Eating Disorders Therapists in Napanee, ON

Photo of Cassandra Millen, Registered Social Worker, MSW, BSW, RSW
Cassandra Millen
Registered Social Worker, MSW, BSW, RSW
Napanee, ON K7R
I specialize in working with eating disorders as well as trauma and work with individuals around anxiety, perfectionism, emotion regulation, addiction, grief and mood disorder.
Now accepting new clients for reduced rate services with associates and interns. As a person and family-centered therapist, I believe that you are the expert of your life and your experiences and I am here to support you with the tools and strategies to navigate the challenges we face . I am regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. I use an integrated approach, drawing from a variety of evidence-based approaches and therapeutic interventions in a way that meets your unique needs.
I specialize in working with eating disorders as well as trauma and work with individuals around anxiety, perfectionism, emotion regulation, addiction, grief and mood disorder.
Now accepting new clients for reduced rate services with associates and interns. As a person and family-centered therapist, I believe that you are the expert of your life and your experiences and I am here to support you with the tools and strategies to navigate the challenges we face . I am regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. I use an integrated approach, drawing from a variety of evidence-based approaches and therapeutic interventions in a way that meets your unique needs.
(343) 304-5604 View (343) 304-5604
Photo of Mackenzie Mindle, Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MA
Mackenzie Mindle
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MA
1 Endorsed
Napanee, ON K7R
I also work with adults and have experience supporting clients with anxiety, depression, stress management, relational conflict, emotion regulation, self-esteem, grief, and disordered eating.
Currently accepting new clients! As a client centered therapist I prioritize creating a safe environment and developing a strong therapeutic relationship as both provide the foundation of our work together. As your therapist it is my role to help guide you and provide you with the necessary knowledge and tools to accomplish your goals.
I also work with adults and have experience supporting clients with anxiety, depression, stress management, relational conflict, emotion regulation, self-esteem, grief, and disordered eating.
Currently accepting new clients! As a client centered therapist I prioritize creating a safe environment and developing a strong therapeutic relationship as both provide the foundation of our work together. As your therapist it is my role to help guide you and provide you with the necessary knowledge and tools to accomplish your goals.
(343) 501-3633 View (343) 501-3633
Photo of Cassandra Millen - Napanee Psychotherapy, Registered Social Worker, RP, MSW, RPq
Napanee Psychotherapy
Registered Social Worker, RP, MSW, RPq
Napanee, ON K7R
We offer a wide range of specialty services for trauma, anxiety, eating disorders, grief, OCD, and family therapy.
At Napanee Psychotherapy, we strive to bring you counselling and psychotherapy services that meet your individual needs. We believe you are the expert of your life and we are here as a guidepost. We are committed to person and family-centered care and strongly value community, compassion and innovation in the services we provide. At Napanee Psychotherapy, your wellness is our priority.
We offer a wide range of specialty services for trauma, anxiety, eating disorders, grief, OCD, and family therapy.
At Napanee Psychotherapy, we strive to bring you counselling and psychotherapy services that meet your individual needs. We believe you are the expert of your life and we are here as a guidepost. We are committed to person and family-centered care and strongly value community, compassion and innovation in the services we provide. At Napanee Psychotherapy, your wellness is our priority.
View
Photo of Trisha Nelson, Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Trisha Nelson
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Napanee, ON K7R
I am currently accepting new clients and offering the unique advantage of evening appointments. Whether you're grappling with life's profound questions or facing minor hurdles, therapy can be a truly empowering journey. I specialize in addressing a wide range of concerns, from relationship issues (such as boundary setting and gaslighting) to emotion regulation, self-esteem, body image, anxiety, and trauma. My approach is integrative, ensuring that the therapy techniques and theories used are not only flexible but also unique to each individual. The key to therapeutic transformation lies in embracing vulnerability and openness.
I am currently accepting new clients and offering the unique advantage of evening appointments. Whether you're grappling with life's profound questions or facing minor hurdles, therapy can be a truly empowering journey. I specialize in addressing a wide range of concerns, from relationship issues (such as boundary setting and gaslighting) to emotion regulation, self-esteem, body image, anxiety, and trauma. My approach is integrative, ensuring that the therapy techniques and theories used are not only flexible but also unique to each individual. The key to therapeutic transformation lies in embracing vulnerability and openness.
(343) 633-1753 View (343) 633-1753
Photo of Kaleb Verk - Resolve Counselling Services Canada, Registered Psychotherapist
Resolve Counselling Services Canada
Registered Psychotherapist
Napanee, ON K7R
Resolve Counselling Services Canada offers a number of programs and services that have been developed to support adults, youth, couples and families overcome challenges that affect their emotional and social well-being. All of our counsellors believe that the individuals, couples, families, and groups who come to us for counselling are resilient and possess the inherent strengths needed to solve their unique set of challenges. Each of our clinical counsellors uses a counselling approach that is informed by current best practices.
Resolve Counselling Services Canada offers a number of programs and services that have been developed to support adults, youth, couples and families overcome challenges that affect their emotional and social well-being. All of our counsellors believe that the individuals, couples, families, and groups who come to us for counselling are resilient and possess the inherent strengths needed to solve their unique set of challenges. Each of our clinical counsellors uses a counselling approach that is informed by current best practices.
(613) 519-5967 View (613) 519-5967
Photo of Brittnee Stewart - Brittnee Stewart - Spear Wellness Centre, Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MA, BA
Brittnee Stewart - Spear Wellness Centre
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MA, BA
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a Registered Psychotherapist and co-creator of Spear Wellness Centre and Spear Counselling & Psychotherapy. I am a self-led Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDR Consultant in Training, IFS Level 1 trained Therapist and trained Psychedelic Assisted Therapist. My practice embodies a holistic approach to wellness, using the alchemy of science + spirituality to facilitate meaningful and long lasting positive changes. I am passionate about helping others achieve balance and harmony within their internal system and I create a safe container to support personal transformation so you can find your way back home - to yourself.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist and co-creator of Spear Wellness Centre and Spear Counselling & Psychotherapy. I am a self-led Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDR Consultant in Training, IFS Level 1 trained Therapist and trained Psychedelic Assisted Therapist. My practice embodies a holistic approach to wellness, using the alchemy of science + spirituality to facilitate meaningful and long lasting positive changes. I am passionate about helping others achieve balance and harmony within their internal system and I create a safe container to support personal transformation so you can find your way back home - to yourself.
(343) 500-6291 View (343) 500-6291
Photo of Alicia Sergeant, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP
Alicia Sergeant
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Welcome, I’m Alicia. I use EMDR therapy to process trauma and experiences that still shape how you feel, think, and respond. This work targets what remains stuck beneath the surface and creates real, lasting change. Together, we make sense of patterns, build self-trust, and shift how you relate to yourself and others. My style is direct, grounded, and attuned, offering a space that is both supportive and focused, where meaningful work can unfold. Alongside trauma work, I support athletes and creatives in clearing blocks, accessing flow, and performing with clarity and confidence.
Welcome, I’m Alicia. I use EMDR therapy to process trauma and experiences that still shape how you feel, think, and respond. This work targets what remains stuck beneath the surface and creates real, lasting change. Together, we make sense of patterns, build self-trust, and shift how you relate to yourself and others. My style is direct, grounded, and attuned, offering a space that is both supportive and focused, where meaningful work can unfold. Alongside trauma work, I support athletes and creatives in clearing blocks, accessing flow, and performing with clarity and confidence.
View
Photo of Amanda Youssef - Valley Connections Counselling, Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP, CCC
Valley Connections Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP, CCC
13 Endorsed
Serves Area
We specialize in relationship issues, addictions, eating disorders, emotion dysregulation, mood disorders, trauma, grief, ADHD, parenting support, perinatal issues, and anxiety.
Valley Connections Counselling is an established Psychotherapy practice in Burlington. We began as a solo practitioner 10 years ago in Hamilton, and we have grown to a team of Registered Psychotherapists and Child Life Specialists, offering services in person and virtually. Our services are often covered by extended health insurance plans. We emphasize the importance of the therapeutic relationship and we provide a warm, non-judgmental, and supportive counselling environment. At Valley, we take care of the whole family - children to teens to adults, providing individual, couples, parenting, and family therapy.
We specialize in relationship issues, addictions, eating disorders, emotion dysregulation, mood disorders, trauma, grief, ADHD, parenting support, perinatal issues, and anxiety.
Valley Connections Counselling is an established Psychotherapy practice in Burlington. We began as a solo practitioner 10 years ago in Hamilton, and we have grown to a team of Registered Psychotherapists and Child Life Specialists, offering services in person and virtually. Our services are often covered by extended health insurance plans. We emphasize the importance of the therapeutic relationship and we provide a warm, non-judgmental, and supportive counselling environment. At Valley, we take care of the whole family - children to teens to adults, providing individual, couples, parenting, and family therapy.
(289) 512-5085 View (289) 512-5085
Photo of Sarah G. Horsford, Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP, CCC
Sarah G. Horsford
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP, CCC
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have also worked in a variety of counselling settings including eating disorders and addictions, employment and career counselling, intimate partner violence, and workplace and occupational stress.
I view counselling as a courageous act and as an opportunity for personal growth. I believe those seeking counselling are the experts of their own lives and I act as a neutral third party without judgment to be a sounding board/cheerleader. Together we put the puzzle pieces together to make sense of questions and move forward. My practice is guided by client-centred therapy and my approach uses a variety of modalities including behavioural and cognitive-behavioural therapies as well as other therapies for more of an eclectic stance.
I have also worked in a variety of counselling settings including eating disorders and addictions, employment and career counselling, intimate partner violence, and workplace and occupational stress.
I view counselling as a courageous act and as an opportunity for personal growth. I believe those seeking counselling are the experts of their own lives and I act as a neutral third party without judgment to be a sounding board/cheerleader. Together we put the puzzle pieces together to make sense of questions and move forward. My practice is guided by client-centred therapy and my approach uses a variety of modalities including behavioural and cognitive-behavioural therapies as well as other therapies for more of an eclectic stance.
(613) 703-3368 View (613) 703-3368
Photo of Craig Norton - Craig Norton Psychotherapy, Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Craig Norton Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Serves Area
Let's be honest: adulting is hard. Maybe you're seeking a psychotherapist in Kingston to help with those anxieties, wrestling with an ADHD brain, or trying to set boundaries without writing a ten-page apology. Whatever you're dealing with, from a major life transition to the small, messy bits in between, my practice is a place for adults to find a path forward. I'll help you develop practical strategies and lasting tools so you can stop just coping and start feeling more in control of your life, with a little less stress and a lot more support.
Let's be honest: adulting is hard. Maybe you're seeking a psychotherapist in Kingston to help with those anxieties, wrestling with an ADHD brain, or trying to set boundaries without writing a ten-page apology. Whatever you're dealing with, from a major life transition to the small, messy bits in between, my practice is a place for adults to find a path forward. I'll help you develop practical strategies and lasting tools so you can stop just coping and start feeling more in control of your life, with a little less stress and a lot more support.
(343) 338-5118 View (343) 338-5118
Photo of Channon Crawford - Completely You Counselling & Psychotherapy, Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, RP
Completely You Counselling & Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, RP
Serves Area
Compassionate therapy and clinical supervision to support you through life's biggest challenges. With you at the center; to hear your unique needs and goals, to support your transition with a variety of evidence-based approaches and tools to best meet your needs. Allowing a space of warmth and acceptance to appreciate all the sides of you, to allow for greater awareness of the most difficult transitions and your needs at present, along with gentle questioning to allow for greater self-discovery to make sense of your journey and allow for greater acceptance to find your best way forward.
Compassionate therapy and clinical supervision to support you through life's biggest challenges. With you at the center; to hear your unique needs and goals, to support your transition with a variety of evidence-based approaches and tools to best meet your needs. Allowing a space of warmth and acceptance to appreciate all the sides of you, to allow for greater awareness of the most difficult transitions and your needs at present, along with gentle questioning to allow for greater self-discovery to make sense of your journey and allow for greater acceptance to find your best way forward.
(343) 304-6146 View (343) 304-6146
Photo of Kristen Martin (Nee Beattie), Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Kristen Martin (Nee Beattie)
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I am equally passionate about supporting adults living with anxiety, trauma, PTSD, grief, loss, or eating disorders.
For over eight years, I’ve supported adults and youth in inpatient and community mental health settings, walking alongside them through some of life’s toughest experiences. I draw on evidence-based therapies such as EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), CBT, ACT, CPT, and DBT to help clients process pain and build resilience.
I am equally passionate about supporting adults living with anxiety, trauma, PTSD, grief, loss, or eating disorders.
For over eight years, I’ve supported adults and youth in inpatient and community mental health settings, walking alongside them through some of life’s toughest experiences. I draw on evidence-based therapies such as EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), CBT, ACT, CPT, and DBT to help clients process pain and build resilience.
(343) 291-8866 View (343) 291-8866
Photo of Lyndsay Foster, Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Lyndsay Foster
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I provide attachment focused Child, Youth and Family Therapy. I use the frameworks of Family Systems Theory and Attachment Theory to guide my clients on the path to optimal mental health and family functioning. I have been providing counselling services and support to children, youth and families since 2009. I have particular experience in the areas of adolescent mental health, addressing parent-child conflict and supporting adoptions and adoptive families.
I provide attachment focused Child, Youth and Family Therapy. I use the frameworks of Family Systems Theory and Attachment Theory to guide my clients on the path to optimal mental health and family functioning. I have been providing counselling services and support to children, youth and families since 2009. I have particular experience in the areas of adolescent mental health, addressing parent-child conflict and supporting adoptions and adoptive families.
(877) 978-1383 View (877) 978-1383
Photo of Patricia Marchand, Registered Social Worker, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW
Patricia Marchand
Registered Social Worker, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW
Serves Area
I am trained in a wide variety of areas including Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Ecosystemic structural family therapy, Treatment for Eating Disorders, Brainspotting and EMDR trauma therapy for children, teens and adults.
I believe in the strength and resilience of families, and that all persons have the capacity to heal. I have been providing family therapy for over 15 years as well as teaching this modality in both private and hospital settings. If you and or your family are searching for healing and having better relationships, give me a call I’d be happy to help. I invite you to look at my website and I look forward to working with you.
I am trained in a wide variety of areas including Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Ecosystemic structural family therapy, Treatment for Eating Disorders, Brainspotting and EMDR trauma therapy for children, teens and adults.
I believe in the strength and resilience of families, and that all persons have the capacity to heal. I have been providing family therapy for over 15 years as well as teaching this modality in both private and hospital settings. If you and or your family are searching for healing and having better relationships, give me a call I’d be happy to help. I invite you to look at my website and I look forward to working with you.
(613) 704-2748 View (613) 704-2748

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Allison Rozansky, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
Allison Rozansky
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
Online Only
Healing often begins with learning to treat yourself with the same compassion you already offer everyone else. I work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, low self-esteem, body image concerns, perfectionism, work stress, and relationship challenges. My clients often arrive feeling disconnected from themselves, struggling to trust their own voice or feel confident in who they are. Whether you are dealing with social pressure, family dynamics, dating, or the quiet weight of self-criticism, this is a space where you can begin to reconnect with yourself.
Healing often begins with learning to treat yourself with the same compassion you already offer everyone else. I work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, low self-esteem, body image concerns, perfectionism, work stress, and relationship challenges. My clients often arrive feeling disconnected from themselves, struggling to trust their own voice or feel confident in who they are. Whether you are dealing with social pressure, family dynamics, dating, or the quiet weight of self-criticism, this is a space where you can begin to reconnect with yourself.
(548) 798-0774 View (548) 798-0774
Photo of Natalie Bender - Eating Disorders, Food Stress, Self-Worth -Natalie, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Eating Disorders, Food Stress, Self-Worth -Natalie
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Online Only
Maybe you feel stuck in a cycle of restricting, binge eating, starting over, and feeling bad afterward.
I work with adults navigating eating disorders, binge eating, disordered eating, body image concerns, perfectionism, anxiety, and self-worth struggles. For some people, food becomes a way to cope with stress or overwhelm. For others, it becomes tied to control, shame, and never feeling good enough.
Maybe you feel stuck in a cycle of restricting, binge eating, starting over, and feeling bad afterward.
I work with adults navigating eating disorders, binge eating, disordered eating, body image concerns, perfectionism, anxiety, and self-worth struggles. For some people, food becomes a way to cope with stress or overwhelm. For others, it becomes tied to control, shame, and never feeling good enough.
(343) 453-7737 View (343) 453-7737
Photo of Lola Sholagbade, Registered Psychotherapist, MA, GDip, RP, CCC
Lola Sholagbade
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, GDip, RP, CCC
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am passionate about eating disorders, self-esteem and body image issues as well as multicultural and racial trauma issues.
Welcome and thank you for stopping by! It is never easy to take the step towards change, yet, here you are taking that very step. Perhaps you've been worn down by life or you are stuck because of an inner conflict. Do you have trouble identifying and accepting your emotions or are mired in self-defeating beliefs and irrational thoughts? I can help. I embrace a compassion-focused approach which helps to ease your burdens, alleviate your hurt and lessen your struggles. I provide a warm, confidential and non-judgmental space which fosters a quieting of the mind that enable and empower you to actualize your hopes, dreams, and ideas.
I am passionate about eating disorders, self-esteem and body image issues as well as multicultural and racial trauma issues.
Welcome and thank you for stopping by! It is never easy to take the step towards change, yet, here you are taking that very step. Perhaps you've been worn down by life or you are stuck because of an inner conflict. Do you have trouble identifying and accepting your emotions or are mired in self-defeating beliefs and irrational thoughts? I can help. I embrace a compassion-focused approach which helps to ease your burdens, alleviate your hurt and lessen your struggles. I provide a warm, confidential and non-judgmental space which fosters a quieting of the mind that enable and empower you to actualize your hopes, dreams, and ideas.
(343) 308-8408 View (343) 308-8408
Photo of Stephanie Percival - Live Well Counselling-Stephanie Percival, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist, BA(Hon), MA, RP
Live Well Counselling-Stephanie Percival, MA, RP
Registered Psychotherapist, BA(Hon), MA, RP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I can support you through life's most difficult challenges-relationship issues, first-responder high stress occupations, family conflict/divorce, child-parent issues, unplanned childlessness, death & loss, grief/bereavement, chronic health/illness, aging/dementia caregiver support, substances/addictions, identity, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
I have provided counselling for over 35 years and have supported individuals who have experienced various forms of loss, abuse, violence, victimization, and trauma. I practice from a holistic mind-body therapeutic approach, which integrates both physical & evidenced-based clinical approaches to wellness. I support individuals with calm ease to help them move beyond traumatic and emotionally painful life events. It all begins from a place of emotional safety, compassion, non-judgement, understanding, validation, & respect. Therapy goals are determined collaboratively to find solutions & outcomes that are unique to each person.
I can support you through life's most difficult challenges-relationship issues, first-responder high stress occupations, family conflict/divorce, child-parent issues, unplanned childlessness, death & loss, grief/bereavement, chronic health/illness, aging/dementia caregiver support, substances/addictions, identity, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
I have provided counselling for over 35 years and have supported individuals who have experienced various forms of loss, abuse, violence, victimization, and trauma. I practice from a holistic mind-body therapeutic approach, which integrates both physical & evidenced-based clinical approaches to wellness. I support individuals with calm ease to help them move beyond traumatic and emotionally painful life events. It all begins from a place of emotional safety, compassion, non-judgement, understanding, validation, & respect. Therapy goals are determined collaboratively to find solutions & outcomes that are unique to each person.
(289) 691-0499 View (289) 691-0499
Photo of Lisa Rutledge, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Lisa Rutledge
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I support people navigating disordered eating, eating disorders, chronic dieting, anti-fat bias, and body image distress.
My work is rooted in compassion, and I lead with curiosity, genuineness, and trust in your lived experiences. I strive to be gender and sexuality affirming, neurodiversity-affirming, anti-oppressive and weight-inclusive. My approach to therapy is drawn from humanistic, person-centered, non-pathologizing approaches through a social justice lens.
I support people navigating disordered eating, eating disorders, chronic dieting, anti-fat bias, and body image distress.
My work is rooted in compassion, and I lead with curiosity, genuineness, and trust in your lived experiences. I strive to be gender and sexuality affirming, neurodiversity-affirming, anti-oppressive and weight-inclusive. My approach to therapy is drawn from humanistic, person-centered, non-pathologizing approaches through a social justice lens.
View
Photo of Dr. Jun Qi, Psychologist, PsyD, CPsych, RPsych
Dr. Jun Qi
Psychologist, PsyD, CPsych, RPsych
Online Only
I appreciate that seeking help can be intimidating. Many people feel that they suffer alone. People do not realize how common it is to suffer from mental health-related issues. In North America, one in five adults suffer from distress, such as depression, anxiety, and interpersonal problems. Psychotherapy is extremely effective at treating a wide variety of psychological issues. I provide evidence-based, individualized, and collaborative treatment to ensure the quality of care. My approach to psychotherapy incorporates cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and emotion-focused therapy (EFT).
I appreciate that seeking help can be intimidating. Many people feel that they suffer alone. People do not realize how common it is to suffer from mental health-related issues. In North America, one in five adults suffer from distress, such as depression, anxiety, and interpersonal problems. Psychotherapy is extremely effective at treating a wide variety of psychological issues. I provide evidence-based, individualized, and collaborative treatment to ensure the quality of care. My approach to psychotherapy incorporates cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and emotion-focused therapy (EFT).
(343) 321-7193 View (343) 321-7193

Nearby Eating Disorders Counsellors Searches for Napanee

See More Eating Disorders Counsellors
Eating Disorders Counsellors
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.