Eating Disorders Counselling in Chinnor

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Photo of Dr Claire Brown, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Claire Brown
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Stokenchurch HP14
My background is in specialist mental health services; predominantly CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health) and eating disorders.
Therapy can be different things to different people; it can be about focusing on changing a specific behaviour, learning to manage emotions or wanting a space to explore experiences, get understanding and make meaning. It can be all of these things or something completely different. My strength is in the less directive, exploration work; helping clients to understand their world and why they feel, think, behave the ways that they do. With this insight, I can help you to find ways to change old patterns and move forwards in a direction towards the life you want to live.
My background is in specialist mental health services; predominantly CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health) and eating disorders.
Therapy can be different things to different people; it can be about focusing on changing a specific behaviour, learning to manage emotions or wanting a space to explore experiences, get understanding and make meaning. It can be all of these things or something completely different. My strength is in the less directive, exploration work; helping clients to understand their world and why they feel, think, behave the ways that they do. With this insight, I can help you to find ways to change old patterns and move forwards in a direction towards the life you want to live.
01628 951245 View 01628 951245
Photo of Dr Donna Bella Gurney, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Donna Bella Gurney
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
High Wycombe HP15
My areas of interests are eating disorders and anxiety.
Are you suffering from an eating disorder? Are you constantly feeling not good enough? Are your anxieties stopping you from living the life that you want? Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed or burnt out? Are you a perfectionist with unrelenting standards and highly self-critical? Do you find yourself sabotaging your relationships? Whatever your circumstances, I am here to help. ‘Tutum' is a latin word which means 'safe'.​ I founded Tutum Psychology to provide a safe space for people to talk. The scientific literature has shown that feeling safe in your therapeutic relationship is important in order for therapy to be a success.
My areas of interests are eating disorders and anxiety.
Are you suffering from an eating disorder? Are you constantly feeling not good enough? Are your anxieties stopping you from living the life that you want? Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed or burnt out? Are you a perfectionist with unrelenting standards and highly self-critical? Do you find yourself sabotaging your relationships? Whatever your circumstances, I am here to help. ‘Tutum' is a latin word which means 'safe'.​ I founded Tutum Psychology to provide a safe space for people to talk. The scientific literature has shown that feeling safe in your therapeutic relationship is important in order for therapy to be a success.
01922 664934 View 01922 664934
Photo of Dr Jenny Davis, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Jenny Davis
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Aylesbury HP17
Are you struggling with your relationship with food? Stuck in a cycle of dieting? Maybe you hate how your body looks? I'm Clinical Psychologist specialising in therapy for adults (age 16+) with eating disorders. I have helped people with emotional eating, disordered eating, anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and body image difficulties. I provide comprehensive psychological assessment and therapy to make sense of your current difficulties in the context of your life. Often this includes links with trauma, low self-esteem, perfectionism, childhood experiences, anxiety and low mood.
Are you struggling with your relationship with food? Stuck in a cycle of dieting? Maybe you hate how your body looks? I'm Clinical Psychologist specialising in therapy for adults (age 16+) with eating disorders. I have helped people with emotional eating, disordered eating, anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and body image difficulties. I provide comprehensive psychological assessment and therapy to make sense of your current difficulties in the context of your life. Often this includes links with trauma, low self-esteem, perfectionism, childhood experiences, anxiety and low mood.
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Photo of Jo de Louvois, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Jo de Louvois
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Great Missenden HP16
I have had the privilege of working with some amazingly courageous clients; supporting victims of sexual assault, abuse and trauma; young people through the pressures of growing up; depression, self-harm, anxiety, eating disorders and breakdown in family relationships.
Sometimes life can present difficult challenges. When that happens it's easy to feel confused, lonely, stuck and perhaps even judged. I can help you by providing a space for realisation, processing trauma and finding greater inner peace and freedom to live the life you wish for. I believe that the most important relationship we have is with ourselves. Having self compassion and being at peace with one’s self can be difficult to practice. I want to bring you hope and support you in becoming your own best friend.
I have had the privilege of working with some amazingly courageous clients; supporting victims of sexual assault, abuse and trauma; young people through the pressures of growing up; depression, self-harm, anxiety, eating disorders and breakdown in family relationships.
Sometimes life can present difficult challenges. When that happens it's easy to feel confused, lonely, stuck and perhaps even judged. I can help you by providing a space for realisation, processing trauma and finding greater inner peace and freedom to live the life you wish for. I believe that the most important relationship we have is with ourselves. Having self compassion and being at peace with one’s self can be difficult to practice. I want to bring you hope and support you in becoming your own best friend.
01494 326017 View 01494 326017
Photo of Tanya Lecchi - Inner Citadel, PhD
Inner Citadel
PhD
Verified Verified
Thame OX9
We work with adolescents, adults and older adults struggling with anxiety, depression, developmental trauma, eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, life crisis, relational difficulties and cultural identity dilemmas.
Inner Citadel is a clinic and training institute founded by Dr Tanya Lecchi (HCPC Clinical Psychologist and Counselling Psychologist). Our mission is to offer evidence-based therapies to people interested in exploring their lived experience in depth, helping our clients manage their clinical symptoms while finding greater authenticity and fulfilment in their daily lives. We offer a safe, quiet and private space.
We work with adolescents, adults and older adults struggling with anxiety, depression, developmental trauma, eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, life crisis, relational difficulties and cultural identity dilemmas.
Inner Citadel is a clinic and training institute founded by Dr Tanya Lecchi (HCPC Clinical Psychologist and Counselling Psychologist). Our mission is to offer evidence-based therapies to people interested in exploring their lived experience in depth, helping our clients manage their clinical symptoms while finding greater authenticity and fulfilment in their daily lives. We offer a safe, quiet and private space.
01865 638842 View 01865 638842
Photo of Valerie Manners, MBACP, Counsellor
Valerie Manners
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Marlow SL7
Most common areas that I work with are: Generalised Anxiety Disorder; Social anxiety; Health anxiety; Depression; Feeling sad; Low self-esteem; Low self-confidence; Social media anxiety; Panic attacks; Relationship difficulties; Work stress; Low mood; Low motivation; Midlife crisis; Loss of a loved one; Retirement concerns; Eating disorders; LGBTQIA issues;.
On-line CBT Counselling Specialist, Therapeutic Coach and Face to Face Practitioner - MBACP. For 15 years I have been in private practice in Harley Street, London, Marlow in Bucks and Hove in Sussex. I have been offering video consultations via Zoom, WhatsApp and other platforms for many years. This has the advantage of being conducted at your convenience from your own front room. You can choose the platform that you are most familiar with e.g. Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp or Skype. Cognitive behavioural therapy is proven to make a big difference to anxiety and depression and it is also approved by the NHS.
Most common areas that I work with are: Generalised Anxiety Disorder; Social anxiety; Health anxiety; Depression; Feeling sad; Low self-esteem; Low self-confidence; Social media anxiety; Panic attacks; Relationship difficulties; Work stress; Low mood; Low motivation; Midlife crisis; Loss of a loved one; Retirement concerns; Eating disorders; LGBTQIA issues;.
On-line CBT Counselling Specialist, Therapeutic Coach and Face to Face Practitioner - MBACP. For 15 years I have been in private practice in Harley Street, London, Marlow in Bucks and Hove in Sussex. I have been offering video consultations via Zoom, WhatsApp and other platforms for many years. This has the advantage of being conducted at your convenience from your own front room. You can choose the platform that you are most familiar with e.g. Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp or Skype. Cognitive behavioural therapy is proven to make a big difference to anxiety and depression and it is also approved by the NHS.
01494 360824 View 01494 360824
Photo of Yasmin Genevieve Watson, BACP, Counsellor
Yasmin Genevieve Watson
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Henley-on-Thames RG9
Waitlist for new clients
If a young person in your family is feeling down, anxious or worried, coming to play and arts therapy can make all the difference. This mode of therapy is ideal for children and young people, a safe space for them to explore their emotions and to develop key skills to help them feel happy and confident. I have had many years of experience working with children both in schools and privately and especially children with Autism and ADHD.
If a young person in your family is feeling down, anxious or worried, coming to play and arts therapy can make all the difference. This mode of therapy is ideal for children and young people, a safe space for them to explore their emotions and to develop key skills to help them feel happy and confident. I have had many years of experience working with children both in schools and privately and especially children with Autism and ADHD.
01586 805832 View 01586 805832
Photo of Natalie McGourty, MBACP, Counsellor
Natalie McGourty
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Aylesbury HP17
I am a qualified counsellor helping people with a wide range of issues and have considerable experience supporting people with anxiety. I offer a warm, friendly and confidential space for you to talk through any problems you may be facing, helping you to make sense of things and gain a better understanding of yourself whilst supporting you in any changes you wish to make.
I am a qualified counsellor helping people with a wide range of issues and have considerable experience supporting people with anxiety. I offer a warm, friendly and confidential space for you to talk through any problems you may be facing, helping you to make sense of things and gain a better understanding of yourself whilst supporting you in any changes you wish to make.
01296 340520 View 01296 340520
Photo of Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen Accred) Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist
Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen Accred) Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
High Wycombe HP14
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
020 4538 6246 View 020 4538 6246
Photo of Stephen Elting, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Stephen Elting
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
High Wycombe HP10
We all have troubling problems at times, be they emotional, personal or work-related. Sometimes these problems can feel overwhelming and we become stressed, anxious and unhappy. This can affect our confidence handling relationships, making decisions and generally, our ability to just cope with the pressures that each day brings. Reaching out to an experienced therapist will enable you to talk openly about your concerns and be listened to without being judged. For many people, this is a profound way of bringing about positive and lasting change.
We all have troubling problems at times, be they emotional, personal or work-related. Sometimes these problems can feel overwhelming and we become stressed, anxious and unhappy. This can affect our confidence handling relationships, making decisions and generally, our ability to just cope with the pressures that each day brings. Reaching out to an experienced therapist will enable you to talk openly about your concerns and be listened to without being judged. For many people, this is a profound way of bringing about positive and lasting change.
01491 526778 View 01491 526778
Photo of Dr Constantina Markides, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Constantina Markides
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Great Missenden HP16
Dr Constantina Markides is a Clinical Psychologist with experience working with adults and children with a range of mental health difficulties, such as severe OCD, low self-esteem, low mood and anxiety and body image concerns. She particularly enjoys working with those struggling with OCD, and has developed and delivered individual as well as group interventions within the NHS to offer evidence based therapies around this. Regardless of the presenting difficulty, Dr Markides hopes to support her clients not only to free themselves from their symptoms, but to connect to their values and live their life doing what matters to them.
Dr Constantina Markides is a Clinical Psychologist with experience working with adults and children with a range of mental health difficulties, such as severe OCD, low self-esteem, low mood and anxiety and body image concerns. She particularly enjoys working with those struggling with OCD, and has developed and delivered individual as well as group interventions within the NHS to offer evidence based therapies around this. Regardless of the presenting difficulty, Dr Markides hopes to support her clients not only to free themselves from their symptoms, but to connect to their values and live their life doing what matters to them.
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Photo of Derrick Tempest, PsychD, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Derrick Tempest
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBACP
Verified Verified
Aylesbury HP19
Is it time to talk? I'm an experienced BACP and UKCP registered level 7 (the highest level) psychotherapist. Specializing in anxiety, depression, addiction, and OCD. Clear the fog, make positive changes, and invest in your future contentment. My therapy is friendly, supportive, and healing, helping you find your true self.
Is it time to talk? I'm an experienced BACP and UKCP registered level 7 (the highest level) psychotherapist. Specializing in anxiety, depression, addiction, and OCD. Clear the fog, make positive changes, and invest in your future contentment. My therapy is friendly, supportive, and healing, helping you find your true self.
01582 377386 View 01582 377386
Photo of Sarah Jennifer Templeton - Headstuff ADHD Therapy, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Headstuff ADHD Therapy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
High Wycombe HP13
Hi. We are ADHD specialists. All our counsellors are diagnosed ADHD. We really understand the condition from the inside out. A lot of us have partners, parents or children who are ADHD as well. We have a carefully hand-picked team dotted across the UK with our head office in High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. We work face-to-face in England and Wales and by video and telephone nationally. We are passionate about adults receiving the right diagnosis so if you have a diagnosis that doesn’t fit you, please get in touch with us. We are also passionate about keeping ADHD teenagers out of prison. Find us at www.HeadstuffADHDTherapy.Co.Uk
Hi. We are ADHD specialists. All our counsellors are diagnosed ADHD. We really understand the condition from the inside out. A lot of us have partners, parents or children who are ADHD as well. We have a carefully hand-picked team dotted across the UK with our head office in High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. We work face-to-face in England and Wales and by video and telephone nationally. We are passionate about adults receiving the right diagnosis so if you have a diagnosis that doesn’t fit you, please get in touch with us. We are also passionate about keeping ADHD teenagers out of prison. Find us at www.HeadstuffADHDTherapy.Co.Uk
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Photo of Katie Wood, MBACP, Counsellor
Katie Wood
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
High Wycombe HP14
As a warm-hearted, grounded person I bring authenticity to all my therapeutic work. Fundamental to my approach as a therapist is to offer a relationship of equality. Instead of advising you or telling you what to do I create a non-judgmental and trustworthy space to help you explore difficult thoughts, feelings and behaviours. I place emphasis on building a therapeutic relationship, believing it facilitates change to occur and offering myself as a companion accompanying you on your journey, at your own pace, to help you gain clarity and perspective.
As a warm-hearted, grounded person I bring authenticity to all my therapeutic work. Fundamental to my approach as a therapist is to offer a relationship of equality. Instead of advising you or telling you what to do I create a non-judgmental and trustworthy space to help you explore difficult thoughts, feelings and behaviours. I place emphasis on building a therapeutic relationship, believing it facilitates change to occur and offering myself as a companion accompanying you on your journey, at your own pace, to help you gain clarity and perspective.
01491 527566 View 01491 527566
Photo of John Nicholas Lingley, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
John Nicholas Lingley
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Aylesbury HP22
I support clients to achieve personal growth and well-being by working collaboratively with their diffculities. These may include childhood traumas such as insecure attachment and complex PTSD which may be result in sufferring from recurring anxiety and depression.
I support clients to achieve personal growth and well-being by working collaboratively with their diffculities. These may include childhood traumas such as insecure attachment and complex PTSD which may be result in sufferring from recurring anxiety and depression.
01442 503434 View 01442 503434
Photo of Genovieve Feasey - The Choice To Change, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
The Choice To Change
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
High Wycombe HP14
Psychotherapy and Coaching are many things. Sometimes it's about coping strategies and supporting my clients through a tough time or loss, others want to change something about how they feel, think or behave, many looking to be free themselves of the past whilst some aren't sure exactly what they need, they simply feel the struggle to be happy in their life or relationships. There really is nothing too small or too big to ask for help with. You'll find I'm patient and calm by nature, have a compassionate and mature approach to helping, intuitively sense some things are really tough to talk about and whilst I will help you with ideas and tools to reduce symptoms and which can also speed up meaningful change between sessions, note: you will get to direct, manage your own destiny. I have always seen my role as supporting and guiding my clients through psychotherapy, enabling you to see for yourself and understand how your difficulties keeps you stuck and with my help how to overcome them. My aim is always for my clients to be able to leave feeling confident in knowing how to maintain their own well being long term.
Psychotherapy and Coaching are many things. Sometimes it's about coping strategies and supporting my clients through a tough time or loss, others want to change something about how they feel, think or behave, many looking to be free themselves of the past whilst some aren't sure exactly what they need, they simply feel the struggle to be happy in their life or relationships. There really is nothing too small or too big to ask for help with. You'll find I'm patient and calm by nature, have a compassionate and mature approach to helping, intuitively sense some things are really tough to talk about and whilst I will help you with ideas and tools to reduce symptoms and which can also speed up meaningful change between sessions, note: you will get to direct, manage your own destiny. I have always seen my role as supporting and guiding my clients through psychotherapy, enabling you to see for yourself and understand how your difficulties keeps you stuck and with my help how to overcome them. My aim is always for my clients to be able to leave feeling confident in knowing how to maintain their own well being long term.
01494 360937 View 01494 360937
Photo of Carole Scarlett, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Carole Scarlett
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Aylesbury HP22
At times we need a place, independent of family & friends, to explore any fears/anxieties we have. Do you have a safe space to explore how your feeling? How can I help? I offer a safe, confidential & non-judgemental space for you to do so talking through any issues you may have. My expertise is extensive, working with issues such as e.g. Abuse, Anxiety/Worrying, Bereavement, Depression, PTSD, Domestic Violence, Self-esteem/Confidence, Low Moods, Neuro-diversity & Self-harm. This makes me unique and experienced to work successfully with clients to overcome these setbacks and to build upon your inner resources to move forward.
At times we need a place, independent of family & friends, to explore any fears/anxieties we have. Do you have a safe space to explore how your feeling? How can I help? I offer a safe, confidential & non-judgemental space for you to do so talking through any issues you may have. My expertise is extensive, working with issues such as e.g. Abuse, Anxiety/Worrying, Bereavement, Depression, PTSD, Domestic Violence, Self-esteem/Confidence, Low Moods, Neuro-diversity & Self-harm. This makes me unique and experienced to work successfully with clients to overcome these setbacks and to build upon your inner resources to move forward.
01442 953053 View 01442 953053
Photo of Karen Lesley Ryle, MSc, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Karen Lesley Ryle
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rowsham HP22
Since I qualified in 2003 I have gained a lot of experience of working with individuals and couples. Expanding my practice to include the supervision of the work completed by other Counsellors. Many of my clients have experienced traumatic events in their lives, often suffering from stress and anxiety which is impacting their everyday life. By exploring such events we can reduce the impact they have on the life of the client, lower stress and anxiety levels. Self medication and relationship issues can be a common theme with many clients. By discovering the reasons why clients behave this way we can explore healthier life choice.
Since I qualified in 2003 I have gained a lot of experience of working with individuals and couples. Expanding my practice to include the supervision of the work completed by other Counsellors. Many of my clients have experienced traumatic events in their lives, often suffering from stress and anxiety which is impacting their everyday life. By exploring such events we can reduce the impact they have on the life of the client, lower stress and anxiety levels. Self medication and relationship issues can be a common theme with many clients. By discovering the reasons why clients behave this way we can explore healthier life choice.
01296 340244 View 01296 340244
Photo of Nicola M. Richter, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Nicola M. Richter
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Hemel Hempstead HP18
I wish you during these extraordinary times of world changes - and any other challenges - the very best for yourself and those close to you. My practice is open for in person & video sessions. I am here for you to talk about your emotional, psychological and spiritual/transpersonal and mindfulness issues. I taught at Universities and present at conferences. With 25+ years of practice I offer you a confidential space to explore your feelings and thoughts e.g. about anxiety, depression, suicide, relationships, death and dying, spiritual journey, meaning in life. I am here for you for any other issue you wish to talk about.
I wish you during these extraordinary times of world changes - and any other challenges - the very best for yourself and those close to you. My practice is open for in person & video sessions. I am here for you to talk about your emotional, psychological and spiritual/transpersonal and mindfulness issues. I taught at Universities and present at conferences. With 25+ years of practice I offer you a confidential space to explore your feelings and thoughts e.g. about anxiety, depression, suicide, relationships, death and dying, spiritual journey, meaning in life. I am here for you for any other issue you wish to talk about.
01727 750088 View 01727 750088
Photo of Dermot Cox, MBACP, Counsellor
Dermot Cox
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Great Missenden HP16
I offer space for people who wish to explore fundamental issues. Some people are driven to counselling by a current crisis that means they need support. Others have been managing perfectly well but decide that repeating destructive patterns or underlying dissatisfaction now deserve attention. I hold a Diploma in Integrative Transpersonal Counselling from Re-Vision. This is 'counselling with a soulful perspective'. The strongest influence in the training is Jung. In this perspective, times of real difficulty or despair are seen as holding a potential for change and growth. In our work you will be heard and witnessed.
I offer space for people who wish to explore fundamental issues. Some people are driven to counselling by a current crisis that means they need support. Others have been managing perfectly well but decide that repeating destructive patterns or underlying dissatisfaction now deserve attention. I hold a Diploma in Integrative Transpersonal Counselling from Re-Vision. This is 'counselling with a soulful perspective'. The strongest influence in the training is Jung. In this perspective, times of real difficulty or despair are seen as holding a potential for change and growth. In our work you will be heard and witnessed.
01494 328851 View 01494 328851

See more therapy options for Chinnor

Eating Disorders Counsellors

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.