themselves. This clientele is looking for ways to gain new coping skills, address prior trauma and be able to navigate the ups and downs of life while keeping their focus on what really matters to them in life.
(336) 594-2546 View (336) 594-2546
Photo of Becky Jorgenson, MA, LCMHCS, NCC, CEDS, NCTM, Licensed Professional Counselor
Becky Jorgenson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHCS, NCC, CEDS, NCTM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27511
Becky provides holistic counseling services in a variety of treatment areas including: anxiety disorders, mood/depressive disorders, abuse, trauma, self-harm, eating disorders, post-abortion, behavioral issues, adjustment, career, spirituality, human trafficking, and grief. Becky's goal is to join her clients on their journey to freedom and wholeness through hearing their stories, identifying areas of change, and developing a plan of action using personal strengths and available resources to achieve desired goals. Clinically, Becky uses an eclectic approach to counseling including CBT, DBT, and Expressive Arts. Previous counseling experience includes residential/inpatient, intensive outpatient, crisis pregnancy, and private practice.
Becky provides holistic counseling services in a variety of treatment areas including: anxiety disorders, mood/depressive disorders, abuse, trauma, self-harm, eating disorders, post-abortion, behavioral issues, adjustment, career, spirituality, human trafficking, and grief. Becky's goal is to join her clients on their journey to freedom and wholeness through hearing their stories, identifying areas of change, and developing a plan of action using personal strengths and available resources to achieve desired goals. Clinically, Becky uses an eclectic approach to counseling including CBT, DBT, and Expressive Arts. Previous counseling experience includes residential/inpatient, intensive outpatient, crisis pregnancy, and private practice.
(984) 205-5375 View (984) 205-5375
Photo of Amelia Mathis, MS, NCC, LCMHCA, Counselor
Amelia Mathis
Counselor, MS, NCC, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheboro, NC 27203  (Online Only)
I joined the counseling profession to support clients experiencing the challenges of life while seeking support to navigate their journey toward healing. Clients may be teens, young adults, or adults grappling with trauma, grief, ADHD, eating disorders, or life transitions. They might be veterans or part of a veteran's family, survivors of religious trauma or sexual abuse, or individuals exploring their spirituality. My goal is to empower my clients and walk alongside them as they discover their inner strength.
I joined the counseling profession to support clients experiencing the challenges of life while seeking support to navigate their journey toward healing. Clients may be teens, young adults, or adults grappling with trauma, grief, ADHD, eating disorders, or life transitions. They might be veterans or part of a veteran's family, survivors of religious trauma or sexual abuse, or individuals exploring their spirituality. My goal is to empower my clients and walk alongside them as they discover their inner strength.
(336) 892-8106 View (336) 892-8106
Photo of Kate Mayfour, LCSW-A, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kate Mayfour
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27707
Hi, my name is Kate, and I'm glad you're here. I work with folks of all ages who are experiencing eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, and family of origin issues. I am particularly passionate about working with queer and trans individuals, women, and older adults. I am deeply committed to maintaining an anti-racist, feminist, and neurodiversity-affirming lens, and incorporating a systems perspective to explore your experience in context of oppressive systems.
Hi, my name is Kate, and I'm glad you're here. I work with folks of all ages who are experiencing eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, and family of origin issues. I am particularly passionate about working with queer and trans individuals, women, and older adults. I am deeply committed to maintaining an anti-racist, feminist, and neurodiversity-affirming lens, and incorporating a systems perspective to explore your experience in context of oppressive systems.
(919) 343-0081 View (919) 343-0081
Photo of Samantha Malfitano - Serenity Psychotherapy LLC, PLC
Serenity Psychotherapy LLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, PLC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28277
Samantha has specialized in areas such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationship conflicts, life transitions, career change, college prep for students, confidence, and self-esteem.
Samantha Malfitano LPC: When people feel safe to express all of their feelings, true healing can begin. For many, they have repressed these emotions for years, creating a disconnect from the mind, body & soul, Which separates you from your true self. You may feel stuck, depleted, lacking purpose, motivation & direction. Searching externally within people, places & things to give you relief, only to find this is just a temporary solution. Resulting in symptoms & behaviors such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, panic, self harm, suicidal ideation, substance use, and others, to cope with these old painful emotions & memories.
Samantha has specialized in areas such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationship conflicts, life transitions, career change, college prep for students, confidence, and self-esteem.
Samantha Malfitano LPC: When people feel safe to express all of their feelings, true healing can begin. For many, they have repressed these emotions for years, creating a disconnect from the mind, body & soul, Which separates you from your true self. You may feel stuck, depleted, lacking purpose, motivation & direction. Searching externally within people, places & things to give you relief, only to find this is just a temporary solution. Resulting in symptoms & behaviors such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, panic, self harm, suicidal ideation, substance use, and others, to cope with these old painful emotions & memories.
(980) 243-4874 View (980) 243-4874
Photo of John H Blackshear, PhD, Psychologist
John H Blackshear
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27705
My clients have presented with a range of concerns from: Forensic Psychology Marital distress Divorce and Child Custody Resolution Anxiety/Depression Learning/ADHD Issues Eating Disorders Oppositional and Conduct Disorders Sexual Orientation Identity Formation Existential Crises Parenting Struggles -and many other mental distress causing issues.
I am a clinical psychologist. I am available for individual, couples, and family therapy. My preference is to work with adolescents and older clients. I am culturally competent and have had great success working with clients regardless of background or lifestyle orientation. I am also comfortable addressing issues of spirituality, identity formation, and self-actualization.
My clients have presented with a range of concerns from: Forensic Psychology Marital distress Divorce and Child Custody Resolution Anxiety/Depression Learning/ADHD Issues Eating Disorders Oppositional and Conduct Disorders Sexual Orientation Identity Formation Existential Crises Parenting Struggles -and many other mental distress causing issues.
I am a clinical psychologist. I am available for individual, couples, and family therapy. My preference is to work with adolescents and older clients. I am culturally competent and have had great success working with clients regardless of background or lifestyle orientation. I am also comfortable addressing issues of spirituality, identity formation, and self-actualization.
(919) 759-6775 View (919) 759-6775
Photo of Cathleen Renee Harris, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cathleen Renee Harris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Indian Trail, NC 28079
Cathleen has a strong clinical history of success helping clients with a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, anger management, trauma, women's issues, eating disorders and addictions.
Cathleen currently provides therapy within her private practice in Indian Trail, NC. Cathleen believes that emotional, physical, social, and spiritual health are all important aspects in life. She believes that it is important to treat ourselves with the same compassion and kindness that we treat others. Cathleen uses techniques from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) as well as solution-focused therapy to assist others with feeling better and living a more balanced life.
Cathleen has a strong clinical history of success helping clients with a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, anger management, trauma, women's issues, eating disorders and addictions.
Cathleen currently provides therapy within her private practice in Indian Trail, NC. Cathleen believes that emotional, physical, social, and spiritual health are all important aspects in life. She believes that it is important to treat ourselves with the same compassion and kindness that we treat others. Cathleen uses techniques from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) as well as solution-focused therapy to assist others with feeling better and living a more balanced life.
(704) 459-6803 View (704) 459-6803
Photo of Christa Martin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christa Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27713
I specialize in working with adults and adolescents experiencing eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, mood, and relationship difficulties.
People often seek therapy when they feel stuck in suffering and want to make changes in their lives. These changes can involve making difficult choices, moving in a new direction, and learning to cope with past or current painful experiences in order to exist and move through the world in a new way. I respect the vulnerability involved in seeking help and work to build the connection and safety needed to support clients in both desired growth and acceptance of present realities. I value being kind, authentic, playful, and thoughtfully honest as a person and as a therapist.
I specialize in working with adults and adolescents experiencing eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, mood, and relationship difficulties.
People often seek therapy when they feel stuck in suffering and want to make changes in their lives. These changes can involve making difficult choices, moving in a new direction, and learning to cope with past or current painful experiences in order to exist and move through the world in a new way. I respect the vulnerability involved in seeking help and work to build the connection and safety needed to support clients in both desired growth and acceptance of present realities. I value being kind, authentic, playful, and thoughtfully honest as a person and as a therapist.
(910) 593-0102 View (910) 593-0102
Photo of Bethany Minster, MSW, LCSW-A, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bethany Minster
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Apex, NC 27502
Welcome! I am so glad you are here! My name is Bethany and I am an Outpatient Psychotherapist at Three Oaks Behavioral Health and Wellness. My hope is that you find a space to feel heard and understood. Whether or not you are new to therapy or not, I know it takes a lot of strength to reach out. I would love to support you in your journey whether navigating chronic illness ,life transitions, interpersonal conflict and setting boundaries, finding freedom from eating disorders/disordered eating, anxiety and depression.
Welcome! I am so glad you are here! My name is Bethany and I am an Outpatient Psychotherapist at Three Oaks Behavioral Health and Wellness. My hope is that you find a space to feel heard and understood. Whether or not you are new to therapy or not, I know it takes a lot of strength to reach out. I would love to support you in your journey whether navigating chronic illness ,life transitions, interpersonal conflict and setting boundaries, finding freedom from eating disorders/disordered eating, anxiety and depression.
(919) 276-8572 View (919) 276-8572
Photo of Taylor Miller, LCMHC, RYT-200, Counselor
Taylor Miller
Counselor, LCMHC, RYT-200
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27106
I work with clients struggling with eating disorders or disordered eating, poor body image, or trauma.
I treat clients who have a history of trauma and/or eating concerns. Maybe this resonates with you. Perhaps your trauma manifested in maladaptive behaviors, like cutting, an eating disorder, or risk behaviors. You have lost the ability to tune into your body and need help reconnecting with your body's wisdom. Using mindfulness, EMDR, and other body-based interventions, I can help you process trauma and develop healthy coping skills to replace the ones that cause you pain.
I work with clients struggling with eating disorders or disordered eating, poor body image, or trauma.
I treat clients who have a history of trauma and/or eating concerns. Maybe this resonates with you. Perhaps your trauma manifested in maladaptive behaviors, like cutting, an eating disorder, or risk behaviors. You have lost the ability to tune into your body and need help reconnecting with your body's wisdom. Using mindfulness, EMDR, and other body-based interventions, I can help you process trauma and develop healthy coping skills to replace the ones that cause you pain.
(336) 281-6760 View (336) 281-6760
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.