Eating Disorders Therapists in Winterville, NC
![Photo of Alyssa Ann Sugar, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, RYT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d94927e2-e1f3-459a-bb20-6efa12b9a92b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Alyssa Ann Sugar
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winterville, NC 28590
Waitlist for new clients
I have been in private practice for 14 years and have worked in mental health for 17 years. I have a Master's Degree in Substance Abuse Clinical Counseling and Rehabilitation Counseling. I have been a Registered Yoga Teacher for 24 years. I see clients with varying issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, OCD, PTSD, phobias, anger, stress, eating disorders, alcohol and drug addictions as well as behavioral addictions. I help people overcome trauma through body/mind work including yoga therapy. I also enjoy working with couples. The counseling process is a collaborative effort and I can help you learn tools to help yourself.
I have been in private practice for 14 years and have worked in mental health for 17 years. I have a Master's Degree in Substance Abuse Clinical Counseling and Rehabilitation Counseling. I have been a Registered Yoga Teacher for 24 years. I see clients with varying issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, OCD, PTSD, phobias, anger, stress, eating disorders, alcohol and drug addictions as well as behavioral addictions. I help people overcome trauma through body/mind work including yoga therapy. I also enjoy working with couples. The counseling process is a collaborative effort and I can help you learn tools to help yourself.
![Photo of Allison A. Brodeur - Allison A Brodeur, MS, LMFT, PLLC, MS, LMFT, PLLC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/88fa39b2-49c4-481f-a62f-9867b09941aa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Allison A Brodeur, MS, LMFT, PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, PLLC
Verified Verified
Winterville, NC 28590
Waitlist for new clients
I have specifically focused on postpartum depression, depression, anxiety, grief, medical issues, eating disorders, body image, marital stress/discord, blending families, divorce, and life stressors.
I have been in practice for over 20 years working as an independent contractor with a large medical group. I have had the privilege of working with amazing clients going through all phases of life. I worked specifically in an OBGYN office seeing individuals, couples, and families who were referred after visiting their physician and discussing a need for a referral.
I have specifically focused on postpartum depression, depression, anxiety, grief, medical issues, eating disorders, body image, marital stress/discord, blending families, divorce, and life stressors.
I have been in practice for over 20 years working as an independent contractor with a large medical group. I have had the privilege of working with amazing clients going through all phases of life. I worked specifically in an OBGYN office seeing individuals, couples, and families who were referred after visiting their physician and discussing a need for a referral.
![Photo of Robin Wall, MS, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ca880c5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling stuck, depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? Do you feel ready for change but find yourself repeating old patterns of relating and behaving? I would like the opportunity to help you achieve the changes that you desire. I have a client-centered approach and I see each person as a unique individual. Together, we can work on a plan to help you reach your goals. I work with a wide variety of issues including anxiety, stress management, depression, addiction, grief and loss, trauma, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, and adjusting to life changes.
Are you feeling stuck, depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? Do you feel ready for change but find yourself repeating old patterns of relating and behaving? I would like the opportunity to help you achieve the changes that you desire. I have a client-centered approach and I see each person as a unique individual. Together, we can work on a plan to help you reach your goals. I work with a wide variety of issues including anxiety, stress management, depression, addiction, grief and loss, trauma, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, and adjusting to life changes.
![Photo of Jeanne Finney, MS, LCMHC, NCC, RDN, LDN, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/86e92671-159c-4fe1-986d-15a796cdfef7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jeanne Finney
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, NCC, RDN, LDN
Verified Verified
Winterville, NC 28590
Waitlist for new clients
You may be feeling tired of not being “good enough.” Or exhausted with trying to meet someone else’s expectation of who you should be. Or maybe you are done dealing with your own inner critic and all those negative thoughts that keep you from living the life you want. Or perhaps you are fed up with being at war with yourself, your body, and your relationship with food. If any of these situations describe you, you need a safe space to share who you are and what you’re experiencing.
You may be feeling tired of not being “good enough.” Or exhausted with trying to meet someone else’s expectation of who you should be. Or maybe you are done dealing with your own inner critic and all those negative thoughts that keep you from living the life you want. Or perhaps you are fed up with being at war with yourself, your body, and your relationship with food. If any of these situations describe you, you need a safe space to share who you are and what you’re experiencing.
![Photo of Char Boyette, LCAS, EMDRIA, CCS, MDiv, JD, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad8ca19a-5a2c-4ec6-8fce-1b807afda82f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Char Boyette
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LCAS, EMDRIA, CCS, MDiv, JD
Verified Verified
Winterville, NC 28590
Everyone's story is unique and every person deserves an individualized approach to their problems. Initially we will complete an assessment. Then we become partners in your therapeutic journey. If you have been suffering alone or found past attempts unsatisfactory, please contact me. The therapeutic relationship we develop will be the cornerstone of your wellness journey. I will do everything I can to support you in feeling safe and respected to share. I strive to provide a setting that will allows you to do this. I am open to your input and welcome your feedback as we progress on the path of your renewed happiness.
Everyone's story is unique and every person deserves an individualized approach to their problems. Initially we will complete an assessment. Then we become partners in your therapeutic journey. If you have been suffering alone or found past attempts unsatisfactory, please contact me. The therapeutic relationship we develop will be the cornerstone of your wellness journey. I will do everything I can to support you in feeling safe and respected to share. I strive to provide a setting that will allows you to do this. I am open to your input and welcome your feedback as we progress on the path of your renewed happiness.
![Photo of Irma Abrego-Lappin, MSW, LCSWA, LCASA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f9f2d227-260e-4a16-b793-bf37311dddeb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Irma Abrego-Lappin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA, LCASA
Verified Verified
Winterville, NC 28590
Waitlist for new clients
As a therapist, I believe people have deep-rooted aspirations for well-being in many areas of their lives, including emotional, physical, social, and spiritual wellness. I strive to make a safe and trusting relationship with clients so that they can improve in each of these areas and feel more balanced and fulfilled. I collaboratively work with clients, valuing their unique strengths, interests, and aspirations. I enjoy working with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, grief, life transitions, career/vocational concerns, spirituality, weight management and body image concerns, and relationship issues.
As a therapist, I believe people have deep-rooted aspirations for well-being in many areas of their lives, including emotional, physical, social, and spiritual wellness. I strive to make a safe and trusting relationship with clients so that they can improve in each of these areas and feel more balanced and fulfilled. I collaboratively work with clients, valuing their unique strengths, interests, and aspirations. I enjoy working with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, grief, life transitions, career/vocational concerns, spirituality, weight management and body image concerns, and relationship issues.
![Photo of Laurel Boone Gowen, MA, LCMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6370fc38-6ab1-4bc1-8277-dc6d50d82b88/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious? Do you feel ready for a change but keep finding yourself repeating old behaviors and patterns? Therapy can be a big step & I strive to create a safe & welcoming environment. I have a passion working with college students, children, teens and adolescents, & adults struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression, self-esteem, relationship/family concerns, & stress. My counseling approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered, & Solution-Focused therapy. With expertise in each approach, I offer a comprehensive & nonjudgemental approach to mental wellness
Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious? Do you feel ready for a change but keep finding yourself repeating old behaviors and patterns? Therapy can be a big step & I strive to create a safe & welcoming environment. I have a passion working with college students, children, teens and adolescents, & adults struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression, self-esteem, relationship/family concerns, & stress. My counseling approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered, & Solution-Focused therapy. With expertise in each approach, I offer a comprehensive & nonjudgemental approach to mental wellness
![Photo of Erin Maroney - Mental Edge Counseling, PLLC, LCMHC, LPCMH](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fca8c787-7d59-4888-93b1-8bfdab81b7b1/4/320x400.jpeg)
Mental Edge Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, LPCMH
Verified Verified
Winterville, NC 28590
As a therapist, I enjoy challenging clients to see their full potential and make healthy changes to achieve their goals set within our space together. I tend to work with clients on their self-esteem, exploring the ways they view themselves. Although our past cannot be changed, the way we speak to ourselves about our experiences affect both the present and future.
As a therapist, I enjoy challenging clients to see their full potential and make healthy changes to achieve their goals set within our space together. I tend to work with clients on their self-esteem, exploring the ways they view themselves. Although our past cannot be changed, the way we speak to ourselves about our experiences affect both the present and future.
More Therapists Nearby
![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 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
Greenville, NC 27858 (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 Ashley Turner, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95e1106b-72da-4105-bccb-eaf5ccc6cd96/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Turner
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Greenville, NC 27833 (Online Only)
My areas of interest include treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, relationship issues, family conflict, academic and career difficulties, women's issues, self-esteem, self-image, work/life balance, PTSD, BPD, ADHD.
With 30 years of counseling experience, I hope to provide safe space for clients to process their thoughts and feelings. My therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I received my undergraduate degree in 1992 from Virginia Tech in Family and Child Development and my masters degree in Counseling from Radford University in 1994.
My areas of interest include treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, relationship issues, family conflict, academic and career difficulties, women's issues, self-esteem, self-image, work/life balance, PTSD, BPD, ADHD.
With 30 years of counseling experience, I hope to provide safe space for clients to process their thoughts and feelings. My therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I received my undergraduate degree in 1992 from Virginia Tech in Family and Child Development and my masters degree in Counseling from Radford University in 1994.
![Photo of Alysann Whitley Price, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/24e5c953-5fdf-49c9-9575-8950154a2ab2/1/320x400.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 Kennedy Brown Porter, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5930957d-2962-401b-8511-301629ed4f00/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kennedy Brown Porter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Greenville, NC 27858
Waitlist for new clients
My goal as a therapist is to create a safe space for clients to enhance the most important relationship they have, the one with themselves. I work with clients to enhance their self-awareness by identifying limiting beliefs and patterns of behavior that prevent satisfaction and peace in their lives.
My goal as a therapist is to create a safe space for clients to enhance the most important relationship they have, the one with themselves. I work with clients to enhance their self-awareness by identifying limiting beliefs and patterns of behavior that prevent satisfaction and peace in their lives.
![Photo of Tequila Sanford, LCSWA, LCASA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/834faf78-d9eb-4e17-8de9-761c76ebc129/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tequila Sanford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA, LCASA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, NC 27834 (Online Only)
I believe in exploration and facilitating an understanding of the connection between mind, body and soul to achieve deep healing with my clients. I will incorporate humor, as appropriate, which has yielded great results, as it allows my clients to feel more relaxed. Serious challenges don’t have to be addressed in a stringent, cold manner. I am accepting new clients for telehealth sessions and am available for evening appointments. Please reach out to Brinkley Brown Mental Wellness PLLC to schedule. You may call 919-355-9792 or go to our website and complete the "contact us" form to get started.
I believe in exploration and facilitating an understanding of the connection between mind, body and soul to achieve deep healing with my clients. I will incorporate humor, as appropriate, which has yielded great results, as it allows my clients to feel more relaxed. Serious challenges don’t have to be addressed in a stringent, cold manner. I am accepting new clients for telehealth sessions and am available for evening appointments. Please reach out to Brinkley Brown Mental Wellness PLLC to schedule. You may call 919-355-9792 or go to our website and complete the "contact us" form to get started.
![Photo of Debi Pickard, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bda7f590-95e7-4399-834c-28f77f97850b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, and welcome to my page. I'm glad you stopped by. My interest lies in helping people who are looking for real change. For 23 years I have had the privilege of witnessing adults and children gain insight, reduce unpleasant symptoms and improve functioning in all areas of life through the therapeutic process. Are you ready to take the journey to reach your goals? Peace and rest are often found in those places we've been avoiding or unable to access on our own.
Hi, and welcome to my page. I'm glad you stopped by. My interest lies in helping people who are looking for real change. For 23 years I have had the privilege of witnessing adults and children gain insight, reduce unpleasant symptoms and improve functioning in all areas of life through the therapeutic process. Are you ready to take the journey to reach your goals? Peace and rest are often found in those places we've been avoiding or unable to access on our own.
![Photo of Tonya K. Harris, MSW, LCSWA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4903052-0a57-483b-83fb-a2b08675584a/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you having problems at home, work or school? Are you having difficulties connecting with your spouse, children, family/friends or co-workers? Are you experiencing any grief or difficulty letting go whether it is a loved one that has transitioned or a relationship that has ended. Have any changes in your life caused you to have difficulty adjusting or coping with new ways of living. Have you been depressed, stressed or experiencing any anxiety? If your answer is yes to any of these challenging issues or events, I would like to offer you a "Fresh Start" in moving towards a place of peace and harmony in your own existence.
Are you having problems at home, work or school? Are you having difficulties connecting with your spouse, children, family/friends or co-workers? Are you experiencing any grief or difficulty letting go whether it is a loved one that has transitioned or a relationship that has ended. Have any changes in your life caused you to have difficulty adjusting or coping with new ways of living. Have you been depressed, stressed or experiencing any anxiety? If your answer is yes to any of these challenging issues or events, I would like to offer you a "Fresh Start" in moving towards a place of peace and harmony in your own existence.
![Photo of Annalisa Amato Ferguson, MSW, LCSW-A, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1bd75a2d-c4bd-4da8-81ee-c9c738068f1d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Annalisa Amato Ferguson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-A
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Greenville, NC 27858
Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, you can't keep up with life? Is it normal for your day to feel overwhelming and full of anxiety and dread? Let's talk about it. No matter where you are in life, therapy is a great way to help you break the cycle and start new! I have a passion for walking alongside teens and adults as they experience the ups and downs of life. I understand how life changes can be a lot to manage and I believe that you don't have to do it alone. As an affirming therapist, I believe that a genuine connection and feeling of safety is the key to growing and becoming the best version of you.
Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, you can't keep up with life? Is it normal for your day to feel overwhelming and full of anxiety and dread? Let's talk about it. No matter where you are in life, therapy is a great way to help you break the cycle and start new! I have a passion for walking alongside teens and adults as they experience the ups and downs of life. I understand how life changes can be a lot to manage and I believe that you don't have to do it alone. As an affirming therapist, I believe that a genuine connection and feeling of safety is the key to growing and becoming the best version of you.
![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
Greenville, NC 27834
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.
![Photo of Andrea Beardsley-Glover, MA, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f598d3ff-0460-4c55-bcb9-7db8aede9c44/1/320x400.jpeg)
Andrea Beardsley-Glover
Licensed Clicincal Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Greenville, NC 27858 (Online Only)
Anxiety takes over your life. My clients often find themselves feeling stressed, overwhelmed, frustrated and worried about their performance. Sometimes they give up because the nervousness and anxiety is unmanageable. Sometimes they are unsuccessful at setting goals because of their fear of failure or rejection. Sometimes they feel angry or shameful over the way they look or appear to others. These behaviors can be pushed aside or avoided by the use of unhealthy coping skills. My clients may appear victorious through a mask of perfectionism, but when crucial performances or events arrive, the fear of failure implodes their success.
Anxiety takes over your life. My clients often find themselves feeling stressed, overwhelmed, frustrated and worried about their performance. Sometimes they give up because the nervousness and anxiety is unmanageable. Sometimes they are unsuccessful at setting goals because of their fear of failure or rejection. Sometimes they feel angry or shameful over the way they look or appear to others. These behaviors can be pushed aside or avoided by the use of unhealthy coping skills. My clients may appear victorious through a mask of perfectionism, but when crucial performances or events arrive, the fear of failure implodes their success.
![Photo of Stacia Marie Harlan, MA, LCMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4896a7f5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My heart has always been drawn to helping and encouraging others. My desire and passion is working with children, adolescents, and women who are going through life challenges or have experienced events in their past that need to be brought to the surface so that true, lasting healing can occur. I believe that the most important aspect of counseling is my relationship with the client and that is my main focus with my clients. I am currently accepting BCBS, Med Cost, and self pay If you are interested in my services, please call me so that we can discuss fees.
My heart has always been drawn to helping and encouraging others. My desire and passion is working with children, adolescents, and women who are going through life challenges or have experienced events in their past that need to be brought to the surface so that true, lasting healing can occur. I believe that the most important aspect of counseling is my relationship with the client and that is my main focus with my clients. I am currently accepting BCBS, Med Cost, and self pay If you are interested in my services, please call me so that we can discuss fees.
See more therapy options for Winterville
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Winterville
See More Eating Disorders TherapistsNearby Searches for Winterville
- Ayden
- Farmville
- Goldsboro
- Greenville
- Grimesland
- Kinston
- New Bern
- Rocky Mount
- Snow Hill
- Tarboro
- Washington
- Wilson
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.