Eating Disorders Psychologists and Therapists in Baulkham Hills, NSW

Photo of Alyssa Sterry, Counsellor, PACFA
Alyssa Sterry
Counsellor, PACFA
Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153
I specialise in eating disorders, grief and trauma however support clients dealing with a range of concerns.
Hi, I'm Alyssa a therapist with a strong desire to work with people dealing with trauma, grief and pain that others often do not understand. I enjoy sitting with people who have rarely had someone understand what they have gone through and I love integrating my own life experiences and clinical knowledge to able to reach people and support their healing process. I have supported people looking for recovery from many types of difficult life events all while providing an evidence based and trauma informed approach.
I specialise in eating disorders, grief and trauma however support clients dealing with a range of concerns.
Hi, I'm Alyssa a therapist with a strong desire to work with people dealing with trauma, grief and pain that others often do not understand. I enjoy sitting with people who have rarely had someone understand what they have gone through and I love integrating my own life experiences and clinical knowledge to able to reach people and support their healing process. I have supported people looking for recovery from many types of difficult life events all while providing an evidence based and trauma informed approach.
(02) 8403 0915 View (02) 8403 0915
Photo of Rowena Hong - Rowena Hong Psychologist, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Rowena Hong Psychologist
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am credentialed by the Australian & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED) with the qualifications, experience and training to deliver safe and evidence-based psychological treatment for eating disorders.
I am a registered psychologist passionate about helping adults navigate life’s challenges, gain deeper self-awareness, and build the hope and courage needed to make meaningful changes. My aim is to guide clients toward healthier lives and stronger relationships. For more information about the issues I'm able to help with, please refer to my website.
I am credentialed by the Australian & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED) with the qualifications, experience and training to deliver safe and evidence-based psychological treatment for eating disorders.
I am a registered psychologist passionate about helping adults navigate life’s challenges, gain deeper self-awareness, and build the hope and courage needed to make meaningful changes. My aim is to guide clients toward healthier lives and stronger relationships. For more information about the issues I'm able to help with, please refer to my website.
(02) 8403 0341 View (02) 8403 0341
Photo of Joelle Fa, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Joelle Fa
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
When I am not seeing clients, I enjoy training and supervising clinicians in treatment of eating disorders through my role at the InsideOut Institute.
My special interest areas are eating disorders, mood issues such as depression, trauma and complex trauma, anxiety and OCD. I utilise a range of evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, tailored to the individual and their goals.
When I am not seeing clients, I enjoy training and supervising clinicians in treatment of eating disorders through my role at the InsideOut Institute.
My special interest areas are eating disorders, mood issues such as depression, trauma and complex trauma, anxiety and OCD. I utilise a range of evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, tailored to the individual and their goals.
(02) 8609 3761 View (02) 8609 3761
Photo of Wuyuan Antony-John Jia, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Wuyuan Antony-John Jia
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153
Mr W. Antony-John Jia is a registered psychologist with a deep interest in psychodynamic-interpersonal therapy and pastoral psychotherapy. With a focus on individual therapy, Mr Jia is also preparing to offer Yalom-style group therapy in the future. In the initial session, Mr Jia assesses compatibility with the client, welcoming individuals of all ages, genders, and clinical presentations.
Mr W. Antony-John Jia is a registered psychologist with a deep interest in psychodynamic-interpersonal therapy and pastoral psychotherapy. With a focus on individual therapy, Mr Jia is also preparing to offer Yalom-style group therapy in the future. In the initial session, Mr Jia assesses compatibility with the client, welcoming individuals of all ages, genders, and clinical presentations.
(02) 8403 0669 View (02) 8403 0669
Photo of Khalil Dolatyar, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Khalil Dolatyar
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153
My ideal clients are children, adolescents, adults, and older adults seeking support with anxiety, depression, stress, emotional regulation, neurodiversity (including ADHD and ASD), substance use, and life transitions. I have experience working with clients aged 8 to 80 across diverse presentations and backgrounds. I also work with clients under Medicare, NDIS, WorkCover, and private funding. My approach is collaborative, practical, and evidence-based, helping clients build insight, coping skills, resilience, and meaningful long-term change.
My ideal clients are children, adolescents, adults, and older adults seeking support with anxiety, depression, stress, emotional regulation, neurodiversity (including ADHD and ASD), substance use, and life transitions. I have experience working with clients aged 8 to 80 across diverse presentations and backgrounds. I also work with clients under Medicare, NDIS, WorkCover, and private funding. My approach is collaborative, practical, and evidence-based, helping clients build insight, coping skills, resilience, and meaningful long-term change.
(02) 6189 2642 View (02) 6189 2642
Photo of Alexa Halim, Psychotherapist, MA, AThR
Alexa Halim
Psychotherapist, MA, AThR
1 Endorsed
Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153
You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. I offer a warm, reflective space where we can explore anxiety, trauma, burnout, grief, identity, and life's challenges at a pace that feels right for you. I work with adolescents and adults who feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Together, we'll make sense of your experiences, explore what lies beneath them, and find new ways of moving forward - through conversation, and when helpful, through art-making.
You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. I offer a warm, reflective space where we can explore anxiety, trauma, burnout, grief, identity, and life's challenges at a pace that feels right for you. I work with adolescents and adults who feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Together, we'll make sense of your experiences, explore what lies beneath them, and find new ways of moving forward - through conversation, and when helpful, through art-making.
(02) 9630 0451 View (02) 9630 0451
Photo of Gurprit Ganda, Psychologist, PhD, MAPS
Gurprit Ganda
Psychologist, PhD, MAPS
Serves Area
I help my clients with Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Fears and Phobias, OCD, Regulating Behaviour, Addiction, Poor self-esteem, Bereavement and Grief, Confidence issues, Pre and Postnatal depression, Self-esteem, Work or Career Issues, Anger Management, ADHD, ADD, Impulse Control, Self-harm, School Stress, Relationship Problems
I lead the team of Psychologists at Potentialz Unlimited. I have a wide and deep background in supporting patients with complex mental health issues through evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, PET, TF-CBT, MBCT, Interpersonal Therapy. My warm and empathetic nature and advanced psycho-therapeutic skills promote open discussion and an environment for healing. I am passionate about my client's recovery and in returning value and meaning to the lives of those in my care. I am registered as a Tier-2 Counsellor with Victim Services, NSW and been treating patients suffering from Trauma and PTSD over the last 12 years.
I help my clients with Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Fears and Phobias, OCD, Regulating Behaviour, Addiction, Poor self-esteem, Bereavement and Grief, Confidence issues, Pre and Postnatal depression, Self-esteem, Work or Career Issues, Anger Management, ADHD, ADD, Impulse Control, Self-harm, School Stress, Relationship Problems
I lead the team of Psychologists at Potentialz Unlimited. I have a wide and deep background in supporting patients with complex mental health issues through evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, PET, TF-CBT, MBCT, Interpersonal Therapy. My warm and empathetic nature and advanced psycho-therapeutic skills promote open discussion and an environment for healing. I am passionate about my client's recovery and in returning value and meaning to the lives of those in my care. I am registered as a Tier-2 Counsellor with Victim Services, NSW and been treating patients suffering from Trauma and PTSD over the last 12 years.
(02) 9158 6384 View (02) 9158 6384
Photo of Khalida Nasir, Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Khalida Nasir
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
Khalida is a warm and empathetic Clinical Psychologist who takes on a collaborative approach, recognising that everybody is unique, she likes to draw from various modalities to tailor a treatment plan to the individual. Khalida is experienced in working with adolescents and adults working across various presentations. She works confidently with diverse cultures, navigating dual identity and in situations where cultural awareness and appreciation are integral priding herself in working together holistically.
Khalida is a warm and empathetic Clinical Psychologist who takes on a collaborative approach, recognising that everybody is unique, she likes to draw from various modalities to tailor a treatment plan to the individual. Khalida is experienced in working with adolescents and adults working across various presentations. She works confidently with diverse cultures, navigating dual identity and in situations where cultural awareness and appreciation are integral priding herself in working together holistically.
(02) 7804 4722 View (02) 7804 4722
Photo of Carolin Skipka - Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy for Women, Counsellor, PACFA
Do you feel stuck in ways of thinking and behaving that are not serving you anymore? Are you functioning on the outside, but are struggling on the inside? Are you longing for more connection with yourself and others? Maybe you are going through a major life transition like a relationship or career change or a major physical change like menopause? If any of this sounds familiar to you, you are not alone. In my practice I work with women every day, helping them to recognise and transform underlying, often unconscious, unhelpful patterns. As a holistic counsellor and psychotherapist I support you in developing emotional well-being,
Do you feel stuck in ways of thinking and behaving that are not serving you anymore? Are you functioning on the outside, but are struggling on the inside? Are you longing for more connection with yourself and others? Maybe you are going through a major life transition like a relationship or career change or a major physical change like menopause? If any of this sounds familiar to you, you are not alone. In my practice I work with women every day, helping them to recognise and transform underlying, often unconscious, unhelpful patterns. As a holistic counsellor and psychotherapist I support you in developing emotional well-being,
(02) 8403 0573 View (02) 8403 0573
Photo of Rajesh Prasad - Clear Choice Clinic Therapy/Coun/Psychological/ASD, Counsellor, MSc
Diversity and Cultural Competence: Highlight your experience as an NDIS-registered provider catering to clients from diverse nationalities. Educational Background: Master's degree. Specialisation in ASD; Experience in Special Education: I have a deep understanding of the challenges to support them effectively.Psychological Assessment Expertise: Marriage and Relationships:Legal Requirements and Report Writing: writing reports to meet legal requirements:Psychological Support: assist clients with a range of issues, AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs), anger management, domestic issues, and disabilities. Helping clients with needs.
Diversity and Cultural Competence: Highlight your experience as an NDIS-registered provider catering to clients from diverse nationalities. Educational Background: Master's degree. Specialisation in ASD; Experience in Special Education: I have a deep understanding of the challenges to support them effectively.Psychological Assessment Expertise: Marriage and Relationships:Legal Requirements and Report Writing: writing reports to meet legal requirements:Psychological Support: assist clients with a range of issues, AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs), anger management, domestic issues, and disabilities. Helping clients with needs.
(02) 6189 2732 View (02) 6189 2732
Photo of Cassie Garling, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Cassie Garling
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
For eating disorders, I use SSCM — a holistic, structured, evidence-based approach.
If you've found your way here, something in your life is asking for change. Maybe it's the weight of experiences you've never quite been able to set down. Maybe it's a pattern that keeps repeating no matter how hard you try to outthink it. Maybe it's the quieter ache of feeling far from who you used to be. The people I see are often capable, thoughtful, and quietly tired of carrying it alone. Therapy with me is collaborative and paced to you — grounded in the belief that you are not a problem to be fixed.
For eating disorders, I use SSCM — a holistic, structured, evidence-based approach.
If you've found your way here, something in your life is asking for change. Maybe it's the weight of experiences you've never quite been able to set down. Maybe it's a pattern that keeps repeating no matter how hard you try to outthink it. Maybe it's the quieter ache of feeling far from who you used to be. The people I see are often capable, thoughtful, and quietly tired of carrying it alone. Therapy with me is collaborative and paced to you — grounded in the belief that you are not a problem to be fixed.
(02) 7804 4205 View (02) 7804 4205

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Hannah Myall, Psychologist, MSc, PsyBA General
Hannah Myall
Psychologist, MSc, PsyBA General
Dee Why, NSW 2099
My own journey with an eating disorder has deeply shaped the way I practice today.
In our work together, you can expect warmth, honesty, and a space that feels safe to be real, no judgment, no pressure, just compassion and curiosity. I’ll help you make sense of what’s driving your eating disorder, reconnect with your body’s wisdom, and build new ways of coping that feel aligned with who you truly are.
My own journey with an eating disorder has deeply shaped the way I practice today.
In our work together, you can expect warmth, honesty, and a space that feels safe to be real, no judgment, no pressure, just compassion and curiosity. I’ll help you make sense of what’s driving your eating disorder, reconnect with your body’s wisdom, and build new ways of coping that feel aligned with who you truly are.
(02) 9100 0047 View (02) 9100 0047
Photo of Matthew Wallman, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Matthew Wallman
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Crows Nest, NSW 2065
I also have an interest in OCD and eating disorders.
Here you are at perhaps the hardest part of your mental health journey, which is asking for help. I aim to respond to that request first by establishing a therapeutic relationship in which you feel safe and seen. From that foundation I hope to work with you to address the challenges causing distress in your life, and to do so from a place of curiosity, understanding, and hope.
I also have an interest in OCD and eating disorders.
Here you are at perhaps the hardest part of your mental health journey, which is asking for help. I aim to respond to that request first by establishing a therapeutic relationship in which you feel safe and seen. From that foundation I hope to work with you to address the challenges causing distress in your life, and to do so from a place of curiosity, understanding, and hope.
(02) 9908 2950 View (02) 9908 2950
Photo of Ewa Nowinska - Neuoraffirming EMDR and EMDR intensives , Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Neuoraffirming EMDR and EMDR intensives
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Ewa’s areas of interest include: Adult ADHD and Autism (assessment and skills building), Anxiety, Depression, Binge Eating Disorder, Body acceptance, Weight loss, Health, Work bullying, Stress management, Pain, Relationship difficulties, weight loss (bariatric) surgeries: sleeve and/or bypass, EMDR for trauma, Panic attacks, Complex PTSD, immigration
Ewa Nowińska is a Registered Psychologist with a Master’s Degree from University of Gdansk, Poland. She also completed one year university exchange at the University of Barcelona, which led her to move to this beautiful country. During her 6 years in Spain/Catalonia, she continued developing her skills as a psychologist by working with clients struggling with work related issues,body image or relationship issues. After moving to Australia / Sydney in 2013, she commenced working with clients on Workers Compensation. Moreover, she has been supporting clients undergoing bariatric surgery. Medicare rebates available.
Ewa’s areas of interest include: Adult ADHD and Autism (assessment and skills building), Anxiety, Depression, Binge Eating Disorder, Body acceptance, Weight loss, Health, Work bullying, Stress management, Pain, Relationship difficulties, weight loss (bariatric) surgeries: sleeve and/or bypass, EMDR for trauma, Panic attacks, Complex PTSD, immigration
Ewa Nowińska is a Registered Psychologist with a Master’s Degree from University of Gdansk, Poland. She also completed one year university exchange at the University of Barcelona, which led her to move to this beautiful country. During her 6 years in Spain/Catalonia, she continued developing her skills as a psychologist by working with clients struggling with work related issues,body image or relationship issues. After moving to Australia / Sydney in 2013, she commenced working with clients on Workers Compensation. Moreover, she has been supporting clients undergoing bariatric surgery. Medicare rebates available.
0432 920 100 View 0432 920 100
Photo of Megan Buys, Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Megan Buys
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
2 Endorsed
Clovelly, NSW 2031
Alongside my Master of Counselling and PhD, I have trained in Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), CBT-E tailored for the support of eating disorders, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Attachment Theory for individuals and couples, Schema Therapy, and Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy.
Weekends and after hours sessions now available – Hey there! I’m so glad you found me here. My name is Megan Buys and I am a registered counsellor and psychotherapist. I am the founder of Finding Space: a therapy practice which blends both creative and empowering modalities for those seeking guidance, excitement, and deep care, where I see adults, teenagers/adolescents, couples, and therapists seeking support. I have completed a Master of Counselling, with registration through PACFA. I am also a PhD candidate, a writer, an academic, a university teacher, a yogi, a tea-drinker, and an ocean-lover.
Alongside my Master of Counselling and PhD, I have trained in Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), CBT-E tailored for the support of eating disorders, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Attachment Theory for individuals and couples, Schema Therapy, and Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy.
Weekends and after hours sessions now available – Hey there! I’m so glad you found me here. My name is Megan Buys and I am a registered counsellor and psychotherapist. I am the founder of Finding Space: a therapy practice which blends both creative and empowering modalities for those seeking guidance, excitement, and deep care, where I see adults, teenagers/adolescents, couples, and therapists seeking support. I have completed a Master of Counselling, with registration through PACFA. I am also a PhD candidate, a writer, an academic, a university teacher, a yogi, a tea-drinker, and an ocean-lover.
(02) 9100 0798 View (02) 9100 0798
Photo of Rachel Pollard, Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Rachel Pollard
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Engadine, NSW 2233
I offer individual therapy for adults and adolescents, with a particular interest in eating disorders and perinatal mental health.
Hi, I’m Rachel. I’m a Clinical Psychologist and the Founder of Still Mind Studio Psychology. With a deep commitment to evidence-based practice and genuine human connection, I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported. My approach blends warmth and professionalism with practical strategies tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals. I work collaboratively with clients to explore their experiences, build resilience, and ultimately foster lasting positive change.
I offer individual therapy for adults and adolescents, with a particular interest in eating disorders and perinatal mental health.
Hi, I’m Rachel. I’m a Clinical Psychologist and the Founder of Still Mind Studio Psychology. With a deep commitment to evidence-based practice and genuine human connection, I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported. My approach blends warmth and professionalism with practical strategies tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals. I work collaboratively with clients to explore their experiences, build resilience, and ultimately foster lasting positive change.
(02) 7501 1448 View (02) 7501 1448
Photo of Irene Osman, Counsellor, PACFA
Irene Osman
Counsellor, PACFA
Roselands, NSW 2196
I provide therapy for adults with problems around Eating Disorders, depression and Borderline Personality Disorder.
I specialise in Eating Disorders and Drug and Alcohol and Borderline Personality Disorders.
I provide therapy for adults with problems around Eating Disorders, depression and Borderline Personality Disorder.
I specialise in Eating Disorders and Drug and Alcohol and Borderline Personality Disorders.
(02) 8105 6941 View (02) 8105 6941
Photo of Joanna Hilary Ruth Penty - Time4Talk, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Time4Talk
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Sydney, NSW 2000
I am an experienced mental health practitioner, with over 15 years in the UK’s National Health Service, supporting a diverse range of clients with evidence-based interventions for: anxiety disorders, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, low self-esteem, perfectionism, loneliness, and anger management
Life can be challenging, and reaching out for support isn't always easy. You may be feeling anxious, low in mood, or trying to resolve an issue that just doesn’t seem to go away. At Time4Talk, I offer a warm and non-judgemental therapeutic space for adults — where, with cognitive behavioural therapy we can explore unhelpful patterns, set meaningful goals, and work towards change. Working together, I'll help you identify thoughts and behaviours contributing to emotional distress. Each intervention is thoughtfully tailored to equip you with the skills and strategies needed to move forward and achieve your goals and build resilience.
I am an experienced mental health practitioner, with over 15 years in the UK’s National Health Service, supporting a diverse range of clients with evidence-based interventions for: anxiety disorders, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, low self-esteem, perfectionism, loneliness, and anger management
Life can be challenging, and reaching out for support isn't always easy. You may be feeling anxious, low in mood, or trying to resolve an issue that just doesn’t seem to go away. At Time4Talk, I offer a warm and non-judgemental therapeutic space for adults — where, with cognitive behavioural therapy we can explore unhelpful patterns, set meaningful goals, and work towards change. Working together, I'll help you identify thoughts and behaviours contributing to emotional distress. Each intervention is thoughtfully tailored to equip you with the skills and strategies needed to move forward and achieve your goals and build resilience.
(02) 8105 6913 View (02) 8105 6913
Photo of Jodie Gale, Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Jodie Gale
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Manly, NSW 2095
I provide soul-centered psychotherapy for eating disorders, complex trauma (childhood emotional neglect) and not feeling good enough.
You may look like you’re coping, but inside you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or not good enough. You might turn to food for comfort, control, or relief, then feel shame, guilt, or self-criticism afterwards. Many of the women I work with carry the impact of early trauma, emotional neglect, or difficult mother–daughter relationships that continue to shape how they feel about themselves. Some feel stuck in patterns they don’t understand, while others are quietly asking, “who am I, really?” and longing for a deeper, more meaningful connection with themselves, their body, and their inner world.
I provide soul-centered psychotherapy for eating disorders, complex trauma (childhood emotional neglect) and not feeling good enough.
You may look like you’re coping, but inside you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or not good enough. You might turn to food for comfort, control, or relief, then feel shame, guilt, or self-criticism afterwards. Many of the women I work with carry the impact of early trauma, emotional neglect, or difficult mother–daughter relationships that continue to shape how they feel about themselves. Some feel stuck in patterns they don’t understand, while others are quietly asking, “who am I, really?” and longing for a deeper, more meaningful connection with themselves, their body, and their inner world.
(02) 8294 7627 View (02) 8294 7627
Photo of John Hristoforidis, Social Worker, AMHSW
John Hristoforidis
Social Worker, AMHSW
Forest Lodge, NSW 2037
Parts often present themselves by avoiding situations, getting angry, or through depression, anxiety, disordered eating, disconnection and dissociation.
Clients present to therapy for a variety of reasons. I provide a safe, non-judgemental space that meets where the client is at, and gently explores what's happening in their life. Together we can work towards goals that are alligned with their hopes, aspirations, desires or needs; to improve connection with the self, interpersonal relationships and the interplay with their surrounding social world.
Parts often present themselves by avoiding situations, getting angry, or through depression, anxiety, disordered eating, disconnection and dissociation.
Clients present to therapy for a variety of reasons. I provide a safe, non-judgemental space that meets where the client is at, and gently explores what's happening in their life. Together we can work towards goals that are alligned with their hopes, aspirations, desires or needs; to improve connection with the self, interpersonal relationships and the interplay with their surrounding social world.
(02) 9100 0965 View (02) 9100 0965

See more therapy options for Baulkham Hills

Eating Disorders Therapists
What happens in therapy for eating disorders?
In therapy for eating disorders, patients typically describe their eating and exercise behaviours, their patterns of eating in relation to stress, their beliefs about their body, the ways their eating behaviour 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 counselling 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 behavioural 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 behaviour, 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 recognise 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 behaviour has taken root, the longer treatment is likely to be needed.