Eating Disorders Therapists in Randolph, NJ

Photo of Gina E Rayfield, PhD, PC, Psychologist
Gina E Rayfield
Psychologist, PhD, PC
Verified Verified
Randolph, NJ 07869
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.
(973) 933-6436 View (973) 933-6436
Photo of Nancy Sachar Sidhu, PhD, Psychologist
Nancy Sachar Sidhu
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Randolph, NJ 07869
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and have conducted therapy for more than 27 years. I am caring and nonjudgmental. I create a safe and confidential place where you can feel supported to achieve your goals. I attended the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and California School of Professional Psychology (MA and PhD). I completed my post-doc at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). I am currently the director of Chester Psychological Assessment & Therapy, LLC. I am well-trained in diagnosis, assessment, and treatment. I have supervised and taught other psychologists as well as master's level therapists.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and have conducted therapy for more than 27 years. I am caring and nonjudgmental. I create a safe and confidential place where you can feel supported to achieve your goals. I attended the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and California School of Professional Psychology (MA and PhD). I completed my post-doc at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). I am currently the director of Chester Psychological Assessment & Therapy, LLC. I am well-trained in diagnosis, assessment, and treatment. I have supervised and taught other psychologists as well as master's level therapists.
(908) 376-9928 View (908) 376-9928
Photo of Karyn Reader, MSW, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karyn Reader
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Randolph, NJ 07869
I work with adults and couples dealing with depression, anxiety, medical problems, losses, work-related issues, affairs, anger, intimacy issues, low self esteem, communication and other relationship problems. I know how hard it is to make that first phone call and open up to a complete stranger, but what most people experience in my office with me from the start is warmth, interest, understanding and hope. I have 30+ years of experience and extensive post-graduate training. The therapy relationship is key to a comfortable, caring and safe place that fosters insight, growth and change.
I work with adults and couples dealing with depression, anxiety, medical problems, losses, work-related issues, affairs, anger, intimacy issues, low self esteem, communication and other relationship problems. I know how hard it is to make that first phone call and open up to a complete stranger, but what most people experience in my office with me from the start is warmth, interest, understanding and hope. I have 30+ years of experience and extensive post-graduate training. The therapy relationship is key to a comfortable, caring and safe place that fosters insight, growth and change.
(973) 540-0049 View (973) 540-0049
Photo of Janine Elliott, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Janine Elliott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Randolph, NJ 07869
Janine Elliott takes a collaborative approach to building relationships with clients that empower them to thrive in their relationships, school/workplace, and community. She uses evidence-based treatments including CBT, DBT, ERP and HRT to help reframe unhelpful behaviors and thoughts, increase emotional regulation, and improve resiliency. Janine received her MSW from Rutgers with a focus in family systems and attachment theory. She has also trained extensively with pioneers in the field at the Beck Institute, UPenn Department of Psychiatry, Center for Treatment and Study of Anxiety, and Minuchin Center for the Family.
Janine Elliott takes a collaborative approach to building relationships with clients that empower them to thrive in their relationships, school/workplace, and community. She uses evidence-based treatments including CBT, DBT, ERP and HRT to help reframe unhelpful behaviors and thoughts, increase emotional regulation, and improve resiliency. Janine received her MSW from Rutgers with a focus in family systems and attachment theory. She has also trained extensively with pioneers in the field at the Beck Institute, UPenn Department of Psychiatry, Center for Treatment and Study of Anxiety, and Minuchin Center for the Family.
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Photo of Michaela D'Urso, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional
Michaela D'Urso
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
Randolph, NJ 07869
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.
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Photo of Lisa Marie Drew, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisa Marie Drew
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Randolph, NJ 07869  (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Lisa! Are you someone with personal goals and professional aspirations, but imposter syndrome takes hold despite your efforts to achieve your dreams, and the fear of failure paralyzes you? Maybe you're like many of the folks I work with who ruminate over the past or anxiously plan their future to avoid mistakes and risk revealing their secret: You don't have it all together. You long for acceptance and deep connections, but instead, your relationships are fraught with drama and people who lack emotional maturity.
Hi, I'm Lisa! Are you someone with personal goals and professional aspirations, but imposter syndrome takes hold despite your efforts to achieve your dreams, and the fear of failure paralyzes you? Maybe you're like many of the folks I work with who ruminate over the past or anxiously plan their future to avoid mistakes and risk revealing their secret: You don't have it all together. You long for acceptance and deep connections, but instead, your relationships are fraught with drama and people who lack emotional maturity.
(201) 357-6591 View (201) 357-6591
Photo of Michael Bodtmann, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michael Bodtmann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Randolph, NJ 07869
I am a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience providing evidence based therapy. I believe people are capable of immense personal growth and change with therapy, and work with individuals and families to collaboratively work toward behavioral change, symptom alleviation, and improved overall wellness. My experience includes mental health and substance use treatment, school based services, and clinical and LCSW supervision. In addition to my clinical work, I am a senior lecturer at the Columbia School of Social Work. I believe in evidence based treatments and the importance of the therapeutic relationship.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience providing evidence based therapy. I believe people are capable of immense personal growth and change with therapy, and work with individuals and families to collaboratively work toward behavioral change, symptom alleviation, and improved overall wellness. My experience includes mental health and substance use treatment, school based services, and clinical and LCSW supervision. In addition to my clinical work, I am a senior lecturer at the Columbia School of Social Work. I believe in evidence based treatments and the importance of the therapeutic relationship.
(862) 800-2610 View (862) 800-2610
Photo of Lyndsi Bodtmann, PsyD, Psychologist
Lyndsi Bodtmann
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Randolph, NJ 07869  (Online Only)
I am a licensed psychologist, receiving my doctoral degree in School Psychology from Rutgers University. My clinical experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I have a passion for providing clients with evidence-based treatments and have focused on treating mental health and behavioral difficulties throughout the lifespan. I believe in my client’s ability to change and grow throughout the treatment process and to be a collaborative partner in their treatment. I love what I do because I have seen it work and help those I treat make significant changes and strides toward their goals.
I am a licensed psychologist, receiving my doctoral degree in School Psychology from Rutgers University. My clinical experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I have a passion for providing clients with evidence-based treatments and have focused on treating mental health and behavioral difficulties throughout the lifespan. I believe in my client’s ability to change and grow throughout the treatment process and to be a collaborative partner in their treatment. I love what I do because I have seen it work and help those I treat make significant changes and strides toward their goals.
(862) 272-3915 View (862) 272-3915
Photo of Jaclyn Leit, LCSW, BC-TMH, CGIP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jaclyn Leit
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BC-TMH, CGIP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Randolph, NJ 07869
Waitlist for new clients
No two individuals are the same & that is how I approach treatment. I make therapy fit your needs by drawing upon a variety of clinical frameworks to provide patient focused care. Therapy is about you & we focus on addressing what you want to heal. Working together, we build upon your strengths and help develop coping skills and support while working towards your goals. I have 2 decades of experience & I am trained to address many concerns. I see adults, adolescents & couples.
No two individuals are the same & that is how I approach treatment. I make therapy fit your needs by drawing upon a variety of clinical frameworks to provide patient focused care. Therapy is about you & we focus on addressing what you want to heal. Working together, we build upon your strengths and help develop coping skills and support while working towards your goals. I have 2 decades of experience & I am trained to address many concerns. I see adults, adolescents & couples.
(201) 419-6341 View (201) 419-6341
Photo of Janine Marie Tremblay - Janine Tremblay PhD APN, PhD, APNC, Psychologist
Janine Tremblay PhD APN
Psychologist, PhD, APNC
Verified Verified
Randolph, NJ 07869
Welcome! You have already made an important step in the process of healing by beginning your research. I have been practicing Psychology since 1985 and in 2004 I added the service of being able to prescribe medications. Currently, I see patients who suffer from anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD and ADHD. Additionally, I diagnosis and treat people with Bipolar and Addiction related disorders. I believe in the power of spirituality and am open to different faiths and points of view. I see individuals and couples ages 17 to seniors. Please call if you want to discuss an appointment.
Welcome! You have already made an important step in the process of healing by beginning your research. I have been practicing Psychology since 1985 and in 2004 I added the service of being able to prescribe medications. Currently, I see patients who suffer from anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD and ADHD. Additionally, I diagnosis and treat people with Bipolar and Addiction related disorders. I believe in the power of spirituality and am open to different faiths and points of view. I see individuals and couples ages 17 to seniors. Please call if you want to discuss an appointment.
(973) 309-7553 View (973) 309-7553
Photo of Janine Heinis - Practical Therapy Network, LLC, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Practical Therapy Network, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Randolph, NJ 07869
For therapy inquiries, please email us directly, email located on website www.practherapy.com. Practical Therapy Network's clinical program is Strengths Based and Person Centered, intended to meet our clients where they are. It is our privilege to provide everyone with the integrity and support they deserve. We are practicing in person and virtually.
For therapy inquiries, please email us directly, email located on website www.practherapy.com. Practical Therapy Network's clinical program is Strengths Based and Person Centered, intended to meet our clients where they are. It is our privilege to provide everyone with the integrity and support they deserve. We are practicing in person and virtually.
(973) 453-0807 View (973) 453-0807
Photo of Nicole Peluso-Reyes, MA, LPC, ACS, CCTP-II, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nicole Peluso-Reyes
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ACS, CCTP-II, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Randolph, NJ 07869
Waitlist for new clients
At an early age, I knew I wanted to help individuals work through difficult emotions and stressful situations. I've learned through the years, by changing our inner self-talk & learning coping skills to better deal with life stressors & past traumas, we can begin to live a happy, freeing, peaceful life. I am here for you; I provide a safe space with a trusting, non-judgmental, empathetic rapport that will help you feel comfortable in being vulnerable. I empower my clients & help them aspire to live their best lives by focusing on their strengths & providing ​coping skills to improve their quality of life!
At an early age, I knew I wanted to help individuals work through difficult emotions and stressful situations. I've learned through the years, by changing our inner self-talk & learning coping skills to better deal with life stressors & past traumas, we can begin to live a happy, freeing, peaceful life. I am here for you; I provide a safe space with a trusting, non-judgmental, empathetic rapport that will help you feel comfortable in being vulnerable. I empower my clients & help them aspire to live their best lives by focusing on their strengths & providing ​coping skills to improve their quality of life!
(551) 888-3406 View (551) 888-3406
Photo of Ted Rostiac, MA, LPC, Counselor
Ted Rostiac
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Randolph, NJ 07869  (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.
(973) 425-5088 View (973) 425-5088
Photo of Chloe G Bland, PhD, Psychologist
Chloe G Bland
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Randolph, NJ 07869
Not accepting new clients
My private practice, Goodale Wellness, LLC, is located in Denville, NJ. I see clients both in-person and virtually. In my practice, I support children, adolescents, and their families, with a specialty of helping families heal during and after trauma, loss, and grief. During this time in our country, most people have been touched by trauma, loss, and grief of some kind or another. Since the global pandemic, many children struggled and are now facing challenges in their homes, schools, and social lives. At Goodale Wellness, LLC, we have experience with this and can help your child and your family heal and grow.
My private practice, Goodale Wellness, LLC, is located in Denville, NJ. I see clients both in-person and virtually. In my practice, I support children, adolescents, and their families, with a specialty of helping families heal during and after trauma, loss, and grief. During this time in our country, most people have been touched by trauma, loss, and grief of some kind or another. Since the global pandemic, many children struggled and are now facing challenges in their homes, schools, and social lives. At Goodale Wellness, LLC, we have experience with this and can help your child and your family heal and grow.
(973) 281-4529 View (973) 281-4529

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Michelle Jacobson, MSSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle Jacobson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chester, NJ 07930
As an Eating Disorder specialist I work with the full spectrum of Eating Disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder, ARFID, and other food and body concerns.
Welcome! At Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery we utilize evidence-based therapy approaches to address and treat issues of depression/mood, anxiety, eating disorders, and other emotional struggles. We offer comprehensive DBT programming, including groups, individual, and family therapy for both Mental Health and Eating Disorder recovery. I also utilize other modalities, such as CBT, CBT-E, CBT-I for insomnia, and ERP, in order to provide tailored and effective care to my clients.
As an Eating Disorder specialist I work with the full spectrum of Eating Disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder, ARFID, and other food and body concerns.
Welcome! At Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery we utilize evidence-based therapy approaches to address and treat issues of depression/mood, anxiety, eating disorders, and other emotional struggles. We offer comprehensive DBT programming, including groups, individual, and family therapy for both Mental Health and Eating Disorder recovery. I also utilize other modalities, such as CBT, CBT-E, CBT-I for insomnia, and ERP, in order to provide tailored and effective care to my clients.
(973) 783-2292 View (973) 783-2292
Photo of Mallory Dimler, PhD, Psychologist
Mallory Dimler
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
Waitlist for new clients
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.
(201) 308-1351 View (201) 308-1351
Photo of Natalie Fenchel, MSW, LCSW, CEDS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Natalie Fenchel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CEDS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Morristown, NJ 07960
I am a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and also help individuals with anxiety, depression and other mood disorders to improve their quality of life.
**ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS IN-PERSON** "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."-Lao Tzu. The first step can often be the hardest. Choosing to ask for help can be the first step on your journey to achieving your goals. I want to make that step as comfortable as possible by offering an empathetic, non-judgmental, supportive environment. I know how hard it is to find someone you connect with. Together we can build healthy coping skills and discover the strengths that you already have.
I am a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and also help individuals with anxiety, depression and other mood disorders to improve their quality of life.
**ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS IN-PERSON** "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."-Lao Tzu. The first step can often be the hardest. Choosing to ask for help can be the first step on your journey to achieving your goals. I want to make that step as comfortable as possible by offering an empathetic, non-judgmental, supportive environment. I know how hard it is to find someone you connect with. Together we can build healthy coping skills and discover the strengths that you already have.
(848) 999-5308 View (848) 999-5308
Photo of Suzanne Rubinetti, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Suzanne Rubinetti
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
My area of expertise in eating disorders.
I bring a sense of empowernment, confidence and security into my work. These qualities, I believe are some of lifes most valuable assets . The responsibilities that we as women face today can be overwhelming. These demands can become so intense that maladaptive patterns of behavior can ensue.Women often neglect their own emotional needs. Often symptoms such as binge eating, rigid dieting, substance abuse, depression and anxiety emerge and make it difficult for women to function at an optimum level of health. Sometimes women experience an exacerbation in physical symptoms such as TMJ disorders, migraine headaches and chronic back pain.
My area of expertise in eating disorders.
I bring a sense of empowernment, confidence and security into my work. These qualities, I believe are some of lifes most valuable assets . The responsibilities that we as women face today can be overwhelming. These demands can become so intense that maladaptive patterns of behavior can ensue.Women often neglect their own emotional needs. Often symptoms such as binge eating, rigid dieting, substance abuse, depression and anxiety emerge and make it difficult for women to function at an optimum level of health. Sometimes women experience an exacerbation in physical symptoms such as TMJ disorders, migraine headaches and chronic back pain.
(908) 977-6133 View (908) 977-6133
Photo of Brian S. Pollack, LCSW, CEDS-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
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.
(973) 552-2346 View (973) 552-2346
Photo of Lindsay James, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lindsay James
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
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.
(201) 771-9794 View (201) 771-9794

See more therapy options for 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.