Eating Disorders Therapists in New Kensington, PA
![Photo of Michele R Konopisos, MA, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e4525e4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Michele R Konopisos
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Kensington, PA 15068
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in sessions to help people change negative thought processes, hypnotherapy to aide in smoking cessation, weight loss and eating disorders, anxiety reduction and pain management.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certfied Rational Hypnotherapist that focuses on building a strong therapeutic relationship in order to help individuals, couples and families to better cope with various relational, emotional and psychological issues.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in sessions to help people change negative thought processes, hypnotherapy to aide in smoking cessation, weight loss and eating disorders, anxiety reduction and pain management.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certfied Rational Hypnotherapist that focuses on building a strong therapeutic relationship in order to help individuals, couples and families to better cope with various relational, emotional and psychological issues.
![Photo of Debbie Witchel, MA, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/071f4861-8750-48d9-8bc5-939eb5165781/1/320x400.jpeg)
Debbie Witchel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New Kensington, PA 15068
Does the thought of starting a new day seem overwhelming? Do you dread interacting with others due to anxiety/depression? Are you unhappy with/or feel stuck in your relationships? Do you struggle with setting boundaries and people pleasing? Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? I listen, I care and I want to help. I can assist you to heal and lead a happier life. I believe in connecting with you as a person, the significance of identifying and releasing unexpressed feelings and changing unhealthy life themes. I am also trained in co-parenting (including court-ordered) for couples experiencing a divorce.
Does the thought of starting a new day seem overwhelming? Do you dread interacting with others due to anxiety/depression? Are you unhappy with/or feel stuck in your relationships? Do you struggle with setting boundaries and people pleasing? Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? I listen, I care and I want to help. I can assist you to heal and lead a happier life. I believe in connecting with you as a person, the significance of identifying and releasing unexpressed feelings and changing unhealthy life themes. I am also trained in co-parenting (including court-ordered) for couples experiencing a divorce.
![Photo of John E Keil, MS, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/462a5747-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my group, Monarch Behavioral Health Associates. We are a multi specialty group located in Lower Burrell PA. Personally, I have been a psychotherapist for over 20 years and specialize in mood disorders/anxiety, marriage counseling and addictions, having training in multiple therapy modalities. Additionally, we offer grief counseling, groups, child and adolescent therapy, anger management, et.al. Please visit our website or Facebook page for more information... Monarchabha.com. We work with Highmark, UPMC, Medicare, Value Behavioral Health, and others.
Welcome to my group, Monarch Behavioral Health Associates. We are a multi specialty group located in Lower Burrell PA. Personally, I have been a psychotherapist for over 20 years and specialize in mood disorders/anxiety, marriage counseling and addictions, having training in multiple therapy modalities. Additionally, we offer grief counseling, groups, child and adolescent therapy, anger management, et.al. Please visit our website or Facebook page for more information... Monarchabha.com. We work with Highmark, UPMC, Medicare, Value Behavioral Health, and others.
![Photo of Jennifer Constanos - Lifebulb Counseling & Therapy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7338269c-00a5-424e-9616-941fc71efbb7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lifebulb Counseling & Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New Kensington, PA 15068
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Cassandra Brenner, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/508e0cdf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, couples, eating disorders, adjustment concerns, autism or social concerns.
I strive to provide a comfortable environment to make my clients feel at home. Whether you are coming to therapy for the first time or have tried therapy multiple times, you want to be comfortable and understood as well as to feel that you are going to be able to get out of therapy what you are looking for. That is the goal that I have for all of my clients. Please call/email for an appointment.
I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, couples, eating disorders, adjustment concerns, autism or social concerns.
I strive to provide a comfortable environment to make my clients feel at home. Whether you are coming to therapy for the first time or have tried therapy multiple times, you want to be comfortable and understood as well as to feel that you are going to be able to get out of therapy what you are looking for. That is the goal that I have for all of my clients. Please call/email for an appointment.
![Photo of Courtney Ezzo - Saving Sanity, LLC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/06e1a408-1cf6-4483-b9cb-7eaf77798365/1/320x400.png)
Saving Sanity, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
We take pride in the diverse expertise offered including: EMDR, Ketamine Therapy, Culturally sensitive counseling, LGBT+ competent counseling, eating disorders, Couples/Family Therapy, Child Therapy and Mental Health Evaluations.
Please visit our website to fill out the Therapy Intake Form and we will contact you! Saving Sanity, LLC is a private practice of Professional Counselors with a vision of inspiring individuals to achieve their greatest human potential. We have a mission to empower individuals by creating a supportive space in which personal growth and healing can occur. Please visit savingsanity.org to view our available therapists.
We take pride in the diverse expertise offered including: EMDR, Ketamine Therapy, Culturally sensitive counseling, LGBT+ competent counseling, eating disorders, Couples/Family Therapy, Child Therapy and Mental Health Evaluations.
Please visit our website to fill out the Therapy Intake Form and we will contact you! Saving Sanity, LLC is a private practice of Professional Counselors with a vision of inspiring individuals to achieve their greatest human potential. We have a mission to empower individuals by creating a supportive space in which personal growth and healing can occur. Please visit savingsanity.org to view our available therapists.
![Photo of Jannette Travali, MSCP, MPH, MS, NCC/LPC, RDN/LDN, CEDS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e78e7e6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jannette Travali
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSCP, MPH, MS, NCC/LPC, RDN/LDN, CEDS
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
DISORDERED EATING (Sprectur: Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, AFRID, PICA, Body Image Distortion, Orthorexia) SAFETY/IDENTITY/RELATIONSHIPS (PTSD, Trauma/Acute Abuse, Bullying, Self-Harm, Suicidality, Grief, LGBTQIA+) MOOD COMPONENTS (Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Bipolar) MEDICAL LAYERS (Food Allergies/Autoimmune/Metabolic) CORE GROUNDING (Spiritual &/or Faith).
I am a Psychotherapist, Nutrition Therapist & Exercise Physiologist. With the Client/Therapist Relationship at CORE, I provide Individualized, Integrative Care: Eating Disorders, Trauma, Mood, Relationships, Transitions -acknowledging & encouraging growth of diverse values &/or needs, I use an Eclectic Therapeutic Approach –including Person-Centered, Mindfulness, Expressive (art, music, movement, writing), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), CBT, RO-DBT, Existential, Narrative, EMDR, Gestalt, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Psychology, Nutrition Therapy –Intuitive Eating/HAES (Health at Any Size) & Medical Nutrition Therapy.
DISORDERED EATING (Sprectur: Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, AFRID, PICA, Body Image Distortion, Orthorexia) SAFETY/IDENTITY/RELATIONSHIPS (PTSD, Trauma/Acute Abuse, Bullying, Self-Harm, Suicidality, Grief, LGBTQIA+) MOOD COMPONENTS (Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Bipolar) MEDICAL LAYERS (Food Allergies/Autoimmune/Metabolic) CORE GROUNDING (Spiritual &/or Faith).
I am a Psychotherapist, Nutrition Therapist & Exercise Physiologist. With the Client/Therapist Relationship at CORE, I provide Individualized, Integrative Care: Eating Disorders, Trauma, Mood, Relationships, Transitions -acknowledging & encouraging growth of diverse values &/or needs, I use an Eclectic Therapeutic Approach –including Person-Centered, Mindfulness, Expressive (art, music, movement, writing), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), CBT, RO-DBT, Existential, Narrative, EMDR, Gestalt, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Psychology, Nutrition Therapy –Intuitive Eating/HAES (Health at Any Size) & Medical Nutrition Therapy.
![Photo of Georgia Louise Leasher, NCC, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7c952af3-e5aa-4be4-95e0-f41552d789c0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Georgia Louise Leasher
Pre-Licensed Professional, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
Fox Chapel, PA 15238 (Online Only)
My areas of expertise include faith-based counseling, women's issues, anxiety, eating disorders, and trauma.
Are you looking for a therapist who helps you explore the depths of your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions? Do you want practical tools that will help you begin to feel better? I understand the challenges women face: anxiety, feeling stuck, navigating change, and the desire for connection. I will offer you a helping hand and empower you to tackle these challenges head-on. We will work together to pull back the curtain on your inner world so that you can choose to live your life more authentically within your values. My goal as a counselor is to walk alongside you as you discover your path to true flourishing.
My areas of expertise include faith-based counseling, women's issues, anxiety, eating disorders, and trauma.
Are you looking for a therapist who helps you explore the depths of your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions? Do you want practical tools that will help you begin to feel better? I understand the challenges women face: anxiety, feeling stuck, navigating change, and the desire for connection. I will offer you a helping hand and empower you to tackle these challenges head-on. We will work together to pull back the curtain on your inner world so that you can choose to live your life more authentically within your values. My goal as a counselor is to walk alongside you as you discover your path to true flourishing.
![Photo of Jan Lorraine Lee - Jan Lee Hypnosis, RN](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d84a0520-8d36-4d4e-96c3-27e574eba477/1/320x400.jpeg)
My clients sometimes don't know what else to do. They may have tried traditional interventions. They have anxiety, grief, pain, phobias, addictions, eating disorders. They may have heard about hypnosis but aren't sure what it is. They may be LGBTQ & find a society that won't embrace who they are. Most often, my clients feels lost, out of sync and want to feel better, think better and live better. They want to know how to take this tool of Hypnosis out of their "toolbox" & use it for life. They believe in mind over matter. They have the courage to ask for help.
My clients sometimes don't know what else to do. They may have tried traditional interventions. They have anxiety, grief, pain, phobias, addictions, eating disorders. They may have heard about hypnosis but aren't sure what it is. They may be LGBTQ & find a society that won't embrace who they are. Most often, my clients feels lost, out of sync and want to feel better, think better and live better. They want to know how to take this tool of Hypnosis out of their "toolbox" & use it for life. They believe in mind over matter. They have the courage to ask for help.
![Photo of Jon Weingarden, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6e97046-e2e6-4fe3-933a-2defee236a0b/2/320x400.jpeg)
My practice serves the general population and I have specialized experience with bipolar disorder and eating disorders.
I am a Pittsburgher and I'm proud to practice psychology in my home community. My goal is to see each client as a person first, and provide individualized healthcare. I see therapy as collaborative, and including both skill-building and self-exploration. In terms of self-exploration, I see the client as the expert in their own life, while a therapist is attuned to noticing themes or patterns that the client would have otherwise missed or avoided.
My practice serves the general population and I have specialized experience with bipolar disorder and eating disorders.
I am a Pittsburgher and I'm proud to practice psychology in my home community. My goal is to see each client as a person first, and provide individualized healthcare. I see therapy as collaborative, and including both skill-building and self-exploration. In terms of self-exploration, I see the client as the expert in their own life, while a therapist is attuned to noticing themes or patterns that the client would have otherwise missed or avoided.
![Photo of Alexandra Salerno, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bdc8bb25-6de6-4987-afaf-b513e54fa1e6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alexandra Salerno
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive experience treating eating disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and sports counseling.
Welcome! I'm glad you're here. Have you ever heard of the phrase, "if it's not broken, don't fix it?" Sometimes, we may feel like we need to be fixed. As a therapist, I encourage my clients to come as they are. I enjoy getting to meet individuals in their life journey and I offer a warm, open, and safe space for therapy. I believe in collaborating with my clients to create solutions together; not to "fix" them, but to enhance their skills, provide encouragement, and support them in building confidence to live their life to the fullest potential. I work with both individual clients and families seeking services.
I have extensive experience treating eating disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and sports counseling.
Welcome! I'm glad you're here. Have you ever heard of the phrase, "if it's not broken, don't fix it?" Sometimes, we may feel like we need to be fixed. As a therapist, I encourage my clients to come as they are. I enjoy getting to meet individuals in their life journey and I offer a warm, open, and safe space for therapy. I believe in collaborating with my clients to create solutions together; not to "fix" them, but to enhance their skills, provide encouragement, and support them in building confidence to live their life to the fullest potential. I work with both individual clients and families seeking services.
![Photo of Rachael Ananian, LMFT, CEDS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10ccdbf4-87be-406f-9121-69d7ce8d691f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachael Ananian
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CEDS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Monroeville, PA 15146
I’m a HAES oriented clinician who is passionate about helping others improve their relationship with food and body image. I specialize in providing treatment for those 14 and older struggling with an eating disorder, and will work with your team to ensure individualized care. My goal is collaborate with you to create an individualized plan of treatment, knowledge, and, most importantly, support for experiencing a better quality of life.
I’m a HAES oriented clinician who is passionate about helping others improve their relationship with food and body image. I specialize in providing treatment for those 14 and older struggling with an eating disorder, and will work with your team to ensure individualized care. My goal is collaborate with you to create an individualized plan of treatment, knowledge, and, most importantly, support for experiencing a better quality of life.
![Photo of Kirsten Long, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63b86480-a6b4-4192-9a93-56179458a4d9/2/320x400.png)
Kirsten Long
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Monroeville, PA 15146 (Online Only)
Do you lay awake at night with an overwhelmed mind? I help with easing the mind. I am able to help you through past trauma and current trauma. I am able to help those experience compassion fatigue and burn out from work to home. I am passionate to help with relationship issues and use compassion and empathy. I am passionate about working with CBT to alleviate anxiety and overthinking. Together we can work on you being the best version of you!
Do you lay awake at night with an overwhelmed mind? I help with easing the mind. I am able to help you through past trauma and current trauma. I am able to help those experience compassion fatigue and burn out from work to home. I am passionate to help with relationship issues and use compassion and empathy. I am passionate about working with CBT to alleviate anxiety and overthinking. Together we can work on you being the best version of you!
![Photo of Jaclynn Wise, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b962f9ba-b671-42c7-875a-42dfe5bf9874/2/320x400.jpeg)
It can be difficult to navigate finding mental health care, but you’ve made it this far. I view my role as holding a warm space for us to explore what is working and not working for you in your life. Most of us weren’t taught how to experience our emotions mindfully and respond with intention. It makes sense that many of us struggle with responding to our emotions compassionately. I may help you identify, understand, and accept difficult internal experiences while taking meaningful action in your life.
It can be difficult to navigate finding mental health care, but you’ve made it this far. I view my role as holding a warm space for us to explore what is working and not working for you in your life. Most of us weren’t taught how to experience our emotions mindfully and respond with intention. It makes sense that many of us struggle with responding to our emotions compassionately. I may help you identify, understand, and accept difficult internal experiences while taking meaningful action in your life.
![Photo of Annie Rumbaugh, MSCP, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/16f04ff4-c1ad-478e-aa7c-2accdd4828a0/1/320x400.png)
Annie Rumbaugh
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15235 (Online Only)
Reaching from a Feminist theoretical perspective, I will meet you wherever you are on your journey. Through creative and expressive exercises, processing of major life events, implementation of healthy coping skills, re-establishing the mind-body connection, and whatever else fits your individual needs, we can work together to help you reach your ideal self.
Reaching from a Feminist theoretical perspective, I will meet you wherever you are on your journey. Through creative and expressive exercises, processing of major life events, implementation of healthy coping skills, re-establishing the mind-body connection, and whatever else fits your individual needs, we can work together to help you reach your ideal self.
![Photo of Kayla Mento, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d80ba264-9292-42c6-ac2f-58ee18668c0d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kayla Mento
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Murrysville, PA 15668 (Online Only)
One of the bravest things you can do is to take a deep dive into understanding your story. Your story may be filled with emotional turmoil, trauma, and overwhelming anxiety on how you’ll be able to pull through to the other side. Take a deep breath, relax, and let’s rewrite your story together. I invite you to talk about the taboo things (no topic is off limits), become comfortable in your own skin, and take the journey with me through self-exploration to finally arrive at your authentic self.
One of the bravest things you can do is to take a deep dive into understanding your story. Your story may be filled with emotional turmoil, trauma, and overwhelming anxiety on how you’ll be able to pull through to the other side. Take a deep breath, relax, and let’s rewrite your story together. I invite you to talk about the taboo things (no topic is off limits), become comfortable in your own skin, and take the journey with me through self-exploration to finally arrive at your authentic self.
![Photo of Theresa M. Lee, MSCP, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ebb6e04c-d905-438a-b4fc-07c462df07db/1/320x400.jpeg)
Theresa M. Lee
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSCP, LPC
Verified Verified
Monroeville, PA 15146
Waitlist for new clients
Not accepting new clients at this time. It is my professional and personal belief that individuals do not heal in an environment of shame and guilt. For this reason, I strive to create a non-judgmental atmosphere where clients feel safe to discuss their issues in an open and productive way. My specialty areas are substance use disorders (addictions) and trauma. Guilt and shame are two feelings that are frequently felt by those who struggle with addictive issues, and for those who have experienced trauma. My goal is to help clients and their families understand their issues and work toward a better life.
Not accepting new clients at this time. It is my professional and personal belief that individuals do not heal in an environment of shame and guilt. For this reason, I strive to create a non-judgmental atmosphere where clients feel safe to discuss their issues in an open and productive way. My specialty areas are substance use disorders (addictions) and trauma. Guilt and shame are two feelings that are frequently felt by those who struggle with addictive issues, and for those who have experienced trauma. My goal is to help clients and their families understand their issues and work toward a better life.
![Photo of Bethany L Ackerman- Enlightening Hope Counseling, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef2732c8-1bdf-4341-b316-1147f78737b0/3/320x400.jpeg)
Bethany L Ackerman- Enlightening Hope Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Monroeville, PA 15146
I have worked in a variety of mental health settings throughout my career and I have extensive experience working with children, teens, and adults with a wide range of mental health disorders. I have several years of experience working with individuals with drug and alcohol addictions, including those who use medication-assisted therapies. I enjoy working with clients with a variety of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. I believe there is hope for any mental health challenge.
I have worked in a variety of mental health settings throughout my career and I have extensive experience working with children, teens, and adults with a wide range of mental health disorders. I have several years of experience working with individuals with drug and alcohol addictions, including those who use medication-assisted therapies. I enjoy working with clients with a variety of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. I believe there is hope for any mental health challenge.
![Photo of Amy L Needham, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/94ff88df-28ac-4399-a912-9531508dfa73/3/320x400.jpeg)
Through the lens of Bowen Systems Theory I work towards providing insight and awareness into the emotional process that we often find ourselves intensely reacting from. Building on that insight and awareness, decreasing the emotional reactivity while increasing calmer and more rational choices. Looking at our emotional patterns to better understand them allows us then to think in a way that can provide an openness to making different choices. To know better is to do better! To understand why we react to our situations and where those patterns have been learned, we can then start to look at each new moment as it’s own.
Through the lens of Bowen Systems Theory I work towards providing insight and awareness into the emotional process that we often find ourselves intensely reacting from. Building on that insight and awareness, decreasing the emotional reactivity while increasing calmer and more rational choices. Looking at our emotional patterns to better understand them allows us then to think in a way that can provide an openness to making different choices. To know better is to do better! To understand why we react to our situations and where those patterns have been learned, we can then start to look at each new moment as it’s own.
![Photo of Corrine Fallon, PsyD, NCSP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cc117701-9972-4465-9b05-272c0276d441/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with children, adolescents, and adults seeking therapeutic treatment and psychological evaluations. The goal of treatment is to assist the individual in actualizing their potential through a strengths-based approach to cognitive behavioral techniques. It's important that each person understands their worth and utilizes the tools learned in therapy in their daily lives. In addition to individual therapy, I am also able to offer diagnostic evaluations and psychological testing as a means to understand complex issues and formulate the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults seeking therapeutic treatment and psychological evaluations. The goal of treatment is to assist the individual in actualizing their potential through a strengths-based approach to cognitive behavioral techniques. It's important that each person understands their worth and utilizes the tools learned in therapy in their daily lives. In addition to individual therapy, I am also able to offer diagnostic evaluations and psychological testing as a means to understand complex issues and formulate the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual.
See more therapy options for New Kensington
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for New Kensington
- Allison Park
- Fox Chapel
- Gibsonia
- Glenshaw
- Irwin
- Monroeville
- Murrysville
- North Huntingdon
- Pittsburgh
- Plum
- Swissvale
- Wexford
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.