Eating Disorders Therapists in Devon, PA
![Photo of Rhona L Epstein, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cae1df7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
If you have tried everything to quit addictive eating and nothing seems to stick, it can be devastating. There IS hope! I have been in practice for 30 years. I specialize in helping people overcome addictive eating (compulsive overeating, bulimia, binge eating, emotional eating) and food/weight obsession. I also have extensive experience supporting people dealing with alcohol and drug addictions, codependency and family issues. I love to work with people at all levels of recovery. I use a physical, emotional and spiritual approach. Faith and spirituality is a strong part of my practice as I believe we need to change from the inside out.
If you have tried everything to quit addictive eating and nothing seems to stick, it can be devastating. There IS hope! I have been in practice for 30 years. I specialize in helping people overcome addictive eating (compulsive overeating, bulimia, binge eating, emotional eating) and food/weight obsession. I also have extensive experience supporting people dealing with alcohol and drug addictions, codependency and family issues. I love to work with people at all levels of recovery. I use a physical, emotional and spiritual approach. Faith and spirituality is a strong part of my practice as I believe we need to change from the inside out.
![Photo of Keeley Seymour, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b8d7cffb-c5db-40d0-a9e8-5712be600ebd/2/320x400.jpeg)
I provide counseling services to individuals looking to reduce and manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve overall functioning, and receive support in facing life challenges. I strive to provide a safe, supportive and healing space for each of my clients. My treatment style has been described as calm, warm, empathic, authentic and nonjudgmental. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my specialization is in the treatment of eating disorders, which includes experience through The Renfrew Center. I also specialize in trauma from working at HopeWorks in Maryland and I hold a Certificate in Advanced Trauma Treatment from The Ferentz Institute.
I provide counseling services to individuals looking to reduce and manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve overall functioning, and receive support in facing life challenges. I strive to provide a safe, supportive and healing space for each of my clients. My treatment style has been described as calm, warm, empathic, authentic and nonjudgmental. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my specialization is in the treatment of eating disorders, which includes experience through The Renfrew Center. I also specialize in trauma from working at HopeWorks in Maryland and I hold a Certificate in Advanced Trauma Treatment from The Ferentz Institute.
![Photo of Matthew Weldon Gelber, MS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5285d927-a0f0-4f4a-a438-4ef0cfb95efb/4/320x400.jpeg)
As a certified Master’s Level psychotherapist with over 19 years experience and “face of therapy and counseling” 2024 Main Line Today Magazine, I’m able to offer experience and understanding that gets to the heart of the issue for my clients.Are you unhappy, stressed or depressed at home? At Work? At School? Do you find yourself yet again in another relationship doomed for failure? Is Intimacy or trust or sex lacking in your relationship? I am a compassionate therapist who helps individuals, couples and families achieve favorable outcomes in different areas of their lives. My focus is specific to your needs and your goals.
As a certified Master’s Level psychotherapist with over 19 years experience and “face of therapy and counseling” 2024 Main Line Today Magazine, I’m able to offer experience and understanding that gets to the heart of the issue for my clients.Are you unhappy, stressed or depressed at home? At Work? At School? Do you find yourself yet again in another relationship doomed for failure? Is Intimacy or trust or sex lacking in your relationship? I am a compassionate therapist who helps individuals, couples and families achieve favorable outcomes in different areas of their lives. My focus is specific to your needs and your goals.
![Photo of John J. Novielli, MS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b8093da-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
Have the life you want, not the one you live. Develop with your partner the relationship you always desired and stop living the one that keeps you stuck. I am a Clinical Psychologist with over thirty years of experience specializing in marital and family relationships and in dismantling the black holes that minimize our lives. Whatever your marital or family situation, my experience allows me to help you develop a plan of change (one or two sessions), and then implement this plan. I serve as your Psychologist and Coaching guide from the start.
Have the life you want, not the one you live. Develop with your partner the relationship you always desired and stop living the one that keeps you stuck. I am a Clinical Psychologist with over thirty years of experience specializing in marital and family relationships and in dismantling the black holes that minimize our lives. Whatever your marital or family situation, my experience allows me to help you develop a plan of change (one or two sessions), and then implement this plan. I serve as your Psychologist and Coaching guide from the start.
![Photo of Dr. Bill Morgan, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c73d493-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a psychologist, counselor, and evaluator, I look at sessions as a collaborative process. Together we work towards making the changes my clients desire so that they experience more contentment, peace, satisfaction and success. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an evidence-based approach that helps people learn skills that last a lifetime. I am a licensed psychologist with over twenty years experience as a counselor, therapist, and diagnostician, and am active in training therapists.
As a psychologist, counselor, and evaluator, I look at sessions as a collaborative process. Together we work towards making the changes my clients desire so that they experience more contentment, peace, satisfaction and success. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an evidence-based approach that helps people learn skills that last a lifetime. I am a licensed psychologist with over twenty years experience as a counselor, therapist, and diagnostician, and am active in training therapists.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Suzanne Chuchian Chong (She Her Hers), PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5187c35d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Suzanne Chuchian Chong (She Her Hers)
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
I specialize in treating eating disorders, peri-natal and post-natal concerns, trauma, intimate relationship struggles, and painful parent-child relational dynamics.
Do you often feel like you are threading water, instead of surfing above it? Are you doubting that you are not where you want to be in your life? Perhaps you are seeking clarity and insight, and calm after turbulence. I strive to facilitate self-empowerment and self-efficacy through adaptive coping/behavioral skills, strengthening cognitive insight, while honoring that change is hard when life gets hard. My work with individuals who have felt unheard and invalidated has led me to conceptualize concerns related to eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and substance use as closely intertwined.
I specialize in treating eating disorders, peri-natal and post-natal concerns, trauma, intimate relationship struggles, and painful parent-child relational dynamics.
Do you often feel like you are threading water, instead of surfing above it? Are you doubting that you are not where you want to be in your life? Perhaps you are seeking clarity and insight, and calm after turbulence. I strive to facilitate self-empowerment and self-efficacy through adaptive coping/behavioral skills, strengthening cognitive insight, while honoring that change is hard when life gets hard. My work with individuals who have felt unheard and invalidated has led me to conceptualize concerns related to eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and substance use as closely intertwined.
![Photo of Annie Baker, MS, LPC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/072020b4-3146-463a-b738-37d3e3126baa/2/320x400.jpeg)
Annie Baker
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berwyn, PA 19312
I specialize in providing counseling for adolescents and adults who are struggling with: eating disorders, body image concerns, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and those who are experiencing grief and loss.
Are you considering starting therapy? I'm interested in learning about what is bringing you here. Starting this process can feel very overwhelming. I believe people start to heal the moment they feel heard. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I offer a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment that focuses on developing an authentic and therapeutic relationship with my clients. Together we can understand what has been happening in your life, explore your values, gain insight, and increase self-awareness to help you live more effectively and understand yourself in new ways.
I specialize in providing counseling for adolescents and adults who are struggling with: eating disorders, body image concerns, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and those who are experiencing grief and loss.
Are you considering starting therapy? I'm interested in learning about what is bringing you here. Starting this process can feel very overwhelming. I believe people start to heal the moment they feel heard. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I offer a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment that focuses on developing an authentic and therapeutic relationship with my clients. Together we can understand what has been happening in your life, explore your values, gain insight, and increase self-awareness to help you live more effectively and understand yourself in new ways.
![Photo of Dr. Rachel Guides, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f1198e6-f690-4c11-8d32-2765929d946b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Guides has over 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy and Psychoeducational/Psychological Evaluations. She provides a compassionate and supportive environment to develop a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients. Dr. Guides works with adolescents and adults in therapy using an integration of cognitive-behavioral and insight-oriented methods to provide treatment that is tailored to meet each client's unique needs. She has extensive experience working with clients to address a range of concerns, including eating disorders, anxiety, depression and relationship issues.
Rachel Guides has over 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy and Psychoeducational/Psychological Evaluations. She provides a compassionate and supportive environment to develop a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients. Dr. Guides works with adolescents and adults in therapy using an integration of cognitive-behavioral and insight-oriented methods to provide treatment that is tailored to meet each client's unique needs. She has extensive experience working with clients to address a range of concerns, including eating disorders, anxiety, depression and relationship issues.
![Photo of Jen Donovan, LCSW, CEDS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/edae3060-271c-41e5-ac41-94d03addb376/3/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! I'm a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and provide counseling for individuals with eating disorders, disordered eating, anxiety and body image concerns. I also have advanced training through the Postpartum Stress Center and Postpartum Support International. I provide maternal mental health support throughout the prenatal and postpartum periods. Lastly, I specialize in the treatment of trauma and PTSD and utilize Cognitive Processing Therapy.
Welcome! I'm a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and provide counseling for individuals with eating disorders, disordered eating, anxiety and body image concerns. I also have advanced training through the Postpartum Stress Center and Postpartum Support International. I provide maternal mental health support throughout the prenatal and postpartum periods. Lastly, I specialize in the treatment of trauma and PTSD and utilize Cognitive Processing Therapy.
![Photo of Erin Hipple, MA, LCSW, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ab49964-7a68-4083-94c0-8f999fa42b5e/1/320x400.png)
Erin Hipple
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Wayne, PA 19087 (Online Only)
I am a white, queer, disabled, non-binary femme. I have worked as a therapist in a variety of settings, including inpatient mental health facilities, outpatient community mental health services, women's shelters, and university settings. These experiences have led me to pursue a liberation-based, anti-carceral, and non-pathologizing approach to mental health support. I have worked with individuals experiencing a variety of expressions of distress including: depression, anxiety, stress, struggles with intimacy and boundaries, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, complicated and disenfranchised grief, and trauma-related stress.
I am a white, queer, disabled, non-binary femme. I have worked as a therapist in a variety of settings, including inpatient mental health facilities, outpatient community mental health services, women's shelters, and university settings. These experiences have led me to pursue a liberation-based, anti-carceral, and non-pathologizing approach to mental health support. I have worked with individuals experiencing a variety of expressions of distress including: depression, anxiety, stress, struggles with intimacy and boundaries, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, complicated and disenfranchised grief, and trauma-related stress.
![Photo of Steven D Tsao, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cc2bcee-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and the Co-Founder of the Center for Anxiety & Behavior Therapy which specializes in providing evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders including OCD, PTSD, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic, and phobias. I also treat eating disorders, body-image issues, and hair-pulling/skin picking. My work is largely guided by cognitive behavioral therapy principles, but I often incorporate aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) when indicated. I seek to help clients meet their goals and return to the meaningful parts of their lives through a collaborative, goal-oriented, and practical approach.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and the Co-Founder of the Center for Anxiety & Behavior Therapy which specializes in providing evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders including OCD, PTSD, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic, and phobias. I also treat eating disorders, body-image issues, and hair-pulling/skin picking. My work is largely guided by cognitive behavioral therapy principles, but I often incorporate aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) when indicated. I seek to help clients meet their goals and return to the meaningful parts of their lives through a collaborative, goal-oriented, and practical approach.
![Photo of Lucy Faulconbridge, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e6bb483-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a former faculty member in the Psychiatry Department at the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Weight and Eating Disorders I am well-versed in empirically-supported treatments for eating disorders and obesity.
I specialize in the treatment of weight and eating disorders, depression and anxiety. provide cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on helping the client to identify thoughts and emotions associated with certain behaviors, and I infuse mindfulness techniques. Through this journey, I help clients understand how and why they are responding to situations in the way that they do, enabling them to find inner peace and lead fuller, more enriched lives. I typically meet with clients on a one-on-one basis, but I am happy to schedule sessions with concerned partners, parents or other family members together with the client.
As a former faculty member in the Psychiatry Department at the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Weight and Eating Disorders I am well-versed in empirically-supported treatments for eating disorders and obesity.
I specialize in the treatment of weight and eating disorders, depression and anxiety. provide cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on helping the client to identify thoughts and emotions associated with certain behaviors, and I infuse mindfulness techniques. Through this journey, I help clients understand how and why they are responding to situations in the way that they do, enabling them to find inner peace and lead fuller, more enriched lives. I typically meet with clients on a one-on-one basis, but I am happy to schedule sessions with concerned partners, parents or other family members together with the client.
![Photo of Alaina Klause, MS, LPC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6e8d13e-11ef-438e-b281-dfd697bcb546/3/320x400.jpeg)
Alaina Klause
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
Starting therapy can be an overwhelming process; you took the first step! I’m happy you're here. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania with a person-centered, humanistic approach that fosters an environment where individuals can feel safe, seen, and heard. I am a Health at Every Size (HAES), gender-affirming clinician, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (& avid Swiftie). I specialize in working with those struggling with eating disorders through an anti-diet approach to healing. If you are looking to unpack, heal, and explore your relationship with yourself and/or with food, you come to the right place.
Starting therapy can be an overwhelming process; you took the first step! I’m happy you're here. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania with a person-centered, humanistic approach that fosters an environment where individuals can feel safe, seen, and heard. I am a Health at Every Size (HAES), gender-affirming clinician, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (& avid Swiftie). I specialize in working with those struggling with eating disorders through an anti-diet approach to healing. If you are looking to unpack, heal, and explore your relationship with yourself and/or with food, you come to the right place.
![Photo of Ellen Cary Furman - Ellen C. Furman, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c1f5105-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ellen C. Furman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Wayne, PA 19087 (Online Only)
Neuroptimal Neurofeedback is a proven technique to increase SAT scores, improve althletic skills and facilitate healthier behaviors and mood regardless what you may be experiencing.
I offer both talk therapy and Neurofeedback to create an opportunity for you to face your difficulties constructively. To assist and develop new possibilities.
Board certified, state licensed & Insurance credentialed.
I have extensive experience with individuals experiencing: Anxiety, Depression, Drug & Alcohol Abuse, Addictions, Eating Disorders, Loss, Grief, Divorce, Marriage & Family Counseling, Adolescents, Hypnosis, Interpersonal Complexities and Personality Disorders.
Neuroptimal Neurofeedback is a proven technique to increase SAT scores, improve althletic skills and facilitate healthier behaviors and mood regardless what you may be experiencing.
I offer both talk therapy and Neurofeedback to create an opportunity for you to face your difficulties constructively. To assist and develop new possibilities.
Board certified, state licensed & Insurance credentialed.
I have extensive experience with individuals experiencing: Anxiety, Depression, Drug & Alcohol Abuse, Addictions, Eating Disorders, Loss, Grief, Divorce, Marriage & Family Counseling, Adolescents, Hypnosis, Interpersonal Complexities and Personality Disorders.
![Photo of Sherry Carroll Pomerantz, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b818ec6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psychotherapy offers the opportunity to work toward feeling better about yourself and your relationships. In session you have the opportunity to discuss your concerns in a safe, caring, and supportive setting. I use an active approach to help you identify patterns of thoughts and behaviors that are not working and help you develop new patterns that can lead to reduced distress and improve your relationships. Many people I work with come with depression, eating disorders, anxiety and relationship or marital issues. Others come to talk about parenting concerns, family issues or adjustment to life changes and stresses.
Psychotherapy offers the opportunity to work toward feeling better about yourself and your relationships. In session you have the opportunity to discuss your concerns in a safe, caring, and supportive setting. I use an active approach to help you identify patterns of thoughts and behaviors that are not working and help you develop new patterns that can lead to reduced distress and improve your relationships. Many people I work with come with depression, eating disorders, anxiety and relationship or marital issues. Others come to talk about parenting concerns, family issues or adjustment to life changes and stresses.
![Photo of Kathleen Martinez, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e600d211-3d08-4788-90c5-53cdcf2225a4/2/320x400.png)
My ideal client struggles with Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Trauma, and/or related conditions. They are motivated for change or at least open to the possibility of change. They are open to feedback and willing to lean into the therapeutic process. They do not need to have clear goals for the therapeutic process right away but are willing to work to identify these goals in the treatment process. They would want to improve their life in some way, or even just their relationship with themselves.
My ideal client struggles with Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Trauma, and/or related conditions. They are motivated for change or at least open to the possibility of change. They are open to feedback and willing to lean into the therapeutic process. They do not need to have clear goals for the therapeutic process right away but are willing to work to identify these goals in the treatment process. They would want to improve their life in some way, or even just their relationship with themselves.
![Photo of Margaux Ketner, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50e73c58-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
My primary area of specialty is eating disorders.
Some seek out therapy to help with a particular problem, and others to better understand themselves and their internal world. In any case, feeling heard and understood by a therapist with whom you share a meaningful connection, and working collaboratively to make sense of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, is almost always productive. Because therapy is an exercise in vulnerability, the fit between client and therapist is a powerful predictor of outcome. The right therapist will feel compatible in personality; challenge you in the context of warmth, safety, and respect; and meet you with responsiveness and empathy.
My primary area of specialty is eating disorders.
Some seek out therapy to help with a particular problem, and others to better understand themselves and their internal world. In any case, feeling heard and understood by a therapist with whom you share a meaningful connection, and working collaboratively to make sense of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, is almost always productive. Because therapy is an exercise in vulnerability, the fit between client and therapist is a powerful predictor of outcome. The right therapist will feel compatible in personality; challenge you in the context of warmth, safety, and respect; and meet you with responsiveness and empathy.
![Photo of Jeannine C Alvare', MSSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c9c320e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that mental health reflects a balance between an individual's emotional functioning and his/her family, friends and community. I support patients in their personal awareness and integration of the mind, body and spirit. I have extensive clinical experience with individuals and families addressing concerns such as: Anxiety, Autistic Spectrum, Attention Deficit Disorders, Bi-Polar Disorder, Depression, Eating Disorders, Learning Differences, Oppositional/Defiant Behaviors, Personality Disorders, Postpartum Depression and Psychological responses to life changes. I offer additional expertise in bi-cultural/racial issues, chronic illness, co-parenting, LGBT community, interfaith marriage and sibling rivalry.
I believe that mental health reflects a balance between an individual's emotional functioning and his/her family, friends and community. I support patients in their personal awareness and integration of the mind, body and spirit. I have extensive clinical experience with individuals and families addressing concerns such as: Anxiety, Autistic Spectrum, Attention Deficit Disorders, Bi-Polar Disorder, Depression, Eating Disorders, Learning Differences, Oppositional/Defiant Behaviors, Personality Disorders, Postpartum Depression and Psychological responses to life changes. I offer additional expertise in bi-cultural/racial issues, chronic illness, co-parenting, LGBT community, interfaith marriage and sibling rivalry.
![Photo of Becky Walter, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/04627432-ff53-4d00-b182-816e42ae0772/3/320x400.jpeg)
I work with clients on a variety of topics including stress management, anxiety, mood dysregulation, grief and loss, eating disorders, body image, trauma, self-esteem, individuation, boundary-setting, assertiveness training, identity development, and support for caretakers.
People seek out therapy for a variety of reasons, such as to address an already identified concern, to develop a particular coping skill set, or to enhance self-confidence and quality of life. I work to establish a trusting therapeutic relationship within which a client can share their unique story with a felt sense of validation, empathy, and hope. I work collaboratively with clients as we bare witness to the client's lived experiences looking through a lens of compassionate curiosity and establishing empowered self-agency that leads to patterns of intentional action and overall well-being.
I work with clients on a variety of topics including stress management, anxiety, mood dysregulation, grief and loss, eating disorders, body image, trauma, self-esteem, individuation, boundary-setting, assertiveness training, identity development, and support for caretakers.
People seek out therapy for a variety of reasons, such as to address an already identified concern, to develop a particular coping skill set, or to enhance self-confidence and quality of life. I work to establish a trusting therapeutic relationship within which a client can share their unique story with a felt sense of validation, empathy, and hope. I work collaboratively with clients as we bare witness to the client's lived experiences looking through a lens of compassionate curiosity and establishing empowered self-agency that leads to patterns of intentional action and overall well-being.
![Photo of Meredith Watkins, MA, LMFT, HHC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9336796c-9e2e-4e7c-907f-5aff10c70415/1/320x400.jpeg)
Having an eating disorder can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to control your life. I help you or your teenager understand the function their eating disorder has played in their life, and how to create a healthier way to move forward, free of the eating disorder’s rules and fears. When working with teens, I also help parents better understand their child’s experience and how best to support them. While I specialize in eating disorders, I also support clients through parenting, divorce, career transitions, and managing the stressors of everyday life, including break-ups and the often-tricky transition into adulthood.
Having an eating disorder can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to control your life. I help you or your teenager understand the function their eating disorder has played in their life, and how to create a healthier way to move forward, free of the eating disorder’s rules and fears. When working with teens, I also help parents better understand their child’s experience and how best to support them. While I specialize in eating disorders, I also support clients through parenting, divorce, career transitions, and managing the stressors of everyday life, including break-ups and the often-tricky transition into adulthood.
See more therapy options for Devon
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Devon
- Berwyn
- Broomall
- Bryn Mawr
- Haverford
- King Of Prussia
- Malvern
- Newtown Square
- Paoli
- Radnor
- Rosemont
- Villanova
- Wayne
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.