Eating Disorders Therapists in Mendham, NJ
![Photo of Gina E Rayfield, PhD, PC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/813a7100-9d71-4c39-8dd4-ecc58a32b5b6/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with teens and adults individually and with family members as needed. I also work with couples. I have over twenty five years of experience treating many different kinds of problems including traumatic experiences, eating disorders, depression, anxiety and panic disorders, and relationship issues. My approach to therapy is to individually design a treatment plan that will best meet your specific concerns. This plan is collaboratively created with you. As you share your presenting concerns and history in the beginning stages of therapy, we get to know each other and together set goals for therapy.
I work with teens and adults individually and with family members as needed. I also work with couples. I have over twenty five years of experience treating many different kinds of problems including traumatic experiences, eating disorders, depression, anxiety and panic disorders, and relationship issues. My approach to therapy is to individually design a treatment plan that will best meet your specific concerns. This plan is collaboratively created with you. As you share your presenting concerns and history in the beginning stages of therapy, we get to know each other and together set goals for therapy.
![Photo of Ashley Sibiga, LAC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dca3d216-288b-4871-8984-da06243e8606/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Sibiga is a Licensed Associate Counselor, who has been practicing since 2018. She graduated from Centenary Universiry in New Jersey with a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. Ashley believes in guiding and engaging patient throughout the therapeutic process to become a healthier version of themselves inside and out. There is no one size fits all approach to therapy since everyone has their own unique stories. Her main areas of focus include adults 18+ years old, anxiety and depression.
Ashley Sibiga is a Licensed Associate Counselor, who has been practicing since 2018. She graduated from Centenary Universiry in New Jersey with a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. Ashley believes in guiding and engaging patient throughout the therapeutic process to become a healthier version of themselves inside and out. There is no one size fits all approach to therapy since everyone has their own unique stories. Her main areas of focus include adults 18+ years old, anxiety and depression.
![Photo of Michaela D'Urso, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/535b565a-86cc-438f-a460-d0892aefaf9c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michaela is a passionate Cognitive Behavioral therapist (which is the most effective, researched, and validated therapy to date). She will work with you to identify and change overly negative thinking and unhelpful behaviors that interfere with your mood, reaching your goals, or hampering interpersonal relationships. She works with those struggling with depression, anxiety, worry, phobias, stress, body image issues, performance anxiety, defiant behavior in children, relationship struggles, and work/school issues.
Michaela is a passionate Cognitive Behavioral therapist (which is the most effective, researched, and validated therapy to date). She will work with you to identify and change overly negative thinking and unhelpful behaviors that interfere with your mood, reaching your goals, or hampering interpersonal relationships. She works with those struggling with depression, anxiety, worry, phobias, stress, body image issues, performance anxiety, defiant behavior in children, relationship struggles, and work/school issues.
![Photo of Kristen Murphy, MSSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b959030-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
The therapeutic relationship is a very special one. I possess a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University and have extensive clinical background in private practice, schools, in-patient and out-patient settings. However, it is my love of the work and the respect I hold for my clients that make the relationships a success. With all of the pain life's journey can bring, I try and provide a safe and warm environment for us to make progress. I have studied abroad as well in Ghana, West Africa and Costa Rica to gain more cultural perspectives.
The therapeutic relationship is a very special one. I possess a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University and have extensive clinical background in private practice, schools, in-patient and out-patient settings. However, it is my love of the work and the respect I hold for my clients that make the relationships a success. With all of the pain life's journey can bring, I try and provide a safe and warm environment for us to make progress. I have studied abroad as well in Ghana, West Africa and Costa Rica to gain more cultural perspectives.
![Photo of Christina Hoffman, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8dcbb7a6-6947-45ad-bf1d-671016175090/1/320x400.jpeg)
Experience and Educational Background: I received my Masters of the Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Prior to that, I received my Bachelors of the Arts in both Psychology and Sociology from Drew University. I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) in the state of New Jersey. During my graduate internship, I worked for New Jersey AIDS Services in Morristown, New Jersey counseling clients who were HIV positive and homeless, while also suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues.
Experience and Educational Background: I received my Masters of the Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Prior to that, I received my Bachelors of the Arts in both Psychology and Sociology from Drew University. I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) in the state of New Jersey. During my graduate internship, I worked for New Jersey AIDS Services in Morristown, New Jersey counseling clients who were HIV positive and homeless, while also suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues.
![Photo of Pamela M. Lacy - LifePoint Psychotherapy Center, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c8dd1fe-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
LifePoint Psychotherapy Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mendham, NJ 07945
My approach to therapy is always client-centered, deisgned to re-connect you with your intrinsic wisdom and recognize your capacity to change. I combine an integrative approach utilizing ancient wisdom traditions with modern therapeutic modalities. By a small shift in awareness, you can end destructive habit patterns and sustain a less stressful, healthier lifestyle. As a student of Dr. Carol Look, Dr. Dan Siegel and Jon-Kabat Zinn, Phd, I utilize EFT ("tapping"), Mindfulness (MBSR, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) and the patented IN-VIZION process to teach you a skill set you can use at home.
My approach to therapy is always client-centered, deisgned to re-connect you with your intrinsic wisdom and recognize your capacity to change. I combine an integrative approach utilizing ancient wisdom traditions with modern therapeutic modalities. By a small shift in awareness, you can end destructive habit patterns and sustain a less stressful, healthier lifestyle. As a student of Dr. Carol Look, Dr. Dan Siegel and Jon-Kabat Zinn, Phd, I utilize EFT ("tapping"), Mindfulness (MBSR, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) and the patented IN-VIZION process to teach you a skill set you can use at home.
![Photo of Ted Rostiac, MA, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/426cf766-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ted Rostiac
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Mendham, NJ 07945 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Imagine your life with less stress from anxiety and depression. When issues related to family, relationships, work, academics, athletics, ADHD, money, social situations, children, negative or judgmental people, greif, uncertainty, and loneliness, becomes particularly dissatisfying or problematic people react to it with feelings of anxiety and depression. As a defense against those feelings, people develop maladaptive behaviors such as anger, withdrawal, avoidance, compulsions, or substance misuse. When these inappropriate defenses are used people's performance and overall satisfaction with their lives is affected. I help people learn to effectively deal with these problems and live happier and more fulfilling lives.
Imagine your life with less stress from anxiety and depression. When issues related to family, relationships, work, academics, athletics, ADHD, money, social situations, children, negative or judgmental people, greif, uncertainty, and loneliness, becomes particularly dissatisfying or problematic people react to it with feelings of anxiety and depression. As a defense against those feelings, people develop maladaptive behaviors such as anger, withdrawal, avoidance, compulsions, or substance misuse. When these inappropriate defenses are used people's performance and overall satisfaction with their lives is affected. I help people learn to effectively deal with these problems and live happier and more fulfilling lives.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Maureen Kritzer-Lange, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3400cf8f-54e0-40a0-b1cc-ff3796e4df13/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychoanalyst with over 25 years of experience helping women overcome eating disorders, body image issues, improve self esteem, and work through the challenges of life transitions, stress, anxiety and depression. I provide an empathetic and empowering approach in a supportive and safe space to help you explore your thoughts and feelings. I empower women in navigating life's complexities, helping them find their voice, reclaim their lives and embrace their full potential in a non-judgmental way. Working to get to know yourself better will give you the freedom to help you begin to make positive life changes.
I am a psychoanalyst with over 25 years of experience helping women overcome eating disorders, body image issues, improve self esteem, and work through the challenges of life transitions, stress, anxiety and depression. I provide an empathetic and empowering approach in a supportive and safe space to help you explore your thoughts and feelings. I empower women in navigating life's complexities, helping them find their voice, reclaim their lives and embrace their full potential in a non-judgmental way. Working to get to know yourself better will give you the freedom to help you begin to make positive life changes.
![Photo of Mary E Huber, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9caab778-b8ea-472b-9079-85cd4895137b/2/320x400.jpeg)
It is my passion to provide compassionate support and expertise to help you navigate and grow through life's challenges. I work with a broad array of issues, such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma, and eating disorders. I strive to cultivate a strong therapeutic alliance, empowering you to discover your strengths and to facilitate lasting change. I provide a supportive and compassionate environment where you can explore your concerns, gain insights, and develop effective coping strategies. I value your uniqueness and strive to develop a deep understanding of your experience, values, and aspirations.
It is my passion to provide compassionate support and expertise to help you navigate and grow through life's challenges. I work with a broad array of issues, such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma, and eating disorders. I strive to cultivate a strong therapeutic alliance, empowering you to discover your strengths and to facilitate lasting change. I provide a supportive and compassionate environment where you can explore your concerns, gain insights, and develop effective coping strategies. I value your uniqueness and strive to develop a deep understanding of your experience, values, and aspirations.
![Photo of Jennifer L Smith, LPC, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fac4171f-4e22-4b9d-8681-b5930141cdc3/3/320x400.jpeg)
You deserve to live a life you feel excited to wake up for each morning. If you're feeling stuck and ready to move forward, I can provide support as you navigate life's transitions. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, disordered eating, trauma, and parents who have children struggling with their own mental health or eating disorder. I am currently enrolled in a three year training in Somatic Experiencing, which offers healing from trauma through the nervous system. In our work together you can expect a supportive environment, without judgement or agenda, as you explore your own story.
You deserve to live a life you feel excited to wake up for each morning. If you're feeling stuck and ready to move forward, I can provide support as you navigate life's transitions. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, disordered eating, trauma, and parents who have children struggling with their own mental health or eating disorder. I am currently enrolled in a three year training in Somatic Experiencing, which offers healing from trauma through the nervous system. In our work together you can expect a supportive environment, without judgement or agenda, as you explore your own story.
![Photo of Leah Kinder, LPC, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b058a7c-2a42-4fe1-99cf-4271fa3d3722/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders for the individual struggling, as well as their family members, in addition to treating and supporting the unique needs of general adolescent mental health struggles and developmental needs.
I often hear from clients that they appreciate how radically nonjudgmental I am in our work. I believe that everyone does the best that they are able to, with what they know. I am an active therapist, who provides praise and positive feedback often, but I also hold clients accountable in an effort to assist them in reaching their goals. Clients report that they feel as if they make progress in each session, due to our focus on creating and attaining small and realistic goals. My practice also focuses on supporting parents of adult children with eating disorders, and providing level of care and treatment placement consultations.
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders for the individual struggling, as well as their family members, in addition to treating and supporting the unique needs of general adolescent mental health struggles and developmental needs.
I often hear from clients that they appreciate how radically nonjudgmental I am in our work. I believe that everyone does the best that they are able to, with what they know. I am an active therapist, who provides praise and positive feedback often, but I also hold clients accountable in an effort to assist them in reaching their goals. Clients report that they feel as if they make progress in each session, due to our focus on creating and attaining small and realistic goals. My practice also focuses on supporting parents of adult children with eating disorders, and providing level of care and treatment placement consultations.
![Photo of Mallory Dimler, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a6f2724b-d1e9-44fa-b035-73beb384c48e/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with specialties in anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and perinatal mental health. I am trained in evidence-based treatments, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I am passionate about helping people to learn/strengthen their own tools to suffer less and live more in accordance with their values. It is so common for people to feel like their internal struggles are controlling their lives and it is such a privilege to help others learn how to cope with these struggles and thrive.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with specialties in anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and perinatal mental health. I am trained in evidence-based treatments, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I am passionate about helping people to learn/strengthen their own tools to suffer less and live more in accordance with their values. It is so common for people to feel like their internal struggles are controlling their lives and it is such a privilege to help others learn how to cope with these struggles and thrive.
![Photo of Laura Cunningham, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/02315925-c529-423e-84e4-07163db278f1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Cunningham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960 (Online Only)
My intention is to create a warm, nurturing environment where clients can feel safe being vulnerable. I recognize each client as unique and tailor therapy to each individual’s needs. I believe people can feel confident and comfortable in their own skin, and use an empathic, collaborative approach to help people meet their goals. I primarily use cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy in each session. I specialize in treating eating disorders, anxiety, OCD, self esteem, and relationship issues.
My intention is to create a warm, nurturing environment where clients can feel safe being vulnerable. I recognize each client as unique and tailor therapy to each individual’s needs. I believe people can feel confident and comfortable in their own skin, and use an empathic, collaborative approach to help people meet their goals. I primarily use cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy in each session. I specialize in treating eating disorders, anxiety, OCD, self esteem, and relationship issues.
![Photo of Isabelle Wilkinson, MA, LMHC, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/354d6f73-21db-4fe5-a511-c466a175475a/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about helping individuals who are struggling to heal their relationship with food and their bodies. My passion, together with my conviction that full recovery from eating disorders and disordered eating is possible, is why I have chosen to dedicate my practice to this type of treatment.
I am passionate about helping individuals who are struggling to heal their relationship with food and their bodies. My passion, together with my conviction that full recovery from eating disorders and disordered eating is possible, is why I have chosen to dedicate my practice to this type of treatment.
![Photo of Erika January, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ca434c8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Making the decision to enter therapy takes courage and strength. I hope to help make it rewarding and beneficial for you. I have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds in several treatment settings, including college counseling centers, adolescent treatment centers, and hospital based eating and wellness programs. I completed advanced training and certification in eating disorders, addictions, and compulsions. I am EMDR trained. Some of my specialties include anxiety, trauma, life transitions, adolescent/young adult issues, coping skills, depression, disordered eating, body image, and intuitive eating.
Making the decision to enter therapy takes courage and strength. I hope to help make it rewarding and beneficial for you. I have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds in several treatment settings, including college counseling centers, adolescent treatment centers, and hospital based eating and wellness programs. I completed advanced training and certification in eating disorders, addictions, and compulsions. I am EMDR trained. Some of my specialties include anxiety, trauma, life transitions, adolescent/young adult issues, coping skills, depression, disordered eating, body image, and intuitive eating.
![Photo of Brian S. Pollack, LCSW, CEDS-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8344b9b2-ec72-45b0-bc24-64532d315b6b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brian S. Pollack
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CEDS-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Morristown, NJ 07960
I work with adults and adolescents struggling with Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, ARFID (Selective Eating), and the coexisting mental health struggles that go with them. Achieving recovery is absolutely possible and with over a decade of experience my core work surrounds the belief that no one should ever have to struggle with constant worry and feelings of shame.. When it feels like others just "don't get it,” change it up. When empathy comes with strength often new understanding can develop. If you're seeking an approach steeped in possibility, give me a call.
I work with adults and adolescents struggling with Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, ARFID (Selective Eating), and the coexisting mental health struggles that go with them. Achieving recovery is absolutely possible and with over a decade of experience my core work surrounds the belief that no one should ever have to struggle with constant worry and feelings of shame.. When it feels like others just "don't get it,” change it up. When empathy comes with strength often new understanding can develop. If you're seeking an approach steeped in possibility, give me a call.
![Photo of Susan O'Connor, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f370c68-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked with several types of patients and clients from all backgrounds and settings and treated many women and young girls dealing with self-esteem, eating disorders, stress, depression, postpartum depression, work/life balances and body image issues.
Be confident in who you are and the way you look. There are many issues women and girls struggle with today as the pressures in our society increase. Trying to look perfect and confident every day or attempting to balance work and family without missing a beat, can often lead to feelings of failure, insecurity and inadequacy. Taking the time to learn effective ways to feel good and manage your stress levels is the key to a happier and more fulfilling life.
I have worked with several types of patients and clients from all backgrounds and settings and treated many women and young girls dealing with self-esteem, eating disorders, stress, depression, postpartum depression, work/life balances and body image issues.
Be confident in who you are and the way you look. There are many issues women and girls struggle with today as the pressures in our society increase. Trying to look perfect and confident every day or attempting to balance work and family without missing a beat, can often lead to feelings of failure, insecurity and inadequacy. Taking the time to learn effective ways to feel good and manage your stress levels is the key to a happier and more fulfilling life.
![Photo of Julia Salerno, BS, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/19d93951-4e15-4004-be0d-81699307ab25/3/320x400.png)
Julia Salerno
Licensed Professional Counselor, BS, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960 (Online Only)
Are you feeling disconnected from yourself, your body, and the world around you? The constant struggle of not feeling good enough physically, mentally, and emotionally can leave you isolated with an anxious, overthinking mind and ineffective coping mechanisms. Hi, I'm Julia, a Licensed Professional Counselor, that specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment issues, and eating disorders to help clients like you reconnect with their true selves and find healing.
Are you feeling disconnected from yourself, your body, and the world around you? The constant struggle of not feeling good enough physically, mentally, and emotionally can leave you isolated with an anxious, overthinking mind and ineffective coping mechanisms. Hi, I'm Julia, a Licensed Professional Counselor, that specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment issues, and eating disorders to help clients like you reconnect with their true selves and find healing.
![Photo of Lindsay James, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/437dd29e-3417-41fe-a93f-d60ec5dcfae8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Utilizing evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders (CBT-E), CBT for ARFID (CBT-AR), Family Based Therapy for eating disorders (FBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (CPT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), if you reach out to me your treatment will be tailored to you every step of the way.
I specialize in supporting individuals and families grappling with the intricate challenges of eating disorders and trauma, as well as their accompanying struggles of depression, anxiety, body image concerns, self-doubt, and more. With unending empathy, compassion, and a deep understanding of how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, taking that first step can feel like a leap, but trust me, you're not doing it alone. My goal is to help you thrive, which is why I make it a priority to create a space where you can open up about anything without worrying about being judged.
Utilizing evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders (CBT-E), CBT for ARFID (CBT-AR), Family Based Therapy for eating disorders (FBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (CPT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), if you reach out to me your treatment will be tailored to you every step of the way.
I specialize in supporting individuals and families grappling with the intricate challenges of eating disorders and trauma, as well as their accompanying struggles of depression, anxiety, body image concerns, self-doubt, and more. With unending empathy, compassion, and a deep understanding of how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, taking that first step can feel like a leap, but trust me, you're not doing it alone. My goal is to help you thrive, which is why I make it a priority to create a space where you can open up about anything without worrying about being judged.
![Photo of Emily Bitton, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3be79858-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I also specializie in eating disorders and weight management - both ends of the spectrum - from anorexia to post-gastric bypass surgery.
Are you looking for someone who can help you figure out why things aren't working the way you want them to, whether it is your weight, your love life, your work or your home environment? Do you feel as if something is keeping you from living your best life, but you feel helpless in knowing what that is? Do you wish you could find someone who seems to "get" you, who is on your side, and is committed to going down this road with you not only to help you figure it out, but help you with real life strategies to make it better?
I also specializie in eating disorders and weight management - both ends of the spectrum - from anorexia to post-gastric bypass surgery.
Are you looking for someone who can help you figure out why things aren't working the way you want them to, whether it is your weight, your love life, your work or your home environment? Do you feel as if something is keeping you from living your best life, but you feel helpless in knowing what that is? Do you wish you could find someone who seems to "get" you, who is on your side, and is committed to going down this road with you not only to help you figure it out, but help you with real life strategies to make it better?
See more therapy options for Mendham
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Mendham
- Basking Ridge
- Bedminster
- Bernardsville
- Cedar Knolls
- Chester
- Denville
- Far Hills
- Long Valley
- Madison
- Morris Plains
- Morristown
- Randolph
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.