Eating Disorders Therapists in Gladwyne, PA

Photo of Nina Panzer, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nina Panzer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Gladwyne, PA 19035
I primarily work with women professionals and students struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and eating disorders.
Seeking therapy is often a difficult first step in the process of beginning to explore an issues that cause you distress. Gaining a deeper understanding of these issues - conflictual relationships, anxiety, balancing motherhood with life stresses, depression - can help you to function better in the workplace and in your personal life. Therapy is a joint process. My goal is to work together to develop insight into the things that are bothersome to you so that your overall well-being improves. I have created a comfortable environment in my Gladwyne office to begin the process of exploring your issues further.
I primarily work with women professionals and students struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and eating disorders.
Seeking therapy is often a difficult first step in the process of beginning to explore an issues that cause you distress. Gaining a deeper understanding of these issues - conflictual relationships, anxiety, balancing motherhood with life stresses, depression - can help you to function better in the workplace and in your personal life. Therapy is a joint process. My goal is to work together to develop insight into the things that are bothersome to you so that your overall well-being improves. I have created a comfortable environment in my Gladwyne office to begin the process of exploring your issues further.
(610) 547-8416 View (610) 547-8416
Photo of Olivia Mahany, MEd, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Olivia Mahany
Pre-Licensed Professional, MEd, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gladwyne, PA 19035  (Online Only)
Olivia graduated from Penn State University's master's program in counselor education program. She also received her bachelor's degree from Penn State in psychology. She is extremely passionate about helping teens and women struggling with disordered eating, eating disorders, body image, OCD, anxiety, and depression and Trauma. Olivia previously worked in the community mental health setting and has an array of experiences.
Olivia graduated from Penn State University's master's program in counselor education program. She also received her bachelor's degree from Penn State in psychology. She is extremely passionate about helping teens and women struggling with disordered eating, eating disorders, body image, OCD, anxiety, and depression and Trauma. Olivia previously worked in the community mental health setting and has an array of experiences.
(267) 710-8753 View (267) 710-8753
Photo of Adrienne Juarascio, PhD, Psychologist
Adrienne Juarascio
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gladwyne, PA 19035  (Online Only)
I have specialized training and expertise in the field of eating disorders and weight management (where I have published over 100 peer reviewed articles), but I also have extensive experience treating a wide range of behavioral and emotional problems.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with years of experience providing, supervising, and training others in how to provide evidence-based therapies for a diverse array of clients dealing with mental health and behavioral challenges. I completed my doctoral and post-doctoral training at Drexel University and completed an internship at the Medical University of South Carolina. My training focused on evidence-based treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy among others.
I have specialized training and expertise in the field of eating disorders and weight management (where I have published over 100 peer reviewed articles), but I also have extensive experience treating a wide range of behavioral and emotional problems.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with years of experience providing, supervising, and training others in how to provide evidence-based therapies for a diverse array of clients dealing with mental health and behavioral challenges. I completed my doctoral and post-doctoral training at Drexel University and completed an internship at the Medical University of South Carolina. My training focused on evidence-based treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy among others.
(844) 287-4228 View (844) 287-4228
Photo of Alexa Borrows, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alexa Borrows
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gladwyne, PA 19035
My goal is to empower you to identify and overcome personal obstacles that are preventing you from getting the most out of life. I strive to create a warm, empathetic, understanding and, most importantly, collaborative environment. Working together, we will tackle life’s challenges—whether they may be problems of anxiety, self-esteem, or unhealthy patterns of behavior. I specialize in treating adults with anxiety, OCD, phobias, eating disorders, and life transitions. I also work with transgender individuals. My background is in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and my hope is to help you live a more meaningful life.
My goal is to empower you to identify and overcome personal obstacles that are preventing you from getting the most out of life. I strive to create a warm, empathetic, understanding and, most importantly, collaborative environment. Working together, we will tackle life’s challenges—whether they may be problems of anxiety, self-esteem, or unhealthy patterns of behavior. I specialize in treating adults with anxiety, OCD, phobias, eating disorders, and life transitions. I also work with transgender individuals. My background is in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and my hope is to help you live a more meaningful life.
(215) 515-8877 View (215) 515-8877
Photo of Justine Fox - Fox Therapy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Fox Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Gladwyne, PA 19035
I hope together we can create a safe space to explore life’s challenges, successes and everything in between. I recognize coming to therapy can be difficult, so I strive to provide a comfortable environment filled with empathy and support. I specialize in working collaboratively with young adults and adults experiencing a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, body image, eating disorders, unhealthy relationships and mood disorders.
I hope together we can create a safe space to explore life’s challenges, successes and everything in between. I recognize coming to therapy can be difficult, so I strive to provide a comfortable environment filled with empathy and support. I specialize in working collaboratively with young adults and adults experiencing a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, body image, eating disorders, unhealthy relationships and mood disorders.
(856) 644-1260 View (856) 644-1260
Photo of Dena Solomon, PhD, MSS, Psychologist
Dena Solomon
Psychologist, PhD, MSS
Verified Verified
Gladwyne, PA 19035
MLPS clients include individuals, couples, and older adolescents dealing with a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety and panic disorders, eating disorders, OCD, chronic illness, relationship problems, women's health issues, job and school stresses, adult adjustment to suspected or diagnosed learning differences, and life event stress.
Feel Better. Whether for depression, anxiety or relationship issues, the majority of the clients we see come to therapy with the goal of feeling better; happier, more connected to others, and free from the paralysis of emotional pain. Primarily psychodynamic and systems-oriented in approach, we look at how an issue experienced in the now came to be there, from early childhood experience to prior adult experiences, and how these all culminated in the present problem(s). We also utilize techniques to individually tailor treatment to the patient's needs, including cognitive/behavioral, problem-solving, and insight-oriented therapies, and often ..humor(!)
MLPS clients include individuals, couples, and older adolescents dealing with a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety and panic disorders, eating disorders, OCD, chronic illness, relationship problems, women's health issues, job and school stresses, adult adjustment to suspected or diagnosed learning differences, and life event stress.
Feel Better. Whether for depression, anxiety or relationship issues, the majority of the clients we see come to therapy with the goal of feeling better; happier, more connected to others, and free from the paralysis of emotional pain. Primarily psychodynamic and systems-oriented in approach, we look at how an issue experienced in the now came to be there, from early childhood experience to prior adult experiences, and how these all culminated in the present problem(s). We also utilize techniques to individually tailor treatment to the patient's needs, including cognitive/behavioral, problem-solving, and insight-oriented therapies, and often ..humor(!)
(610) 915-8362 View (610) 915-8362
Photo of Amanda White - Therapy for Kids, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Therapy for Kids
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Gladwyne, PA 19035
As a parent, it can be difficult to know if or why your child is struggling. For younger kids, behavioral issues such as tantrums, extreme shyness, aggression, defiance, social or school issues are actually signs of anxiety, depression, grief, or low self esteem. We work with kids ages 5 and up, using play therapy and other engaging techniques to connect with your child on their level. Similarly, for adolescents, too mental health struggles can be dismissed as "teen angst." We work with adolescents ages 10-19 struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, ADHD, eating disorders, self esteem and more.
As a parent, it can be difficult to know if or why your child is struggling. For younger kids, behavioral issues such as tantrums, extreme shyness, aggression, defiance, social or school issues are actually signs of anxiety, depression, grief, or low self esteem. We work with kids ages 5 and up, using play therapy and other engaging techniques to connect with your child on their level. Similarly, for adolescents, too mental health struggles can be dismissed as "teen angst." We work with adolescents ages 10-19 struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, ADHD, eating disorders, self esteem and more.
(484) 734-1712 View (484) 734-1712
Photo of Samantha A. DeCaro, PsyD, Psychologist
Samantha A. DeCaro
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Gladwyne, PA 19035
Not accepting new clients
Are you feeling stuck in the same patterns? Isolated? Stressed? Anxious? Depressed? Do you find yourself using unhelpful behaviors to cope with your emotions? Let's work together to heal your relationship with food, with your body, with the people you love, and most importantly with yourself. With over a decade of experience using evidenced based modalities, and over 8 years providing therapy and supervision in the eating disorder field, I can help you become an expert of your own emotional patterns, and learn how to break free from the cycles that are no longer serving you.
Are you feeling stuck in the same patterns? Isolated? Stressed? Anxious? Depressed? Do you find yourself using unhelpful behaviors to cope with your emotions? Let's work together to heal your relationship with food, with your body, with the people you love, and most importantly with yourself. With over a decade of experience using evidenced based modalities, and over 8 years providing therapy and supervision in the eating disorder field, I can help you become an expert of your own emotional patterns, and learn how to break free from the cycles that are no longer serving you.
(717) 708-9120 View (717) 708-9120
Photo of K. D. Ferrari, PhD, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
K. D. Ferrari
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Gladwyne, PA 19035
I'm Dr. Kate Ferrari and am here to assist you with difficulties you may be encountering in your life through a compassionate, non-judgmental approach. Regardless of the problems you are experiencing, my goal is to provide support, work with you to set goals for your future and develop tools to reach them. I believe in a holistic perspective to mental well-being, and am a proponent of neurodiversity, who will help you on your personal path towards the life you would like to live. Please note that all services are provided virtually and are tailored to fit your individual needs.
I'm Dr. Kate Ferrari and am here to assist you with difficulties you may be encountering in your life through a compassionate, non-judgmental approach. Regardless of the problems you are experiencing, my goal is to provide support, work with you to set goals for your future and develop tools to reach them. I believe in a holistic perspective to mental well-being, and am a proponent of neurodiversity, who will help you on your personal path towards the life you would like to live. Please note that all services are provided virtually and are tailored to fit your individual needs.
(814) 317-0350 View (814) 317-0350
Photo of Raena - Bryn Mawr Mental Health And Wellness, MD
Bryn Mawr Mental Health And Wellness
MD
Verified Verified
Gladwyne, PA 19035
At Bryn Mawr Mental Health and Wellness, Dr. Raena Khorram, a Harvard trained psychiatrist and her team of expert therapists offers comprehensive psychiatric treatment. We use a combination of individual psychotherapy, EMDR, couples therapy and medication management to treat depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, anxiety, ADHD, eating and addiction disorders. We believe the combination of psychotherapy, or talk therapy, medication management and healthy lifestyle improvements is key in successful the treatment. We see patients in our office and remotely using a HIPAA compliant video platform.
At Bryn Mawr Mental Health and Wellness, Dr. Raena Khorram, a Harvard trained psychiatrist and her team of expert therapists offers comprehensive psychiatric treatment. We use a combination of individual psychotherapy, EMDR, couples therapy and medication management to treat depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, anxiety, ADHD, eating and addiction disorders. We believe the combination of psychotherapy, or talk therapy, medication management and healthy lifestyle improvements is key in successful the treatment. We see patients in our office and remotely using a HIPAA compliant video platform.
(610) 549-4299 View (610) 549-4299
Photo of Sara Makin - Makin Wellness | Online Therapy & Counseling, MSEd, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Makin Wellness | Online Therapy & Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Gladwyne, PA 19035  (Online Only)
We are welcoming new clients now & can help schedule your first session within a few business days with one of our expert providers at Makin Wellness! Do you worry all the time? Is it hard for you to turn your thoughts off? Would you like to enjoy the present moment, but feel like it's impossible because you are so focused on the future or past? So many people live their lives filled with negative thoughts, traumas & depression that eventually affect their work, relationships, and even health. They are unsure of how to let go of their troublesome thoughts or have tried things that made their problems even worse.
We are welcoming new clients now & can help schedule your first session within a few business days with one of our expert providers at Makin Wellness! Do you worry all the time? Is it hard for you to turn your thoughts off? Would you like to enjoy the present moment, but feel like it's impossible because you are so focused on the future or past? So many people live their lives filled with negative thoughts, traumas & depression that eventually affect their work, relationships, and even health. They are unsure of how to let go of their troublesome thoughts or have tried things that made their problems even worse.
(412) 866-2926 View (412) 866-2926
Photo of Kathryn (Kathy) E. Angell, PhD, Psychologist
Kathryn (Kathy) E. Angell
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Gladwyne, PA 19035
Are you tired of feeling down, stressed, overwhelmed or just not yourself? Do you need help to address your obsessive thoughts, insomnia, or problems with eating, getting things done or your relationship? As a licensed PhD-level clinical psychologist trained at top-ranked universities, I help many adults in Pennsylvania and other states feel better using individual and couples therapy approaches with effectiveness supported by scientific research: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT, CBT-E, CBT-I), Exposure Response-Prevention (ERP, ExRP) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Gottman Couples Therapy.
Are you tired of feeling down, stressed, overwhelmed or just not yourself? Do you need help to address your obsessive thoughts, insomnia, or problems with eating, getting things done or your relationship? As a licensed PhD-level clinical psychologist trained at top-ranked universities, I help many adults in Pennsylvania and other states feel better using individual and couples therapy approaches with effectiveness supported by scientific research: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT, CBT-E, CBT-I), Exposure Response-Prevention (ERP, ExRP) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Gottman Couples Therapy.
(610) 347-5273 View (610) 347-5273
Photo of Bill Golden, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Bill Golden
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Gladwyne, PA 19035  (Online Only)
Life can be increasingly difficult to manage in our current social and economic environment. It can feel increasingly difficult to cope with life’s stressors as we struggle with our relationships as well as our own feelings of self-worth. Feelings of depression and anxiety can easily take hold of us, becoming increasingly dangerous to our wellbeing. There are times that it becomes increasingly important for us to have someone to turn to for support in times of despair. The way we feel about ourselves very often defines our relationships with others.
Life can be increasingly difficult to manage in our current social and economic environment. It can feel increasingly difficult to cope with life’s stressors as we struggle with our relationships as well as our own feelings of self-worth. Feelings of depression and anxiety can easily take hold of us, becoming increasingly dangerous to our wellbeing. There are times that it becomes increasingly important for us to have someone to turn to for support in times of despair. The way we feel about ourselves very often defines our relationships with others.
(215) 600-4835 View (215) 600-4835
Photo of Kavita Tahilani, PhD, Psychologist
Kavita Tahilani
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gladwyne, PA 19035  (Online Only)
I view therapy as a collaborative process and will work with you to identify appropriate goals, customize the treatment plan to fit your needs, and meet you where you are. I can flexibly implement evidence-based treatments to effect real, measurable change in your life based on therapeutic approaches that have known efficacy in the community. One of the most critical pieces of therapy is a strong therapeutic alliance so it is important to me to hear from you about your experience in therapy, what your strengths are and what makes your life worth living.
I view therapy as a collaborative process and will work with you to identify appropriate goals, customize the treatment plan to fit your needs, and meet you where you are. I can flexibly implement evidence-based treatments to effect real, measurable change in your life based on therapeutic approaches that have known efficacy in the community. One of the most critical pieces of therapy is a strong therapeutic alliance so it is important to me to hear from you about your experience in therapy, what your strengths are and what makes your life worth living.
(844) 287-4228 View (844) 287-4228
Photo of Philip Morrison, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Philip Morrison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gladwyne, PA 19035  (Online Only)
Immediate openings for virtual therapy sessions focused on learning to gain control over those behaviors that react to negative situations. Phil brings an eclectic approach to partnering with you as we increase your self awareness, identify causes of anxiety, depression, addiction and other triggers that are affecting your relationships, your negative thought patterns and how you act at home, at work, with family and friends.
Immediate openings for virtual therapy sessions focused on learning to gain control over those behaviors that react to negative situations. Phil brings an eclectic approach to partnering with you as we increase your self awareness, identify causes of anxiety, depression, addiction and other triggers that are affecting your relationships, your negative thought patterns and how you act at home, at work, with family and friends.
(484) 806-0635 View (484) 806-0635
Photo of Client Care - Council for Relationships, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Council for Relationships
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Gladwyne, PA 19035
Since 1932, Council for Relationships has provided therapy and psychiatry services to those in Pennslyvania and New Jersey. Our Staff Clinicians offer individual, relationship (sometimes called "couples"), family, and sex therapy online and in person. We make the best therapy services accessible to everyone. Our 80+ Staff Therapists & Psychiatrists specialize in over 45 specialties and provide comprehensive mental health care and medicine management. We see clients of all ages, backgrounds, religions, genders, and sexualities. We believe that thriving relationships foster flourishing communities. Let us help you thrive.
Since 1932, Council for Relationships has provided therapy and psychiatry services to those in Pennslyvania and New Jersey. Our Staff Clinicians offer individual, relationship (sometimes called "couples"), family, and sex therapy online and in person. We make the best therapy services accessible to everyone. Our 80+ Staff Therapists & Psychiatrists specialize in over 45 specialties and provide comprehensive mental health care and medicine management. We see clients of all ages, backgrounds, religions, genders, and sexualities. We believe that thriving relationships foster flourishing communities. Let us help you thrive.
(215) 382-6680 x1 View (215) 382-6680 x1
Photo of Ryan O'Laughlin, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ryan O'Laughlin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Gladwyne, PA 19035
Waitlist for new clients
I help those who are feeling stuck, trapped, confused & need help making sense of everything that is going on so that they can put it into words and grow. My therapy is a safe space for those who need support. My practice is trauma informed and non judgemental. My practice is also anti racist, sex positive, LGBTQIA+ competent, and gender affirming. I work with artists, college students, mothers, sex workers, nuerodivergent idividuals, queer and trans community, & people who struggle with anxiety & trauma. I also offer gender affirming surgery letters.
I help those who are feeling stuck, trapped, confused & need help making sense of everything that is going on so that they can put it into words and grow. My therapy is a safe space for those who need support. My practice is trauma informed and non judgemental. My practice is also anti racist, sex positive, LGBTQIA+ competent, and gender affirming. I work with artists, college students, mothers, sex workers, nuerodivergent idividuals, queer and trans community, & people who struggle with anxiety & trauma. I also offer gender affirming surgery letters.
(215) 586-4289 View (215) 586-4289
Photo of Marlo Hall - Marlo Hall, Psychotherapy, MS,  Ed, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Marlo Hall, Psychotherapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, Ed, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Gladwyne, PA 19035
Together, we will navigate through the frustrating, critical or painful patterns in your relationships. Especially the relationship you have with your self. People seek me out to learn how to nurture, connect, empathize and accept. Build the conflict resolution and validation skills that are powerful tools used to improve relationship dynamics. It simply does not need to be this hard, new ways to interact can elicit change. When emotional challenges create too great a struggle, therapy may help. We will discover positive and productive ways to successfully explore life and gain the wisdom to cope more effectively.
Together, we will navigate through the frustrating, critical or painful patterns in your relationships. Especially the relationship you have with your self. People seek me out to learn how to nurture, connect, empathize and accept. Build the conflict resolution and validation skills that are powerful tools used to improve relationship dynamics. It simply does not need to be this hard, new ways to interact can elicit change. When emotional challenges create too great a struggle, therapy may help. We will discover positive and productive ways to successfully explore life and gain the wisdom to cope more effectively.
(610) 839-7250 View (610) 839-7250
Photo of Debbie Oberlander, LCSW, RD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Debbie Oberlander
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RD
Verified Verified
Gladwyne, PA 19035  (Online Only)
With almost 20 years of experience, I combine clinical experience, intuitive knowledge, and genuine compassion to help clients achieve their goals. My practice consists of clients working on a broad range of issues – some with long standing emotional challenges; others facing situational stressors. Situational stressors are life occurrences or circumstances that may be temporary but create upset in one’s personal or professional life.
With almost 20 years of experience, I combine clinical experience, intuitive knowledge, and genuine compassion to help clients achieve their goals. My practice consists of clients working on a broad range of issues – some with long standing emotional challenges; others facing situational stressors. Situational stressors are life occurrences or circumstances that may be temporary but create upset in one’s personal or professional life.
(917) 793-5342 View (917) 793-5342
Photo of Grace Molloy, LCSW, ESFT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Grace Molloy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ESFT
Verified Verified
Gladwyne, PA 19035
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing individual and family therapy services. I am LGBTQ-affirming and specialize in working with teens, young adults, and families around depression, suicidality, gender and sexuality, neurodiversity, and trauma. Therapy can be a vulnerable and formative process, and it is important to find a therapist that feels like a good fit for you! I practice from a relational, social-justice-oriented, trauma-informed, systemic lens. I believe that change comes from authentic connection between a client and a therapist, involvement of a supportive network, and a mutual collaboration around treatment.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing individual and family therapy services. I am LGBTQ-affirming and specialize in working with teens, young adults, and families around depression, suicidality, gender and sexuality, neurodiversity, and trauma. Therapy can be a vulnerable and formative process, and it is important to find a therapist that feels like a good fit for you! I practice from a relational, social-justice-oriented, trauma-informed, systemic lens. I believe that change comes from authentic connection between a client and a therapist, involvement of a supportive network, and a mutual collaboration around treatment.
(215) 392-4097 View (215) 392-4097

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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.