Eating Disorders Therapists in Westlake, OH
![Photo of Mari Ballas, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c9cc96f-059b-4d02-a42d-d1fa4d030ccc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I'm Mari! I'm a therapist at The Intuitive Eating Center of Ohio. We specialize in eating disorders, disordered eating and body image. At the Intuitive Eating Center, our focus is on helping clients become confident and happy eaters. Whether you’re dealing with an eating disorder, chronic dieting, PCOS, or just want a better relationship with food, our team is here to support you. We believe in a flexible, intuitive approach to health that feels right for each individual. Here, you’ll find a community that understands your journey and celebrates every step you take towards healing and self-
Hi, I'm Mari! I'm a therapist at The Intuitive Eating Center of Ohio. We specialize in eating disorders, disordered eating and body image. At the Intuitive Eating Center, our focus is on helping clients become confident and happy eaters. Whether you’re dealing with an eating disorder, chronic dieting, PCOS, or just want a better relationship with food, our team is here to support you. We believe in a flexible, intuitive approach to health that feels right for each individual. Here, you’ll find a community that understands your journey and celebrates every step you take towards healing and self-
![Photo of Kate Burrows, LPCC-S](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c781a8e-1dc8-4c99-89b5-55eff72582d4/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in the treatment of adolescents and adults with issues in the areas of eating disorders, anxiety, mood disorders, body image disturbance, and self esteem.
I aim to provide supportive, compassionate and evidence-based treatment to help client's improve their quality of life and reach their goals.
I specialize in the treatment of adolescents and adults with issues in the areas of eating disorders, anxiety, mood disorders, body image disturbance, and self esteem.
I aim to provide supportive, compassionate and evidence-based treatment to help client's improve their quality of life and reach their goals.
![Photo of Amanda Lehner, LISW-S, CEDS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9b7392b4-38b9-44b0-a95a-0c45668c07be/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in supporting teens and adults experiencing eating disorders, body image struggles, self-esteem and anxiety to heal their relationship with food and their body using personalized, collaborative and evidence-based treatments.
Is your relationship with food or your body making it seem as if you are out of control? Maybe you’re caught in a spiral of worry that you can’t seem to stop. You might also feel frustrated and exhausted by the constant thoughts about eating the “right thing” and getting enough time in at the gym. You might even wish that life could be easier and you could enjoy events without trying on 5 different outfits before heading out the door or worrying about what food would be served. Perhaps you have been hit with feelings of guilt, anxiety, and depression.
I specialize in supporting teens and adults experiencing eating disorders, body image struggles, self-esteem and anxiety to heal their relationship with food and their body using personalized, collaborative and evidence-based treatments.
Is your relationship with food or your body making it seem as if you are out of control? Maybe you’re caught in a spiral of worry that you can’t seem to stop. You might also feel frustrated and exhausted by the constant thoughts about eating the “right thing” and getting enough time in at the gym. You might even wish that life could be easier and you could enjoy events without trying on 5 different outfits before heading out the door or worrying about what food would be served. Perhaps you have been hit with feelings of guilt, anxiety, and depression.
![Photo of Alexis Williams, LPC, CRC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c850e32-e0cc-41e2-8f89-954d743977af/2/320x400.jpeg)
I want this space to be all for you! If you want to yell go for it! If you want to just cry go for it! I specialize in anxiety, eating disorders, self-esteem, sports performance, confidence building, interpersonal relationships, school stress, job stress, self-harm, eating disorders, and SI.
My Passion is with kiddos, adolescents, teens, college-aged, young adults, and adults! I love the people who are just trying their best (Aren't we all!) I absolutely love working with people who are searching for their purpose and full acceptance of who they are. Be yourself and be proud! I consider my job to be a success if I can provide you with a welcoming space where you can find awareness, confidence and ease. Taking time for yourself to really be heard and supported isn’t selfish, it’s essential!
I want this space to be all for you! If you want to yell go for it! If you want to just cry go for it! I specialize in anxiety, eating disorders, self-esteem, sports performance, confidence building, interpersonal relationships, school stress, job stress, self-harm, eating disorders, and SI.
My Passion is with kiddos, adolescents, teens, college-aged, young adults, and adults! I love the people who are just trying their best (Aren't we all!) I absolutely love working with people who are searching for their purpose and full acceptance of who they are. Be yourself and be proud! I consider my job to be a success if I can provide you with a welcoming space where you can find awareness, confidence and ease. Taking time for yourself to really be heard and supported isn’t selfish, it’s essential!
![Photo of Audra Popik - AGAPE Counseling and Consulting LLC, LPCC, LICDC, LSW, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ae8fa98-b455-48a1-8b5c-012710a9b6e3/1/320x400.jpeg)
AGAPE Counseling and Consulting LLC
Counselor, LPCC, LICDC, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westlake, OH 44145
I specialize in mood disorders, addictions, dual diagnosis, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders (life transitions), ADHD/ADD, eating disorders, Bi-polar/manic depressive, spiritual issues, perinatal/maternal depression, infertility, pre-marital, couples/marriage.
My motto in life and in counseling is to meet people where they are at and walk alongside them on the journey through a path of healing. I am grateful and honored to work in this field and strive to provide the best possible therapy to each and every client.
I specialize in mood disorders, addictions, dual diagnosis, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders (life transitions), ADHD/ADD, eating disorders, Bi-polar/manic depressive, spiritual issues, perinatal/maternal depression, infertility, pre-marital, couples/marriage.
My motto in life and in counseling is to meet people where they are at and walk alongside them on the journey through a path of healing. I am grateful and honored to work in this field and strive to provide the best possible therapy to each and every client.
![Photo of Kellyn Beese, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/02031012-6749-4d0f-8226-1cce40064b7c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kellyn Beese
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Westlake, OH 44145
Through my years of experience as an individual and group therapist, I have worked with a wide array of adult clients suffering from depression, anxiety, other mood disorders, perinatal/postpartum concerns, eating disorders, personality disorders, and life stressors.
Do you often feel stuck or that your emotions are too difficult to understand? Together, we will create strategies which allow you to address the root causes of your difficulties and build a life worth living. As your therapist, I will provide a non-judgmental, supportive, and safe environment allowing you to work through the challenges you face. I believe you are your own expert and I am here to help guide you on a journey toward improving your quality of life.
Through my years of experience as an individual and group therapist, I have worked with a wide array of adult clients suffering from depression, anxiety, other mood disorders, perinatal/postpartum concerns, eating disorders, personality disorders, and life stressors.
Do you often feel stuck or that your emotions are too difficult to understand? Together, we will create strategies which allow you to address the root causes of your difficulties and build a life worth living. As your therapist, I will provide a non-judgmental, supportive, and safe environment allowing you to work through the challenges you face. I believe you are your own expert and I am here to help guide you on a journey toward improving your quality of life.
![Photo of Koren Bierfeldt, LPCC, AHCH, MEd, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4092ab7d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm passionate about helping you heal from such conditions as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, addictions, chronic pain, phobias, eating disorders, body image issues and more.
I'm a holistic, heart-centered counselor who can help you connect to your most authentic self by releasing anything that blocks your ability to live in joy, prosperity and radiant health. By accessing and clearing negative, unconscious conclusions drawn from early-life experiences, it is possible to change lifelong, self-limiting behaviors. My integrated approach to mind-body wellness provides you with a gateway to healing from the past and living more fully in the present.
I'm passionate about helping you heal from such conditions as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, addictions, chronic pain, phobias, eating disorders, body image issues and more.
I'm a holistic, heart-centered counselor who can help you connect to your most authentic self by releasing anything that blocks your ability to live in joy, prosperity and radiant health. By accessing and clearing negative, unconscious conclusions drawn from early-life experiences, it is possible to change lifelong, self-limiting behaviors. My integrated approach to mind-body wellness provides you with a gateway to healing from the past and living more fully in the present.
![Photo of Lauren Dangelo, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1587492e-df65-4e59-a085-cb648fb26deb/2/320x400.png)
Therapy and change can be incredibly uncomfortable. Finding a therapist who you can connect with in navigating these changes can be equally as difficult. I am here to guide you through the uncomfortable parts, provide space, and when all else fails, utilize humor. I am passionate about supporting people who suffer from eating disorders, trauma, and issues within their own family systems. I come to the therapeutic relationship from an integrated psychodynamic, CBT, and family systems lens. I am dedicated to creating and facilitating safe spaces where one can explore their own identities and provide care tailored to specific needs.
Therapy and change can be incredibly uncomfortable. Finding a therapist who you can connect with in navigating these changes can be equally as difficult. I am here to guide you through the uncomfortable parts, provide space, and when all else fails, utilize humor. I am passionate about supporting people who suffer from eating disorders, trauma, and issues within their own family systems. I come to the therapeutic relationship from an integrated psychodynamic, CBT, and family systems lens. I am dedicated to creating and facilitating safe spaces where one can explore their own identities and provide care tailored to specific needs.
![Photo of Katie Koncilja - New Leaf Counseling Services LLC, MA, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b00828be-bdc9-4d6b-a111-ff2c5b9fc20c/5/320x400.jpeg)
We provide individual, family, group and couples therapy! Some of our specialties include: -Child & Adolescents (ages 5 and up), Eating Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Substance Abuse, Trauma, Divorce, Anger Management, Personality Disorders, LGBT, Life Transitions, Grief & Loss and Gerontology.
We all need help at times! Our team of experienced clinicians can provide you with the tools and techniques to overcome problems you may be facing. New Leaf Counseling Services, LLC assists individuals and families within our community to manage their mental health symptoms by providing a non-biased, non-judgmental, therapeutic environment where patients are encouraged to explore and overcome the obstacles to achieving their life goals. Providing quality patient care is our priority! Locations: Avon Lake, Westlake & Amherst
We provide individual, family, group and couples therapy! Some of our specialties include: -Child & Adolescents (ages 5 and up), Eating Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Substance Abuse, Trauma, Divorce, Anger Management, Personality Disorders, LGBT, Life Transitions, Grief & Loss and Gerontology.
We all need help at times! Our team of experienced clinicians can provide you with the tools and techniques to overcome problems you may be facing. New Leaf Counseling Services, LLC assists individuals and families within our community to manage their mental health symptoms by providing a non-biased, non-judgmental, therapeutic environment where patients are encouraged to explore and overcome the obstacles to achieving their life goals. Providing quality patient care is our priority! Locations: Avon Lake, Westlake & Amherst
![Photo of Cathy Castro, MEd, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8ec3b90a-f94b-46fa-9968-fcb23bb86df2/3/320x400.jpeg)
Cathy Castro
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MEd, LPCC
Verified Verified
Westlake, OH 44145
I have worked as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor for 12 years. I have extensive work experience with mental health issues encompassing all behavioral disorders. My counseling specialties include: marital/ relationship issues, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, ADHD, personality disorders, trauma, adjustment disorders, behavioral issues, and eating disorders. I aim to help each individual client meet their own specific goals, with the hope of achieving personal growth and development.
I have worked as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor for 12 years. I have extensive work experience with mental health issues encompassing all behavioral disorders. My counseling specialties include: marital/ relationship issues, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, ADHD, personality disorders, trauma, adjustment disorders, behavioral issues, and eating disorders. I aim to help each individual client meet their own specific goals, with the hope of achieving personal growth and development.
![Photo of Mariví (Marv) Howell-Arza, MSSA, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10b48d8c-d7b6-4790-a38c-65b71b710ec5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mariví (Marv) Howell-Arza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSA, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westlake, OH 44145
It often feels impossible to be a human in the world today. If you feel like your body will never be "good" enough or “healthy” enough & you've been led to believe "fixing" it is a matter of "will-power," you're not alone. If your life feels like a cycle of crisis, distress, and finding yourself in a deeper hole than the one you were in the day before, you're not alone. If you identify with one or both of the previous sentences, we will have plenty to talk about. Together we can figure out what’s most important to you, how to get it, and how to remove obstacles one at a time. Let’s start uncovering just how “enough” you already are.
It often feels impossible to be a human in the world today. If you feel like your body will never be "good" enough or “healthy” enough & you've been led to believe "fixing" it is a matter of "will-power," you're not alone. If your life feels like a cycle of crisis, distress, and finding yourself in a deeper hole than the one you were in the day before, you're not alone. If you identify with one or both of the previous sentences, we will have plenty to talk about. Together we can figure out what’s most important to you, how to get it, and how to remove obstacles one at a time. Let’s start uncovering just how “enough” you already are.
![Photo of Jackie Garn - The Center For Every Body LLC, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/318f3a43-16ab-48e3-aeef-d3428f26ee5e/2/320x400.jpeg)
The Center For Every Body LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westlake, OH 44145
You may have ended up here if you have found yourself trying all of the fad diets only to have gained the weight back. When someone pulls out the dessert at events, you probably feel embarrassed, ashamed, and tend to withdraw because the thoughts you have about food consume you. It makes total sense that you believe if you were “the right size” you’d be happy and content with your body. The way we think and feel about our bodies and food directly impact our mental and physical health. In reality, the guilt and anxiety you have around food is what you need some support around – we get that and we are here for you!
You may have ended up here if you have found yourself trying all of the fad diets only to have gained the weight back. When someone pulls out the dessert at events, you probably feel embarrassed, ashamed, and tend to withdraw because the thoughts you have about food consume you. It makes total sense that you believe if you were “the right size” you’d be happy and content with your body. The way we think and feel about our bodies and food directly impact our mental and physical health. In reality, the guilt and anxiety you have around food is what you need some support around – we get that and we are here for you!
![Photo of Jackie Garn, MSSA, LISW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/79153582-87de-4dcd-951d-f541abb673f5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jackie Garn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSA, LISW-S
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Westlake, OH 44145
You may have ended up here if you have found yourself trying all of the fad diets only to have gained the weight back. When someone pulls out the dessert at events, you probably feel embarrassed, ashamed, and tend to withdraw because the thoughts you have about food consume you. It makes total sense that you believe if you were “the right size” you’d be happy and content with your body. The way we think and feel about our bodies and food directly impact our mental and physical health. In reality, the guilt and anxiety you have around food is what you need some support around – I get that and I am here for you!
You may have ended up here if you have found yourself trying all of the fad diets only to have gained the weight back. When someone pulls out the dessert at events, you probably feel embarrassed, ashamed, and tend to withdraw because the thoughts you have about food consume you. It makes total sense that you believe if you were “the right size” you’d be happy and content with your body. The way we think and feel about our bodies and food directly impact our mental and physical health. In reality, the guilt and anxiety you have around food is what you need some support around – I get that and I am here for you!
![Photo of Sylvia Viola, LPCC-S, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41ed86ba-fbcb-472c-a715-424af2da01cc/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have always been interested in human behavior, how the brain works, and how thoughts affect our behaviors. I am passionate about helping and guiding others to learn new and healthier ways to cope with negative thoughts. I have more than 17 years of experience and specializes in adults with anxiety, depression, major life changes, schizophrenia, and bipolar, dissociative, eating, obsessive-compulsive, personality, and post-traumatic stress disorders. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing.
I have always been interested in human behavior, how the brain works, and how thoughts affect our behaviors. I am passionate about helping and guiding others to learn new and healthier ways to cope with negative thoughts. I have more than 17 years of experience and specializes in adults with anxiety, depression, major life changes, schizophrenia, and bipolar, dissociative, eating, obsessive-compulsive, personality, and post-traumatic stress disorders. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing.
![Photo of Théodore Alejandro Rosa, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c6089561-4f20-49ef-982f-51e5e4695343/1/320x400.jpeg)
Théodore Alejandro Rosa
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westlake, OH 44145
How often do you compromise who you are because you accept the truths of others as your own? How long have you been biting your tongue and prioritizing everyone else before yourself? When is the last time you felt grounded and authentic in your in skin? Are the boundaries you have in place respected? Do the people you share interpersonal relationships with reciprocate the same effort and energy that you give? Do you feel heard? Do you feel understood? Where does your faith reside? In yourself? In society? In something bigger than yourself? Is the quality of your life what you deserve or what you have settled for?
How often do you compromise who you are because you accept the truths of others as your own? How long have you been biting your tongue and prioritizing everyone else before yourself? When is the last time you felt grounded and authentic in your in skin? Are the boundaries you have in place respected? Do the people you share interpersonal relationships with reciprocate the same effort and energy that you give? Do you feel heard? Do you feel understood? Where does your faith reside? In yourself? In society? In something bigger than yourself? Is the quality of your life what you deserve or what you have settled for?
![Photo of Nallie Sprouse, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9df420e9-3c52-4d8e-9aec-780b40528b5d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nallie Sprouse
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Westlake, OH 44145 (Online Only)
The weight of being a human in the world can feel intolerable or suffocating at times for children and adults. Whether you are stuck in discontent or uncertainty, struggling with life's big existential questions, feeling disempowered by oppressive institutions, or working through specific mental health concerns, I want to work together with you to find solutions that will improve your daily life. It is my hope that through collaboration we can discover what it means to live as our full and authentic selves.
The weight of being a human in the world can feel intolerable or suffocating at times for children and adults. Whether you are stuck in discontent or uncertainty, struggling with life's big existential questions, feeling disempowered by oppressive institutions, or working through specific mental health concerns, I want to work together with you to find solutions that will improve your daily life. It is my hope that through collaboration we can discover what it means to live as our full and authentic selves.
![Photo of Mackenzie Keriazes, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/764fac29-1c9d-453a-95ec-93ff782fba40/1/320x400.jpeg)
Thank you for taking the time to read a little about me - I have a deep appreciation for the journey you may find yourself on in searching for a therapist. I have experience and training in working with a variety of issues for individuals across the lifespan, including: depression, anxiety, mood disorders (including perinatal mood disorders), adjustment to life transitions, bereavement, disordered eating, weight related concerns, stress management, workplace burnout, trauma, disease management, functioning pertaining to LGQBT+ identities, and more. I also conduct Adult ADHD assessments.
Thank you for taking the time to read a little about me - I have a deep appreciation for the journey you may find yourself on in searching for a therapist. I have experience and training in working with a variety of issues for individuals across the lifespan, including: depression, anxiety, mood disorders (including perinatal mood disorders), adjustment to life transitions, bereavement, disordered eating, weight related concerns, stress management, workplace burnout, trauma, disease management, functioning pertaining to LGQBT+ identities, and more. I also conduct Adult ADHD assessments.
![Photo of Audra Popik, LPCC, LIDC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d6e90e8-131b-4420-be24-c77efbebe6f9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Audra Popik
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, LIDC
Verified Verified
Westlake, OH 44145
Imagine feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or the complexities of relationships and addiction. You might be a new parent grappling with perinatal depression, or someone navigating the highs and lows of bipolar disorder. Your goal is to find balance, peace, and a path forward. You need a compassionate guide who understands your struggles and can offer practical, effective strategies to help you heal and thrive.
Imagine feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or the complexities of relationships and addiction. You might be a new parent grappling with perinatal depression, or someone navigating the highs and lows of bipolar disorder. Your goal is to find balance, peace, and a path forward. You need a compassionate guide who understands your struggles and can offer practical, effective strategies to help you heal and thrive.
![Photo of Erin B Cooper, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f3e9da4f-5e8e-40eb-a0ee-35f54573f4e8/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in the evaluation and evidence-based treatment of mood disorders, anxiety and stress, trauma, interpersonal and romantic relationships (e.g., communication, parenting, conflict, and infidelity), women’s health (e.g., pregnancy, postpartum, menopause), disordered eating and body image, health-related behavioral changes (e.g., adjustment to chronic illness, making lifestyle changes to improve medical conditions or overall wellbeing), sexual health and behavior, and issues relating to LGBTQ+ identification.
I specialize in the evaluation and evidence-based treatment of mood disorders, anxiety and stress, trauma, interpersonal and romantic relationships (e.g., communication, parenting, conflict, and infidelity), women’s health (e.g., pregnancy, postpartum, menopause), disordered eating and body image, health-related behavioral changes (e.g., adjustment to chronic illness, making lifestyle changes to improve medical conditions or overall wellbeing), sexual health and behavior, and issues relating to LGBTQ+ identification.
![Photo of Jacquelyn Casalina - Cleveland Therapy Group, LLC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4a1f8df-8aaa-4703-be2c-603558f57031/3/320x400.jpeg)
Currently accepting new clients via in-person and Telehealth! Cleveland Therapy Group provides EMDR therapy, marriage and family counseling, couples counseling and therapy for adults and children. Cleveland Therapy Group offers in-person sessions for clients in the greater Cleveland area including Westlake, Rocky River, Fairview Park, Lakewood, etc. We offer Telehealth session for all clients in the state of Ohio. Find a therapist near you!
Currently accepting new clients via in-person and Telehealth! Cleveland Therapy Group provides EMDR therapy, marriage and family counseling, couples counseling and therapy for adults and children. Cleveland Therapy Group offers in-person sessions for clients in the greater Cleveland area including Westlake, Rocky River, Fairview Park, Lakewood, etc. We offer Telehealth session for all clients in the state of Ohio. Find a therapist near you!
See more therapy options for Westlake
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Westlake
- Avon
- Avon Lake
- Bay Village
- Berea
- Elyria
- Fairview Park
- Lakewood
- Middleburg Heights
- North Olmsted
- North Ridgeville
- Rocky River
- Strongsville
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.