Therapists in Tiverton, RI
![Photo of Stephanie Palazzo Healing In Motion Counseling, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3669dfd4-543a-4011-a3e6-fc78bd797a9b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Palazzo Healing In Motion Counseling
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tiverton, RI 02878
Sometimes we may lose our way on the winding road life sets forth. Stephanie holds faith that every individual can embrace their ability to change, grow & recover. Perhaps it may not be easy to admit we might benefit from the support of another to help us regain strength. Someone to listen, provide feedback, validation, insight & education can help to regain control & improve lives. We may seek another to listen to where we are at in our lives, without judgment, biases & preconceived notions. Sharing details of our lives is a display of bravery. Stephanie is sensitive of hesitations to seek help & hopes to provide comfort.
Sometimes we may lose our way on the winding road life sets forth. Stephanie holds faith that every individual can embrace their ability to change, grow & recover. Perhaps it may not be easy to admit we might benefit from the support of another to help us regain strength. Someone to listen, provide feedback, validation, insight & education can help to regain control & improve lives. We may seek another to listen to where we are at in our lives, without judgment, biases & preconceived notions. Sharing details of our lives is a display of bravery. Stephanie is sensitive of hesitations to seek help & hopes to provide comfort.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Nicole Marshall Concha @ The Psyched Group, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0f50b49-67da-4a5f-b398-7d30c40a5960/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Marshall Concha @ The Psyched Group
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Middletown, RI 02842 (Online Only)
Available virtually in Rhode Island, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Life Coach who draws on a variety of holistic tools to support you, including over 20 years of experience. My specialties include trauma counseling, stress, PTSD, anxiety, depression, perfectionism and control issues, social isolation, and intimate partner violence. Specializing in eating disorders, I have my own lived experience as a woman recovering from anxiety, disordered eating, body image struggles, and grief and loss.
Available virtually in Rhode Island, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Life Coach who draws on a variety of holistic tools to support you, including over 20 years of experience. My specialties include trauma counseling, stress, PTSD, anxiety, depression, perfectionism and control issues, social isolation, and intimate partner violence. Specializing in eating disorders, I have my own lived experience as a woman recovering from anxiety, disordered eating, body image struggles, and grief and loss.
![Photo of Hannah Lipschutz, LMHC-A, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/657c29f7-4b23-4e41-ab26-090367348f81/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with adolescents, college students, and adults. My areas of specialty are anxiety, eating disorders, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, and relationship difficulties. I also frequently work with clients with eating disorders, chronic pain, and disabilities. I am a person-centered therapist and prioritize therapy that is tailored to the needs of each client by incorporating evidence-based practice such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Emotion-focused therapy (EFT).
I work with adolescents, college students, and adults. My areas of specialty are anxiety, eating disorders, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, and relationship difficulties. I also frequently work with clients with eating disorders, chronic pain, and disabilities. I am a person-centered therapist and prioritize therapy that is tailored to the needs of each client by incorporating evidence-based practice such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Emotion-focused therapy (EFT).
![Photo of Jocelyn Malave - VALLEE associates in psychology , LMHC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a207744-6e28-4cd5-bdf0-ee7d79182c99/4/320x400.jpeg)
I am interested in helping all groups of people from all walks of life: including the LGBTQIA+ community, sex workers, and alternative lifestyles. My clinical interests and expertise include anxiety, OCD, depression, eating disorders, and racial identity. I believe that everyone is worthy of compassion, and through compassion, we can facilitate positive change.
I am interested in helping all groups of people from all walks of life: including the LGBTQIA+ community, sex workers, and alternative lifestyles. My clinical interests and expertise include anxiety, OCD, depression, eating disorders, and racial identity. I believe that everyone is worthy of compassion, and through compassion, we can facilitate positive change.
![Photo of Meghan Shea, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bee8dd78-6cd6-4277-947d-f57ce3aa35b9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting NEW clients in NY and RI for daytime and evening appointments! I am passionate about helping college students, and post-college new grads navigate this time of life. I am a seasoned, experienced therapist, dedicated to helping my clients feel joy, hope, worthiness, and fulfillment. My current clients see me as someone who is caring, calm, empathic, and goes the extra mile. I work hard to create a safe, trusting space where you can share freely. Are you struggling to get out of bed where every day feel like a slog? Is anxiety stopping you from the life you dreamed of? Wanting to make peace with food and body image?
Accepting NEW clients in NY and RI for daytime and evening appointments! I am passionate about helping college students, and post-college new grads navigate this time of life. I am a seasoned, experienced therapist, dedicated to helping my clients feel joy, hope, worthiness, and fulfillment. My current clients see me as someone who is caring, calm, empathic, and goes the extra mile. I work hard to create a safe, trusting space where you can share freely. Are you struggling to get out of bed where every day feel like a slog? Is anxiety stopping you from the life you dreamed of? Wanting to make peace with food and body image?
![Photo of Tammy Toriello, MA, LMHC, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/29f6124f-ba62-432c-8c45-dce94433b95a/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treatment of PTSD, AHDH, depression, anxiety, and male and female victims of domestic violence. If you are depressed and anxious, I can help you become aware of thoughts and behaviors that perpetuate your negative feelings. If you are feeling overwhelmed, I can hep you find resilience and manage a stressful lifestyle. I am passionate about helping individuals who feel trapped by the effects of abuse.
I specialize in treatment of PTSD, AHDH, depression, anxiety, and male and female victims of domestic violence. If you are depressed and anxious, I can help you become aware of thoughts and behaviors that perpetuate your negative feelings. If you are feeling overwhelmed, I can hep you find resilience and manage a stressful lifestyle. I am passionate about helping individuals who feel trapped by the effects of abuse.
![Photo of Michele Pelletier - Social Compass Counseling of RI, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60f71714-968b-4a9b-93e6-f747aac01553/2/320x400.jpeg)
Our focus is building upon our clients strengths to give your child the resilience needed to achieve a well balanced life. Individualized instruction in social learning and emotional regulation will help clients make and maintain social connections. Together we can work on perspective taking and problem solving so that you , your child or teen has a solid foundation to bring to their peer interactions. Teens that need coaching to build coping skills and positive self worth will find a supportive environment at Social Compass. We also recognize maternal and infant mental health as essential for healthy and happy families .
Our focus is building upon our clients strengths to give your child the resilience needed to achieve a well balanced life. Individualized instruction in social learning and emotional regulation will help clients make and maintain social connections. Together we can work on perspective taking and problem solving so that you , your child or teen has a solid foundation to bring to their peer interactions. Teens that need coaching to build coping skills and positive self worth will find a supportive environment at Social Compass. We also recognize maternal and infant mental health as essential for healthy and happy families .
![Photo of Hannah Goodman, LMHC, CGS, MEd](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b23c6a28-1828-4fc6-85bc-dfcdeaa526ae/1/320x400.jpeg)
With a background in teaching, career and college counseling, my specialty is helping clients learn how to cope with school and career-related stressors. Additionally, as a writer, I offer clients an understanding into the creative life. My clinical experience in mental health has been focused on helping clients navigate the various transitions throughout the lifespan related to a variety of psychosocial stressors. Additionally, I am experienced in anxiety and mood management, teaching clients both how to become more aware of these symptoms and how to apply behavioral skills to these symptoms in an effective way.
With a background in teaching, career and college counseling, my specialty is helping clients learn how to cope with school and career-related stressors. Additionally, as a writer, I offer clients an understanding into the creative life. My clinical experience in mental health has been focused on helping clients navigate the various transitions throughout the lifespan related to a variety of psychosocial stressors. Additionally, I am experienced in anxiety and mood management, teaching clients both how to become more aware of these symptoms and how to apply behavioral skills to these symptoms in an effective way.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Dr. Holly Schiff, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ee350212-eb45-4a81-926f-fe49158ad3d9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Holly Schiff
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
North Kingstown, RI 02852 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Has your child failed to connect with other mental health providers? I am a licensed clinical psychologist with an exclusive focus on children, adolescents, young adults and their families. I excel at developing a rapport with this age group which lays the groundwork for a positive therapeutic relationship. Treatment specialties include anxiety, depression, stress, underachievement, relationships, school refusal, divorce, OCD, suicidal ideation/self-harm, Autism, Eating Disorders, bullying, and grief/loss.
Has your child failed to connect with other mental health providers? I am a licensed clinical psychologist with an exclusive focus on children, adolescents, young adults and their families. I excel at developing a rapport with this age group which lays the groundwork for a positive therapeutic relationship. Treatment specialties include anxiety, depression, stress, underachievement, relationships, school refusal, divorce, OCD, suicidal ideation/self-harm, Autism, Eating Disorders, bullying, and grief/loss.
![Photo of Dr. Matthew Mooers, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4828d6c9-37f6-4fac-9024-ee7e2883516b/1/320x400.jpeg)
I offer online and in-person individual therapy to older adolescents, college students, and adults of all ages. My areas of specialization include: anxiety disorders, body image and eating disorders, trauma-related concerns, relationship difficulties, work with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, college student mental health, couples therapy, and identity/personal values exploration. I emphasize cultural humility and sensitivity as I get to know my clients, and I am affirming of the multi-layered and uniquely intersecting identities that they hold.
I offer online and in-person individual therapy to older adolescents, college students, and adults of all ages. My areas of specialization include: anxiety disorders, body image and eating disorders, trauma-related concerns, relationship difficulties, work with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, college student mental health, couples therapy, and identity/personal values exploration. I emphasize cultural humility and sensitivity as I get to know my clients, and I am affirming of the multi-layered and uniquely intersecting identities that they hold.
![Photo of Elizabeth Hammond, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/727f4cf7-4ef2-4ada-bc8c-49c81eea0d18/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Hammond
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Providence, RI 02906 (Online Only)
Sessions with me are about the whole person because eating disorders are always one part of a bigger picture.
Your relationship with food and your body has taken over your life, and you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, and alone. You may be fed up with the shame, tired of having no control, or sick of feeling isolated. You might not even remember a time things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to leave the eating disorder behind. You want to feel confident and in control of your emotions. Most of all, you’re ready to reconnect with yourself.
Sessions with me are about the whole person because eating disorders are always one part of a bigger picture.
Your relationship with food and your body has taken over your life, and you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, and alone. You may be fed up with the shame, tired of having no control, or sick of feeling isolated. You might not even remember a time things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to leave the eating disorder behind. You want to feel confident and in control of your emotions. Most of all, you’re ready to reconnect with yourself.
![Photo of Marcia Tuthill - Brain & Being Collective: Marcia Tuthill, LMFT, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cc711c74-75a8-4b63-a53b-e825f8d762b0/3/320x400.jpeg)
Brain & Being Collective: Marcia Tuthill, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Providence, RI 02906
Waitlist for new clients
Marcia’s main focus of work has been with people who struggle with Eating Disorders, Family of Origin and attachment wounds, anxiety, depression, college aged students, life transitions and therapy for therapists.
Marcia’s passion is helping others to create, safe and fulfilling relationships and connections. Using a client centered approach paired with evidenced based practices, she empowers clients to vulnerably connect and experience deep emotions while recognizing habitual patterns preventing their authentic selves from emerging. Marcia provides a safe and nurturing environment that allows new pathways to evolve, ultimately leading to the manifestation of the life changes people desire.
Marcia’s main focus of work has been with people who struggle with Eating Disorders, Family of Origin and attachment wounds, anxiety, depression, college aged students, life transitions and therapy for therapists.
Marcia’s passion is helping others to create, safe and fulfilling relationships and connections. Using a client centered approach paired with evidenced based practices, she empowers clients to vulnerably connect and experience deep emotions while recognizing habitual patterns preventing their authentic selves from emerging. Marcia provides a safe and nurturing environment that allows new pathways to evolve, ultimately leading to the manifestation of the life changes people desire.
![Photo of Karen Capoverde, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46e8e1c8-46e3-4f9f-aa6a-d0d95ea829da/1/320x400.jpeg)
Karen Capoverde
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Warwick, RI 02888 (Online Only)
I have experience with individuals who have experienced trauma, eating disorders, self esteem difficulties, stage of life concerns, bipolar depression.
Are you looking for a way to feel happier? Do you struggle with depression, anxiety or panic attacks or social anxiety? Have you experienced trauma in your life? Do you want to feel more confident?
I have experience with individuals who have experienced trauma, eating disorders, self esteem difficulties, stage of life concerns, bipolar depression.
Are you looking for a way to feel happier? Do you struggle with depression, anxiety or panic attacks or social anxiety? Have you experienced trauma in your life? Do you want to feel more confident?
![Photo of Mandy LeComte, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8acadf68-7a61-4db5-9e64-14925158a299/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mandy LeComte
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Providence, RI 02904 (Online Only)
I treat a variety of areas / populations, including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, premarital / marital, PTSD, grief and loss, military personnel and family, food addiction / weight loss surgery / eating disorders (primarily binge, compulsive, emotional eating), parenting support, school issues / IEP and 504 support, foster care and adoption.
I feel that providing a comfortable and safe environment for people to discuss their feelings and thoughts about experiences, concerns and changes they hope for in life and relationships is important. I will work to help you improve skills, insight and awareness around the areas in your life you are struggling with. I have been a clinical social worker for 20 years working within a variety of settings including schools, homes, community and residential. I have treated diverse populations of children, adolescents and adults with co-occurring disorders. I provide counseling services for adults and couples.
I treat a variety of areas / populations, including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, premarital / marital, PTSD, grief and loss, military personnel and family, food addiction / weight loss surgery / eating disorders (primarily binge, compulsive, emotional eating), parenting support, school issues / IEP and 504 support, foster care and adoption.
I feel that providing a comfortable and safe environment for people to discuss their feelings and thoughts about experiences, concerns and changes they hope for in life and relationships is important. I will work to help you improve skills, insight and awareness around the areas in your life you are struggling with. I have been a clinical social worker for 20 years working within a variety of settings including schools, homes, community and residential. I have treated diverse populations of children, adolescents and adults with co-occurring disorders. I provide counseling services for adults and couples.
![Photo of Livia Freier - Dr. Livia Freier, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6b82a601-7081-4e87-a193-27f46a73ae23/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Livia Freier is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in anxiety and depression, as well as ADHD, adjustment difficulties, eating disorders, and couples/marriage conflicts. Additionally, Dr. Freier works with clients who would like to gain a strong sense of self and build self-confidence both long-term and situational. Her practice is open to individuals, couples, and families. Dr. Freier also focuses on working with college students and their families. Her neuroscience research is affiliated with Brown University and her practice is located within close walking distance of the Brown University campus and RISD.
Dr. Livia Freier is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in anxiety and depression, as well as ADHD, adjustment difficulties, eating disorders, and couples/marriage conflicts. Additionally, Dr. Freier works with clients who would like to gain a strong sense of self and build self-confidence both long-term and situational. Her practice is open to individuals, couples, and families. Dr. Freier also focuses on working with college students and their families. Her neuroscience research is affiliated with Brown University and her practice is located within close walking distance of the Brown University campus and RISD.
![Photo of Jolie Weingeroff, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cb52aad-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have advanced training in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults and adolescents. My areas of specialization and interest include: college and graduate student mental health, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and working with LGBTQIA-identified individuals. I am a CBT therapist, and I frequently incorporate techniques from acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and dynamic therapy. I work collaboratively with my clients to develop a shared understanding of what brings them to therapy and determine what treatment approach(es) will be most effective.
I have advanced training in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults and adolescents. My areas of specialization and interest include: college and graduate student mental health, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and working with LGBTQIA-identified individuals. I am a CBT therapist, and I frequently incorporate techniques from acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and dynamic therapy. I work collaboratively with my clients to develop a shared understanding of what brings them to therapy and determine what treatment approach(es) will be most effective.
My therapeutic approach involves working with clients to help them reduce suffering and improve their overall quality of life. I have extensive training in cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, psychodynamic, and trauma-focused therapy, and believe in tailoring my therapeutic approach to my client's specific needs and goals. I specialize in the treatment of adolescents and young adults, and have experience treating individuals who present with depression, anxiety, mood instability, trauma, self-harm, suicidality, borderline personality traits, OCD, eating disorders, and adjustment issues.
My therapeutic approach involves working with clients to help them reduce suffering and improve their overall quality of life. I have extensive training in cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, psychodynamic, and trauma-focused therapy, and believe in tailoring my therapeutic approach to my client's specific needs and goals. I specialize in the treatment of adolescents and young adults, and have experience treating individuals who present with depression, anxiety, mood instability, trauma, self-harm, suicidality, borderline personality traits, OCD, eating disorders, and adjustment issues.
![Photo of Leslie Keenaghan, LICSW, MSW, MEd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8df69e53-5771-4aa4-90aa-8d8b7be0824b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Leslie Keenaghan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cranston, RI 02920
Currently accepting new clients! I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in RI and MA, working to treat individuals with anxiety, OCD, life transitions and eating disorders. I value a person centered approach and believe strongly in my client driving the therapy session. I am trained in the Hakomi method, a somatic therapy, and work to incorporate a mindful component to all of my sessions. I provide care that recognizes the unique traits of each client’s experience allowing them to connect to their inner self. My goal is for my clients to feel deeply cared for, so that they are no longer alone in their challenges.
Currently accepting new clients! I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in RI and MA, working to treat individuals with anxiety, OCD, life transitions and eating disorders. I value a person centered approach and believe strongly in my client driving the therapy session. I am trained in the Hakomi method, a somatic therapy, and work to incorporate a mindful component to all of my sessions. I provide care that recognizes the unique traits of each client’s experience allowing them to connect to their inner self. My goal is for my clients to feel deeply cared for, so that they are no longer alone in their challenges.
![Photo of Karoline Kugler Salazar, PsyD, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a1b3bbc-9813-4474-bb61-d6a7e981b0eb/1/320x400.png)
Assessment areas include intellectual ability, cognitive difficulties such as ADHD, learning disabilities, psychotic disorder, bipolar, depressive disorders, anxiety, trauma, physical symptoms causing emotional distress, eating disorders, gender dissatisfaction, behavior, substance use problems, and personality traits.
Karoline Salazar, PsyD, obtained a doctor of Psychology from William James College. She completed her APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at The Brenner Center in Newton, MA. Dr. Salazar focuses primarily on client-centered approaches to therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and positive psychology. Dr. Salazar has experience working with depression, anxiety, behavior problems, and family conflicts. She also conducts psychological and neuropsychological assessment, pre-surgical bariatric, and educational testing.
Assessment areas include intellectual ability, cognitive difficulties such as ADHD, learning disabilities, psychotic disorder, bipolar, depressive disorders, anxiety, trauma, physical symptoms causing emotional distress, eating disorders, gender dissatisfaction, behavior, substance use problems, and personality traits.
Karoline Salazar, PsyD, obtained a doctor of Psychology from William James College. She completed her APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at The Brenner Center in Newton, MA. Dr. Salazar focuses primarily on client-centered approaches to therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and positive psychology. Dr. Salazar has experience working with depression, anxiety, behavior problems, and family conflicts. She also conducts psychological and neuropsychological assessment, pre-surgical bariatric, and educational testing.
![Photo of Mariah DiToro, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d94211f5-87d0-48e2-a6dd-c19ce7e23d36/1/320x400.png)
Mariah is counselor at Brightside Behavioral Health. She received her Master's Degree of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Johnson & Wales University and is currently working towards her LMHC. She provided in-home therapy for children and their families for 2.5 years who were in crisis. She has worked with children with anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders, and many other diagnoses and life's issues.
Mariah is counselor at Brightside Behavioral Health. She received her Master's Degree of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Johnson & Wales University and is currently working towards her LMHC. She provided in-home therapy for children and their families for 2.5 years who were in crisis. She has worked with children with anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders, and many other diagnoses and life's issues.
See more therapy options for Tiverton
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.