Eating Disorders Therapists in Villanova, PA
![Photo of Mary Beth Ertel, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e47066ec-5375-4ed8-aaa5-89ef8245f68f/2/320x400.jpeg)
, eating disorders, infertility, depression, anxiety, trauma, life transition adjustments, etc.
Your desire to change your life and find better ways of coping is a strength you may not yet realize you possess. As a clinical developmental psychologist, I can help you understand your current struggles in context, as part of your developmental journey and the systems of family and relationships surrounding you. In an emotionally safe and confidential environment, I will work with you to uncover the source of your challenges and find alternate coping strategies. I believe it is important to help you identify and use the many strengths you already possess as you work through your current difficulties.
, eating disorders, infertility, depression, anxiety, trauma, life transition adjustments, etc.
Your desire to change your life and find better ways of coping is a strength you may not yet realize you possess. As a clinical developmental psychologist, I can help you understand your current struggles in context, as part of your developmental journey and the systems of family and relationships surrounding you. In an emotionally safe and confidential environment, I will work with you to uncover the source of your challenges and find alternate coping strategies. I believe it is important to help you identify and use the many strengths you already possess as you work through your current difficulties.
![Photo of Lucy Faulconbridge, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e6bb483-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a former faculty member in the Psychiatry Department at the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Weight and Eating Disorders I am well-versed in empirically-supported treatments for eating disorders and obesity.
I specialize in the treatment of weight and eating disorders, depression and anxiety. provide cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on helping the client to identify thoughts and emotions associated with certain behaviors, and I infuse mindfulness techniques. Through this journey, I help clients understand how and why they are responding to situations in the way that they do, enabling them to find inner peace and lead fuller, more enriched lives. I typically meet with clients on a one-on-one basis, but I am happy to schedule sessions with concerned partners, parents or other family members together with the client.
As a former faculty member in the Psychiatry Department at the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Weight and Eating Disorders I am well-versed in empirically-supported treatments for eating disorders and obesity.
I specialize in the treatment of weight and eating disorders, depression and anxiety. provide cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on helping the client to identify thoughts and emotions associated with certain behaviors, and I infuse mindfulness techniques. Through this journey, I help clients understand how and why they are responding to situations in the way that they do, enabling them to find inner peace and lead fuller, more enriched lives. I typically meet with clients on a one-on-one basis, but I am happy to schedule sessions with concerned partners, parents or other family members together with the client.
![Photo of Dr. Rachel Guides, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f1198e6-f690-4c11-8d32-2765929d946b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Guides has over 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy and Psychoeducational/Psychological Evaluations. She provides a compassionate and supportive environment to develop a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients. Dr. Guides works with adolescents and adults in therapy using an integration of cognitive-behavioral and insight-oriented methods to provide treatment that is tailored to meet each client's unique needs. She has extensive experience working with clients to address a range of concerns, including eating disorders, anxiety, depression and relationship issues.
Rachel Guides has over 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy and Psychoeducational/Psychological Evaluations. She provides a compassionate and supportive environment to develop a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients. Dr. Guides works with adolescents and adults in therapy using an integration of cognitive-behavioral and insight-oriented methods to provide treatment that is tailored to meet each client's unique needs. She has extensive experience working with clients to address a range of concerns, including eating disorders, anxiety, depression and relationship issues.
![Photo of Olivia Mahany, MEd, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d000b43-8080-4428-bd0a-2d0af7d31971/2/320x400.jpeg)
Olivia Mahany
Pre-Licensed Professional, MEd, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Villanova, PA 19085 (Online Only)
Olivia graduated from Penn State University's master's program in counselor education program. She also received her bachelor's degree from Penn State in psychology. She is extremely passionate about helping teens and women struggling with disordered eating, eating disorders, body image, OCD, anxiety, and depression and Trauma. Olivia previously worked in the community mental health setting and has an array of experiences.
Olivia graduated from Penn State University's master's program in counselor education program. She also received her bachelor's degree from Penn State in psychology. She is extremely passionate about helping teens and women struggling with disordered eating, eating disorders, body image, OCD, anxiety, and depression and Trauma. Olivia previously worked in the community mental health setting and has an array of experiences.
![Photo of Robert Gervasi, LAPC, MS, EDTC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/550663e4-a038-43ad-9b30-6ab4676f8764/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
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.
![Photo of Becca Starr, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fc2bb49c-4390-4381-afbe-65c0f16ab19f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Becca Starr
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Villanova, PA 19085 (Online Only)
Through years of experience, I am happy to offer a safe, compassionate, gentle environment in which to work through anxiety, depression, and all aspects of your mental health. I am here to support you, without judgment, as you build boundaries and empower yourself along your healing journey. My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, maternal mental health (postpartum support), and all aspects of adult mental health and wellness. I specialize in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and structured problem solving, focusing on individuals, couples & groups.
Through years of experience, I am happy to offer a safe, compassionate, gentle environment in which to work through anxiety, depression, and all aspects of your mental health. I am here to support you, without judgment, as you build boundaries and empower yourself along your healing journey. My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, maternal mental health (postpartum support), and all aspects of adult mental health and wellness. I specialize in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and structured problem solving, focusing on individuals, couples & groups.
![Photo of Chase Kerrey, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01f35ba3-1454-4ebe-a2a9-e23eb6829c83/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chase Kerrey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Villanova, PA 19085 (Online Only)
Clinically, I’m comfortable treating, teaching, and supervising therapists in anxiety disorders, OCD related disorders, depressive disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, sexual compulsivity issues, relational and/or family issues, codependence, self-esteem, authenticity and relational vulnerability, shame and trauma.
For the past 14+ years I’ve worked directly with families, couples, adults, young adults and adolescent populations in inpatient, collegiate, and outpatient environments, with clinical and/or leadership experience gained at facilities including Devereux, Remuda Ranch, the Meadows, Grand Canyon University, the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, and Doorways Adolescent Clinic before moving exclusively to telehealth-only private practice. Currently I treat 18+ adults residing in Arizona or Pennsylvania.
Clinically, I’m comfortable treating, teaching, and supervising therapists in anxiety disorders, OCD related disorders, depressive disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, sexual compulsivity issues, relational and/or family issues, codependence, self-esteem, authenticity and relational vulnerability, shame and trauma.
For the past 14+ years I’ve worked directly with families, couples, adults, young adults and adolescent populations in inpatient, collegiate, and outpatient environments, with clinical and/or leadership experience gained at facilities including Devereux, Remuda Ranch, the Meadows, Grand Canyon University, the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, and Doorways Adolescent Clinic before moving exclusively to telehealth-only private practice. Currently I treat 18+ adults residing in Arizona or Pennsylvania.
![Photo of Sonya Sanmateu, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5759e5f3-54f6-47f1-905e-e61a5a3804f0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sonya Sanmateu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Villanova, PA 19085 (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma. My therapeutic approach is integrative, rooted in evidence-based methods, tailored to your unique needs and goals. I prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment where you feel understood and empowered. Together, we'll work to build self-awareness and explore the underlying factors contributing to your challenges. Through our collaborative efforts, you'll build valuable skills and insight to navigate challenges and move towards a more fulfilling life.
I am a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma. My therapeutic approach is integrative, rooted in evidence-based methods, tailored to your unique needs and goals. I prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment where you feel understood and empowered. Together, we'll work to build self-awareness and explore the underlying factors contributing to your challenges. Through our collaborative efforts, you'll build valuable skills and insight to navigate challenges and move towards a more fulfilling life.
![Photo of Dawn DeBracco, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/30b64f4e-cf10-4723-a8b8-ae412210bed4/1/320x400.jpeg)
When despite all that may feel out of your control, it’s empowering when you recognize there are things that you can do to make your life better. I want others to learn about themselves and what they are capable of is more than they believe. I begin this process by assessing all factors in a person’s life that be contributing to their overall health and distress. Therefore, my approach to treatment is fluid, dependent upon the issue, what is driving the issue (function/underlying factors) and which evidence-based treatment best fits the needs of the person.
When despite all that may feel out of your control, it’s empowering when you recognize there are things that you can do to make your life better. I want others to learn about themselves and what they are capable of is more than they believe. I begin this process by assessing all factors in a person’s life that be contributing to their overall health and distress. Therefore, my approach to treatment is fluid, dependent upon the issue, what is driving the issue (function/underlying factors) and which evidence-based treatment best fits the needs of the person.
![Photo of Megan Guresh-Clinical And Sport Psychology, LCPC, LPC, MS, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/82b5b23e-7e63-4cab-b1fd-551e0384941e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Guresh-Clinical And Sport Psychology
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC, MS, MA
Verified Verified
Villanova, PA 19085
How do you handle the stressors of being a human and an athlete? In my practice, I provide mental health and mental performance services to high school, college, and professional athletes. Through my years of experience working with DI collegiate athletes, and as a former athlete myself, I understand the unique challenges athletes can face. I am skilled in helping clients navigate common mental health topics including anxiety, depression, body image, adjustment, perfectionism and self-esteem and mental performance topics such as confidence, anxiety, injury & return to play, pressure/stress management, and recruiting.
How do you handle the stressors of being a human and an athlete? In my practice, I provide mental health and mental performance services to high school, college, and professional athletes. Through my years of experience working with DI collegiate athletes, and as a former athlete myself, I understand the unique challenges athletes can face. I am skilled in helping clients navigate common mental health topics including anxiety, depression, body image, adjustment, perfectionism and self-esteem and mental performance topics such as confidence, anxiety, injury & return to play, pressure/stress management, and recruiting.
![Photo of David Derian, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34186780-4c25-4006-8e1c-f258da8713cf/2/320x400.jpeg)
David Derian
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Villanova, PA 19085 (Online Only)
Are you finding it challenging to stay motivated or find purpose in your daily life? Do you struggle with getting out of bed in the morning, or feel like your life isn't aligning with your expectations? You’re not alone, and you've come to the right place. Seeking help takes courage, and it's a vital step toward meaningful change.
Are you finding it challenging to stay motivated or find purpose in your daily life? Do you struggle with getting out of bed in the morning, or feel like your life isn't aligning with your expectations? You’re not alone, and you've come to the right place. Seeking help takes courage, and it's a vital step toward meaningful change.
![Photo of Lee A. Bowers, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b6cadea-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you anxious, depressed, maybe diagnosed with a serious illness? Are you losing sleep, in pain, scared, not knowing who to talk to? Maybe you’re confused about information your doctor or friends are giving you. I’d like to help.
Would you like to find natural ways to reduce your physical and/or emotional symptoms, or bolster your immune system without interfering with what you and your health team are already doing? I work with people who have emotional or physical health concerns: anxiety, depression, relationship problems, cancer, autoimmune disorders, heart disease, and chronic pain.
Are you anxious, depressed, maybe diagnosed with a serious illness? Are you losing sleep, in pain, scared, not knowing who to talk to? Maybe you’re confused about information your doctor or friends are giving you. I’d like to help.
Would you like to find natural ways to reduce your physical and/or emotional symptoms, or bolster your immune system without interfering with what you and your health team are already doing? I work with people who have emotional or physical health concerns: anxiety, depression, relationship problems, cancer, autoimmune disorders, heart disease, and chronic pain.
![Photo of Julie Present Koller, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c1771dc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
It has been a privilege and continues to be a privilege to provide therapy to such diverse, curious, and brave individuals who seek out treatment for growth, recovery, healing, greater self-awareness, the desire for deeper relationships and intimacy, and change. Bearing witness to the pain, resiliency, and bravery of my patients is humbling, challenging, and highly rewarding work. I look forward to meeting you where you are and utilizing a flexible and integrative approach to treatment to help you on your journey to live with more meaning, vitality, and creativity, along with reductions in symptoms and emotional pain.
It has been a privilege and continues to be a privilege to provide therapy to such diverse, curious, and brave individuals who seek out treatment for growth, recovery, healing, greater self-awareness, the desire for deeper relationships and intimacy, and change. Bearing witness to the pain, resiliency, and bravery of my patients is humbling, challenging, and highly rewarding work. I look forward to meeting you where you are and utilizing a flexible and integrative approach to treatment to help you on your journey to live with more meaning, vitality, and creativity, along with reductions in symptoms and emotional pain.
![Photo of Andrea Serber, MSS, LCSW, QCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b726852-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
It is my belief that everyone has suffered from a mood disturbance at one time in their life. What makes for different diagnosis is the intensity of the mood change and the duration. I believe we fuel our mood by our own cognitions and unhealthy habits and coping skills. My style is extremely interactive and direct, insuring results early on in the treatment process. When possible, I try treatment without medications, however there are chemical imbalances which must be treated via a Psychiatrist (for medications) and a psychotherapist for the psychoeducational piece,(talk therapy).I maintain relationships with area psychiatrists.
It is my belief that everyone has suffered from a mood disturbance at one time in their life. What makes for different diagnosis is the intensity of the mood change and the duration. I believe we fuel our mood by our own cognitions and unhealthy habits and coping skills. My style is extremely interactive and direct, insuring results early on in the treatment process. When possible, I try treatment without medications, however there are chemical imbalances which must be treated via a Psychiatrist (for medications) and a psychotherapist for the psychoeducational piece,(talk therapy).I maintain relationships with area psychiatrists.
![Photo of Marsha Woods, JD, MCC, ELI-MP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/462c97e1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I help clients with stress, anxiety and low self esteem feel better about themselves. I also specialize in organizational (Executive Function) and Social Skills issues, in adolescents and adults struggling with these problems, and work with students in the college process. Whether something is bothering you and you can't pinpoint what it is, or you know you don't feel as good as you could, I help you explore what might be causing you sadness, stress or anxiety, and together we come up with a plan that makes you feel more in control, leading you to live a happier and more fulfilling life.
I help clients with stress, anxiety and low self esteem feel better about themselves. I also specialize in organizational (Executive Function) and Social Skills issues, in adolescents and adults struggling with these problems, and work with students in the college process. Whether something is bothering you and you can't pinpoint what it is, or you know you don't feel as good as you could, I help you explore what might be causing you sadness, stress or anxiety, and together we come up with a plan that makes you feel more in control, leading you to live a happier and more fulfilling life.
![Photo of Paula Durlofsky, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a69b940-e1b0-4809-8943-0333f3c19d4b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my practice! My practice has a focus on psychological issues affecting individuals, couples, and families. I use a combination of psychoanalytic, psychodynamic and dialectical behavioral therapies. Psychoanalytic-psychodynamic therapy strives for personal growth through insight-oriented approaches. Dialectical behavioral therapies examine thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and the relationships and patterns between them. Additionally, I am the Co-Director of the Psychoanalytic-Psychotherapy Certification Program at the Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia.
Welcome to my practice! My practice has a focus on psychological issues affecting individuals, couples, and families. I use a combination of psychoanalytic, psychodynamic and dialectical behavioral therapies. Psychoanalytic-psychodynamic therapy strives for personal growth through insight-oriented approaches. Dialectical behavioral therapies examine thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and the relationships and patterns between them. Additionally, I am the Co-Director of the Psychoanalytic-Psychotherapy Certification Program at the Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia.
![Photo of Hillary S Domers, LCSW, MA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bc4d7a9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My professional focus is on children,adolescents and families. An additional focus is on the individuaI adult. Today, children and teens face adult issues at earlier ages. These challenges often affect the child's educational, social and psychological well-being, which in turn impacts the family as a whole. One of my strengths is dispelling confusion, increasing self-awareness and self-esteem. This assists in facing everyday stresses and challenges, for the child as well as the parent or adult.
My work promotes improved confidence, self-esteem and offers insight. These changes will improve mood, performance and relationships.
My professional focus is on children,adolescents and families. An additional focus is on the individuaI adult. Today, children and teens face adult issues at earlier ages. These challenges often affect the child's educational, social and psychological well-being, which in turn impacts the family as a whole. One of my strengths is dispelling confusion, increasing self-awareness and self-esteem. This assists in facing everyday stresses and challenges, for the child as well as the parent or adult.
My work promotes improved confidence, self-esteem and offers insight. These changes will improve mood, performance and relationships.
![Photo of Lisa Silk - Silk Counseling Group, LLC, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e81b334-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Silk Counseling Group, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Villanova, PA 19085
We are accepting new clients! SCG is a small group practice, we help our clients live their best life. We are honored to support you in gaining relief from anxiety, depression, loneliness, feeling stuck, and afraid. The journey to wellness is not easy, but worth everything. We are located on the Main Line in Haverford. Our approach is compassionate with a solution-focused and practical approach. Additionally, much of our work with clients includes developing coping strategies to deal with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and separation and divorce.
We are accepting new clients! SCG is a small group practice, we help our clients live their best life. We are honored to support you in gaining relief from anxiety, depression, loneliness, feeling stuck, and afraid. The journey to wellness is not easy, but worth everything. We are located on the Main Line in Haverford. Our approach is compassionate with a solution-focused and practical approach. Additionally, much of our work with clients includes developing coping strategies to deal with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and separation and divorce.
![Photo of Sara Makin - Makin Wellness | Online Therapy & Counseling, MSEd, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13573c61-dfbc-47ab-a2aa-9dae9f8e81e6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Makin Wellness | Online Therapy & Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Villanova, PA 19085 (Online Only)
We are welcoming new clients now & can help schedule your first session within a few business days with one of our expert providers at Makin Wellness! Do you worry all the time? Is it hard for you to turn your thoughts off? Would you like to enjoy the present moment, but feel like it's impossible because you are so focused on the future or past? So many people live their lives filled with negative thoughts, traumas & depression that eventually affect their work, relationships, and even health. They are unsure of how to let go of their troublesome thoughts or have tried things that made their problems even worse.
We are welcoming new clients now & can help schedule your first session within a few business days with one of our expert providers at Makin Wellness! Do you worry all the time? Is it hard for you to turn your thoughts off? Would you like to enjoy the present moment, but feel like it's impossible because you are so focused on the future or past? So many people live their lives filled with negative thoughts, traumas & depression that eventually affect their work, relationships, and even health. They are unsure of how to let go of their troublesome thoughts or have tried things that made their problems even worse.
![Photo of Holly Anne Smith, Life, coach](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f2b1c03a-8346-41bc-876b-4f5903862e07/1/320x400.jpeg)
As an experience addictions specialist for over 15 years, my goal is to offer guidance to families and individuals who feel lost in a world of addiction. From life coaching, coping skill development, to sharing resources and providing feedback on other issues, (love addiction and substance abuse), I can help you find recovery, peace and serenity. I have recovered from my own addictions, and through coaching I would like impact others in aiding to help change their lives.
As an experience addictions specialist for over 15 years, my goal is to offer guidance to families and individuals who feel lost in a world of addiction. From life coaching, coping skill development, to sharing resources and providing feedback on other issues, (love addiction and substance abuse), I can help you find recovery, peace and serenity. I have recovered from my own addictions, and through coaching I would like impact others in aiding to help change their lives.
See more therapy options for Villanova
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Villanova
- Ardmore
- Bryn Mawr
- Conshohocken
- Devon
- Gladwyne
- Haverford
- Havertown
- King Of Prussia
- Radnor
- Rosemont
- Wayne
- Wynnewood
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.