Eating Disorders Therapists in Hazlet, NJ
![Photo of Liz Zubritsky, LSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ddd3a4d-6599-4942-93a9-67cc217f3e09/1/320x400.jpeg)
Liz Zubritsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hazlet, NJ 07730
Liz has worked with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, and trauma.
Taking the steps to seek therapy can be difficult and overwhelming, but I am here to tell you that I am already proud of you for beginning this journey. As a therapist, my goal is to provide you with a safe space where you feel comfortable to be able to grow and change into the person you know you can be. By combining evidence-based cognitive and behavioral strategies, with my clinical experience, we can work together to get you where you want to be. So, let's take this journey together!
Liz has worked with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, and trauma.
Taking the steps to seek therapy can be difficult and overwhelming, but I am here to tell you that I am already proud of you for beginning this journey. As a therapist, my goal is to provide you with a safe space where you feel comfortable to be able to grow and change into the person you know you can be. By combining evidence-based cognitive and behavioral strategies, with my clinical experience, we can work together to get you where you want to be. So, let's take this journey together!
![Photo of Christina McDermott, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/29b952fb-2f70-46e0-acd2-b5d02960f279/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with clients who are feeling stuck, isolated, and/or experience anxiety, depression, co-occurring diagnoses, and/or trauma. Clients who are looking to improve their relationship with themselves and others. As well as seeking to support to improve their coping skills and self-care, especially while facing significant life changes.
I work with clients who are feeling stuck, isolated, and/or experience anxiety, depression, co-occurring diagnoses, and/or trauma. Clients who are looking to improve their relationship with themselves and others. As well as seeking to support to improve their coping skills and self-care, especially while facing significant life changes.
![Photo of Candra Savage, LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c7a9ea7b-f1c5-4b17-9c58-9fd01938329b/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe we all have the potential to evolve. My approach uses an integration of techniques: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Internal Family Systems, Somatic Tracking, meditation, and psychoanalysis/psychotherapy. We all have stored conditioned patterns of behavior that helped us survive but holding onto these patterns may be causing you issues in the present. Our work together will assess these patterns and help recondition new ways of response to allow for more choice, less overwhelm, and wiser relationships.
I believe we all have the potential to evolve. My approach uses an integration of techniques: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Internal Family Systems, Somatic Tracking, meditation, and psychoanalysis/psychotherapy. We all have stored conditioned patterns of behavior that helped us survive but holding onto these patterns may be causing you issues in the present. Our work together will assess these patterns and help recondition new ways of response to allow for more choice, less overwhelm, and wiser relationships.
![Photo of Elyce Farkas, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90bdd555-240d-4229-a619-de13ef923b5a/2/320x400.jpeg)
My goal is to create a calm, safe, and open environment for individuals to share and grow in. I am passionate about engaging people in a journey of self-awareness and personal growth, I believe that everyone is different, and each journey is unique. Through conversation and counseling techniques I strive to assist individual's overcome personal challenges, identify goals, and improve their overall well-being.
My goal is to create a calm, safe, and open environment for individuals to share and grow in. I am passionate about engaging people in a journey of self-awareness and personal growth, I believe that everyone is different, and each journey is unique. Through conversation and counseling techniques I strive to assist individual's overcome personal challenges, identify goals, and improve their overall well-being.
![Photo of Jarrah Kratzer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cde2e9f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
The decision to enter into therapy is a challenging one, which is why I strive to make your experience as comfortable and as empowering as possible. My goal is to develop a trusting and encouraging therapeutic relationship by drawing on your personal strengths and creating attainable and realistic goals. I specialize in the treatment of children, adolescents and adults working toward achieving emotional well-being and life balance. I have experience working with people facing a variety of challenges including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief & loss, infertility and pregnancy loss issues, postpartum mood disorders, substance abuse, and many others.
The decision to enter into therapy is a challenging one, which is why I strive to make your experience as comfortable and as empowering as possible. My goal is to develop a trusting and encouraging therapeutic relationship by drawing on your personal strengths and creating attainable and realistic goals. I specialize in the treatment of children, adolescents and adults working toward achieving emotional well-being and life balance. I have experience working with people facing a variety of challenges including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief & loss, infertility and pregnancy loss issues, postpartum mood disorders, substance abuse, and many others.
![Photo of Julianne (Jules) Nestor, MS, LPC, SAC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b47379e7-573f-4b07-b983-43ce75979eb4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julianne (Jules) Nestor
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, SAC
Verified Verified
Hazlet, NJ 07730 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Hi there! My name is Julianne Nestor, but most others know me as Jules. My specialty areas include eating disorders/body image, LGBTQIA+ issues, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. I have specialized in eating disorders for the past 6 years, primarily working in the outpatient private practice setting.
Hi there! My name is Julianne Nestor, but most others know me as Jules. My specialty areas include eating disorders/body image, LGBTQIA+ issues, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. I have specialized in eating disorders for the past 6 years, primarily working in the outpatient private practice setting.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Meredith O'Brien, LCSW, CCIEDC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/071f871f-9e74-4b38-8bcf-66b33feb2455/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you looking to find some balance in your lives? Are you looking to learn ways to manage your mental health and move forward in your life? My name is Meredith O'Brien and I run a private practice in Red Bank and Fair Haven, New Jersey. I have over 18 years of clinical experience with treating adolescents, adults and families. I specialize in treating individuals who suffer from addiction, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, and other mental health issues. Please check out my website at: https://www.meredithobrienlcsw.com. Please check out my blog at https://www.recoveryfromanorexia.com.
Are you looking to find some balance in your lives? Are you looking to learn ways to manage your mental health and move forward in your life? My name is Meredith O'Brien and I run a private practice in Red Bank and Fair Haven, New Jersey. I have over 18 years of clinical experience with treating adolescents, adults and families. I specialize in treating individuals who suffer from addiction, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, and other mental health issues. Please check out my website at: https://www.meredithobrienlcsw.com. Please check out my blog at https://www.recoveryfromanorexia.com.
![Photo of Jenna Cohen, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44d7110c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
While I am trained in many different areas, my specializations include: Eating Disorders, Trauma, Depression and Anxiety.
Therapy is all about healing and empowering your whole person: how you feel, what you think, what you do, and the perspectives and paradigms that shape and determine your quality of life. And therapy only works when you find someone with whom you can build a trusting therapeutic relationship. Unfortunately, finding the right therapist can be easier said than done. If you choose to work with me, you can be assured that I will always listen attentively, focus completely, conduct myself with professionalism and sensitivity, respect and care at all times, and never lose sight of the fact that we are in this journey together.
While I am trained in many different areas, my specializations include: Eating Disorders, Trauma, Depression and Anxiety.
Therapy is all about healing and empowering your whole person: how you feel, what you think, what you do, and the perspectives and paradigms that shape and determine your quality of life. And therapy only works when you find someone with whom you can build a trusting therapeutic relationship. Unfortunately, finding the right therapist can be easier said than done. If you choose to work with me, you can be assured that I will always listen attentively, focus completely, conduct myself with professionalism and sensitivity, respect and care at all times, and never lose sight of the fact that we are in this journey together.
![Photo of Mary Jean Padalino, LCSW, MS, CNS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5335d41c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mary Jean Padalino
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MS, CNS
Verified Verified
Red Bank, NJ 07701
I specialize in trauma (I'm certified in EMDR & Sandplay), love addiction, and eating disorders (Master's degree in Nutrition).
How long have you been wanting help? There's nothing better than waking up happy every day, in a life full of precious moments & meaningful relationships. We both know that it’s not always like that, not everybody has that kind of life. Maybe you don’t have that kind of life now, but you want to. You’ve probably noticed that you have some patterns that you keep repeating, no matter how hard you try not to, you may have relationship trouble, trauma, disordered eating. Together we’ll look at the negative patterns & beliefs keeping you stuck. Life can be messy, it can be really hard but you do not have to do it alone. I can help.
I specialize in trauma (I'm certified in EMDR & Sandplay), love addiction, and eating disorders (Master's degree in Nutrition).
How long have you been wanting help? There's nothing better than waking up happy every day, in a life full of precious moments & meaningful relationships. We both know that it’s not always like that, not everybody has that kind of life. Maybe you don’t have that kind of life now, but you want to. You’ve probably noticed that you have some patterns that you keep repeating, no matter how hard you try not to, you may have relationship trouble, trauma, disordered eating. Together we’ll look at the negative patterns & beliefs keeping you stuck. Life can be messy, it can be really hard but you do not have to do it alone. I can help.
![Photo of Kelly Stolberg, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fe722b2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kelly Stolberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in the treatment of Eating Disorders and Trauma Disorders.
I am a firm believer that change and recovery are possible for everyone. Therapy and change can be both difficult and challenging experiences. My approach centers around trust and the importance of the therapeutic relationship. I am an open-minded and nonjudgmental support who can walk with a person through this journey. I hope to help individuals learn more about themselves and how to live more authentically. I love supporting people in harnessing their own individuality while helping them navigate the world and it's stress. We don't necessarily live in a world that embraces uniqueness, let me assist you in tapping into that magic.
I specialize in the treatment of Eating Disorders and Trauma Disorders.
I am a firm believer that change and recovery are possible for everyone. Therapy and change can be both difficult and challenging experiences. My approach centers around trust and the importance of the therapeutic relationship. I am an open-minded and nonjudgmental support who can walk with a person through this journey. I hope to help individuals learn more about themselves and how to live more authentically. I love supporting people in harnessing their own individuality while helping them navigate the world and it's stress. We don't necessarily live in a world that embraces uniqueness, let me assist you in tapping into that magic.
![Photo of Amanda Covas Silva - Inner Focus Psychotherapy, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bff4bd97-dcc7-4a18-81f1-46af49ba08a6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Inner Focus Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
I have experience working with adolescent and adults struggling with: eating disorders, body image issues, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, PTSD & life changes.
My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment. It is important that you feel you are able to express your thoughts and feelings, and have the freedom to explore the causes of emotional distress. We will work together to develop adaptive strategies for coping with difficult emotions and circumstance. At Inner Focus Psychotherapy; exploring new ways to make positive, long-lasting changes is an important goal. I will help you identify the negative thoughts that drive unhealthy behaviors and in turn; build positive, healthy thoughts to create affirmative change & growth
I have experience working with adolescent and adults struggling with: eating disorders, body image issues, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, PTSD & life changes.
My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment. It is important that you feel you are able to express your thoughts and feelings, and have the freedom to explore the causes of emotional distress. We will work together to develop adaptive strategies for coping with difficult emotions and circumstance. At Inner Focus Psychotherapy; exploring new ways to make positive, long-lasting changes is an important goal. I will help you identify the negative thoughts that drive unhealthy behaviors and in turn; build positive, healthy thoughts to create affirmative change & growth
![Photo of Abby Emmert, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f1669b02-6944-4084-a0a6-d636e607fac1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Abby Emmert
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Red Bank, NJ 07701 (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Abby! My passion for treating eating disorders and OCD comes from my own journey to recovery. I love working with people that want to make change but are struggling with where to start. If you struggle with intrusive thoughts, ruminating thoughts, find yourself on an endless cycle of diets or hating your body, labeling foods good or bad and feeling guilty after you eat, or are struggling with understanding what thoughts you can believe and which ones you can't...then you came to the right place! I believe whole heartedly that you can recover from these disorders, and I am passionate about helping others do just that.
Hi, I'm Abby! My passion for treating eating disorders and OCD comes from my own journey to recovery. I love working with people that want to make change but are struggling with where to start. If you struggle with intrusive thoughts, ruminating thoughts, find yourself on an endless cycle of diets or hating your body, labeling foods good or bad and feeling guilty after you eat, or are struggling with understanding what thoughts you can believe and which ones you can't...then you came to the right place! I believe whole heartedly that you can recover from these disorders, and I am passionate about helping others do just that.
![Photo of Nicole Dericks, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49f88f06-ab52-4ea8-be4b-9cc6af46eb40/1/320x400.png)
I work from a holistic, person centered, trauma informed approach to care to meet clients where they are right now. I have experience working with clients of all ages, and difficulties including but not limited to stress management, codependency, boundary setting, relationship concerns, self-esteem/identity, emotion regulation, anxiety, depression, OCD, and eating disorders.
I work from a holistic, person centered, trauma informed approach to care to meet clients where they are right now. I have experience working with clients of all ages, and difficulties including but not limited to stress management, codependency, boundary setting, relationship concerns, self-esteem/identity, emotion regulation, anxiety, depression, OCD, and eating disorders.
![Photo of Dana Colthart, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b04cba23-977c-47b3-9336-75243cce266a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dana Colthart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Red Bank, NJ 07702
SPECIALITY/TREATMENT MODALITIES anxiety disorders, OCD, eating disorders, depression, BPD, bi-polar disorder, C-PTSD, PTSD.
My approach to therapy is based on creating a strong relationship with my clients: a place where they feel safe to explore their lives . I always work collaboratively with my clients to find what techniques and therapeutic environment they need to grow, and heal. I believe that having an empathic, open, and caring therapist is where successful therapy begins. I place a strong emphasis on making my clients feel comfortable, welcome, and safe. I do not believe that one approach in therapy will work for everyone.
SPECIALITY/TREATMENT MODALITIES anxiety disorders, OCD, eating disorders, depression, BPD, bi-polar disorder, C-PTSD, PTSD.
My approach to therapy is based on creating a strong relationship with my clients: a place where they feel safe to explore their lives . I always work collaboratively with my clients to find what techniques and therapeutic environment they need to grow, and heal. I believe that having an empathic, open, and caring therapist is where successful therapy begins. I place a strong emphasis on making my clients feel comfortable, welcome, and safe. I do not believe that one approach in therapy will work for everyone.
![Photo of Sally Rose Sauter, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50896ec5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sally Rose Sauter
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Red Bank, NJ 07701
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor. I earned my B.A. in Psychology from The College of New Jersey. I earned my graduate degree in Professional Counseling from Monmouth University with highest honors. I completed my clinical hours at The College of New Jersey’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) as an individual and group psychotherapist. I worked in the field as a Community Health Educator and I have been a practicing psychotherapist since 2006. I have extensive experience in treating eating disorders, anxiety and depression, interpersonal strife, and OCD/OCPD.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor. I earned my B.A. in Psychology from The College of New Jersey. I earned my graduate degree in Professional Counseling from Monmouth University with highest honors. I completed my clinical hours at The College of New Jersey’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) as an individual and group psychotherapist. I worked in the field as a Community Health Educator and I have been a practicing psychotherapist since 2006. I have extensive experience in treating eating disorders, anxiety and depression, interpersonal strife, and OCD/OCPD.
![Photo of Carol Ann Oberle - Carol A. Oberle, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dd874f2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or just ready to move in a new direction in your life? My aim is to provide clients with compassion, support and skills necessary to live more satisfying lives. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, life transitions and stress management. My practice includes psychotherapy with adolescents, adults, and groups.
Are you looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or just ready to move in a new direction in your life? My aim is to provide clients with compassion, support and skills necessary to live more satisfying lives. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, life transitions and stress management. My practice includes psychotherapy with adolescents, adults, and groups.
![Photo of Joanne Gerr, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1f99bc3d-c9cd-4bc7-aad0-bc227f535911/3/320x400.jpeg)
We resolve depression/anxiety, eating disorders, and couples’ issues.
How many times have you said to yourself, "I've got to stop doing this"? And then you do it again. I know because I've worked with hundreds of people, individually and in groups, who have said the same thing. But together we have found a way to get them unstuck and onto a path of increased self-esteem and happiness. Whether the issue is putting unhealthy food in your body or not effectively communicating, I'm here to help you identify the patterns that are keeping you stuck so that you can take charge of your life.
We resolve depression/anxiety, eating disorders, and couples’ issues.
How many times have you said to yourself, "I've got to stop doing this"? And then you do it again. I know because I've worked with hundreds of people, individually and in groups, who have said the same thing. But together we have found a way to get them unstuck and onto a path of increased self-esteem and happiness. Whether the issue is putting unhealthy food in your body or not effectively communicating, I'm here to help you identify the patterns that are keeping you stuck so that you can take charge of your life.
![Photo of Ellis Eisner, MA, ATR-BC, LCAT, Art Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43ec9515-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Thank you for viewing my profile. Art Therapy helps individuals to improve their mood and find a more fulfilling life. Through both art and talk therapies we address such issues as: social anxiety, difficulty in relationships, OCD, bullying, eating disorders, family relationships, boundary setting, gender/sexuality identification, and depression. My work with children has encompassed: behavioral problems in school and social situations, bullying and autism spectrum disorder. Find out about free art therapy sessions for children targeted by bullies. Contact me using the code words: Art Against Bullying.
Thank you for viewing my profile. Art Therapy helps individuals to improve their mood and find a more fulfilling life. Through both art and talk therapies we address such issues as: social anxiety, difficulty in relationships, OCD, bullying, eating disorders, family relationships, boundary setting, gender/sexuality identification, and depression. My work with children has encompassed: behavioral problems in school and social situations, bullying and autism spectrum disorder. Find out about free art therapy sessions for children targeted by bullies. Contact me using the code words: Art Against Bullying.
![Photo of Vanessa Marie Reiser - Vanessa Reiser Narcissistic Abuse/Cult Expert, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51e4a40e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Vanessa Reiser Narcissistic Abuse/Cult Expert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leonardo, NJ 07737
Vanessa is a solution-focused psychotherapist licensed in NY, NJ, MA and FL specializing in Narcissistic Abuse and Cult Abuse, whose mission is to help individuals uncover their true potential and move forward toward all of their goals. Her team specializes in working with individuals and couples focusing on the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief/loss, eating disorders, marriage or interpersonal relationship problems, alcohol or drug abuse, low self-esteem, or anyone in need of developing new ways to cope with life’s every day challenges. Go to tellatherapist.net or Insta: vanessareiserlcsw TikTok:vanessareiser
Vanessa is a solution-focused psychotherapist licensed in NY, NJ, MA and FL specializing in Narcissistic Abuse and Cult Abuse, whose mission is to help individuals uncover their true potential and move forward toward all of their goals. Her team specializes in working with individuals and couples focusing on the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief/loss, eating disorders, marriage or interpersonal relationship problems, alcohol or drug abuse, low self-esteem, or anyone in need of developing new ways to cope with life’s every day challenges. Go to tellatherapist.net or Insta: vanessareiserlcsw TikTok:vanessareiser
![Photo of Dr. Maryellen Stanisci, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e53c16d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I provide Individual, Couples, and Family Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics. My specialties include: Adult Children of Alcoholics, Anger Management, Anxiety, Bereavement/Grief, Child Abuse/Neglect, Chronic Illness, Depression, Domestic Violence, Eating Disorders, Family Conflict, Impulse Control Disorders, Marital/Couples Issues, Meditation/Mindfulness, Mood Disorders, OCD/Compulsion, Pain Management, Panic Attacks, Personality Disorders (e.g., Borderline, Narcissistic, etc.), Phobias, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)/Trauma, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self-acceptance, Self-mutilation/Cutting, Sex Abuse Victim, Sleep Disorders, Social Skills, Stress, Substance Abuse, Suicidality, Weight Loss, and Women's Issues.
I provide Individual, Couples, and Family Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics. My specialties include: Adult Children of Alcoholics, Anger Management, Anxiety, Bereavement/Grief, Child Abuse/Neglect, Chronic Illness, Depression, Domestic Violence, Eating Disorders, Family Conflict, Impulse Control Disorders, Marital/Couples Issues, Meditation/Mindfulness, Mood Disorders, OCD/Compulsion, Pain Management, Panic Attacks, Personality Disorders (e.g., Borderline, Narcissistic, etc.), Phobias, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)/Trauma, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self-acceptance, Self-mutilation/Cutting, Sex Abuse Victim, Sleep Disorders, Social Skills, Stress, Substance Abuse, Suicidality, Weight Loss, and Women's Issues.
See more therapy options for Hazlet
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Hazlet
- Colts Neck
- Eatontown
- Fair Haven
- Holmdel
- Lincroft
- Marlboro
- Matawan
- Middletown
- Old Bridge
- Parlin
- Perth Amboy
- Red Bank
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.