Therapists in Stokes County, NC
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Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in North Carolina below.Online Therapists
Ann Kreindler-Siegel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCC, PLLC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28220 (Online Only)
Working with people with Eating Disorders and being certified as an SEP (Somatic Experiencing Professional) are both unique to my practice.
Ann Kreindler-Siegel is a licensed psychotherapist and board-certified collaborative divorce coach. She has dual Master’s degrees in Social Work, and Education in Counseling, & also has a post-graduate certification in coaching. Ann has owned and operated her own private practice in Charlotte, NC since 1993 and practiced in New York, prior to that. In addition, Ann was certified as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner in 2010 and uses somatic techniques with both her therapy clients and in her coaching. Specializing in couples work, collaborative divorce coaching, anxiety, Eating Disorders, & trauma. Founder of Gently Transition.
Working with people with Eating Disorders and being certified as an SEP (Somatic Experiencing Professional) are both unique to my practice.
Ann Kreindler-Siegel is a licensed psychotherapist and board-certified collaborative divorce coach. She has dual Master’s degrees in Social Work, and Education in Counseling, & also has a post-graduate certification in coaching. Ann has owned and operated her own private practice in Charlotte, NC since 1993 and practiced in New York, prior to that. In addition, Ann was certified as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner in 2010 and uses somatic techniques with both her therapy clients and in her coaching. Specializing in couples work, collaborative divorce coaching, anxiety, Eating Disorders, & trauma. Founder of Gently Transition.
Karen Kuebler
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHCS, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27707
My specialities include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body image and self-worth, grief and loss, perfectionism, identity development, and navigating life transitions.
Finding balance in an evolving world full of social and emotional obstacles can be exhausting. We can find ourselves stuck in patterns that no longer serve our well being. Identifying new strategies to cope with uncertainties in life can help you regain your emotional equilibrium and ease discomfort. Therapy is a safe place to practice making meaningful connection, to expand your capacity to problem solve, and an opportunity to become a more confident, empowered decision maker. My approach to therapy is collaborative, creative, and compassionate incorporating traditional talk therapy and art therapy interventions.
My specialities include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body image and self-worth, grief and loss, perfectionism, identity development, and navigating life transitions.
Finding balance in an evolving world full of social and emotional obstacles can be exhausting. We can find ourselves stuck in patterns that no longer serve our well being. Identifying new strategies to cope with uncertainties in life can help you regain your emotional equilibrium and ease discomfort. Therapy is a safe place to practice making meaningful connection, to expand your capacity to problem solve, and an opportunity to become a more confident, empowered decision maker. My approach to therapy is collaborative, creative, and compassionate incorporating traditional talk therapy and art therapy interventions.
I am fat-positive therapist and specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, trauma, depression, and anxiety.
As a therapist, I foundationally work from the belief that all humans deserve to feel safe and at home in their bodies. In this messy world, we can often find ourselves not trusting our bodies and wanting to change them. Sometimes within that mess, people may find themselves coping in ways that do not address their deep, underlying needs. I believe in this therapeutic process, you can reconnect with those needs and serve them more intentionally, healing the deepest parts of yourself. My goal is not only to help you find that healing, but to also enjoy and accept the messiness along the way.
I am fat-positive therapist and specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, trauma, depression, and anxiety.
As a therapist, I foundationally work from the belief that all humans deserve to feel safe and at home in their bodies. In this messy world, we can often find ourselves not trusting our bodies and wanting to change them. Sometimes within that mess, people may find themselves coping in ways that do not address their deep, underlying needs. I believe in this therapeutic process, you can reconnect with those needs and serve them more intentionally, healing the deepest parts of yourself. My goal is not only to help you find that healing, but to also enjoy and accept the messiness along the way.
Miracles Counseling Centers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, NC 28027
Miracles is proud to have a variety of highly trained therapists who specialize in marriage therapy, trauma disorders, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, addiction and other challenges that life can throw our way! We continuously engage in higher level trainings to ensure we are serving our clients effectively.
Miracles Counseling Centers is invested in helping you build a life you can feel safe in and proud of. Counseling should be more than talk. It should be provided by a professional with experience in delivering therapy that helps you to grow through your struggles. We aspire to provide personalized, productive psychological counseling therapy and support. We offer effective, tailor-made approaches for difficulties in relationships, depression, anxiety, and trauma. We welcome everyone through our doors, just as you are, and appreciate the confidence you place upon us to faciliate your forward growth!
Miracles is proud to have a variety of highly trained therapists who specialize in marriage therapy, trauma disorders, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, addiction and other challenges that life can throw our way! We continuously engage in higher level trainings to ensure we are serving our clients effectively.
Miracles Counseling Centers is invested in helping you build a life you can feel safe in and proud of. Counseling should be more than talk. It should be provided by a professional with experience in delivering therapy that helps you to grow through your struggles. We aspire to provide personalized, productive psychological counseling therapy and support. We offer effective, tailor-made approaches for difficulties in relationships, depression, anxiety, and trauma. We welcome everyone through our doors, just as you are, and appreciate the confidence you place upon us to faciliate your forward growth!
Angela S Redlak-Olcese
Psychologist, PsyD, CEDS-S
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28226
Waitlist for new clients
She believes individuals struggling with Eating Disorders need to be treated by providers with specialized training, supervision, and experience.
Dr. Redlak-Olcese's therapeutic approach is collaborative, structured, and active and provided in person or tele-health. It goes beyond "talk-therapy." Specific techniques are taught during each session and next steps are identified to practice at home. She is dedicated to integrating evidence based research into clinical practice. She helps you identify current patterns of thinking, feeling, physiological reactions, and behaviors that keep you stuck and develop new ways of coping and responding that work. She provides education/guidance to loved ones. Treatment is self-empowering, time limited, has a beginning, middle, and end.
She believes individuals struggling with Eating Disorders need to be treated by providers with specialized training, supervision, and experience.
Dr. Redlak-Olcese's therapeutic approach is collaborative, structured, and active and provided in person or tele-health. It goes beyond "talk-therapy." Specific techniques are taught during each session and next steps are identified to practice at home. She is dedicated to integrating evidence based research into clinical practice. She helps you identify current patterns of thinking, feeling, physiological reactions, and behaviors that keep you stuck and develop new ways of coping and responding that work. She provides education/guidance to loved ones. Treatment is self-empowering, time limited, has a beginning, middle, and end.
I specialize in treating eating disorders, anxiety, depression, relationship issues and more.
Is pain from your past or worries about the future making it hard to enjoy the present? Are you struggling in relationships? Dealing with issues related to food or body image? Is anxiety or depression getting in the way of living the life you want? Imagine being able to talk to someone who can validate what you are feeling and help you understand it. You don't have to walk this journey alone. We all want to be heard and understood. Therapy is exactly that - a place to unload the thoughts and feelings you’ve been trying to make sense of on your own. It would be my privilege to help you sort it out. We all need support. Let me help.
I specialize in treating eating disorders, anxiety, depression, relationship issues and more.
Is pain from your past or worries about the future making it hard to enjoy the present? Are you struggling in relationships? Dealing with issues related to food or body image? Is anxiety or depression getting in the way of living the life you want? Imagine being able to talk to someone who can validate what you are feeling and help you understand it. You don't have to walk this journey alone. We all want to be heard and understood. Therapy is exactly that - a place to unload the thoughts and feelings you’ve been trying to make sense of on your own. It would be my privilege to help you sort it out. We all need support. Let me help.
Grayson Montgomery Patton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28203
Waitlist for new clients
I have worked with individuals struggling with eating disorders, body image concerns, life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and more.
I strongly believe that empathy, trust, and respect are the foundation of a therapeutic relationship. If you are considering making changes, now is the time and I'm here to walk beside you through it. As a therapist, I hope to provide a space for you to share openly, discover new perspectives, and feel heard. You are not defined by what you are struggling with. I use a person-centered, strengths-based approach, in which therapy is a collaborative process. My goal is to help you align with your values and become the best version of yourself.
I have worked with individuals struggling with eating disorders, body image concerns, life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and more.
I strongly believe that empathy, trust, and respect are the foundation of a therapeutic relationship. If you are considering making changes, now is the time and I'm here to walk beside you through it. As a therapist, I hope to provide a space for you to share openly, discover new perspectives, and feel heard. You are not defined by what you are struggling with. I use a person-centered, strengths-based approach, in which therapy is a collaborative process. My goal is to help you align with your values and become the best version of yourself.
Amanda has worked with clients undergoing difficulties with depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, communication, grief, trauma, life adjustment, eating disorders, health conditions, OCD symptoms, women’s issues, sexual concerns, and divorce.
Amanda is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who uses her training in Family Systems Theory, Attachment, and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help her clients achieve their goals in therapy. Life is stressful and relationships can be hard. Amanda is empathetic and passionate about helping people learn how to manage these tough life adjustments and how they impact individual mental health and relational health. Amanda has experience with individual therapy, couples counseling, family counseling, and Christian counseling with a wide variety of concerns.
Amanda has worked with clients undergoing difficulties with depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, communication, grief, trauma, life adjustment, eating disorders, health conditions, OCD symptoms, women’s issues, sexual concerns, and divorce.
Amanda is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who uses her training in Family Systems Theory, Attachment, and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help her clients achieve their goals in therapy. Life is stressful and relationships can be hard. Amanda is empathetic and passionate about helping people learn how to manage these tough life adjustments and how they impact individual mental health and relational health. Amanda has experience with individual therapy, couples counseling, family counseling, and Christian counseling with a wide variety of concerns.
Katie Garard
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Short wait list for new clients. Are you or your child struggling with a difficult transition in life, anxiety, depression, body image distress, or low self-esteem? I see individuals of all ages, although my experience counseling children and adolescents suffering from eating disorders led me to discover a strong interest in working with children (10 years and older), teens, families, and emerging adults. I understand that a therapeutic alliance between counselor and client is essential, and focus initial sessions on building that bond.
Short wait list for new clients. Are you or your child struggling with a difficult transition in life, anxiety, depression, body image distress, or low self-esteem? I see individuals of all ages, although my experience counseling children and adolescents suffering from eating disorders led me to discover a strong interest in working with children (10 years and older), teens, families, and emerging adults. I understand that a therapeutic alliance between counselor and client is essential, and focus initial sessions on building that bond.
Karly Perkins
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28204
As a therapist, my hope is to create a space that feels welcoming to your authentic self. I aim to hold space for you to show up as you need to that day, and will honor what you need in each session whether that is a space to vent, explore new skills, be challenged, or create goals that will meet your needs. I specialize in working eating disorders and body image concerns, substance use, college students, and the LGBTQ+ community. I additionally support those experiencing anxiety, depression, impacts from trauma, identity development, life transitions, and safety concerns such as self -harm or suicidality.
As a therapist, my hope is to create a space that feels welcoming to your authentic self. I aim to hold space for you to show up as you need to that day, and will honor what you need in each session whether that is a space to vent, explore new skills, be challenged, or create goals that will meet your needs. I specialize in working eating disorders and body image concerns, substance use, college students, and the LGBTQ+ community. I additionally support those experiencing anxiety, depression, impacts from trauma, identity development, life transitions, and safety concerns such as self -harm or suicidality.
Sherise Swensen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Waitlist for new clients
Sherise Swensen, MSW, LCSW believes in authenticity and living life in accordance with one’s own values. She has experience and interest in working with a variety of client experiences, including mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, life transitions, and grief.
Sherise Swensen, MSW, LCSW believes in authenticity and living life in accordance with one’s own values. She has experience and interest in working with a variety of client experiences, including mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, life transitions, and grief.
I specialize in empowering compassionate young women who are struggling with anxiety, body image, and eating disorders to find peace and acceptance within themselves and regain self-trust. Always trying to be "perfect" is exhausting. Even though you're a high-achiever, you may still feel like you're not good enough, compare yourself to others, and ruminate over past mistakes. Maybe you notice those negative thoughts translate into how you perceive yourself physically and you struggle to accept yourself.
I specialize in empowering compassionate young women who are struggling with anxiety, body image, and eating disorders to find peace and acceptance within themselves and regain self-trust. Always trying to be "perfect" is exhausting. Even though you're a high-achiever, you may still feel like you're not good enough, compare yourself to others, and ruminate over past mistakes. Maybe you notice those negative thoughts translate into how you perceive yourself physically and you struggle to accept yourself.
Kaitlyn Cunningham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27519 (Online Only)
I specialize in anxiety, life transitions, school related issues and eating disorders.
Accepting New Clients! Reach out for a FREE 15 minute phone consult. Between our experiences, thoughts and emotions, it may even feel at times that we cannot see our way through on our own. It takes a significant amount of courage to reach out for a little extra support in your life and I commend you for taking that initial step. As a licensed therapist, I am here to walk this journey of life with you. My goal is to help those I work with navigate through the barriers of life and recognize the many strengths that they bring forth to the world.
I specialize in anxiety, life transitions, school related issues and eating disorders.
Accepting New Clients! Reach out for a FREE 15 minute phone consult. Between our experiences, thoughts and emotions, it may even feel at times that we cannot see our way through on our own. It takes a significant amount of courage to reach out for a little extra support in your life and I commend you for taking that initial step. As a licensed therapist, I am here to walk this journey of life with you. My goal is to help those I work with navigate through the barriers of life and recognize the many strengths that they bring forth to the world.
Seneca Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, QP, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27703
Waitlist for new clients
I provided therapeutic interventions to adults with concerns related to depression, anxiety, adjustments/life transitions, relational problems, eating disorders, school/work difficulties, women’s issues, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, parenting difficulties and family conflict.
As a clinician, I embrace a person-centered, strengths-based perspective, and I borrow from many different modalities in aiming to understand and meet the individual needs of each person and of each family. These theories include cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, solution-focused, reality-based, mindfulness-based and family systems theories. Techniques that I utilize may include dialogue, psycho-education, relaxation, reframing of negative thoughts, positive decision-making, role-play, mindfulness, or writing/art exercises.
I provided therapeutic interventions to adults with concerns related to depression, anxiety, adjustments/life transitions, relational problems, eating disorders, school/work difficulties, women’s issues, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, parenting difficulties and family conflict.
As a clinician, I embrace a person-centered, strengths-based perspective, and I borrow from many different modalities in aiming to understand and meet the individual needs of each person and of each family. These theories include cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, solution-focused, reality-based, mindfulness-based and family systems theories. Techniques that I utilize may include dialogue, psycho-education, relaxation, reframing of negative thoughts, positive decision-making, role-play, mindfulness, or writing/art exercises.
Morgan Rodgers
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Huntersville, NC 28078 (Online Only)
I specialize in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and trauma. I would love to help you learn some new skills to cope with your concerns. By learning new skills, you will be able to apply them when you need them to meet not only your short term goals but your long term goals as well. I work with ages 11 and older. Some theoretical orientations that I use are Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Radically Open DBT, Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. I use a comprehensive approach to therapy and determine which method is best suited for each client.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and trauma. I would love to help you learn some new skills to cope with your concerns. By learning new skills, you will be able to apply them when you need them to meet not only your short term goals but your long term goals as well. I work with ages 11 and older. Some theoretical orientations that I use are Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Radically Open DBT, Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. I use a comprehensive approach to therapy and determine which method is best suited for each client.
Meredith Stokke Delbridge
Licensed Professional Counselor, MC, LCMHC, NCC, CEDS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, a Nationally Certified Counselor, and a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, parenting concerns, relationship challenges, women's issues, eating disorders, and self-esteem. I work with individuals- both adolescents and adults- as well as families, and together, we create an individualized treatment plan to meet your goals. It can be difficult to reach out for support, and I highly value a safe, non judgmental and compassionate environment for you to further explore your concerns.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, a Nationally Certified Counselor, and a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, parenting concerns, relationship challenges, women's issues, eating disorders, and self-esteem. I work with individuals- both adolescents and adults- as well as families, and together, we create an individualized treatment plan to meet your goals. It can be difficult to reach out for support, and I highly value a safe, non judgmental and compassionate environment for you to further explore your concerns.
Griffin Moore
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LPC, LCMHC, NCC, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28211
My background includes working at Atlanta Center for Eating Disorders in intensive treatment and with couples, families, and individuals experiencing anxiety and trauma at Samaritan Center for Counseling.
It takes extreme strength to admit our need for help. It is my honor and privilege to walk alongside you through your highest and lowest points. I tailor my approach to your unique, individual needs and background. I desire to be a place where you feel nurtured, unconditionally accepted, safe, and supported. I work with clients in the midst of life and family transitions and relationship distress. I also enjoy treating children, adolescents and adults with trauma, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, body image concerns, and spirituality issues.
My background includes working at Atlanta Center for Eating Disorders in intensive treatment and with couples, families, and individuals experiencing anxiety and trauma at Samaritan Center for Counseling.
It takes extreme strength to admit our need for help. It is my honor and privilege to walk alongside you through your highest and lowest points. I tailor my approach to your unique, individual needs and background. I desire to be a place where you feel nurtured, unconditionally accepted, safe, and supported. I work with clients in the midst of life and family transitions and relationship distress. I also enjoy treating children, adolescents and adults with trauma, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, body image concerns, and spirituality issues.
Life events occur that can overwhelm our coping skills or maybe we have been dealing with challenges for a long time. Either way, there are times we could all use support and perspective. I often work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationship issues, trauma, and eating disorders. I believe that social/cultural identities, roles, and life circumstances impact how we feel about ourselves and others. I'd like to get to know your unique story. Whether this is your first time looking for a therapist or it's time to re-connect with treatment, you have taken the first step.
Life events occur that can overwhelm our coping skills or maybe we have been dealing with challenges for a long time. Either way, there are times we could all use support and perspective. I often work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationship issues, trauma, and eating disorders. I believe that social/cultural identities, roles, and life circumstances impact how we feel about ourselves and others. I'd like to get to know your unique story. Whether this is your first time looking for a therapist or it's time to re-connect with treatment, you have taken the first step.
DBT is designed to target a variety of behaviors, including: - low self-esteem - poor impulse control - self-harm behaviors - difficulty managing emotions - conflict at home - high-risk behaviors - eating disorders - low frustration tolerance - frequent lying.
The Wise Minds team at Southeast Psych is dedicated to working with individuals and families in group and individual therapy to help our clients overcome their struggles with interpersonal relationships, negative thoughts and feelings about themselves, and teach the skills necessary to cope with the stress and hardship that can come with life. We provide groups for adolescents, teens, and adults and offer ongoing workshops and talks for the public, schools, clients, and other professionals. Our team is made up of licensed doctoral level psychologists with decades worth of combined experience.
DBT is designed to target a variety of behaviors, including: - low self-esteem - poor impulse control - self-harm behaviors - difficulty managing emotions - conflict at home - high-risk behaviors - eating disorders - low frustration tolerance - frequent lying.
The Wise Minds team at Southeast Psych is dedicated to working with individuals and families in group and individual therapy to help our clients overcome their struggles with interpersonal relationships, negative thoughts and feelings about themselves, and teach the skills necessary to cope with the stress and hardship that can come with life. We provide groups for adolescents, teens, and adults and offer ongoing workshops and talks for the public, schools, clients, and other professionals. Our team is made up of licensed doctoral level psychologists with decades worth of combined experience.
Kelty-Brooke Bailey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
I was trained to provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Motivational Interviewing, specifically for the treatment of individuals with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and trauma/PTSD.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor serving clients in the Triangle Area of North Carolina. My practice is focused on work with adult women throughout the lifespan. I offer psychotherapy services and comprehensive clinical consultations and assessments. My approach to psychotherapy combines practical, solution focused work with warmth, compassion, and humor. I provide a safe and supportive environment where we can work together. I offer you my observations and thoughts and encourage you to be an active participant in clarifying concerns, setting goals, and evaluating progress.
I was trained to provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Motivational Interviewing, specifically for the treatment of individuals with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and trauma/PTSD.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor serving clients in the Triangle Area of North Carolina. My practice is focused on work with adult women throughout the lifespan. I offer psychotherapy services and comprehensive clinical consultations and assessments. My approach to psychotherapy combines practical, solution focused work with warmth, compassion, and humor. I provide a safe and supportive environment where we can work together. I offer you my observations and thoughts and encourage you to be an active participant in clarifying concerns, setting goals, and evaluating progress.
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Eating Disorders Therapists
What happens in therapy for eating disorders?
In therapy for eating disorders, patients typically describe their eating and exercise behaviors, their patterns of eating in relation to stress, their beliefs about their body, the ways their eating behavior affects their relationships, and their desire (or lack of it) to change. Such information helps the therapist understand the origins of the disorder and the role it plays in the patient’s life, important for guiding treatment. Attitudes and feelings about food and eating, body weight, and physical appearance are common topics of discussion throughout treatment.
What therapy types help with eating disorders?
Once any acute medical or psychiatric emergency is resolved, psychoactive medication is often prescribed, requiring the supervision of a psychiatrist. In addition, patients receive some form of nutritional counseling along with one or more forms of psychotherapy. For adolescents, family-based treatment is empirically validated and considered the first line of treatment; parents and their children meet weekly with a clinician as the adults are coached on how to nourish and psychologically support the young patient. Adults typically receive some form of individual psychotherapy, intended to resolve the cognitive and behavioral disturbances that underlie the disorder and to relieve the mood disturbances that accompany it. In addition, patients may also be helped by group therapy.
What is the goal of therapy for eating disorders?
The most immediate goal of treatment for eating disorders is to save the life of people who are on a path of starving themselves to death or engaging in eating patterns that are doing irreparable physical harm to their body. Once the acute medical danger is past, therapy is required to understand the nature of the disordered eating and/or exercise patterns, establish healthy eating behavior, and to tackle the many erroneous beliefs and distorted self-perceptions that underlie eating disorders and continue to pose a threat to health and life. Therapy also addresses the impaired mood that not only accompanies eating disorders but intensifies the danger to health and life.
What are the limitations of therapy for eating disorders?
Therapy can be very helpful for eating disorders—but that can happen only after people recognize they have a condition that must be treated. Especially with anorexia, the distortions in self-image that accompany the disorder can keep people from acknowledging they have a problem. Individuals may in fact see their eating disorder as a badge of self-control. Those with binge-eating disorder may feel too ashamed to seek help. Therapy cannot help those who do not avail themselves of it.
How long does therapy last for eating disorders?
Because of their complexity, recovery from eating disorders is usually a long-term process—measured in months and years— often marked by setbacks and relapse. Some form of help, such as individual or group therapy, may be advisable for much of that time. It is a general rule of thumb that the longer the illness has endured and the dysregulated eating behavior has taken root, the longer treatment is likely to be needed.