Eating Disorders Therapists in Buffalo, NY
![Photo of Allison Murphy, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9b724248-5e92-48ba-90a3-00fbfa2e8357/1/320x400.jpeg)
A main area of my clinical focus is working with individuals with eating disorders, disordered eating behaviors, exercise addiction, or body image issues.
Congratulations on taking an important step in your mental health journey— finding the right therapist! I work with a wide array of individuals, who are seeking help for a specific problem(s) or, who are simply looking to expand upon their understanding of themselves & their life experiences. In sessions, I aim to provide a comfortable, safe, and unbiased space where you feel inspired to communicate and empowered to collaborate on your goals.
A main area of my clinical focus is working with individuals with eating disorders, disordered eating behaviors, exercise addiction, or body image issues.
Congratulations on taking an important step in your mental health journey— finding the right therapist! I work with a wide array of individuals, who are seeking help for a specific problem(s) or, who are simply looking to expand upon their understanding of themselves & their life experiences. In sessions, I aim to provide a comfortable, safe, and unbiased space where you feel inspired to communicate and empowered to collaborate on your goals.
![Photo of Dr. Carly Hadjeasgari, PsyD, Coach](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f42fdabd-3590-421f-a158-e82030fc5e73/1/320x400.jpeg)
In my years of experience, I have found that individuals with eating disorders often carry natural strengths of intelligence, sensitivity, and empathy.
Are you a parent needing support for your child, post-eating disorder treatment? Are you trying to re-calibrate your relationship with food and your body? My coaching focus is in anxiety and eating disorders. I have experience working with adolescents, adults, and families at all levels of care from working in partial hospitalization programs at University of California San Diego Eating Disorders Center, Casa Palmera, & Loma Linda School of Medicine. Now, I bring that experience to coaching modality.
In my years of experience, I have found that individuals with eating disorders often carry natural strengths of intelligence, sensitivity, and empathy.
Are you a parent needing support for your child, post-eating disorder treatment? Are you trying to re-calibrate your relationship with food and your body? My coaching focus is in anxiety and eating disorders. I have experience working with adolescents, adults, and families at all levels of care from working in partial hospitalization programs at University of California San Diego Eating Disorders Center, Casa Palmera, & Loma Linda School of Medicine. Now, I bring that experience to coaching modality.
![Photo of Rachel Pancake, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e925cc68-42d6-46fe-9e0a-64f4cedd84cb/3/320x400.jpeg)
Through 10 years of experience with Monte Nido, a top eating disorder treatment facility, my clinical work and leadership roles have given me specialization in working with individuals struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, excessive exercise and body image preoccupations.
I am constantly inspired by the knowledge and depth people can reach when they are eager to explore themselves. I am always honored to help clients consider both their light and dark sides on their adventure into growth. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing via telemedicine. I earned my Masters with an emphasis in sexuality and relationships from California State University, Northridge. I have specialized in treating Eating Disorders through my rewarding work with Monte Nido. My international work helping communities in conflict and poverty led to an invaluable empathy and understanding for cultural diversity.
Through 10 years of experience with Monte Nido, a top eating disorder treatment facility, my clinical work and leadership roles have given me specialization in working with individuals struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, excessive exercise and body image preoccupations.
I am constantly inspired by the knowledge and depth people can reach when they are eager to explore themselves. I am always honored to help clients consider both their light and dark sides on their adventure into growth. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing via telemedicine. I earned my Masters with an emphasis in sexuality and relationships from California State University, Northridge. I have specialized in treating Eating Disorders through my rewarding work with Monte Nido. My international work helping communities in conflict and poverty led to an invaluable empathy and understanding for cultural diversity.
![Photo of Tiffany Matson, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4898635b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tiffany Matson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Buffalo, NY 14223
Throughout my years of experience I have worked with individuals and families impacted by eating disorders , addiction, women's issues including infertility, loss, and post-partum depression, adolescents facing self-esteem and identity issues, and individuals of any age that have experienced trauma.
Have you faced painful experiences that are impacting your daily life? I believe that past experiences can cause "sore spots" that can impact us in the present. I have helped countless individuals work through past experiences for healing and personal growth. I have extensive training on techniques to help my clients on this journey including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I am amazed every day by the way this treatment has helped my clients transform their lives.
Throughout my years of experience I have worked with individuals and families impacted by eating disorders , addiction, women's issues including infertility, loss, and post-partum depression, adolescents facing self-esteem and identity issues, and individuals of any age that have experienced trauma.
Have you faced painful experiences that are impacting your daily life? I believe that past experiences can cause "sore spots" that can impact us in the present. I have helped countless individuals work through past experiences for healing and personal growth. I have extensive training on techniques to help my clients on this journey including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I am amazed every day by the way this treatment has helped my clients transform their lives.
![Photo of Nicole M Newcomb-Chumsky, LMHC, CASAC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40813858-8845-404e-9dbb-5306fff6da61/1/320x400.jpeg)
If you’re reading this, you already have the motivation to heal, the insight to know you need a change and the resourcefulness to seek support. You knew enough to get yourself to this page and I know enough to take you through the journey you may be scared of and yet eager for. Working as a specialist in eating disorders and trauma, I understand the highs and lows of being self-critical to the point of self-punishment, blaming yourself for the situation you are in and being stuck in an endless cycle of overriding your gut instinct in order to please others. Recognize that your intuition got you to these words.
If you’re reading this, you already have the motivation to heal, the insight to know you need a change and the resourcefulness to seek support. You knew enough to get yourself to this page and I know enough to take you through the journey you may be scared of and yet eager for. Working as a specialist in eating disorders and trauma, I understand the highs and lows of being self-critical to the point of self-punishment, blaming yourself for the situation you are in and being stuck in an endless cycle of overriding your gut instinct in order to please others. Recognize that your intuition got you to these words.
![Photo of Emily Michalski, MS, LCAT, Art Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46a44b29-efb9-4983-9632-52144aea4cdf/2/320x400.jpeg)
When we are not connected to our true selves, it shows up in our day-to-day life in the form of anxiety, addiction, depression, eating disorders, etc.
Hello! My name is Emily, and I am a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapist in New York State. Difficult experiences in life can bring up feelings of shame, worthlessness, or lack of direction, and it can be hard to know what to do. With compassion and honesty, I will assist you in working your way through issues while identifying your core values and emotional needs. I am a creative and humanistic therapist, utilizing a mixture theoretical approaches to best meet your needs. I look forward to joining you on your journey to living a soulful life!
When we are not connected to our true selves, it shows up in our day-to-day life in the form of anxiety, addiction, depression, eating disorders, etc.
Hello! My name is Emily, and I am a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapist in New York State. Difficult experiences in life can bring up feelings of shame, worthlessness, or lack of direction, and it can be hard to know what to do. With compassion and honesty, I will assist you in working your way through issues while identifying your core values and emotional needs. I am a creative and humanistic therapist, utilizing a mixture theoretical approaches to best meet your needs. I look forward to joining you on your journey to living a soulful life!
![Photo of Anastasia Guerra, LP-MHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8fa2ee57-8fbd-443a-93ed-a996e979520f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life can be complex, messy, and difficult to function in. I work with both individuals and couples/families and there is no limit to what kind of issues or goals you can have for therapy. Anxiety, eating disorders, work/school stress, depression, and family trauma don't even begin to scratch the surface of what you can bring to the session when you meet with me.
Life can be complex, messy, and difficult to function in. I work with both individuals and couples/families and there is no limit to what kind of issues or goals you can have for therapy. Anxiety, eating disorders, work/school stress, depression, and family trauma don't even begin to scratch the surface of what you can bring to the session when you meet with me.
![Photo of Melissa Collins, LMSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c91aceb3-598b-4f03-83a7-ee06cc2d6a1d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize helping people with trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, going to college, and family dynamics. I utilize evidence-based therapy modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), family based treatment (FBT) for eating disorders, motivational interviewing (MI), and solution focused brief therapy (SFBT).
I specialize helping people with trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, going to college, and family dynamics. I utilize evidence-based therapy modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), family based treatment (FBT) for eating disorders, motivational interviewing (MI), and solution focused brief therapy (SFBT).
![Photo of Denise Litterer, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c93f9501-e902-4e8a-8dd1-e1bb07179630/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience in helping clients with anxiety, social anxiety, depression, interpersonal struggles, eating disorders, family of origin issues, abuse and trauma, grief and loss, spirituality, LGBTQ+ identities, and more.
Hi! I'm Denise Litterer and I am a psychologist who has successfully worked with clients with a range of presenting issues and from diverse backgrounds for over 25 years. I am highly collaborative and active in therapy, utilizing an interpersonal, feminist, and multicultural approach to combine your life experiences and identities with my professional knowledge. I am also trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and often incorporate these techniques into my therapy as well as use them in my own life! On a personal note, I live with my wife, three children, dogs and cats and spend my free time cooking, baking, and reading.
I have extensive experience in helping clients with anxiety, social anxiety, depression, interpersonal struggles, eating disorders, family of origin issues, abuse and trauma, grief and loss, spirituality, LGBTQ+ identities, and more.
Hi! I'm Denise Litterer and I am a psychologist who has successfully worked with clients with a range of presenting issues and from diverse backgrounds for over 25 years. I am highly collaborative and active in therapy, utilizing an interpersonal, feminist, and multicultural approach to combine your life experiences and identities with my professional knowledge. I am also trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and often incorporate these techniques into my therapy as well as use them in my own life! On a personal note, I live with my wife, three children, dogs and cats and spend my free time cooking, baking, and reading.
![Photo of Sam Sessamen, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e1c960c3-8aa5-46dc-9d6f-c571e426b2f5/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a trauma specialist providing virtual appointments throughout NY and Florida and in person appointments in Western NY. You would seek out a cardiologist if you had a heart issue right? Well, if you have the opportunity, I suggest you seek out a therapist who specializes in your unique issues. I am not a generalist; I specialize in Trauma, Dissociation, Eating Disorders, Body Dysmorphia and anxiety. I work with these issues because they're what I'm most passionate about and I've dedicated my life's work to combatting the systemic issues that cause or exacerbate those issues.
I am a trauma specialist providing virtual appointments throughout NY and Florida and in person appointments in Western NY. You would seek out a cardiologist if you had a heart issue right? Well, if you have the opportunity, I suggest you seek out a therapist who specializes in your unique issues. I am not a generalist; I specialize in Trauma, Dissociation, Eating Disorders, Body Dysmorphia and anxiety. I work with these issues because they're what I'm most passionate about and I've dedicated my life's work to combatting the systemic issues that cause or exacerbate those issues.
![Photo of Diane D Barone, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f78fa94-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I also have specialized training in the treatment of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa and work from a Family Based Treatment model whenever possible.
There is no shortage of challenges in this life. Managing life stressors or a mental health condition alone only tends to make things worse. You’ve taken a courageous and important step by looking for help. When you work with the right therapist, insight can grow, self-defeating habits can change and solutions can become more apparent. I regularly see adults and adolescents seeking help with relationship difficulties, stress and life transitions. My experience in the school system informs my work with adolescents, young adults and their families.
I also have specialized training in the treatment of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa and work from a Family Based Treatment model whenever possible.
There is no shortage of challenges in this life. Managing life stressors or a mental health condition alone only tends to make things worse. You’ve taken a courageous and important step by looking for help. When you work with the right therapist, insight can grow, self-defeating habits can change and solutions can become more apparent. I regularly see adults and adolescents seeking help with relationship difficulties, stress and life transitions. My experience in the school system informs my work with adolescents, young adults and their families.
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![Photo of Jones Rene - Couple & Relationship Therapy: An MFT Practice , LMFT, SEP, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/449615b5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Couple & Relationship Therapy: An MFT Practice
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
Buffalo, NY 14203
Making the decision to come to therapy is a difficult & courageous one. We understand this & make every effort to create safety while challenging our clients to create the life they want. We specializing in treating couples who are struggling with communication challenges, sexual concerns, sexual dysfunction, parenting, recovering from affairs (emotional & physical). We have therapists who specialize in kink, nonmonogamy, sexual addiction, eating disorders, and healing from trauma/grief. We know how chaotic people's lives are, so we have availabity seven days a week & have evening hours. We look forward to helping you.
Making the decision to come to therapy is a difficult & courageous one. We understand this & make every effort to create safety while challenging our clients to create the life they want. We specializing in treating couples who are struggling with communication challenges, sexual concerns, sexual dysfunction, parenting, recovering from affairs (emotional & physical). We have therapists who specialize in kink, nonmonogamy, sexual addiction, eating disorders, and healing from trauma/grief. We know how chaotic people's lives are, so we have availabity seven days a week & have evening hours. We look forward to helping you.
![Photo of Kelly S. Ghani, MSEd, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/461298f0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a professional, well-established leader in the counseling and wellness field. I have been working as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and advocate for over 18 years. My experience includes working with adults, young adults, and teens experiencing mental health and behavioral struggles. My professional specialties include: depression, anxiety, trauma, grief / loss, anger, job-related stress, transitional concerns, interpersonal issues, communication difficulties, eating disorders, self-injury, suicidal thinking / behaviors, and impulsivity. I work with individuals with co-morbid medical concerns, those struggling with alcohol / substance use, and individuals who require court-mandated services in a confidential setting.
I am a professional, well-established leader in the counseling and wellness field. I have been working as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and advocate for over 18 years. My experience includes working with adults, young adults, and teens experiencing mental health and behavioral struggles. My professional specialties include: depression, anxiety, trauma, grief / loss, anger, job-related stress, transitional concerns, interpersonal issues, communication difficulties, eating disorders, self-injury, suicidal thinking / behaviors, and impulsivity. I work with individuals with co-morbid medical concerns, those struggling with alcohol / substance use, and individuals who require court-mandated services in a confidential setting.
![Photo of Danielle Matias, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54a96a53-f51e-493d-9e11-cad335019e9f/2/320x400.jpeg)
We work with depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, eating disorders, bereavement, borderline, autism, ADHD, addiction, sexual abuse, DV, medical illnesses, relationship problems, LGTBQ+, adjustment disorders and forensic cases.
Footprints was started by a therapist who realized that often times the services provided to low socio-economic communities is lacking quality care. We noticed these communities were confronted with long wait times, disrespectful admins, and subpar treatment. The one and only purpose was to exploit the community for profit without providing the level of care deserved. Feel Better Therapy began from the inspiration to provide quality mental health care to the poorest of communities and treating the clients of this community the same way a rich patient would be treated in a clinic treating affluent clients.
We work with depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, eating disorders, bereavement, borderline, autism, ADHD, addiction, sexual abuse, DV, medical illnesses, relationship problems, LGTBQ+, adjustment disorders and forensic cases.
Footprints was started by a therapist who realized that often times the services provided to low socio-economic communities is lacking quality care. We noticed these communities were confronted with long wait times, disrespectful admins, and subpar treatment. The one and only purpose was to exploit the community for profit without providing the level of care deserved. Feel Better Therapy began from the inspiration to provide quality mental health care to the poorest of communities and treating the clients of this community the same way a rich patient would be treated in a clinic treating affluent clients.
![Photo of Susan Varney, PhD, Licensed Psychoanalyst](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d3feedf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Varney
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buffalo, NY 14207 (Online Only)
I have experience with a wide variety of mood, personality and eating disorders and work frequently with both the clergy and other mental health practitioners.
Choosing the right therapist is critical to the success of your treatment, but it can be a daunting task. I understand and welcome you to call for a consultation before making a decision. Good treatment depends on a strong relationship founded on trust and respect and it is important that you feel at ease with whomever you work. I encourage an open and friendly rapport in the therapeutic relationship, appreciate its potential to alleviate stress, self-doubt, and anxiety, and hope to share with you its capacity to effect change both within yourself and in your relationships with others.
I have experience with a wide variety of mood, personality and eating disorders and work frequently with both the clergy and other mental health practitioners.
Choosing the right therapist is critical to the success of your treatment, but it can be a daunting task. I understand and welcome you to call for a consultation before making a decision. Good treatment depends on a strong relationship founded on trust and respect and it is important that you feel at ease with whomever you work. I encourage an open and friendly rapport in the therapeutic relationship, appreciate its potential to alleviate stress, self-doubt, and anxiety, and hope to share with you its capacity to effect change both within yourself and in your relationships with others.
![Photo of Melissa Hoch-Petronella, LMHC, CASAC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb75d80a-f570-4375-aa1c-03ac0870c824/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in patients that struggle with substance abuse, dual diagnosis, anxiety, depression, family/marital issues, adjustment disorders, dissociative identity disorders, Bi-Polar Disorder, Grief & Loss, Eating Disorders and PTSD. I work extensively with Veterans, Law Enforcement and First Responders with acute trauma and PTSD. I’m EMDR trained who specializes in helping you understand the impact that life events have on your current thoughts and behaviors.
I specialize in patients that struggle with substance abuse, dual diagnosis, anxiety, depression, family/marital issues, adjustment disorders, dissociative identity disorders, Bi-Polar Disorder, Grief & Loss, Eating Disorders and PTSD. I work extensively with Veterans, Law Enforcement and First Responders with acute trauma and PTSD. I’m EMDR trained who specializes in helping you understand the impact that life events have on your current thoughts and behaviors.
![Photo of Karen Knab, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/420d771b-6c7e-411c-a261-bb898594cf86/1/320x400.jpeg)
Karen Knab
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Buffalo, NY 14222 (Online Only)
In addition to the issues mentioned above, I also specialize in treating individuals and families affected by addictions, eating disorders and other mental health issues.
Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and struggling in certain areas of your life? Do you have a hard time expressing your needs in relationships? Do you struggle with perfectionism, a lot of internal pressure, and responsibility? I would love to offer guidance to help you to have more balance and a greater ability to manage your life.
In addition to the issues mentioned above, I also specialize in treating individuals and families affected by addictions, eating disorders and other mental health issues.
Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and struggling in certain areas of your life? Do you have a hard time expressing your needs in relationships? Do you struggle with perfectionism, a lot of internal pressure, and responsibility? I would love to offer guidance to help you to have more balance and a greater ability to manage your life.
![Photo of Carolyn Kirkwood, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d03abe0d-7551-4d32-b97c-342d65e08a7c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Carolyn Kirkwood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Buffalo, NY 14215 (Online Only)
I have been working with people for over ten years in different variations of counseling including trauma, substance abuse, mental health, eating disorders, and grief and loss to name a few. I also have extensive experience working with persons with developmental disabilities. and using the Trauma Informed Care approach. I truly enjoy working with diverse populations of people including persons of color as this is my strength.
I have been working with people for over ten years in different variations of counseling including trauma, substance abuse, mental health, eating disorders, and grief and loss to name a few. I also have extensive experience working with persons with developmental disabilities. and using the Trauma Informed Care approach. I truly enjoy working with diverse populations of people including persons of color as this is my strength.
![Photo of Alex Valentine, LMHC, CASAC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/35ba9ce0-7951-4b43-b194-df38c1b941e0/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, eating disorders, relationship struggles and family discord, self-esteem and self-compassion, life transitions, grief and bereavement, and trauma.
I am deeply passionate about the power and benefit of therapy, and have seen it work countless times to bring comfort, stability, peace, and growth to so many, including myself. Through forming a trusting and collaborative relationship with a counselor, therapy can provide you with insight into how past events have shaped your present, with tools that help relieve you from negative patterns or emotions, and with confidence to move forward and live an empowered, healthy life.
I have experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, eating disorders, relationship struggles and family discord, self-esteem and self-compassion, life transitions, grief and bereavement, and trauma.
I am deeply passionate about the power and benefit of therapy, and have seen it work countless times to bring comfort, stability, peace, and growth to so many, including myself. Through forming a trusting and collaborative relationship with a counselor, therapy can provide you with insight into how past events have shaped your present, with tools that help relieve you from negative patterns or emotions, and with confidence to move forward and live an empowered, healthy life.
![Photo of Nancy Marie Kells - Nancy M. Kells, LCSW, LCSW, MEd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/458c7e3b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Nancy M. Kells, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MEd
Verified Verified
Buffalo, NY 14216 (Online Only)
Before being a therapist, I was a patient struggling with an eating disorder, depression and a history of trauma. I've been in your shoes. Therapy transformed my life, and it can do the same for you. It is an exciting and challenging opportunity; a springboard into a meaningful, confident and fulfilling life. The goals you set for therapy will be met as long as you stay in treatment. You can change your life. The secrets: 1. Resolve the causes of your struggles for permanent change and never give up! :) Best of luck!
Before being a therapist, I was a patient struggling with an eating disorder, depression and a history of trauma. I've been in your shoes. Therapy transformed my life, and it can do the same for you. It is an exciting and challenging opportunity; a springboard into a meaningful, confident and fulfilling life. The goals you set for therapy will be met as long as you stay in treatment. You can change your life. The secrets: 1. Resolve the causes of your struggles for permanent change and never give up! :) Best of luck!
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What happens in therapy for eating disorders?
In therapy for eating disorders, patients typically describe their eating and exercise behaviors, their patterns of eating in relation to stress, their beliefs about their body, the ways their eating behavior affects their relationships, and their desire (or lack of it) to change. Such information helps the therapist understand the origins of the disorder and the role it plays in the patient’s life, important for guiding treatment. Attitudes and feelings about food and eating, body weight, and physical appearance are common topics of discussion throughout treatment.
What therapy types help with eating disorders?
Once any acute medical or psychiatric emergency is resolved, psychoactive medication is often prescribed, requiring the supervision of a psychiatrist. In addition, patients receive some form of nutritional counseling along with one or more forms of psychotherapy. For adolescents, family-based treatment is empirically validated and considered the first line of treatment; parents and their children meet weekly with a clinician as the adults are coached on how to nourish and psychologically support the young patient. Adults typically receive some form of individual psychotherapy, intended to resolve the cognitive and behavioral disturbances that underlie the disorder and to relieve the mood disturbances that accompany it. In addition, patients may also be helped by group therapy.
What is the goal of therapy for eating disorders?
The most immediate goal of treatment for eating disorders is to save the life of people who are on a path of starving themselves to death or engaging in eating patterns that are doing irreparable physical harm to their body. Once the acute medical danger is past, therapy is required to understand the nature of the disordered eating and/or exercise patterns, establish healthy eating behavior, and to tackle the many erroneous beliefs and distorted self-perceptions that underlie eating disorders and continue to pose a threat to health and life. Therapy also addresses the impaired mood that not only accompanies eating disorders but intensifies the danger to health and life.
What are the limitations of therapy for eating disorders?
Therapy can be very helpful for eating disorders—but that can happen only after people recognize they have a condition that must be treated. Especially with anorexia, the distortions in self-image that accompany the disorder can keep people from acknowledging they have a problem. Individuals may in fact see their eating disorder as a badge of self-control. Those with binge-eating disorder may feel too ashamed to seek help. Therapy cannot help those who do not avail themselves of it.
How long does therapy last for eating disorders?
Because of their complexity, recovery from eating disorders is usually a long-term process—measured in months and years— often marked by setbacks and relapse. Some form of help, such as individual or group therapy, may be advisable for much of that time. It is a general rule of thumb that the longer the illness has endured and the dysregulated eating behavior has taken root, the longer treatment is likely to be needed.