Eating Disorders Therapists in McLean, VA
![Photo of Lisa Anne Maestri, LCSW, MSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/151272be-8836-45e3-8ecd-6ab1387c8a01/2/320x400.jpeg)
My areas of specialization include eating disorders, separation/divorce, trauma, ACOA, grief/loss, women's sexual health, and perio-menopause/menopause I enjoy helping people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
I would like to congratulate you for taking the time to explore therapy. I know that finding the right therapist can take time and energy; it is a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. I approach my clients with a positive & hopeful attitude as we work with one another. The people I have had the privilege to work with describe my style as warm, compassionate, interactive, and collaborative. I enjoy helping people navigate the complexities of life to gain better understanding of themselves, their relationships and to ultimately find wisdom, answers and resolutions to the reasons that have brought you into therapy.
My areas of specialization include eating disorders, separation/divorce, trauma, ACOA, grief/loss, women's sexual health, and perio-menopause/menopause I enjoy helping people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
I would like to congratulate you for taking the time to explore therapy. I know that finding the right therapist can take time and energy; it is a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. I approach my clients with a positive & hopeful attitude as we work with one another. The people I have had the privilege to work with describe my style as warm, compassionate, interactive, and collaborative. I enjoy helping people navigate the complexities of life to gain better understanding of themselves, their relationships and to ultimately find wisdom, answers and resolutions to the reasons that have brought you into therapy.
![Photo of Erin O'Brien, LCSW, CEDS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e74bee9b-0090-42c4-aedd-94db1711fbd7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erin O'Brien
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CEDS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22102
I believe that valued change is possible and that reaching out for support is the first step. I am passionate about supporting people as they connect to their most authentic selves and create a more meaningful life. My primary focus includes working with individuals with eating disorders, anxiety, mood disturbances and a history of trauma and their families and supports. I enjoy working with families and parents by providing family therapy and parent coaching, as well as working with supports to include partners, parents and siblings, by providing individual therapy.
I believe that valued change is possible and that reaching out for support is the first step. I am passionate about supporting people as they connect to their most authentic selves and create a more meaningful life. My primary focus includes working with individuals with eating disorders, anxiety, mood disturbances and a history of trauma and their families and supports. I enjoy working with families and parents by providing family therapy and parent coaching, as well as working with supports to include partners, parents and siblings, by providing individual therapy.
![Photo of Jean Ward, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c81ee41-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in middle school, high school, and college student transitions; adult transitions in work, family, and personal relationships; eating disorders including excessive weight gain, bulimia and binge-eating; and coming to terms with grief, loss and bereavement.
Identified in Washingtonian Magazine's most recent issue highlighting "Best therapists in the DC metropolitan area," I am a clinical psychologist with more than thirty years of experience. I am particularly interested in school, work, and life transitions. I treat teenagers and adults for symptoms of anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, eating disorders, and mood disorders, and support clients who are struggling with loss and managing life changes from major disruptions. I graduated magna cum laude from Duke University, earned my Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University, and interned at Vanderbilt and Nashville VA medical centers.
I specialize in middle school, high school, and college student transitions; adult transitions in work, family, and personal relationships; eating disorders including excessive weight gain, bulimia and binge-eating; and coming to terms with grief, loss and bereavement.
Identified in Washingtonian Magazine's most recent issue highlighting "Best therapists in the DC metropolitan area," I am a clinical psychologist with more than thirty years of experience. I am particularly interested in school, work, and life transitions. I treat teenagers and adults for symptoms of anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, eating disorders, and mood disorders, and support clients who are struggling with loss and managing life changes from major disruptions. I graduated magna cum laude from Duke University, earned my Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University, and interned at Vanderbilt and Nashville VA medical centers.
![Photo of Colleen M Neumann, PsyD, MSW, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2a2fe546-8626-4223-a289-29e5a949f0f5/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer individual and family therapy, and work as part of a multidisciplinary team of professionals to treat eating disorders.
Thank you for taking the time to view my page! I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist practicing in Reston, VA. I specialize in the field of eating disorders, and have been working with adolescents and adults with eating disorders for 20 years. I have worked in all levels of care settings, and fully appreciate how challenging recovery from an eating disorder can be! With the new crisis in mental health accessibility, I applaud you for reaching out to find help, and I encourage you to keep searching until you find the right fit!
I offer individual and family therapy, and work as part of a multidisciplinary team of professionals to treat eating disorders.
Thank you for taking the time to view my page! I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist practicing in Reston, VA. I specialize in the field of eating disorders, and have been working with adolescents and adults with eating disorders for 20 years. I have worked in all levels of care settings, and fully appreciate how challenging recovery from an eating disorder can be! With the new crisis in mental health accessibility, I applaud you for reaching out to find help, and I encourage you to keep searching until you find the right fit!
![Photo of Isabel B Kirk, MA, LPC, EMDR, IFS, AEDP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46bf11c3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Isabel B Kirk
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, EMDR, IFS, AEDP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22103
If you are facing a crisis or difficult time, are tired of being in pain, not find what you want or need, don't know what to do with your partner, child, boss...situation, or simply want to improve your life, contact me. I will help you change your life! I work with depression & anxiety, trauma, relationships therapy (dating, marriage & couples counseling, intimacy problems), eating disorders & body image and healthy eating, maternity and postpartum, parenting and attachment, and grief due to break-ups, perinatal loss, and divorce. I am also devoted to the field of positive psychology and support people during common life transitions.
If you are facing a crisis or difficult time, are tired of being in pain, not find what you want or need, don't know what to do with your partner, child, boss...situation, or simply want to improve your life, contact me. I will help you change your life! I work with depression & anxiety, trauma, relationships therapy (dating, marriage & couples counseling, intimacy problems), eating disorders & body image and healthy eating, maternity and postpartum, parenting and attachment, and grief due to break-ups, perinatal loss, and divorce. I am also devoted to the field of positive psychology and support people during common life transitions.
![Photo of Virginia Inglese, LCSW, MA, RDN, EMDR, CEDS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bacf54b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Virginia Inglese
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA, RDN, EMDR, CEDS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22101
Our caring team-based approach specializes in eating disorders, addictions and identity/transgender needs.
Are you struggling with an eating disorder, low self-esteem, relationship issues, or self harming behaviors? Have you suffered from trauma and abuse, or have lost touch of your own needs and feelings? I use an integrative approach that emphasizes emotional and physical healing and addresses the underlying core issues that continue to sabotage the recovery process. My treatment approach helps you let go of negative beliefs, self destructive patterns, and learn to develop positive relationships and healthy coping skills. We build on your strengths and focus is on recovery and self care to find your true inner self.
Our caring team-based approach specializes in eating disorders, addictions and identity/transgender needs.
Are you struggling with an eating disorder, low self-esteem, relationship issues, or self harming behaviors? Have you suffered from trauma and abuse, or have lost touch of your own needs and feelings? I use an integrative approach that emphasizes emotional and physical healing and addresses the underlying core issues that continue to sabotage the recovery process. My treatment approach helps you let go of negative beliefs, self destructive patterns, and learn to develop positive relationships and healthy coping skills. We build on your strengths and focus is on recovery and self care to find your true inner self.
![Photo of Kristin Zauel, PhD, CEDS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47a211e3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Kristin Zauel is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in treating eating disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, self-esteem concerns, relationship concerns, and adjustment to various life transitions. Dr. Zauel has worked within a variety of settings (outpatient private practice, residential treatment, and college counseling center) providing individual, family and group psychotherapy to adolescents and adults. She is passionate about supporting clients in furthering their well-being and living a life more fully aligned with their values.
Dr. Kristin Zauel is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in treating eating disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, self-esteem concerns, relationship concerns, and adjustment to various life transitions. Dr. Zauel has worked within a variety of settings (outpatient private practice, residential treatment, and college counseling center) providing individual, family and group psychotherapy to adolescents and adults. She is passionate about supporting clients in furthering their well-being and living a life more fully aligned with their values.
![Photo of Georgia Meyers, MAEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/68532812-eb93-4dba-a5c9-c0cf7041641b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Georgia Meyers
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22067 (Online Only)
I have worked with teens (13+) and adults healing from mental health and eating disorders for 10+ years at various outpatient levels of care.
By searching for a therapist, you’ve already taken the first step towards getting “unstuck.” If anxiety or depression is keeping you from making changes in your life or if you struggle with disordered eating/body image I am here to help you find a way forward. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor providing telehealth services in VA and MD. I am passionate about helping clients explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviors in a safe and welcoming space. My style is warm and energetic while also being direct and focused—in therapy its okay to laugh as well as cry. I want therapy to be something you look forward to.
I have worked with teens (13+) and adults healing from mental health and eating disorders for 10+ years at various outpatient levels of care.
By searching for a therapist, you’ve already taken the first step towards getting “unstuck.” If anxiety or depression is keeping you from making changes in your life or if you struggle with disordered eating/body image I am here to help you find a way forward. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor providing telehealth services in VA and MD. I am passionate about helping clients explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviors in a safe and welcoming space. My style is warm and energetic while also being direct and focused—in therapy its okay to laugh as well as cry. I want therapy to be something you look forward to.
![Photo of Kellie Zundel, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e71d2ae-5898-4a57-a744-0ecf17084aab/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kellie Zundel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22101
I am passionate about working with individuals struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and OSFED.
Living with an eating disorder can impact everything in your life in a negative way. You don't have to continue to feel so trapped. Maybe you struggle with binge eating or bulimia and each time you binge you tell yourself it will be the last time-but it never is. You feel tired of the constant battle. Or perhaps you struggle with anorexia and are terrified of gaining weight. Part of you may want recovery and part of you may feel really scared. You may not even remember what it felt like to "eat normally." Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible-I can help.
I am passionate about working with individuals struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and OSFED.
Living with an eating disorder can impact everything in your life in a negative way. You don't have to continue to feel so trapped. Maybe you struggle with binge eating or bulimia and each time you binge you tell yourself it will be the last time-but it never is. You feel tired of the constant battle. Or perhaps you struggle with anorexia and are terrified of gaining weight. Part of you may want recovery and part of you may feel really scared. You may not even remember what it felt like to "eat normally." Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible-I can help.
![Photo of Tasneem Campos Lcsw, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c65926ed-8b1a-4460-8226-f82b82fb1fc4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tasneem Campos Lcsw
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22101 (Online Only)
I specialize in addiction (alcohol, drugs, sex) and eating disorders, but have extensive experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, family and couples issues, and low self-esteem.
If you feel like you are struggling to stay present in your life, if you are anxious or depressed, if you have an addiction or think you might, if you have an unhealthy relationship with food or your body, if you feel stuck when it comes to your trauma and how it's affecting you, or if you just want to improve your quality of life and you need a compassionate and dedicated professional to help you - hi, I'm Taz and I'd love to be your new therapist.
I specialize in addiction (alcohol, drugs, sex) and eating disorders, but have extensive experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, family and couples issues, and low self-esteem.
If you feel like you are struggling to stay present in your life, if you are anxious or depressed, if you have an addiction or think you might, if you have an unhealthy relationship with food or your body, if you feel stuck when it comes to your trauma and how it's affecting you, or if you just want to improve your quality of life and you need a compassionate and dedicated professional to help you - hi, I'm Taz and I'd love to be your new therapist.
![Photo of Madison Valentine, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/296b825d-d333-4d2b-9077-eacfbb4cea6e/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that everyone comes into therapy with their own innate strength and wisdom, and in my sessions, I strive to help teens, children, families, and individuals with eating disorders tap into these qualities that are already present within. I incorporate empathy and a non-judgemental approach into my sessions to foster a safe, therapeutic relationship. It is through this relationship we can explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors and, in time, we will examine whether they are helping you live your most fulfilling life.
I believe that everyone comes into therapy with their own innate strength and wisdom, and in my sessions, I strive to help teens, children, families, and individuals with eating disorders tap into these qualities that are already present within. I incorporate empathy and a non-judgemental approach into my sessions to foster a safe, therapeutic relationship. It is through this relationship we can explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors and, in time, we will examine whether they are helping you live your most fulfilling life.
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![Photo of Ioana Marcus, PhD, LPC, GEP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d25791c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ioana Marcus
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, GEP
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22067
I work with adolescent and adult clients navigating anxiety and depression, recovery from eating disorders, trauma, developmental trauma/ adoption.
If you are tired of feeling stuck in your life, I invite you to take a different approach to life and therapy, which is somatic and experiential. My practice is founded on creating a safe space for you to become your most authentic self. We focus not only on understanding your past experiences, whether family, relationships, traumas or mental health concerns that have been hindering your growth, but also supporting you to step into your life NOW. I will support you and walk the walk with you. We will explore how to fully live and thrive in the present, grow to your fullest potential, way beyond what you imagine for yourself.
I work with adolescent and adult clients navigating anxiety and depression, recovery from eating disorders, trauma, developmental trauma/ adoption.
If you are tired of feeling stuck in your life, I invite you to take a different approach to life and therapy, which is somatic and experiential. My practice is founded on creating a safe space for you to become your most authentic self. We focus not only on understanding your past experiences, whether family, relationships, traumas or mental health concerns that have been hindering your growth, but also supporting you to step into your life NOW. I will support you and walk the walk with you. We will explore how to fully live and thrive in the present, grow to your fullest potential, way beyond what you imagine for yourself.
![Photo of Julie Sutliff, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f8d322a9-13a8-49c3-8365-9fcea57eb3d2/2/320x400.png)
I have a graduate certificate in Eating Disorders and a range of experience in working with mental health challenges including but not limited to depression, anxiety, adjustment struggles, addiction, chronic pain, and current life stressors.
My name is Julie Sutliff and I am a LCSW in Maryland, New York, and Virginia and owner of JES Counseling, LLC providing telehealth services. I have 10+ years of experience providing mental and emotional health services in both inpatient and outpatient settings, individual and group therapy with young adults, adults, athletes, veterans, and first responders. My passion is to help individuals learn how to cope and understand latent symptoms (below the surface) which can be helpful in improving mental and emotional health to improve quality of life, strengthen the ability to function, learn resilience, and gain empowerment.
I have a graduate certificate in Eating Disorders and a range of experience in working with mental health challenges including but not limited to depression, anxiety, adjustment struggles, addiction, chronic pain, and current life stressors.
My name is Julie Sutliff and I am a LCSW in Maryland, New York, and Virginia and owner of JES Counseling, LLC providing telehealth services. I have 10+ years of experience providing mental and emotional health services in both inpatient and outpatient settings, individual and group therapy with young adults, adults, athletes, veterans, and first responders. My passion is to help individuals learn how to cope and understand latent symptoms (below the surface) which can be helpful in improving mental and emotional health to improve quality of life, strengthen the ability to function, learn resilience, and gain empowerment.
![Photo of Diana Gaydusek, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6fbe4e0b-3e34-4e8f-b34e-6dde64e319cf/2/320x400.jpeg)
She is also trained in Maudsley Family Based Treatment (FBT) for eating disorders and uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work.
Dr. Gaydusek specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and body image, mood and anxiety disorders, and relationship concerns. Dr. Gaydusek's approach to therapy is collaborative, supportive, and empathetic and she integrates empirically supported client-centered interventions into her practice to provide symptom relief. Dr. Gaydusek strongly believes in the importance of using scientific evidence-based treatments and tailoring these treatments to the individual.
She is also trained in Maudsley Family Based Treatment (FBT) for eating disorders and uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work.
Dr. Gaydusek specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and body image, mood and anxiety disorders, and relationship concerns. Dr. Gaydusek's approach to therapy is collaborative, supportive, and empathetic and she integrates empirically supported client-centered interventions into her practice to provide symptom relief. Dr. Gaydusek strongly believes in the importance of using scientific evidence-based treatments and tailoring these treatments to the individual.
![Photo of Anber Haq, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f1d631f5-50c8-465d-9b9d-55972c3948d4/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize working with eating disorders, anger/impulse control issues, OCD, victims of narcissistic parent(s), borderline personality, instigators of domestic violence, fear of commitment and/or abandonment. My therapeutic approach is designed to help individuals who are struggling to navigate circumstances with their lives as well as barriers they are struggling to remove. I work to guide my clients through exploration of their behavior patterns to lead healthier lives. I work to challenge old assumptions of themselves while still encouraging my clients to accept themselves.
I specialize working with eating disorders, anger/impulse control issues, OCD, victims of narcissistic parent(s), borderline personality, instigators of domestic violence, fear of commitment and/or abandonment. My therapeutic approach is designed to help individuals who are struggling to navigate circumstances with their lives as well as barriers they are struggling to remove. I work to guide my clients through exploration of their behavior patterns to lead healthier lives. I work to challenge old assumptions of themselves while still encouraging my clients to accept themselves.
![Photo of Hannah Moore, MA, LGPC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d98b012-0519-4909-9124-7cba9278e799/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hannah Moore
Resident in Counseling, MA, LGPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22101 (Online Only)
My focus is on helping you overcome the challenges associated with eating disorders.
Are you struggling with an eating disorder, feeling overwhelmed by the challenges it presents in your life? This battle can be incredibly isolating and distressing, leaving you feeling lost and disconnected from yourself and your loved ones. If you're unsure how to navigate this difficult journey or find it hard to trust your own relationship with food, now might be the time to reach out for help. Let's work together to overcome the obstacles that your eating disorder has placed in your path. Healing from an eating disorder is possible, and you don't have to face it alone.
My focus is on helping you overcome the challenges associated with eating disorders.
Are you struggling with an eating disorder, feeling overwhelmed by the challenges it presents in your life? This battle can be incredibly isolating and distressing, leaving you feeling lost and disconnected from yourself and your loved ones. If you're unsure how to navigate this difficult journey or find it hard to trust your own relationship with food, now might be the time to reach out for help. Let's work together to overcome the obstacles that your eating disorder has placed in your path. Healing from an eating disorder is possible, and you don't have to face it alone.
![Photo of Daniela Walder - Daniela Walder, Psy.D., PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c41f357-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Daniela Walder, Psy.D.
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22101 (Online Only)
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist that has been in private practice for over 20 years. My area of focus is working with those struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, parenting, mood disorders, life transitions, post traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist that has been in private practice for over 20 years. My area of focus is working with those struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, parenting, mood disorders, life transitions, post traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders.
![Photo of Madeline Grove, MA, EdS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/644c6d8c-8a20-4806-b248-479e12bec35c/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with young adults struggling with anxiety, eating disorders, and trauma.
Do you feel trapped by anxiety, uncertainty, and worry? There may be days when your thoughts feel incessant and uncontrollable. You might be someone who appears to have it all together, but you still find yourself stressed, barely keeping up with the demands of school, work, or your personal life. It’s painful to feel like your mental health is hanging by a thread and I'm sure you’re ready for a change. You want to open up about how you’re really doing and connect authentically. Most of all, you’re ready to build a life you’re proud of and get out of survival mode. It would be an honor to help get you there!
I specialize in working with young adults struggling with anxiety, eating disorders, and trauma.
Do you feel trapped by anxiety, uncertainty, and worry? There may be days when your thoughts feel incessant and uncontrollable. You might be someone who appears to have it all together, but you still find yourself stressed, barely keeping up with the demands of school, work, or your personal life. It’s painful to feel like your mental health is hanging by a thread and I'm sure you’re ready for a change. You want to open up about how you’re really doing and connect authentically. Most of all, you’re ready to build a life you’re proud of and get out of survival mode. It would be an honor to help get you there!
![Photo of Brandy Dunn - Silver Lake Psychology, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6150be68-95d4-49d6-8bde-1ecbe8e22815/2/320x400.jpeg)
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
![Photo of Brandy Dunn - Silver Lake Psychology, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b5581753-fddf-4213-a8d4-b345c6416ce6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
See more therapy options for McLean
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for McLean
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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.