Eating Disorders Counselling in Cambridge

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 Anita Sommers, MA, MUKCP, Counsellor
Anita Sommers
Counsellor, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Cambridge CB1  (Online Only)
I have helped individuals struggling with following issues: Anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, panic disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder Addictions, such as alcoholism, drug dependence or compulsive gambling Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia.
I am a Systemic Psychotherapist with extensive experience working with individuals, couples and families in a variety of settings. I hold a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Edgewood College (Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A) and am currently UKCP Registered. Before starting my private practice, I was employed for six years as a Specialist Clinician for Children’s Social Care by the Cambridgeshire County Council. Prior to this, I ran an outpatient program for individuals struggling with an eating disorder and their families. I work with individuals, couples and families,
I have helped individuals struggling with following issues: Anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, panic disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder Addictions, such as alcoholism, drug dependence or compulsive gambling Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia.
I am a Systemic Psychotherapist with extensive experience working with individuals, couples and families in a variety of settings. I hold a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Edgewood College (Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A) and am currently UKCP Registered. Before starting my private practice, I was employed for six years as a Specialist Clinician for Children’s Social Care by the Cambridgeshire County Council. Prior to this, I ran an outpatient program for individuals struggling with an eating disorder and their families. I work with individuals, couples and families,
01223 869504 View 01223 869504
Photo of Lisa Reynolds, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Lisa Reynolds
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cambridge CB1
I offer a space which is safe and non-judgemental where we can explore together what is happening with you and in your life that has left you feeling anxious, depressed, sad, low in self-esteem, empty or distressed and not knowing why. Through working together we will try to understand how these feelings are manifesting in your life - be it through addiction, social anxiety, eating disorders, discomfort in your body image, destructive relationships. I am a passionate practitioner of EMDR (Eye movement desensitization reprocessing), a cutting-edge and clinically proven psychotherapeutic technique for treatment of PTSD.
I offer a space which is safe and non-judgemental where we can explore together what is happening with you and in your life that has left you feeling anxious, depressed, sad, low in self-esteem, empty or distressed and not knowing why. Through working together we will try to understand how these feelings are manifesting in your life - be it through addiction, social anxiety, eating disorders, discomfort in your body image, destructive relationships. I am a passionate practitioner of EMDR (Eye movement desensitization reprocessing), a cutting-edge and clinically proven psychotherapeutic technique for treatment of PTSD.
020 3974 2564 View 020 3974 2564
Photo of Harbans Nagpal, MBBS, Psychotherapist
Harbans Nagpal
Psychotherapist, MBBS
Verified Verified
Cambridge CB2
English Psychotherapist specialized in the treatment of obesity, bulimia, anorexia, gambing, smoking, drinking, cannabis and other addictions.
I am a Lacanian psychotherapist and psychoanalyst with 25 years of experience. I treat eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia and obesity, and addictions such as to nicotine, cannabis, gambling, sex, chocolate, tea and coffee. After my training in medicine (Oxford, Cambridge) I worked in London and at the American Hospital of Paris. To specialize, I trained in psychiatry and psychoanalysis (with Jacques Lacan at the École Freudienne) in Paris. For many years I was a Consultant Psychiatrist at Saint Anne’s Hospital in Paris. For the last twenty years I have worked as a specialised psychotherapist. Do take a look at my website.
English Psychotherapist specialized in the treatment of obesity, bulimia, anorexia, gambing, smoking, drinking, cannabis and other addictions.
I am a Lacanian psychotherapist and psychoanalyst with 25 years of experience. I treat eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia and obesity, and addictions such as to nicotine, cannabis, gambling, sex, chocolate, tea and coffee. After my training in medicine (Oxford, Cambridge) I worked in London and at the American Hospital of Paris. To specialize, I trained in psychiatry and psychoanalysis (with Jacques Lacan at the École Freudienne) in Paris. For many years I was a Consultant Psychiatrist at Saint Anne’s Hospital in Paris. For the last twenty years I have worked as a specialised psychotherapist. Do take a look at my website.
01223 679756 View 01223 679756
Photo of Becky Grace Irwing - Becky Grace Therapy, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Becky Grace Therapy
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cambridge CB1
I have worked in Adult and CAMHS services and eating disorders.
Are you struggling to work out who you are, feeling othered, the odd one out, having different views about society? Are you using behaviours involving food - bingeing, restricting, avoiding, exercising or being sick as a mask for feelings? You may have sought external validation through diagnoses e.g. ADHD, Autism, BPD, OCD, CPTSD to name but a few. You may have had different types of therapy before through the NHS. You are longing for an answer to your eating difficulties, trauma or identity. You hide behind a mask of anxiety - maybe 'high functioning'? You may be unsure of where you sit on the gender and/or sexuality spectrum
I have worked in Adult and CAMHS services and eating disorders.
Are you struggling to work out who you are, feeling othered, the odd one out, having different views about society? Are you using behaviours involving food - bingeing, restricting, avoiding, exercising or being sick as a mask for feelings? You may have sought external validation through diagnoses e.g. ADHD, Autism, BPD, OCD, CPTSD to name but a few. You may have had different types of therapy before through the NHS. You are longing for an answer to your eating difficulties, trauma or identity. You hide behind a mask of anxiety - maybe 'high functioning'? You may be unsure of where you sit on the gender and/or sexuality spectrum
01603 361424 View 01603 361424
Photo of Maureen Park, MBACP, Counsellor
Maureen Park
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cambridge CB1
There are times in our lives when we all need a little help. When things just become to much for us to handle alone. I can help you cope with a wide range of anxiety, emotional problems and relationship issues. From Bereavement, Depression, Stress and Anxiety, Family Issues, Addiction, Eating Disorders, Marriage Counselling to mention only a few. I am a BACP registered Psychodynamic Counsellor also using CBT and Mindfulness. I offer a caring professional and confidential counselling service in Biggleswade and Royston and have worked for many years in commerce and industry so understand the pressures of work place stress.
There are times in our lives when we all need a little help. When things just become to much for us to handle alone. I can help you cope with a wide range of anxiety, emotional problems and relationship issues. From Bereavement, Depression, Stress and Anxiety, Family Issues, Addiction, Eating Disorders, Marriage Counselling to mention only a few. I am a BACP registered Psychodynamic Counsellor also using CBT and Mindfulness. I offer a caring professional and confidential counselling service in Biggleswade and Royston and have worked for many years in commerce and industry so understand the pressures of work place stress.
01767 668784 View 01767 668784
Photo of Edwina Hawkridge, MBACP, Counsellor
Edwina Hawkridge
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cambridge CB1
Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating.
Hello and welcome, are you looking for an experienced counsellor who can help you with a difficult time in your life? Struggling with stress, depression, anxiety, weight issues or other concerns? I'm Edwina, I provide a warm & supportive relationship to make changes to your health and well-being. People often seek out counselling with me when a stressful change is taking place which can, at times, feel overwhelming. Counselling is a collaboration, we work at your pace to untangle your confusion so that you can move forward feeling happier.
Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating.
Hello and welcome, are you looking for an experienced counsellor who can help you with a difficult time in your life? Struggling with stress, depression, anxiety, weight issues or other concerns? I'm Edwina, I provide a warm & supportive relationship to make changes to your health and well-being. People often seek out counselling with me when a stressful change is taking place which can, at times, feel overwhelming. Counselling is a collaboration, we work at your pace to untangle your confusion so that you can move forward feeling happier.
01780 430839 View 01780 430839
Photo of Jacquie Chandler, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Jacquie Chandler
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge CB1
I deliver Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) and Family Based Therapy for a wide range of mental health difficulties including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma and eating disorders.
Entering therapy can be anxiety provoking in itself thus I believe a positive therapeutic relationship is essential in ensuring clients feel comfortable to talk about whats happening for them. I have a calm, non-judgemental approach, working at the clients pace.
I deliver Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) and Family Based Therapy for a wide range of mental health difficulties including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma and eating disorders.
Entering therapy can be anxiety provoking in itself thus I believe a positive therapeutic relationship is essential in ensuring clients feel comfortable to talk about whats happening for them. I have a calm, non-judgemental approach, working at the clients pace.
01992 351481 View 01992 351481
Photo of Amanda Jayne Eade (Nee Goss) - MD of Harley St. Psychotherapy Ltd (Amanda Goss), MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
MD of Harley St. Psychotherapy Ltd (Amanda Goss)
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cambridge CB1
We can help with 1-1 Counselling; Relationship issues; Anxiety; Depression; Stress; Low Self Esteem; Social Anxiety; Loneliness; Child Therapy; Young Persons Counselling; Family Therapy; Walking Therapy; Addiction; Eating Disorders; Sexual Abuse; Bereavement; ADHD/Autism/Asp.
Are you anxious/depressed/stressed/unhappy? Maybe you know the issue and don't want to feel this way any more? Even if you don't exactly know what is wrong, we will work with you to find out the cause so that you can live a happier, more contented life. We aim to get to the root of the problem so that the change is permanent. If you haven't had counselling before, or feel nervous about it, please call me for an informal chat. Counselling can be (and often is) a life changing experience. We suggest a 1st session, by the end of which you will know if you want to carry on. If you are a couple we have a specialist. Feel free to call.
We can help with 1-1 Counselling; Relationship issues; Anxiety; Depression; Stress; Low Self Esteem; Social Anxiety; Loneliness; Child Therapy; Young Persons Counselling; Family Therapy; Walking Therapy; Addiction; Eating Disorders; Sexual Abuse; Bereavement; ADHD/Autism/Asp.
Are you anxious/depressed/stressed/unhappy? Maybe you know the issue and don't want to feel this way any more? Even if you don't exactly know what is wrong, we will work with you to find out the cause so that you can live a happier, more contented life. We aim to get to the root of the problem so that the change is permanent. If you haven't had counselling before, or feel nervous about it, please call me for an informal chat. Counselling can be (and often is) a life changing experience. We suggest a 1st session, by the end of which you will know if you want to carry on. If you are a couple we have a specialist. Feel free to call.
020 4538 3988 View 020 4538 3988
Photo of Alison Fraser, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Alison Fraser
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge CB2  (Online Only)
I have 30 years experience giving counselling, I’ve been a specialist NHS eating disorders therapist, addictions therapist, CAMHS therapist, Adult mental health clinician and counselling manager. I’m neurodivergant informed and developing a government counselling service for Special schools. There are many reasons why people come to counselling, we all struggle at times and may experience anxiety, low mood, loss or find life harder to cope with. It’s scary to ask for support, I understand this, I grew up in a family with complex needs and this experience is the compassionate basis for my work, bringing a deep understanding.
I have 30 years experience giving counselling, I’ve been a specialist NHS eating disorders therapist, addictions therapist, CAMHS therapist, Adult mental health clinician and counselling manager. I’m neurodivergant informed and developing a government counselling service for Special schools. There are many reasons why people come to counselling, we all struggle at times and may experience anxiety, low mood, loss or find life harder to cope with. It’s scary to ask for support, I understand this, I grew up in a family with complex needs and this experience is the compassionate basis for my work, bringing a deep understanding.
0131 381 1852 View 0131 381 1852
Photo of Kostis Tsoumpris, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Kostis Tsoumpris
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Cambridge CB1
Waitlist for new clients
When you contact me initially I will walk you through some of the options and if we decide to work together I will meet you (or you and your family/significant people in your life) ‘where you are’ in life. We may decide to focus on getting a better understanding of the ways that your early experiences have influenced the ways you perceive the world and relate to people around you. We may focus purely on the present and your goals for the future. Based on your circumstances we may decide to do some time limited or long term therapy.
When you contact me initially I will walk you through some of the options and if we decide to work together I will meet you (or you and your family/significant people in your life) ‘where you are’ in life. We may decide to focus on getting a better understanding of the ways that your early experiences have influenced the ways you perceive the world and relate to people around you. We may focus purely on the present and your goals for the future. Based on your circumstances we may decide to do some time limited or long term therapy.
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Photo of Natalia Barnes, MA, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Natalia Barnes
Psychotherapist, MA, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Cambridge CB1  (Online Only)
We all go through difficulties at times and sometimes can feel out of our depth and in need of a helping hand. I believe our past experiences can shape how we feel and respond in any given situation and can keep us trapped in negative cycles and unsure of a way out. I want to help you overcome these difficulties and find a way forward to start reaching your goals. Please do not feel you have to go through this alone or that things can’t change. Let’s work together to see how we can understand things and make things better for the future. I have worked in a variety of settings including NHS, private and hospitals for over 10 years.
We all go through difficulties at times and sometimes can feel out of our depth and in need of a helping hand. I believe our past experiences can shape how we feel and respond in any given situation and can keep us trapped in negative cycles and unsure of a way out. I want to help you overcome these difficulties and find a way forward to start reaching your goals. Please do not feel you have to go through this alone or that things can’t change. Let’s work together to see how we can understand things and make things better for the future. I have worked in a variety of settings including NHS, private and hospitals for over 10 years.
01603 361552 View 01603 361552
Photo of Uxshely Carcamo, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Uxshely Carcamo
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Cambridge CB1
I am a psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, registered nutritionist and ex-lawyer that helps individuals to re-build their relationship with food and their body. Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder like binge eating disorder or ARFID or just want to get healthy, I can help you to get to the root cause of your issues around food and help you to make lasting changes. I understand how challenging it can be to struggle with your relationship with food. Nobody should have to spend their life worrying about food or their weight, obsessing over food choices, feeling guilty for eating or feeling out of control around food.
I am a psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, registered nutritionist and ex-lawyer that helps individuals to re-build their relationship with food and their body. Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder like binge eating disorder or ARFID or just want to get healthy, I can help you to get to the root cause of your issues around food and help you to make lasting changes. I understand how challenging it can be to struggle with your relationship with food. Nobody should have to spend their life worrying about food or their weight, obsessing over food choices, feeling guilty for eating or feeling out of control around food.
020 4572 0856 View 020 4572 0856
Photo of Sharon Martin Psychologist - Cambridgeshirecbt, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Cambridgeshirecbt
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Cambridge CB2
Please visit cambridgeshirecbt.com
Please visit cambridgeshirecbt.com
01223 643944 View 01223 643944
Photo of Ruth Parchment, MA, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Ruth Parchment
Psychotherapist, MA, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Cambridge CB1  (Online Only)
As a BABCP accredited CBT Therapist I have worked in various NHS and private settings: Anxiety, Depression, Panic, OCD, PTSD, Trauma, Perfectionism, Worry and Low Self Esteem are difficulties I regularly work with. Cultural sensitivity and diversity is important, including: Physical Health, LGBTQIA+, Ethnicity, Religion & other differences. I work with adults, young people and facilitate CBT groups (recently for social anxiety and also substance misuse). I'm open-minded, friendly, warm and approachable. I will help you learn useful strategies, tools and techniques; alongside providing space to process & understand yourself better
As a BABCP accredited CBT Therapist I have worked in various NHS and private settings: Anxiety, Depression, Panic, OCD, PTSD, Trauma, Perfectionism, Worry and Low Self Esteem are difficulties I regularly work with. Cultural sensitivity and diversity is important, including: Physical Health, LGBTQIA+, Ethnicity, Religion & other differences. I work with adults, young people and facilitate CBT groups (recently for social anxiety and also substance misuse). I'm open-minded, friendly, warm and approachable. I will help you learn useful strategies, tools and techniques; alongside providing space to process & understand yourself better
01223 941616 View 01223 941616
Photo of Elspeth Campbell, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Elspeth Campbell
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge CB4
You may want to be happier because you find yourself struggling to get through the day as a result of troubling situations or overwhelming experiences and issues. Your will may be dampened by a difficult history of upbringing in your family or early social care environment. You may long to reconnect with yourself and others, personally and / or professionally and to rekindle your sense of self worth. You may wish follow your own pathway on the rocky road of life based on a deep sense of inner knowing, which will help you revive vitality for life.
You may want to be happier because you find yourself struggling to get through the day as a result of troubling situations or overwhelming experiences and issues. Your will may be dampened by a difficult history of upbringing in your family or early social care environment. You may long to reconnect with yourself and others, personally and / or professionally and to rekindle your sense of self worth. You may wish follow your own pathway on the rocky road of life based on a deep sense of inner knowing, which will help you revive vitality for life.
01223 972793 View 01223 972793
Dr Melanie Rein
Psychotherapist, PhD, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Cambridge CB1
I am an analytical psychologist, psychotherapist, and supervisor based in Cambridge. While I work with a wide variety of people who have a range of issues and concerns, each person who comes to see me is special and each problem or concern they have is unique to them. Some of the concerns and issues that bring people to contact me are deep trauma and feelings of desperation, while others find themselves faced with an unexpected situation or difficult decision or want to explore and develop a deeper understanding of their life experience.
I am an analytical psychologist, psychotherapist, and supervisor based in Cambridge. While I work with a wide variety of people who have a range of issues and concerns, each person who comes to see me is special and each problem or concern they have is unique to them. Some of the concerns and issues that bring people to contact me are deep trauma and feelings of desperation, while others find themselves faced with an unexpected situation or difficult decision or want to explore and develop a deeper understanding of their life experience.
01223 679962 View 01223 679962
Photo of Maria Carmela Russo, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Maria Carmela Russo
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Cambridge CB24
If you feel stressed, anxious, have relationship issues at times, have been feeling worse recently or are subject to bullying, domestic violence, or any kind of abuse and would you like to share your worries and concerns, you can talk to me in confidence and without judgment. My approach is Humanistic Counselling based on Transactional Analysis (TA), combining characteristics typical of Person Centred therapies (e.g. empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence) with techniques used to examine human behaviour through the analysis of social transactions. It is a versatile therapy that can help on a vast range of issues
If you feel stressed, anxious, have relationship issues at times, have been feeling worse recently or are subject to bullying, domestic violence, or any kind of abuse and would you like to share your worries and concerns, you can talk to me in confidence and without judgment. My approach is Humanistic Counselling based on Transactional Analysis (TA), combining characteristics typical of Person Centred therapies (e.g. empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence) with techniques used to examine human behaviour through the analysis of social transactions. It is a versatile therapy that can help on a vast range of issues
01223 658645 View 01223 658645
Photo of Kiran Bhatti, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Kiran Bhatti
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Cambridge CB2
Hello, my name is Dr Kiran Bhatti. I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Psychological Society (BPS). As an experienced counselling psychologist, I offer individual psychological therapy and aim to create a warm and compassionate space to explore a range of difficulties. Working together I believe we can create a welcoming space to talk open and free, and in doing so empower you to gain greater insight into your difficulties and move towards a solution.
Hello, my name is Dr Kiran Bhatti. I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Psychological Society (BPS). As an experienced counselling psychologist, I offer individual psychological therapy and aim to create a warm and compassionate space to explore a range of difficulties. Working together I believe we can create a welcoming space to talk open and free, and in doing so empower you to gain greater insight into your difficulties and move towards a solution.
01223 679913 View 01223 679913
Photo of Cheryl Warren, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Cheryl Warren
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Cambridge CB1
I qualified as an Art Psychotherapist in 2009 and since then have worked in the community delivering art therapy in schools, eating disorder units, palliative care and in the Young Adult Service. For the last 5 years I have mainly worked with children and young people as well as their families and run a private practice alongside. My training was essentially psychodynamic but since qualifying I have completed further training covering family systems, narcissistic and domestic abuse, addictions, codependency, and play therapy.
I qualified as an Art Psychotherapist in 2009 and since then have worked in the community delivering art therapy in schools, eating disorder units, palliative care and in the Young Adult Service. For the last 5 years I have mainly worked with children and young people as well as their families and run a private practice alongside. My training was essentially psychodynamic but since qualifying I have completed further training covering family systems, narcissistic and domestic abuse, addictions, codependency, and play therapy.
01223 912883 View 01223 912883
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See more therapy options for Cambridge

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.