Eating Disorders Counselling in Spilsby

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Photo of Diane McCarthy, MBACP, Counsellor
Diane McCarthy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alford LN13
I am an Eating Disorder Master Practitioner working with those affected by:- Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, Binge Eating, Obesity and other forms of Disordered Eating.
Hello I'm Diane a professional counsellor, I offer a safe, empathetic, non judgemental & confidential environment where you can share & explore whatever may be troubling you. By listening and paying special attention to what you are saying we can unravel any confused thoughts, feelings and beliefs, helping you to develop a greater understanding of yourself, your life & your relationships, empowering you to take control over your future. I am experienced and trained in a wide range of Counselling issues such as:- Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, depression, anxiety, stress (inc work related), Couples and relationships, bullying, family issues, divorce, separation, low self esteem & confidence and many others.
I am an Eating Disorder Master Practitioner working with those affected by:- Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, Binge Eating, Obesity and other forms of Disordered Eating.
Hello I'm Diane a professional counsellor, I offer a safe, empathetic, non judgemental & confidential environment where you can share & explore whatever may be troubling you. By listening and paying special attention to what you are saying we can unravel any confused thoughts, feelings and beliefs, helping you to develop a greater understanding of yourself, your life & your relationships, empowering you to take control over your future. I am experienced and trained in a wide range of Counselling issues such as:- Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, depression, anxiety, stress (inc work related), Couples and relationships, bullying, family issues, divorce, separation, low self esteem & confidence and many others.
01507 304199 View 01507 304199
Photo of Jack Kirton, PNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Jack Kirton
Psychotherapist, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Horncastle LN9  (Online Only)
Every day men fall foul of stress, burnout, and self-sabotage. Just one bad day or one poor decision can imperil your business and career, reputation, relationships, or sanity. To outclass your competition, restrain your own ego, and best develop and safeguard sound mental health and your long-term performance, future, and legacy, facing the man in the mirror is no longer optional. My mission is to help make this as easy as possible. I specialise in male psychology, men's issues, and intersexual dynamics and have worked with a broad range of challenges, offering an approach that will secure results in most cases.
Every day men fall foul of stress, burnout, and self-sabotage. Just one bad day or one poor decision can imperil your business and career, reputation, relationships, or sanity. To outclass your competition, restrain your own ego, and best develop and safeguard sound mental health and your long-term performance, future, and legacy, facing the man in the mirror is no longer optional. My mission is to help make this as easy as possible. I specialise in male psychology, men's issues, and intersexual dynamics and have worked with a broad range of challenges, offering an approach that will secure results in most cases.
01427 800739 View 01427 800739
Photo of Jo Vickers, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Jo Vickers
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Wrangle PE22
My aim is to co-create an environment that offers you a place to bring and share your unique experiences and begin to explore and understand how they have impacted you. I believe everyone can benefit from sharing their stories; often being truly heard for the first time. Nonetheless, this can feel odd initially, sat sharing information with a stranger. My creative approach to therapy responds to your individual needs to best support you whist undertaking this. My experience of working with survivors of trauma has been a live demonstration of the impact of previous and current experiences on our health.
My aim is to co-create an environment that offers you a place to bring and share your unique experiences and begin to explore and understand how they have impacted you. I believe everyone can benefit from sharing their stories; often being truly heard for the first time. Nonetheless, this can feel odd initially, sat sharing information with a stranger. My creative approach to therapy responds to your individual needs to best support you whist undertaking this. My experience of working with survivors of trauma has been a live demonstration of the impact of previous and current experiences on our health.
01522 440419 View 01522 440419
Photo of Debbie Pries, BACP, Counsellor
Debbie Pries
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Boston PE22
Life can be a challenge for any of us at any given time, we can feel out of our depth, scared and generally overwhelmed! Counselling offers you a safe space to explore those struggles and find a way forward, regain balance and calm. As a counsellor I hope to support you on your journey and hopefully help in improving your emotional well being.
Life can be a challenge for any of us at any given time, we can feel out of our depth, scared and generally overwhelmed! Counselling offers you a safe space to explore those struggles and find a way forward, regain balance and calm. As a counsellor I hope to support you on your journey and hopefully help in improving your emotional well being.
01754 802730 View 01754 802730

Online Therapists

Photo of Dr Kirsten Keighley - Dr Kirsten Keighley - Binge Eating Therapist, PhD, MBACP, Counsellor
Dr Kirsten Keighley - Binge Eating Therapist
Counsellor, PhD, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cambridge CB24
I specialise in eating disorders and have 17 years’ experience as a behaviour change and obesity prevention scientist at Cambridge University. I support people with binge eating, emotional eating, weight loss struggles, and bulimia. I help clients discover and take charge of their hidden eating triggers and transform their relationship with food. Sessions often focus on getting freedom from constant thoughts about food and weight and escaping the cycle of yo-yo dieting and weight gain. Gain understanding about what has prevented you from recovery in the past so you can overcome that, and live life without restriction or bingeing.
I specialise in eating disorders and have 17 years’ experience as a behaviour change and obesity prevention scientist at Cambridge University. I support people with binge eating, emotional eating, weight loss struggles, and bulimia. I help clients discover and take charge of their hidden eating triggers and transform their relationship with food. Sessions often focus on getting freedom from constant thoughts about food and weight and escaping the cycle of yo-yo dieting and weight gain. Gain understanding about what has prevented you from recovery in the past so you can overcome that, and live life without restriction or bingeing.
01954 776163 View 01954 776163
Photo of Jessica Dulieu - Jal Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Services ltd, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Jal Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Services ltd
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Grimsby DN33
I also specialise in severe and enduring mental health problems such as Borderline personality disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar.
Hi, I'm Jess and I own Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Services Ltd in hope of offering a bespoke therapy service that meets the needs of the client and is flexible in adapting to your needs. I work by myself and offer online and limited in-person sessions. I deliver evidence based Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) and EMDR. CBT looks at how we think and how we behave and how this impacts on how we feel. We make these links together and look to challenge and change how we think and what we do to positively change how we feel. I also deliver EMDR for PTSD, traumatic and complicated grief, anxiety, addictions and depression.
I also specialise in severe and enduring mental health problems such as Borderline personality disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar.
Hi, I'm Jess and I own Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Services Ltd in hope of offering a bespoke therapy service that meets the needs of the client and is flexible in adapting to your needs. I work by myself and offer online and limited in-person sessions. I deliver evidence based Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) and EMDR. CBT looks at how we think and how we behave and how this impacts on how we feel. We make these links together and look to challenge and change how we think and what we do to positively change how we feel. I also deliver EMDR for PTSD, traumatic and complicated grief, anxiety, addictions and depression.
01472 404603 View 01472 404603
Photo of Jess Maynard, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Jess Maynard
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
York YO42
I am an Integrative Therapist offering long-term and short-term therapy, in-person and online. I have a deep appreciation for the importance of relationship, and believe it is instrumental in both the challenges we encounter and how we facilitate change. I take a holistic view of people, and during your therapy journey I will hold space both for who you are as an individual, alongside the socio-cultural context that has shaped and formed your experience. I have worked in specialised clinical services with clients experiencing eating disorders, complex trauma and sexual abuse, amongst a wide range of other difficulties.
I am an Integrative Therapist offering long-term and short-term therapy, in-person and online. I have a deep appreciation for the importance of relationship, and believe it is instrumental in both the challenges we encounter and how we facilitate change. I take a holistic view of people, and during your therapy journey I will hold space both for who you are as an individual, alongside the socio-cultural context that has shaped and formed your experience. I have worked in specialised clinical services with clients experiencing eating disorders, complex trauma and sexual abuse, amongst a wide range of other difficulties.
01377 310957 View 01377 310957
Photo of Mia Muscat - Mind Matters Online Therapy with Mia Muscat, MBACP, Counsellor
Mind Matters Online Therapy with Mia Muscat
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Sheffield S35  (Online Only)
This work is very powerful and can help with self confidence, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and many more issues.
Hi there, Are you ready to make some changes in your life? Do you feel the time has come to address the overwhelming anxieties you are having to deal with? Is a lack of confidence negatively impacting you? Are you living with an eating disorder? Is your bereavement overwhelming? Are you fed up acting like the strong one? Do you need to get in touch with yourself ? Maybe you need a private space to unpack issues and focus on you and your growth. My name is Mia, I have been helping clients since 2005. Knowing that I've been able to support, help and facilitate change to my clients outcomes and outlooks is an amazing privilege.
This work is very powerful and can help with self confidence, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and many more issues.
Hi there, Are you ready to make some changes in your life? Do you feel the time has come to address the overwhelming anxieties you are having to deal with? Is a lack of confidence negatively impacting you? Are you living with an eating disorder? Is your bereavement overwhelming? Are you fed up acting like the strong one? Do you need to get in touch with yourself ? Maybe you need a private space to unpack issues and focus on you and your growth. My name is Mia, I have been helping clients since 2005. Knowing that I've been able to support, help and facilitate change to my clients outcomes and outlooks is an amazing privilege.
0114 697 0910 View 0114 697 0910
Photo of Dr Jemma Jackson, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Jemma Jackson
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Brough HU15
I am a highly experienced and specialist Clinical Psychologist with 22 years of NHS experience, working predominantly with adults and adolescents suffering a variety of mental health difficulties. I offer individual, couples and some family therapies employing a range of person-centred and evidence based therapies. I have a particular interest in working with childhood and complex trauma, PTSD, dissociative disorders, personality disorder, mood disorders, eating disorders and attachment/relationship difficulties. I practice MBT, DBT, trauma processing therapies, CAT and CFT to tailor individualised intervention packages of care.
I am a highly experienced and specialist Clinical Psychologist with 22 years of NHS experience, working predominantly with adults and adolescents suffering a variety of mental health difficulties. I offer individual, couples and some family therapies employing a range of person-centred and evidence based therapies. I have a particular interest in working with childhood and complex trauma, PTSD, dissociative disorders, personality disorder, mood disorders, eating disorders and attachment/relationship difficulties. I practice MBT, DBT, trauma processing therapies, CAT and CFT to tailor individualised intervention packages of care.
017683 47700 View 017683 47700
Photo of Jane Louise Straw - JL Counselling, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
JL Counselling
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Swadlincote DE11  (Online Only)
I have worked with two charities with clients presenting varied issues from relationship issues, anxiety, eating disorders, bereavement, abuse and suicide ideation.
Hello, I am glad you have found me and made your first step towards therapy! An inspiring quote by Dalai Lama once said, “Calm minds bring inner peace and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health”. This resonates with me because our mental health is incredibly important to our well-being and our perceptions of the world we live in. I know that searching for a counsellor can be unnerving especially when you may feel overawed with angst or tension; despondent, grieving or struggling with relationship disputes. I recognise how that feels and the complications that may follow.
I have worked with two charities with clients presenting varied issues from relationship issues, anxiety, eating disorders, bereavement, abuse and suicide ideation.
Hello, I am glad you have found me and made your first step towards therapy! An inspiring quote by Dalai Lama once said, “Calm minds bring inner peace and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health”. This resonates with me because our mental health is incredibly important to our well-being and our perceptions of the world we live in. I know that searching for a counsellor can be unnerving especially when you may feel overawed with angst or tension; despondent, grieving or struggling with relationship disputes. I recognise how that feels and the complications that may follow.
01283 387637 View 01283 387637
Photo of Chris Parker, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Chris Parker
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Leicester LE1
I work with clients with a variety of issues, including trauma, shame, guilt, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, EUPD, both male and female child and adult abuse, PTSD and many others.
Hi I'm Chris and based in Leicester. I'm an accredited Member of the BACP. At Leicester Therapy if you are struggling with something in your life at the moment and want to take that first step towards change I am here to help you. My priority is to provide you with a safe, confidential space and to support you through the whole process. As a humanistic therapist I practice in a non-judgemental, ethical, structured way and can help you to develop your solutions that will help you change and grow. I work from Office 5 above Leicester Coffee House Company, 110 Granby Street Leicester LE1 1DL
I work with clients with a variety of issues, including trauma, shame, guilt, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, EUPD, both male and female child and adult abuse, PTSD and many others.
Hi I'm Chris and based in Leicester. I'm an accredited Member of the BACP. At Leicester Therapy if you are struggling with something in your life at the moment and want to take that first step towards change I am here to help you. My priority is to provide you with a safe, confidential space and to support you through the whole process. As a humanistic therapist I practice in a non-judgemental, ethical, structured way and can help you to develop your solutions that will help you change and grow. I work from Office 5 above Leicester Coffee House Company, 110 Granby Street Leicester LE1 1DL
0116 478 6983 View 0116 478 6983
Photo of Angela Thompson, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Angela Thompson
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Derby DE22
I have experience of working with eating disorders, Women’s health , pregnancy, birth anxiety, baby loss and birth experience through talking therapy & hypnotherapy.
Over the years I have studied managing anxiety and building self esteem , and am well placed to support clients whose lives are impacted by living with anxiety. I understand how difficult it can be to take the first step into therapy , which in itself can increase the physical and psychological responses and increase fear of not being able to cope . I would hope that a client would be able to achieve their goals to manage their anxiety and live life more freely , being able to yes to things more often and live life more fearlessly. My work has also been to support bereavement, where therapy aims to make adjustments for life now .
I have experience of working with eating disorders, Women’s health , pregnancy, birth anxiety, baby loss and birth experience through talking therapy & hypnotherapy.
Over the years I have studied managing anxiety and building self esteem , and am well placed to support clients whose lives are impacted by living with anxiety. I understand how difficult it can be to take the first step into therapy , which in itself can increase the physical and psychological responses and increase fear of not being able to cope . I would hope that a client would be able to achieve their goals to manage their anxiety and live life more freely , being able to yes to things more often and live life more fearlessly. My work has also been to support bereavement, where therapy aims to make adjustments for life now .
01332 215496 View 01332 215496
Photo of Dr Mia Malama, PhD, PNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Dr Mia Malama
Psychotherapist, PhD, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Luton LU1
Don't be alone with your challenges, it is time to take care of your mental health and wellbeing and I am here for you. Anxious? Stressed? Depressed? Relationship issues? OCD? Eating disorders? Panic symptoms? Grieving? I am here to help. I also offer my clients free resources to read and exercises they can do between sessions to gain skills for well-being and permanent change. Besides professional qualifications, I have also my own personal experiences of mental health issues in my past. This has helped me better understand clients’ experiences. I am experienced in working with people from different cultural backgrounds.
Don't be alone with your challenges, it is time to take care of your mental health and wellbeing and I am here for you. Anxious? Stressed? Depressed? Relationship issues? OCD? Eating disorders? Panic symptoms? Grieving? I am here to help. I also offer my clients free resources to read and exercises they can do between sessions to gain skills for well-being and permanent change. Besides professional qualifications, I have also my own personal experiences of mental health issues in my past. This has helped me better understand clients’ experiences. I am experienced in working with people from different cultural backgrounds.
01582 377115 View 01582 377115
Photo of Dr Megan Reay, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Megan Reay
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
St Albans AL1
I provide specialist support to children, adolescents and young adults who are struggling with their mental health. I primarily work with people aged 11-25 years. I use a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to support young people who may be struggling with a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, low self-esteem, phobias or panic attacks.
I provide specialist support to children, adolescents and young adults who are struggling with their mental health. I primarily work with people aged 11-25 years. I use a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to support young people who may be struggling with a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, low self-esteem, phobias or panic attacks.
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Photo of Ania Dopierala, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Ania Dopierala
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Manchester M3
Over the years of practice I gathered a depth of experience working with people struggling with depression and anxiety, addictions, panic attacks, obsessive tendencies, psychosis, relationship issues, eating disorders, trauma, including supporting those who experienced/are experiencing sexual assaults, hate crimes, identity and cultural transition issues.
Drawing from 20 years of experience, I want to offer you a therapy that can take you on a path that includes all parts of you, the body, the mind and the soul. A therapy that suits you both in the approach I take and in the length of the process. I am an integrative psychotherapist. I am interested in a holistic development and provide both short and long term therapy.
Over the years of practice I gathered a depth of experience working with people struggling with depression and anxiety, addictions, panic attacks, obsessive tendencies, psychosis, relationship issues, eating disorders, trauma, including supporting those who experienced/are experiencing sexual assaults, hate crimes, identity and cultural transition issues.
Drawing from 20 years of experience, I want to offer you a therapy that can take you on a path that includes all parts of you, the body, the mind and the soul. A therapy that suits you both in the approach I take and in the length of the process. I am an integrative psychotherapist. I am interested in a holistic development and provide both short and long term therapy.
0161 509 6423 View 0161 509 6423
Photo of Claire Cooper, MA, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Claire Cooper
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
St Albans AL4
I also have experience in eating disorders, particularly binge eating/compulsive overeating.
Are you experiencing a challenge that feels too difficult to cope with? Or maybe you are dealing with overwhelming feelings of anxiety or depression? Have you suffered a loss or bereavement and are feeling sad? Are you managing these emotional challenges with unhelpful patterns of behaviour? Having experienced some difficulties in my own life, I understand how hard it can be to take the first step towards therapy. I offer a safe and confidential space where, together, we can work with the issues that are unique to you. I work holistically by using a variety of therapy approaches that will help support you in finding a way forward.
I also have experience in eating disorders, particularly binge eating/compulsive overeating.
Are you experiencing a challenge that feels too difficult to cope with? Or maybe you are dealing with overwhelming feelings of anxiety or depression? Have you suffered a loss or bereavement and are feeling sad? Are you managing these emotional challenges with unhelpful patterns of behaviour? Having experienced some difficulties in my own life, I understand how hard it can be to take the first step towards therapy. I offer a safe and confidential space where, together, we can work with the issues that are unique to you. I work holistically by using a variety of therapy approaches that will help support you in finding a way forward.
01727 648598 View 01727 648598
Photo of Karen Susan Alford, MBACP, Counsellor
Karen Susan Alford
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Norwich NR8
I have considered experience in working with 3 charities in Norwich where I have supported clients with anxiety, depression, sadness, substance misuse, trauma, eating disorders, anger, relationship issues as well as other areas.
I offer face to face sessions in addition to telephone or online. I practice in the NR6 area of Norwich easily accessed from the NDR. This may be a time in your life when you feel an overwhelming anxiety, low self esteem, depression or sadness. It may be evoked from a current or historic experience. I believe that recognising you are struggling and making the choice to seek help may be your first step towards finding some resolution. I work to assist and support you in exploring your issues and will always allow you direction in the sessions.
I have considered experience in working with 3 charities in Norwich where I have supported clients with anxiety, depression, sadness, substance misuse, trauma, eating disorders, anger, relationship issues as well as other areas.
I offer face to face sessions in addition to telephone or online. I practice in the NR6 area of Norwich easily accessed from the NDR. This may be a time in your life when you feel an overwhelming anxiety, low self esteem, depression or sadness. It may be evoked from a current or historic experience. I believe that recognising you are struggling and making the choice to seek help may be your first step towards finding some resolution. I work to assist and support you in exploring your issues and will always allow you direction in the sessions.
01603 984393 View 01603 984393
Photo of Parveen Kaur, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Parveen Kaur
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Birmingham B17
I am a fully accredited and qualified psychotherapist and counsellor, working in both the private and public sector. I have over 14 years of experience working in mental health NHS services and can support people experiencing low mood, depression, generalised anxiety, phobias, PTSD, relationship difficulties, anger, loss, bereavement, trauma, bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, OCD, identity and cultural issues. I am able to offer integrative psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, EMDR or person centred counselling to help people move forward in their lives when they feel stuck or distressed.
I am a fully accredited and qualified psychotherapist and counsellor, working in both the private and public sector. I have over 14 years of experience working in mental health NHS services and can support people experiencing low mood, depression, generalised anxiety, phobias, PTSD, relationship difficulties, anger, loss, bereavement, trauma, bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, OCD, identity and cultural issues. I am able to offer integrative psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, EMDR or person centred counselling to help people move forward in their lives when they feel stuck or distressed.
0121 752 9130 View 0121 752 9130
Photo of Caroline Hudson - Beverley Counselling & Psychotherapy, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Beverley Counselling & Psychotherapy
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Beverley HU17
My areas of special interest are anxiety, depression, eating disorders and self harm.
I'm Caroline Hudson, a BACP accredited counsellor with over 20 years experience in a range of settings. I run a therapy centre in Beverley which offers individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples counselling and family therapy with experienced counsellors and psychotherapists.
My areas of special interest are anxiety, depression, eating disorders and self harm.
I'm Caroline Hudson, a BACP accredited counsellor with over 20 years experience in a range of settings. I run a therapy centre in Beverley which offers individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples counselling and family therapy with experienced counsellors and psychotherapists.
07479 273517 View 07479 273517
Photo of Dawn Cooper - Hope Therapy Hub, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Hope Therapy Hub
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Hope Valley S33
Hi, my name is Dawn. My background is as a registered mental health nurse and I have worked with children, young people, and families for over 25 years. I am also a dual-qualified psychotherapist and I work privately helping people from all age groups to overcome a wide range of mental health challenges which include: eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, trauma work including PTSD, relationship difficulties, autism, and attention deficit disorders to mention a few. I love my job and I am passionate about helping people achieve their goals and getting their lives back on track.
Hi, my name is Dawn. My background is as a registered mental health nurse and I have worked with children, young people, and families for over 25 years. I am also a dual-qualified psychotherapist and I work privately helping people from all age groups to overcome a wide range of mental health challenges which include: eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, trauma work including PTSD, relationship difficulties, autism, and attention deficit disorders to mention a few. I love my job and I am passionate about helping people achieve their goals and getting their lives back on track.
01433 447544 View 01433 447544

See more therapy options for Spilsby

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.