Eating Disorders Therapists in Sewickley, PA
![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
Sewickley, PA 15143
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 Erin Swab - Touchstone Clinical Associates, LCSW, LSW, LPC, NCC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5032f729-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Touchstone Clinical Associates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LSW, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Sewickley, PA 15143 (Online Only)
Our team has extensive training in treating eating disorders, mood disorders, co-occurring disorders, and personality disorders.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step." -Lao Tzu. If your journey could benefit from the most progressive, evidenced-based treatments currently available, Touchstone Clinical Associates can help. Our team has a rare depth of experience treating eating disorders, mood disorders, and trauma that cannot be found anywhere else in the area. With a wealth of empathy, Touchstone Clinical Associates has the knowledge and technical expertise to get your journey started on the right path.
Our team has extensive training in treating eating disorders, mood disorders, co-occurring disorders, and personality disorders.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step." -Lao Tzu. If your journey could benefit from the most progressive, evidenced-based treatments currently available, Touchstone Clinical Associates can help. Our team has a rare depth of experience treating eating disorders, mood disorders, and trauma that cannot be found anywhere else in the area. With a wealth of empathy, Touchstone Clinical Associates has the knowledge and technical expertise to get your journey started on the right path.
![Photo of Paige Thompson, LPC, PMH-C, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d47b093e-588a-4094-b8de-5d1fd56aaf12/1/320x400.jpeg)
Paige Thompson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sewickley, PA 15143
I specialize in helping those struggling with eating disorders, body image, trauma, athletes, anxiety, depression, perinatal mental health (pregnancy/postpartum), a life transition or some overlap of these struggles.
Have you been feeling overly self-critical, anxious, unmotivated or just not like yourself? Together, we will make sense of how you feel, what you have experienced and rebuild trust in yourself and resilience for the future. I believe we all need to feel seen and connected to others and ourselves to be truly fulfilled. As you gain a deeper understanding of yourself, you will be able to make meaningful and lasting changes in your life.
I specialize in helping those struggling with eating disorders, body image, trauma, athletes, anxiety, depression, perinatal mental health (pregnancy/postpartum), a life transition or some overlap of these struggles.
Have you been feeling overly self-critical, anxious, unmotivated or just not like yourself? Together, we will make sense of how you feel, what you have experienced and rebuild trust in yourself and resilience for the future. I believe we all need to feel seen and connected to others and ourselves to be truly fulfilled. As you gain a deeper understanding of yourself, you will be able to make meaningful and lasting changes in your life.
![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
Sewickley, PA 15143 (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 Carla J Sandy, LCSW, MPA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d152653-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Perhaps you are looking for relief from: depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, eating disorders, addiction, grief, or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
There is no need to suffer in silence. Over the years I have heard people say, "I regret that I waited so long to come to counseling." When people struggle with life's challenges alone, they usually have little success. This solitary method often results in a deep sense of hopelessness and unhappiness. At the Samaritan Counseling Center, it has been my privilege to empower men, women and adolescents to make their lives more fulfilling. During counseling sessions, you will experience a safe environment to tell your story-and then together, we will begin the journey to hope and healing.
Perhaps you are looking for relief from: depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, eating disorders, addiction, grief, or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
There is no need to suffer in silence. Over the years I have heard people say, "I regret that I waited so long to come to counseling." When people struggle with life's challenges alone, they usually have little success. This solitary method often results in a deep sense of hopelessness and unhappiness. At the Samaritan Counseling Center, it has been my privilege to empower men, women and adolescents to make their lives more fulfilling. During counseling sessions, you will experience a safe environment to tell your story-and then together, we will begin the journey to hope and healing.
![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
Sewickley, PA 15143
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 Kamala Palmer, PhD, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1494d03c-b2b3-4c3f-b889-116ad5ba982b/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in premarital counseling, couples counseling, adolescents, women's issues, depression and anxiety, grief recovery, enneagram coaching and spirituality. Creating a safe and hope-filled place for you to grow and heal is essential to me!
I specialize in premarital counseling, couples counseling, adolescents, women's issues, depression and anxiety, grief recovery, enneagram coaching and spirituality. Creating a safe and hope-filled place for you to grow and heal is essential to me!
![Photo of Stephen Luther - Grace Wellness Center, MSEd, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fc149ea-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Grace Wellness Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Sewickley, PA 15143
We are a group of Christian Counselors who treat clients of all ages through Biblical truth and the healing power of God's grace. We integrate the best from the discipline of psychology with Christian counseling to help people find peace and contentment. We have counselors who specialize in addictions, attachment and trauma issues, grief, relationships, children, parenting, depression, anxiety and most other issues. Our organization has several centers throughout western PA. Please visit our website to see if we have a location that will meet your needs. www.thegracewellnesscenter.com
We are a group of Christian Counselors who treat clients of all ages through Biblical truth and the healing power of God's grace. We integrate the best from the discipline of psychology with Christian counseling to help people find peace and contentment. We have counselors who specialize in addictions, attachment and trauma issues, grief, relationships, children, parenting, depression, anxiety and most other issues. Our organization has several centers throughout western PA. Please visit our website to see if we have a location that will meet your needs. www.thegracewellnesscenter.com
![Photo of Ivan L Lambert, MA, LPC, ACHT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cb54ca5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ivan L Lambert
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ACHT
Verified Verified
Sewickley, PA 15143
Waitlist for new clients
I provide a Wellness approach focusing improving quality of life, and working through the emotional blocks that stop emotional & spiritual growth. I bring almost 40 plus years of experience towards a large variety of life issues. Using Heart-Centered therapies - working a soul level, informed by Positive Psychology/Clean Language, I help clients tap into resources found deep within that strive to surface for resolution, wholeness and health.
I provide a Wellness approach focusing improving quality of life, and working through the emotional blocks that stop emotional & spiritual growth. I bring almost 40 plus years of experience towards a large variety of life issues. Using Heart-Centered therapies - working a soul level, informed by Positive Psychology/Clean Language, I help clients tap into resources found deep within that strive to surface for resolution, wholeness and health.
![Photo of Katherine Biggs, LPC, NCC, PMH-C, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7063f25b-28cc-44a1-8955-300c46eb1df4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Katherine Biggs
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sewickley, PA 15143
Congruence Counseling, LLC was born from the belief that one cannot truly find happiness and contentment in life until the person reflected to the outside world is congruent, or in agreement, with the person on the inside. Congruence applies to children and teens, individuals, families, and organizations; any group or person seeking to elevate their efficacy, success, and happiness in life. We are a small private practice located in Wexford, Pennsylvania, specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, mood disorders, behavioral concerns, and life transitions.
Congruence Counseling, LLC was born from the belief that one cannot truly find happiness and contentment in life until the person reflected to the outside world is congruent, or in agreement, with the person on the inside. Congruence applies to children and teens, individuals, families, and organizations; any group or person seeking to elevate their efficacy, success, and happiness in life. We are a small private practice located in Wexford, Pennsylvania, specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, mood disorders, behavioral concerns, and life transitions.
![Photo of Teresa Beshai, LPC, MALS, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3df49f38-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you concerned about your child's social interactions? I am a licensed professional counselor who has worked for private, nonprofit, and governmental facilities in both outpatient and residential behavioral settings. I specialize in child/adolescent and young adult behavioral health. From my multifaceted background, I have learned techniques that promote self- discovery with a fun approach to counseling. I specialize in child/adolescent ADHD, anxiety, depression, and impulse control. As a mother, I understand the blessings and challenges of parenthood. I can help to reduce tantrums and promote healthy relationships. Ready for a fresh start?
Are you concerned about your child's social interactions? I am a licensed professional counselor who has worked for private, nonprofit, and governmental facilities in both outpatient and residential behavioral settings. I specialize in child/adolescent and young adult behavioral health. From my multifaceted background, I have learned techniques that promote self- discovery with a fun approach to counseling. I specialize in child/adolescent ADHD, anxiety, depression, and impulse control. As a mother, I understand the blessings and challenges of parenthood. I can help to reduce tantrums and promote healthy relationships. Ready for a fresh start?
I welcome working with anyone interested in the therapy process regardless of their issues or goals. There are many options for coping skills such as from EMDR/IFS (emdria certified); Gestalt, Existential, DBT, CBT and Mindfulness. Past/ current clients have worked through generational trauma, disordered eating, sexual assault, family and/ or marital concerns, trauma, depression and anxiety, attention deficit, career and direction of life concerns. It is common to struggle with the first step of reaching out to a provider.. typically people feel relief once they start talking to and then selecting a provider.
I welcome working with anyone interested in the therapy process regardless of their issues or goals. There are many options for coping skills such as from EMDR/IFS (emdria certified); Gestalt, Existential, DBT, CBT and Mindfulness. Past/ current clients have worked through generational trauma, disordered eating, sexual assault, family and/ or marital concerns, trauma, depression and anxiety, attention deficit, career and direction of life concerns. It is common to struggle with the first step of reaching out to a provider.. typically people feel relief once they start talking to and then selecting a provider.
![Photo of Catherine Grieb - Hope Counseling Pittsburgh - Wexford, MA, LPC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a40c590c-fe6d-434e-91a8-5652d4d543a5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you struggle with challenging relationships? Does your anxiety prevent you from living the life you want? Are you struggling with a child who has a diagnosis of ADHD? Are you grieving the loss of a loved one and wonder how am I going to live without them? Is an addictive pattern of behavior causing you or a loved one harm? Do you feel unheard in your marriage? Now more than ever, people of all ages are experiencing feelings of overwhelm, frustration and anxiety about how they are to move forward in a meaningful way that honors their mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Do you struggle with challenging relationships? Does your anxiety prevent you from living the life you want? Are you struggling with a child who has a diagnosis of ADHD? Are you grieving the loss of a loved one and wonder how am I going to live without them? Is an addictive pattern of behavior causing you or a loved one harm? Do you feel unheard in your marriage? Now more than ever, people of all ages are experiencing feelings of overwhelm, frustration and anxiety about how they are to move forward in a meaningful way that honors their mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
![Photo of Mitzi Falcona - Mitzi Falcona, MA, LPC, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fc0a528-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mitzi Falcona, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sewickley, PA 15143
![Photo of Emily Belsito, PhD, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3532cdf9-c0cd-4ce0-8244-0cbcedbcb3cc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Belsito
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sewickley, PA 15143 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Confucious said "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," You have taken the first step to better yourself, and I have a passion for meeting you where you are in this journey called life. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship, and strive, from the first session, to build a strong and trusting foundation with each individual so that healing and change can occur. I take a collaborative approach to therapy, as each individual is the expert in their own lives, and work with you to build on your strengths and provide you with new skills to approach life and better yourself.
Confucious said "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," You have taken the first step to better yourself, and I have a passion for meeting you where you are in this journey called life. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship, and strive, from the first session, to build a strong and trusting foundation with each individual so that healing and change can occur. I take a collaborative approach to therapy, as each individual is the expert in their own lives, and work with you to build on your strengths and provide you with new skills to approach life and better yourself.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Emily Nigro - Mending Minds Counseling, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/defecb76-8fe9-4d1e-b70f-1fa4343e3883/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mending Minds Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Moon Township, PA 15108
Hi, I'm Emily, a Licensed Professional Counselor committed to guiding and supporting individuals through life's complexities. I specialize in working with eating disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders. I strive to create a warm, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions and behaviors authentically.
Hi, I'm Emily, a Licensed Professional Counselor committed to guiding and supporting individuals through life's complexities. I specialize in working with eating disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders. I strive to create a warm, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions and behaviors authentically.
![Photo of Jennifer Granozio, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/430453ce-b004-41f2-a921-9c674a16dc09/1/320x400.png)
I understand that facing the complexities of life & challenges like eating disorders, anxiety, or depression, can feel like an uphill battle.
Do you struggle with an eating disorder, anxiety, or depression? Are you facing life transitions & want to regain control over your life, develop a positive relationship with yourself, and find inner peace and fulfillment? I will teach you coping skills, relaxation techniques, & mindfulness exercises to manage your symptoms and break free from the cycle of distress. Our goals would be achieving greater self-awareness, building resilience, fostering a sense of empowerment, and interrupting symptoms. We'll work together to develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve self-esteem, and cultivate meaningful connections with others.
I understand that facing the complexities of life & challenges like eating disorders, anxiety, or depression, can feel like an uphill battle.
Do you struggle with an eating disorder, anxiety, or depression? Are you facing life transitions & want to regain control over your life, develop a positive relationship with yourself, and find inner peace and fulfillment? I will teach you coping skills, relaxation techniques, & mindfulness exercises to manage your symptoms and break free from the cycle of distress. Our goals would be achieving greater self-awareness, building resilience, fostering a sense of empowerment, and interrupting symptoms. We'll work together to develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve self-esteem, and cultivate meaningful connections with others.
![Photo of Kathleen Martinez, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3badcdf0-a983-4c7d-8aaf-760b8ef0c871/2/320x400.png)
My ideal client struggles with Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Trauma, and/or related conditions. They are motivated for change or at least open to the possibility of change. They are open to feedback and willing to lean into the therapeutic process. They do not need to have clear goals for the therapeutic process right away but are willing to work to identify these goals in the treatment process. They would want to improve their life in some way, or even just their relationship with themselves.
My ideal client struggles with Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Trauma, and/or related conditions. They are motivated for change or at least open to the possibility of change. They are open to feedback and willing to lean into the therapeutic process. They do not need to have clear goals for the therapeutic process right away but are willing to work to identify these goals in the treatment process. They would want to improve their life in some way, or even just their relationship with themselves.
![Photo of Savanna Stanton-Ameisen, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57b3f041-3f30-49fe-b471-a3f9416b5cc1/1/320x400.png)
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families who struggle with eating disorders, substance use disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.
My ideal client would be someone motivated to engage in motivational interviewing and change work.
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families who struggle with eating disorders, substance use disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.
My ideal client would be someone motivated to engage in motivational interviewing and change work.
![Photo of Caroline Springhorn, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aabea3ee-c510-4e0b-87b8-2695d878e6b5/2/320x400.png)
I specialize in working with clients who struggle with substance use disorder, eating disorders, and trauma.
My ideal client is seeking therapy to become the best version of themselves. They would be committed to treatment and be willing to put in the work in and outside of therapy.
I specialize in working with clients who struggle with substance use disorder, eating disorders, and trauma.
My ideal client is seeking therapy to become the best version of themselves. They would be committed to treatment and be willing to put in the work in and outside of therapy.
See more therapy options for Sewickley
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Sewickley
- Allison Park
- Carnegie
- Coraopolis
- Cranberry Township
- Gibsonia
- Glenshaw
- Imperial
- Mars
- Moon Township
- Pittsburgh
- Seven Fields
- 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.