Eating Disorders Therapists in Williamston, NC
![Photo of Yotaron Enrichment Resource Center - Yotaron Enrichment and Resource Center, LCMHS, QS,LCAS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5369e174-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Yotaron Enrichment and Resource Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHS, QS,LCAS
Verified Verified
Williamston, NC 27892
Yotaron Enrichment and Resource Center is focused on providing high-quality, evidenced-based, therapeutic interventions for youth and their families who face mental health and substance abuse challenges. We are committed to addressing the needs of children. Troubled children, adolescents, and young adults are encouraged to challenge their current thinking patterns in order to address and improve maladaptive behaviors. Coping skills, training, and coaching are available to parents on how to improve parent-child interactions and reduce parenting stress.
Yotaron Enrichment and Resource Center is focused on providing high-quality, evidenced-based, therapeutic interventions for youth and their families who face mental health and substance abuse challenges. We are committed to addressing the needs of children. Troubled children, adolescents, and young adults are encouraged to challenge their current thinking patterns in order to address and improve maladaptive behaviors. Coping skills, training, and coaching are available to parents on how to improve parent-child interactions and reduce parenting stress.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Amelia Kelley, PhD, MS, LCMHC, ATR, RYT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a011fac7-a437-444a-86a8-ccd5df18863b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amelia Kelley
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MS, LCMHC, ATR, RYT
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27511
Sometimes life can feel hopeless and the answers are hard to come by. As your therapist, I tune in to what interests and empowers you. This means using; empirically supported methods such as, art therapy, meditation, EMDR, Reiki, DBT, CBT, Yoga therapy, body-brain therapies and exploring skills you already possess to improve your life. At Kelley Counseling & Wellness we meet with young children, adolescents, teens, couples and families. I specialize in treating teens, adults and couples who suffer from; addiction, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, mood disorders, depression, LGBTQ+, grief and loss and eating disorders.
Sometimes life can feel hopeless and the answers are hard to come by. As your therapist, I tune in to what interests and empowers you. This means using; empirically supported methods such as, art therapy, meditation, EMDR, Reiki, DBT, CBT, Yoga therapy, body-brain therapies and exploring skills you already possess to improve your life. At Kelley Counseling & Wellness we meet with young children, adolescents, teens, couples and families. I specialize in treating teens, adults and couples who suffer from; addiction, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, mood disorders, depression, LGBTQ+, grief and loss and eating disorders.
![Photo of Alysann Whitley Price, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17a47ec1-2120-4552-a5d2-90df7444e07e/1/320x400.png)
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.
![Photo of Kylie Ferrence, LCSW-A](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95cf029d-35f7-4463-b5b8-84827663450b/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about cultivating collaboration and trust within the client-therapist relationship. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate affiliated with NC Therapy Professionals, my mission is to empower individuals on their journey towards positive change and achieving their goals. Specializing in individual therapy for adolescents and adults, my expertise lies in supporting those with eating disorders and disordered eating, using a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach and LGBTQ+ affirming practices. I help individuals establish a positive relationship with food and body movement aligned with their goals.
I am passionate about cultivating collaboration and trust within the client-therapist relationship. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate affiliated with NC Therapy Professionals, my mission is to empower individuals on their journey towards positive change and achieving their goals. Specializing in individual therapy for adolescents and adults, my expertise lies in supporting those with eating disorders and disordered eating, using a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach and LGBTQ+ affirming practices. I help individuals establish a positive relationship with food and body movement aligned with their goals.
![Photo of Beth Sugar, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/176e0f10-dd7e-4f0e-a347-afe4ececf982/2/320x400.jpeg)
Beth Sugar
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27609 (Online Only)
My areas of clinical training and experience are grief & loss, eating disorders, substance use, mood & anxiety disorders, autism, referrals for higher levels of care, parents & folks navigating treatment including Applied Behavioral Analysis - ABA.
Is life all of a sudden unfamiliar? Work or school, not the same? Are you feeling isolated from friends & family? It can be hard to know which foot to put in front of the other. You are not alone! All parts of you are welcome! I am here to help you learn to move with life again, not move on with life.
My areas of clinical training and experience are grief & loss, eating disorders, substance use, mood & anxiety disorders, autism, referrals for higher levels of care, parents & folks navigating treatment including Applied Behavioral Analysis - ABA.
Is life all of a sudden unfamiliar? Work or school, not the same? Are you feeling isolated from friends & family? It can be hard to know which foot to put in front of the other. You are not alone! All parts of you are welcome! I am here to help you learn to move with life again, not move on with life.
![Photo of Sara P. Culpepper - Peri Counseling, PLLC, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e3a5075-febc-42f9-adf9-95e86cb1a3fe/2/320x400.jpeg)
Peri Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
Greenville, NC 27858
I have a special interest in working with adolescents and adults diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and/or eating disorders.
If you're unable to reach your goals because of negative behaviors and your emotions are out of control, or if you simply want a safe environment to express your feelings, then professional counseling is the answer. With my support, clients learn to replace negativity with positivity and lead more serene and emotionally stable lives. I also help clients gain freedom by teaching actionable skills to change their detrimental core beliefs, strengthen relationships, and maintain healthy boundaries. An emphasis is placed on helping people learn to build resiliency by releasing shame and increasing self-esteem.
I have a special interest in working with adolescents and adults diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and/or eating disorders.
If you're unable to reach your goals because of negative behaviors and your emotions are out of control, or if you simply want a safe environment to express your feelings, then professional counseling is the answer. With my support, clients learn to replace negativity with positivity and lead more serene and emotionally stable lives. I also help clients gain freedom by teaching actionable skills to change their detrimental core beliefs, strengthen relationships, and maintain healthy boundaries. An emphasis is placed on helping people learn to build resiliency by releasing shame and increasing self-esteem.
![Photo of Taurie Roman, MS, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/460d9923-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
In my work as a counselor, I strive to promote change. I believe through the process of counseling change occurs internally and externally by developing healthy skills to promote positive change. My goal is to help empower clients to face their struggles and be able to live a life based on their values and what is most important to them. I have experience working with clients who face various struggles in the following areas: depression, anxiety, eating disorders, grief and loss, ADD, autism, anger management, family relationship difficulties and self-harm.
In my work as a counselor, I strive to promote change. I believe through the process of counseling change occurs internally and externally by developing healthy skills to promote positive change. My goal is to help empower clients to face their struggles and be able to live a life based on their values and what is most important to them. I have experience working with clients who face various struggles in the following areas: depression, anxiety, eating disorders, grief and loss, ADD, autism, anger management, family relationship difficulties and self-harm.
![Photo of Kathryn Tuttle MacMoran - MacMoran Counseling and Coaching, MS, LPC, BCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/405865c7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
MacMoran Counseling and Coaching
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, BCPC
Verified Verified
New Bern, NC 28560
Due to the complexities of addictions, my focus has also included: Mood Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety disorders,Personality Disorders, Eating Disorders, Trauma, and PTSD using CBT, DBT, and Trauma FocusedTherapies.
As a seasoned professional in the addiction treatment field, my 20 years of clinical experience covers a wide variety of issues that face individuals and their families. In collaboration with my clients, I provide an individually customized success plan. We face the issues of this life in a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere where healing happens, hope is restored, and growth becomes the inevitable outcome.
Due to the complexities of addictions, my focus has also included: Mood Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety disorders,Personality Disorders, Eating Disorders, Trauma, and PTSD using CBT, DBT, and Trauma FocusedTherapies.
As a seasoned professional in the addiction treatment field, my 20 years of clinical experience covers a wide variety of issues that face individuals and their families. In collaboration with my clients, I provide an individually customized success plan. We face the issues of this life in a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere where healing happens, hope is restored, and growth becomes the inevitable outcome.
![Photo of Kate Hanson, MSW , LCSW , Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e62281a-c895-4537-88ca-4f7ec2fb80d4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kate Hanson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW , LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27607 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working with NC Therapy Professionals and specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD and navigating life transitions. I provide both short-term and long-term individual and group services to folks of all sexuality and gender identities. I have experience working with teens and adults of all ages in healthcare settings as well as residential and PHP/IOP levels of care. Drawing from these experiences, I work to create the most beneficial healing environment for you. Specifically, I utilize research-based approaches, including CBT, DBT and ACT.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working with NC Therapy Professionals and specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD and navigating life transitions. I provide both short-term and long-term individual and group services to folks of all sexuality and gender identities. I have experience working with teens and adults of all ages in healthcare settings as well as residential and PHP/IOP levels of care. Drawing from these experiences, I work to create the most beneficial healing environment for you. Specifically, I utilize research-based approaches, including CBT, DBT and ACT.
![Photo of Dr. Sherri Newpol, PsyD, HSP-P, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c9df4409-5421-4946-a16c-96cea6361627/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Sherri Newpol
Psychologist, PsyD, HSP-P
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27610 (Online Only)
Hello! I'm a seasoned psychologist who welcomes people with complex issues. If you have multiple diagnoses, facing a life transition such as divorce or new career, or planning for surgery or retirement...I want to work with you. I enjoy working with medical practices helping people navigate bariatric or other surgeries. I have a passion helping people overcome trauma using Prolonged Exposure. I have specialized training in addictions and eating disorders. People return to my practice when facing new life challenges. Couples make fast positive changes under my care. Let's start your journey today. I respond to all inquiries.
Hello! I'm a seasoned psychologist who welcomes people with complex issues. If you have multiple diagnoses, facing a life transition such as divorce or new career, or planning for surgery or retirement...I want to work with you. I enjoy working with medical practices helping people navigate bariatric or other surgeries. I have a passion helping people overcome trauma using Prolonged Exposure. I have specialized training in addictions and eating disorders. People return to my practice when facing new life challenges. Couples make fast positive changes under my care. Let's start your journey today. I respond to all inquiries.
![Photo of Danielle Reid, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/806816ef-5bb8-4f9d-971a-84e46ac2cc87/1/320x400.jpeg)
Danielle Reid
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27607 (Online Only)
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, depression, and trauma, with a particular interest in working with college students and individuals undergoing significant life transitions.
Hi, I am so happy you are here! In our therapeutic relationship, my commitment is to create a compassionate and understanding space. Together, we'll explore your experiences, create a connection that encourages growth, trust, resilience, and vulnerability. I would be honored to support you on your journey towards heightened self-awareness and a more fulfilling life.
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, depression, and trauma, with a particular interest in working with college students and individuals undergoing significant life transitions.
Hi, I am so happy you are here! In our therapeutic relationship, my commitment is to create a compassionate and understanding space. Together, we'll explore your experiences, create a connection that encourages growth, trust, resilience, and vulnerability. I would be honored to support you on your journey towards heightened self-awareness and a more fulfilling life.
![Photo of Joden Ford, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71da405e-92ee-4de7-8a52-2f93cca9854f/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am Joden Ford a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based out of Hamstead, North Carolina. My main goal is to help clients with eating disorders or individuals struggling to heal their relationship with food and/or body. I make it a priority to assist clients through their recovery from an eating disorder by building new habits, embracing self compassion, and understanding how certain eating habits developed. I started working with eating disorders in 2017 and became passionate about this population. My goal is to help clients take control of their lives and prioritize their mental/physical health.
I am Joden Ford a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based out of Hamstead, North Carolina. My main goal is to help clients with eating disorders or individuals struggling to heal their relationship with food and/or body. I make it a priority to assist clients through their recovery from an eating disorder by building new habits, embracing self compassion, and understanding how certain eating habits developed. I started working with eating disorders in 2017 and became passionate about this population. My goal is to help clients take control of their lives and prioritize their mental/physical health.
![Photo of Sallie Ratcliffe, LCMHCA, CRC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ae2946bb-7cdb-488a-a63e-ac4bcb97f1fd/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with clients across the board, varying from mental illness mood disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, stress, anxiety, and depression.
I am proud of you for taking this step to search for a therapist. Often times the hardest part is getting started and finding a professional who meets your needs and someone who you feel you can be comfortable with. For me, the therapeutic relationship is the number one predictor of counseling outcomes. My biggest goal is to create a comfortable space, offer you techniques and skills to build on, and work together to challenge beliefs, patterns, and thoughts.
I work with clients across the board, varying from mental illness mood disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, stress, anxiety, and depression.
I am proud of you for taking this step to search for a therapist. Often times the hardest part is getting started and finding a professional who meets your needs and someone who you feel you can be comfortable with. For me, the therapeutic relationship is the number one predictor of counseling outcomes. My biggest goal is to create a comfortable space, offer you techniques and skills to build on, and work together to challenge beliefs, patterns, and thoughts.
![Photo of Lanier Derbyshire, LCSWA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/579cc41c-00d0-4ddc-8157-fa2bc176207d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients - Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. I specialize in guiding adolescents and young adults through life’s challenges, fostering a nurturing environment grounded in trust. Here, we can build meaningful connections and embrace vulnerability together. With experience in diverse settings—outpatient, residential, and inpatient—I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals through various struggles, including depression, anxiety, substance use, eating disorders, and body image concerns.
Accepting New Clients - Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. I specialize in guiding adolescents and young adults through life’s challenges, fostering a nurturing environment grounded in trust. Here, we can build meaningful connections and embrace vulnerability together. With experience in diverse settings—outpatient, residential, and inpatient—I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals through various struggles, including depression, anxiety, substance use, eating disorders, and body image concerns.
![Photo of Jordan Poole, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b613daa4-9323-434e-8121-32de064b625b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jordan Poole
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27609 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in Eating Disorders, LGBTQQIA+ issues, and couples therapy.
I am a licensed therapist serving adult individuals and couples in North Carolina. I have dedicated my entire career as a counselor to helping those who feel they don’t quite “fit”- in their bodies, their gender or sexuality, their relationships, or their culture. I treat clients and their dedication to their therapy journey with great dignity, and clients often share that, in working with me, they feel listened to and respected.
I specialize in Eating Disorders, LGBTQQIA+ issues, and couples therapy.
I am a licensed therapist serving adult individuals and couples in North Carolina. I have dedicated my entire career as a counselor to helping those who feel they don’t quite “fit”- in their bodies, their gender or sexuality, their relationships, or their culture. I treat clients and their dedication to their therapy journey with great dignity, and clients often share that, in working with me, they feel listened to and respected.
![Photo of Hayden Blaine, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f89bf40c-cf0d-40f2-b7ec-99a68eb90e66/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hayden is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 7 years’ experience working as a therapist in inpatient, residential, partial hospital, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs giving her a wealth of experience to draw on in working together. Hayden is a HAES aligned provider that wants to help humans increase self-acceptance while building the life they want but never thought they could have. She has a passion for serving individuals of all ages working through eating disorders, anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and trauma related symptoms.
Hayden is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 7 years’ experience working as a therapist in inpatient, residential, partial hospital, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs giving her a wealth of experience to draw on in working together. Hayden is a HAES aligned provider that wants to help humans increase self-acceptance while building the life they want but never thought they could have. She has a passion for serving individuals of all ages working through eating disorders, anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and trauma related symptoms.
![Photo of Mya Shaul, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/415a4f17-5d9a-4236-b3ff-636ac090f6da/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mya Shaul
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27605 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Mya is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned her Master of Social Work from North Carolina State University and her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Mya provides individual therapy to adolescents and adults with a primary focus in eating disorders, as well as trauma, depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidality, body image concerns, and other life stressors. Mya is a Health at Every Size (HAES) informed clinician and is LGBTQIA+ affirming.
Mya is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned her Master of Social Work from North Carolina State University and her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Mya provides individual therapy to adolescents and adults with a primary focus in eating disorders, as well as trauma, depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidality, body image concerns, and other life stressors. Mya is a Health at Every Size (HAES) informed clinician and is LGBTQIA+ affirming.
![Photo of Kiersten Sledge, MS, NCC, LCMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9d3ef5ce-43b7-44f4-8179-48fdb2ae582e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Do you feel imbalanced in your life? We are in an unprecedented time with the issues that today's people are having to cope with and meet their mental health needs. We are navigating past traumas, a fast-moving living environment, and cultural/societal issues etc. This can show up like increased symptoms of ADHD, OCD, anxiety, sensory processing issues, and more. I also support those who have these needs and overlap with immunity/chronic health journeys, eating disorders, and secular spirituality needs. I center a feminist lens and dismantling patriarchal and colonial influences such as body dysmorphia, sex issues and self-esteem.
Do you feel imbalanced in your life? We are in an unprecedented time with the issues that today's people are having to cope with and meet their mental health needs. We are navigating past traumas, a fast-moving living environment, and cultural/societal issues etc. This can show up like increased symptoms of ADHD, OCD, anxiety, sensory processing issues, and more. I also support those who have these needs and overlap with immunity/chronic health journeys, eating disorders, and secular spirituality needs. I center a feminist lens and dismantling patriarchal and colonial influences such as body dysmorphia, sex issues and self-esteem.
![Photo of Katie Schloss, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f6340504-bd6b-4d03-95dc-24b2b099e5e9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Katie Schloss
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27609 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in treating folks with anxiety, depression, eating disorders and difficulties with life transitions, stressors and issues with confidence.
I am a licensed clinical social worker serving adolescents and adults in North Carolina. I value the knowledge and insight each client has and use that as a guide in our work together. So many of my clients have heard how they are wrong or don’t fit the prescribed narrative. I work from an anti-oppressive lens to support clients navigating obstacles on a personal level and understanding them from a systemic level. I also work through an experiential and creative lens to access the many possible channels available for therapeutic healing.
I specialize in treating folks with anxiety, depression, eating disorders and difficulties with life transitions, stressors and issues with confidence.
I am a licensed clinical social worker serving adolescents and adults in North Carolina. I value the knowledge and insight each client has and use that as a guide in our work together. So many of my clients have heard how they are wrong or don’t fit the prescribed narrative. I work from an anti-oppressive lens to support clients navigating obstacles on a personal level and understanding them from a systemic level. I also work through an experiential and creative lens to access the many possible channels available for therapeutic healing.
![Photo of Pamela S Perkins - Perkins Counseling & Psychological Services, PLLC, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/400ba1b9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Perkins Counseling & Psychological Services, PLLC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Our practice offers: EMDR, ADHD testing/treatment for children/adults, treatment for PTSD/Veteran's, eating disorders, relationship therapy, and much more.
Perkins Counseling & Psychological Services is a large group practice that serves Wake Forest, North Raleigh, and counties north of Raleigh. The clinicians working at our office are experienced in all avenues of mental health and psychological treatment and testing. We offer comprehensive psychological services across the lifespan - from 6 years old to older adults. Because we treat all ages and all types of problems, we often see multiple family members under the same roof making it convenient to receive help.
Our practice offers: EMDR, ADHD testing/treatment for children/adults, treatment for PTSD/Veteran's, eating disorders, relationship therapy, and much more.
Perkins Counseling & Psychological Services is a large group practice that serves Wake Forest, North Raleigh, and counties north of Raleigh. The clinicians working at our office are experienced in all avenues of mental health and psychological treatment and testing. We offer comprehensive psychological services across the lifespan - from 6 years old to older adults. Because we treat all ages and all types of problems, we often see multiple family members under the same roof making it convenient to receive help.
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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.