Eating Disorders Therapists in Manayunk, PA

Photo of Anna Pierce Frederick, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anna Pierce Frederick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Manayunk, PA 19127
I have over 12 years of experience and am especially skilled in treating anxiety and panic, relationship problems, eating disorders, as well as body image issues.
I am a compassionate clinical social worker who believes in the ability of human beings to change their lives and behaviors. My biggest strength is in creating a safe environment where my clients feel comfortable revealing their deepest feelings and fears without judgement. I see the role of the therapist as being a facilitator; helping clients to explore their concerns or symptoms in order to gain insight into their lives and relationships.
I have over 12 years of experience and am especially skilled in treating anxiety and panic, relationship problems, eating disorders, as well as body image issues.
I am a compassionate clinical social worker who believes in the ability of human beings to change their lives and behaviors. My biggest strength is in creating a safe environment where my clients feel comfortable revealing their deepest feelings and fears without judgement. I see the role of the therapist as being a facilitator; helping clients to explore their concerns or symptoms in order to gain insight into their lives and relationships.
(484) 218-4243 View (484) 218-4243
Photo of Jessica Cydnee Feldman, MSS, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jessica Cydnee Feldman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW
Verified Verified
Manayunk, PA 19127
I also have a specialty in working with women with Eating Disorders.
Therapy and the treatment of anxiety is challenging and ultimately highly rewarding work when clients receive relief from their symptoms. I value the balance of the interpersonal and relational components of the therapeutic relationship with the development of practical and evidence- based skills to achieve long lasting symptom reduction.
I also have a specialty in working with women with Eating Disorders.
Therapy and the treatment of anxiety is challenging and ultimately highly rewarding work when clients receive relief from their symptoms. I value the balance of the interpersonal and relational components of the therapeutic relationship with the development of practical and evidence- based skills to achieve long lasting symptom reduction.
(215) 709-7662 View (215) 709-7662
Photo of Nina Panzer, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nina Panzer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Manayunk, PA 19127
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 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 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 Nell Stoddard, PhD, Psychologist
Nell Stoddard
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Manayunk, PA 19127
As a licensed psychologist, my goal is to help empower you to transform your life in the ways you desire. Therapy works by helping you develop new understandings about yourself, and new strategies for handling your emotions, thoughts, and behavior. The fact that you are considering therapy means that you have already taken the first, and perhaps most important step. Ultimately, therapy can enhance your self esteem, connectedness to others, effectiveness in your life, and happiness.
As a licensed psychologist, my goal is to help empower you to transform your life in the ways you desire. Therapy works by helping you develop new understandings about yourself, and new strategies for handling your emotions, thoughts, and behavior. The fact that you are considering therapy means that you have already taken the first, and perhaps most important step. Ultimately, therapy can enhance your self esteem, connectedness to others, effectiveness in your life, and happiness.
(267) 403-5100 View (267) 403-5100
Photo of Morgan Hagner, PsyD, Pre-Licensed Professional
Morgan Hagner
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
Manayunk, PA 19127
As a postdoctoral fellow at Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), I work under the license and supervision of the expert clinicians on staff. I prioritize collaboration, compassion, and genuineness in the therapeutic relationship to accomplish therapeutic goals. I use CBT interventions and incorporate motivational interviewing and mindfulness in my work with clients. CBT is a time-sensitive, structured, present-oriented form of talk therapy that has been scientifically tested and found to be effective for the treatment of many different physical and mental health issues.
As a postdoctoral fellow at Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), I work under the license and supervision of the expert clinicians on staff. I prioritize collaboration, compassion, and genuineness in the therapeutic relationship to accomplish therapeutic goals. I use CBT interventions and incorporate motivational interviewing and mindfulness in my work with clients. CBT is a time-sensitive, structured, present-oriented form of talk therapy that has been scientifically tested and found to be effective for the treatment of many different physical and mental health issues.
(484) 371-7055 View (484) 371-7055
Photo of Rachel Schell - Schell Therapy Inc, LPC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Schell Therapy Inc
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manayunk, PA 19127
Hello, I’m Rachel Schell, a licensed professional counselor. I have been practicing as a therapist for over 15 years. My expertise is working with people who have anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, OCD, and personality disorders. Typically we will discuss your presenting issues, what is the reason to start therapy now, or pick it back up. Then we will create a plan in order to help you feel that you can live a healthier life, not dedicated by mental health struggles.
Hello, I’m Rachel Schell, a licensed professional counselor. I have been practicing as a therapist for over 15 years. My expertise is working with people who have anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, OCD, and personality disorders. Typically we will discuss your presenting issues, what is the reason to start therapy now, or pick it back up. Then we will create a plan in order to help you feel that you can live a healthier life, not dedicated by mental health struggles.
(223) 215-5940 View (223) 215-5940

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Amy S Langsam, PsyD, Psychologist
Amy S Langsam
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19128
I specialize in treating individuals struggling with eating disorders, trauma, addictions, relationship issues, anxiety, and depression. I believe the most important aspect of effective psychotherapy is developing a trusting relationship between the client and therapist. My approach to therapy is collaborative, supportive, and empathetic. I am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and often use this approach in my clinical practice. Additionally, I utilize cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and client-centered interventions that are empirically supported to provide symptom relief.
I specialize in treating individuals struggling with eating disorders, trauma, addictions, relationship issues, anxiety, and depression. I believe the most important aspect of effective psychotherapy is developing a trusting relationship between the client and therapist. My approach to therapy is collaborative, supportive, and empathetic. I am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and often use this approach in my clinical practice. Additionally, I utilize cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and client-centered interventions that are empirically supported to provide symptom relief.
(267) 867-0724 View (267) 867-0724
Photo of Dr. Amana Carvalho, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Amana Carvalho
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19127
I have helped clients address struggles with anxiety, depression, self-injury, low self-esteem, lesbian/gay/bisexual & transgender identity issues, family relationship difficulties, religious traumas, & eating disorders / negative body image.
Now accepting self-pay clients -nationwide- for TeleHealth-Psychotherapy! Contact me to see if your state has enacted PsyPact (43 states in the continental USA have). Insurance coverage for out-of-state TeleHealth-Psychotherapy is possible! Contact me to have your health insurance benefits verified. It takes strength & courage to acknowledge personal shortcomings, painful experiences, & life stressors. I commend you for seeking professional help & I would be honored to be part of your journey of healing & self-improvement. I'm a licensed clinical psychologist, lesbian, & woman of color.
I have helped clients address struggles with anxiety, depression, self-injury, low self-esteem, lesbian/gay/bisexual & transgender identity issues, family relationship difficulties, religious traumas, & eating disorders / negative body image.
Now accepting self-pay clients -nationwide- for TeleHealth-Psychotherapy! Contact me to see if your state has enacted PsyPact (43 states in the continental USA have). Insurance coverage for out-of-state TeleHealth-Psychotherapy is possible! Contact me to have your health insurance benefits verified. It takes strength & courage to acknowledge personal shortcomings, painful experiences, & life stressors. I commend you for seeking professional help & I would be honored to be part of your journey of healing & self-improvement. I'm a licensed clinical psychologist, lesbian, & woman of color.
(724) 252-4637 View (724) 252-4637
Photo of Acacia Masso, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Acacia Masso
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19119  (Online Only)
I view clients as the experts in their own lives, and my goal is to create a warm, empathetic, and supportive partnership. I support people experiencing trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. As someone raised in Uganda, South Sudan, and Kenya, moving to the United States as a young adult, I am interested in supporting people processing cross-cultural transition and bicultural identity, as well as intergenerational, communal trauma and survivor’s guilt. As a queer therapist, I am passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ clients as well.
I view clients as the experts in their own lives, and my goal is to create a warm, empathetic, and supportive partnership. I support people experiencing trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. As someone raised in Uganda, South Sudan, and Kenya, moving to the United States as a young adult, I am interested in supporting people processing cross-cultural transition and bicultural identity, as well as intergenerational, communal trauma and survivor’s guilt. As a queer therapist, I am passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ clients as well.
(610) 421-0542 View (610) 421-0542
Photo of Karyn L Scher, PhD, Psychologist
Karyn L Scher
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
eating disorders, body image dissatisfaction, depression, anxiety), I am eager to listen, support, strategize, and help.
Your goals for change, happiness, and better relationships are my goals for you, too! Are you seeking deeper connection, relief from anxiety, depression, or eating disorders? YES, YOU CAN change your patterns of behavior and experience the fulfillment in life and relationships you deserve! Through our collaboration, you will see improvements in your self-esteem, mood, and and emotional health.
eating disorders, body image dissatisfaction, depression, anxiety), I am eager to listen, support, strategize, and help.
Your goals for change, happiness, and better relationships are my goals for you, too! Are you seeking deeper connection, relief from anxiety, depression, or eating disorders? YES, YOU CAN change your patterns of behavior and experience the fulfillment in life and relationships you deserve! Through our collaboration, you will see improvements in your self-esteem, mood, and and emotional health.
(610) 915-8422 View (610) 915-8422
Photo of Meredith Barber, PsyD, Psychologist
Meredith Barber
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Narberth, PA 19072
I have a particular interest-and more than 20 years' experience-in treating people who are struggling with eating disorders.
To live full, free, and generous lives, we need to connect deeply with ourselves and with others. I gently encourage clients to develop confidence in their inner knowledge and to have faith in the flow of the universe. When we trust our feelings, our intuition, and our creativity, we don't feel impelled to muscle through the world. Instead, we feel guided and supported. I help clients to rely on their inner knowledge and to express their vulnerabilities and strengths so that they can fulfill their potential, interact meaningfully with others, enjoy life's riches, and do the work they are meant to do.
I have a particular interest-and more than 20 years' experience-in treating people who are struggling with eating disorders.
To live full, free, and generous lives, we need to connect deeply with ourselves and with others. I gently encourage clients to develop confidence in their inner knowledge and to have faith in the flow of the universe. When we trust our feelings, our intuition, and our creativity, we don't feel impelled to muscle through the world. Instead, we feel guided and supported. I help clients to rely on their inner knowledge and to express their vulnerabilities and strengths so that they can fulfill their potential, interact meaningfully with others, enjoy life's riches, and do the work they are meant to do.
(610) 347-5541 View (610) 347-5541
Photo of Emily Cinque, MS, LPC, CTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Emily Cinque
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19128
I’m a trauma-informed therapist who specializes in treating eating disorders, body image issues and anxiety, and I'm passionate about helping my clients break the cycle of trying to live up to that impossible standard.
Despite all of the time, the effort, the planning and mental energy you’ve poured into achieving the body and life of your dreams, you still haven’t felt that sigh of relief that it’s enough. That you’re enough. And, somehow, the more measures you take to be in control, the more out of control you actually feel. Leaving you grasping and spinning your wheels. Thinking of what you can do to feel a sense of stability in yourself and in your life. The burn out from trying to live up to an impossible standard is real.
I’m a trauma-informed therapist who specializes in treating eating disorders, body image issues and anxiety, and I'm passionate about helping my clients break the cycle of trying to live up to that impossible standard.
Despite all of the time, the effort, the planning and mental energy you’ve poured into achieving the body and life of your dreams, you still haven’t felt that sigh of relief that it’s enough. That you’re enough. And, somehow, the more measures you take to be in control, the more out of control you actually feel. Leaving you grasping and spinning your wheels. Thinking of what you can do to feel a sense of stability in yourself and in your life. The burn out from trying to live up to an impossible standard is real.
(267) 762-8381 View (267) 762-8381
Photo of Rachel Braun, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, Art Therapist
Rachel Braun
Art Therapist, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Do you ever feel stuck in some way, even shut down or have difficulty getting out of bed? Are there times when you turn to food or diet as a way to manage strong emotions? I specialize in working with women who experience anxiety, depression and eating disorders. I will help you engage in the creative process to explore underlying issues and reveal hidden strengths. Art therapy offers a profound way of transforming and healing images stuck just beneath the surface and this can lead to more satisfying connections, greater confidence, renewed energy, and an ability to thrive in both work and home environments.
Do you ever feel stuck in some way, even shut down or have difficulty getting out of bed? Are there times when you turn to food or diet as a way to manage strong emotions? I specialize in working with women who experience anxiety, depression and eating disorders. I will help you engage in the creative process to explore underlying issues and reveal hidden strengths. Art therapy offers a profound way of transforming and healing images stuck just beneath the surface and this can lead to more satisfying connections, greater confidence, renewed energy, and an ability to thrive in both work and home environments.
(215) 791-8077 View (215) 791-8077
Photo of Jane K Shure, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jane K Shure
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19119
I'm cofounder of The Resilience Group, nationally recognized for my expertise in bolstering resilience & self-confidence & in helping people break negative patterns to achieve positive change. My TEDx Talk, BOLSTER RESILIENCE, addresses fear-based thinking & offers strategies for building emotional courage & confidence. Named a “Top Doc for Women” by Philadelphia Magazine, I'm a published author on issues of shame, trauma, body-image, eating disorders & lead workshops on Strengthen an Inner Coach more Powerful than Your Inner Critic. For more see: http://theresiliencegroup.com/ http://huffingtonpost.com/jane-shure/
I'm cofounder of The Resilience Group, nationally recognized for my expertise in bolstering resilience & self-confidence & in helping people break negative patterns to achieve positive change. My TEDx Talk, BOLSTER RESILIENCE, addresses fear-based thinking & offers strategies for building emotional courage & confidence. Named a “Top Doc for Women” by Philadelphia Magazine, I'm a published author on issues of shame, trauma, body-image, eating disorders & lead workshops on Strengthen an Inner Coach more Powerful than Your Inner Critic. For more see: http://theresiliencegroup.com/ http://huffingtonpost.com/jane-shure/
(215) 995-1198 View (215) 995-1198
Photo of Kim Houghton, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Kim Houghton
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19119  (Online Only)
As I see it, therapy is all about curiosity and kindness. Whether we’re talking about life-interrupting anxiety, patterns in eating disorders, mind-spinning negative self-talk, or life stressors you no longer want to keep down deep inside, I’m here for that journey with you. With that curiosity and kindness I love getting to hold both the beauty and pain of life with someone until they are ready to hold it all on their own. And, in those moments getting to encourage them as they move towards their feelings, work through their pain, and emerge into life that is full, embodied, and reawakened.
As I see it, therapy is all about curiosity and kindness. Whether we’re talking about life-interrupting anxiety, patterns in eating disorders, mind-spinning negative self-talk, or life stressors you no longer want to keep down deep inside, I’m here for that journey with you. With that curiosity and kindness I love getting to hold both the beauty and pain of life with someone until they are ready to hold it all on their own. And, in those moments getting to encourage them as they move towards their feelings, work through their pain, and emerge into life that is full, embodied, and reawakened.
(484) 851-2938 View (484) 851-2938
Photo of Robin Axelrod Sabag, LCSW, MFT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Robin Axelrod Sabag
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
As a therapist, I value and create a safe, warm, non-judgmental, and empathetic environment for individuals, couples, and families to explore underlying issues. I realize that coming to see a therapist and opening up is an act of trust and not always easy. In your work with me, I hope you will feel accepted and understood and experience our work as an ongoing process that we co-create. If we work together, you can expect to gain a better understanding of yourself and of meaningful people in your life. My areas of expertise include: eating disorders, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, moodiness, trauma, and addiction.
As a therapist, I value and create a safe, warm, non-judgmental, and empathetic environment for individuals, couples, and families to explore underlying issues. I realize that coming to see a therapist and opening up is an act of trust and not always easy. In your work with me, I hope you will feel accepted and understood and experience our work as an ongoing process that we co-create. If we work together, you can expect to gain a better understanding of yourself and of meaningful people in your life. My areas of expertise include: eating disorders, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, moodiness, trauma, and addiction.
(215) 995-1199 View (215) 995-1199
Photo of Robert Gervasi, LAPC, MS, EDTC, Counselor
Robert Gervasi
Counselor, LAPC, MS, EDTC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
I have extensive experience with Anxiety Disorders, Trauma, Life Stress, Career Uncertainty, Grief and Loss, Relationships, Issues faced by LGBTQ+ folks, and Eating Disorders.
As a therapist, I aim to create a welcoming and collaborative space for all to feel safe and supported in creating positive change and becoming the best version of themselves. I work with children, teens, adults, and couples to navigate the ups and downs of life. My passions lie in working with folks in the Queer Community and clients with Eating Disorders and disordered eating behaviors. As a certified professional in treating Eating Disorders (EDTC), I have a passion for working with this population and their families to strive for health, happiness, and recovery.
I have extensive experience with Anxiety Disorders, Trauma, Life Stress, Career Uncertainty, Grief and Loss, Relationships, Issues faced by LGBTQ+ folks, and Eating Disorders.
As a therapist, I aim to create a welcoming and collaborative space for all to feel safe and supported in creating positive change and becoming the best version of themselves. I work with children, teens, adults, and couples to navigate the ups and downs of life. My passions lie in working with folks in the Queer Community and clients with Eating Disorders and disordered eating behaviors. As a certified professional in treating Eating Disorders (EDTC), I have a passion for working with this population and their families to strive for health, happiness, and recovery.
(610) 819-5682 View (610) 819-5682
Photo of Sherry Carroll Pomerantz, PhD, Psychologist
Sherry Carroll Pomerantz
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
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.
(610) 664-8519 View (610) 664-8519
Photo of Robia Smith-Herman, MSS, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Robia Smith-Herman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LSW
Verified Verified
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Clinical experience at NET and The Renfrew Center has facilitated a proficiency for the treatment of substance use disorders in adolescent and adult males and females and eating disorders in adolescent and adult females respectfully.
My ideal client is an individual who is motivated to improve their overall quality of life. I have a passion for working with individuals who struggle with trauma and PTSD, substance abuse and disordered eating. I believe that a good rapport is key in treatment of these issues and aim to build a positive working therapeutic relationship.
Clinical experience at NET and The Renfrew Center has facilitated a proficiency for the treatment of substance use disorders in adolescent and adult males and females and eating disorders in adolescent and adult females respectfully.
My ideal client is an individual who is motivated to improve their overall quality of life. I have a passion for working with individuals who struggle with trauma and PTSD, substance abuse and disordered eating. I believe that a good rapport is key in treatment of these issues and aim to build a positive working therapeutic relationship.
(301) 880-4050 View (301) 880-4050
Photo of Hannah de Groot, LPC, MEd, RYT-200, Licensed Professional Counselor
Hannah de Groot
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd, RYT-200
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Gladwyne, PA 19035  (Online Only)
I completely understand the mental and physical toll eating disorders and OCD take, both from personal and professional experience.
Helping athletes recover from eating disorders and OCD is my passion. I love helping highly-motivated individuals restructure their beliefs and examine their values so that they can excel in their sport and thrive in their lives. Eating disorders and OCD are exhausting; recovery means more time for goals that are most important to you. I aim to empower my clients to channel their inner resiliency so that they can feel capable and worthy of achieving their goals. Clients have described my therapeutic energy as candid, authentic, and engaging.
I completely understand the mental and physical toll eating disorders and OCD take, both from personal and professional experience.
Helping athletes recover from eating disorders and OCD is my passion. I love helping highly-motivated individuals restructure their beliefs and examine their values so that they can excel in their sport and thrive in their lives. Eating disorders and OCD are exhausting; recovery means more time for goals that are most important to you. I aim to empower my clients to channel their inner resiliency so that they can feel capable and worthy of achieving their goals. Clients have described my therapeutic energy as candid, authentic, and engaging.
(267) 245-7058 View (267) 245-7058

See more therapy options for Manayunk

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.