Eating Disorders Counselling in South West London, London

Photo of Samantha Russell, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Samantha Russell
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Online Only
Are you feeling overwhelmed or out of control with food or your relationship? Many of my clients come to me searching for a way to understand and heal from intense experiences. Whether it’s the shock and betrayal of infidelity or the complicated emotions around food and body image, they’re often seeking clarity, healing, and a path forward that feels authentic and compassionate. With a focus on both eating disorders and relationship challenges like infidelity, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to help you make sense of what you’re going through.
Are you feeling overwhelmed or out of control with food or your relationship? Many of my clients come to me searching for a way to understand and heal from intense experiences. Whether it’s the shock and betrayal of infidelity or the complicated emotions around food and body image, they’re often seeking clarity, healing, and a path forward that feels authentic and compassionate. With a focus on both eating disorders and relationship challenges like infidelity, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to help you make sense of what you’re going through.
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Photo of Dr Marie Hillen Bech, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Marie Hillen Bech
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Online Only
I have experience working with people with a variety of psychological and emotional difficulties across NHS, voluntary sector, and private services, and I have specialist expertise in the treatment of eating disorders and trauma.
I'm a fully qualified Counselling Psychologist and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist in training (working towards full accreditation with EMDR Europe). I believe everybody can benefit from therapy - whether to address a specific problem or to explore and make sense of experiences, relationships, or facets of identity. I appreciate the importance of cultural factors and the context a person lives in and aim to offer a welcoming and safe therapeutic environment to clients from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life. I currently work remotely and offer online therapy sessions in English und auf Deutsch.
I have experience working with people with a variety of psychological and emotional difficulties across NHS, voluntary sector, and private services, and I have specialist expertise in the treatment of eating disorders and trauma.
I'm a fully qualified Counselling Psychologist and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist in training (working towards full accreditation with EMDR Europe). I believe everybody can benefit from therapy - whether to address a specific problem or to explore and make sense of experiences, relationships, or facets of identity. I appreciate the importance of cultural factors and the context a person lives in and aim to offer a welcoming and safe therapeutic environment to clients from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life. I currently work remotely and offer online therapy sessions in English und auf Deutsch.
020 4572 3827 View 020 4572 3827
Photo of Emma-Jane Marshall, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Emma-Jane Marshall
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
South West London, London SW6
I have extensive experience working with Eating Disorders and have also worked with a range of different presentations including anxiety, depression, addictions and pre/post-natal illness.
Whether this is the first time that you’re seeking out therapy or if you have done this before, the process can be overwhelming. But you should know that by being here you've taken an important step forward in beginning to resolve your personal struggles. I am a fully qualified humanistic integrative psychotherapist, with over a decade of experience working both within private and public therapeutic services. I am a registered member of The British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and I adhere to their ethical code of practice and confidentiality.
I have extensive experience working with Eating Disorders and have also worked with a range of different presentations including anxiety, depression, addictions and pre/post-natal illness.
Whether this is the first time that you’re seeking out therapy or if you have done this before, the process can be overwhelming. But you should know that by being here you've taken an important step forward in beginning to resolve your personal struggles. I am a fully qualified humanistic integrative psychotherapist, with over a decade of experience working both within private and public therapeutic services. I am a registered member of The British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and I adhere to their ethical code of practice and confidentiality.
020 4538 7741 View 020 4538 7741
Photo of Maria Constantinou - Maria Constantinou, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Maria Constantinou
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
South West London, London SW3
I specialise in: anxiety, depression, loss, eating disorders, issues of identity sexuality, gender, self esteem.
I am a Psychotherapist and 'training analyst' for students in training. I have 20+ years experience of working with anxiety, depression, loss, eating disorders and more. 1st session is FREE for 30 mins. I believe psychotherapy should be available and affordable to everyone. I use sliding scale charges, a quiet, private and confidential space to talk, to express your self. We can explore and uncover the complexity behind the issues, causing your difficulties, distress and unhappiness. We find meaning and understanding and work towards unveiling and promoting a self that is more confident, empowered, assertive and self authorising.
I specialise in: anxiety, depression, loss, eating disorders, issues of identity sexuality, gender, self esteem.
I am a Psychotherapist and 'training analyst' for students in training. I have 20+ years experience of working with anxiety, depression, loss, eating disorders and more. 1st session is FREE for 30 mins. I believe psychotherapy should be available and affordable to everyone. I use sliding scale charges, a quiet, private and confidential space to talk, to express your self. We can explore and uncover the complexity behind the issues, causing your difficulties, distress and unhappiness. We find meaning and understanding and work towards unveiling and promoting a self that is more confident, empowered, assertive and self authorising.
020 3893 2631 View 020 3893 2631
Photo of Fernanda Wagland, BPC, Psychotherapist
Fernanda Wagland
Psychotherapist, BPC
Verified Verified
South West London, London SW1W
I have experience in working with the impact of trauma and loss, addiction, anxiety, eating disorders, personality disorders and with survivors of sexual abuse.
More often than not, the roots of emotional problems go deeper than normal awareness can reach, and my role is to enable you to identify, and focus on, some of the destructive ways of relating to yourself and others that might leave you feeling depressed, anxious or alone. ​ Together, we will create a safe and creative environment, which will help you to explore the different aspects of yourself – some which harmoniously coexist, and others that are at odds with each other.
I have experience in working with the impact of trauma and loss, addiction, anxiety, eating disorders, personality disorders and with survivors of sexual abuse.
More often than not, the roots of emotional problems go deeper than normal awareness can reach, and my role is to enable you to identify, and focus on, some of the destructive ways of relating to yourself and others that might leave you feeling depressed, anxious or alone. ​ Together, we will create a safe and creative environment, which will help you to explore the different aspects of yourself – some which harmoniously coexist, and others that are at odds with each other.
020 3095 0465 View 020 3095 0465
Photo of Ban Hassanzadeh, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Ban Hassanzadeh
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South West London, London SW6
 I also have extensive experience of working with issues related to body-image, eating disorders ( anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, orthorexia) & disordered eating.
I am a psychotherapist (MBACP) based in Fulham and I have a Masters in Integrative Psychotherapy & Counselling and I offer sessions both in-person and via zoom. I would describe my practice as combining warmth with appropriate challenge. At times, I may do more than sit back and nod; I am not a blank slate or a traditional therapist. I believe in a therapeutic relationship that is genuine and in open and honest conversations.
 I also have extensive experience of working with issues related to body-image, eating disorders ( anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, orthorexia) & disordered eating.
I am a psychotherapist (MBACP) based in Fulham and I have a Masters in Integrative Psychotherapy & Counselling and I offer sessions both in-person and via zoom. I would describe my practice as combining warmth with appropriate challenge. At times, I may do more than sit back and nod; I am not a blank slate or a traditional therapist. I believe in a therapeutic relationship that is genuine and in open and honest conversations.
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Photo of Andrew Lewis-Smith, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Andrew Lewis-Smith
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hello, I work with both over 15s and adults. I offer specialist CBT for a range of issues including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, physical health issues, insomnia, low self-esteem, stress and changes in life circumstance's. My approach is tailored to an individuals age and developmental level eg aspects of how a 16yr old experiences anxiety may be very different to that of a University student. In the initial session we collaboratively decide the main issues, agree the type of therapy to use, develop preliminary goals and begin to identify strengths, personal qualities and challenges that you have already overcome.
Hello, I work with both over 15s and adults. I offer specialist CBT for a range of issues including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, physical health issues, insomnia, low self-esteem, stress and changes in life circumstance's. My approach is tailored to an individuals age and developmental level eg aspects of how a 16yr old experiences anxiety may be very different to that of a University student. In the initial session we collaboratively decide the main issues, agree the type of therapy to use, develop preliminary goals and begin to identify strengths, personal qualities and challenges that you have already overcome.
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Photo of Lucia Giombini - Dr Lucia Giombini, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Lucia Giombini
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Online Only
I have dedicated the majority of my career as Clinical Psychologist thus far to helping people suffering from various forms of eating disorder, such anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder or emotional eating. By working with these conditions, I have developed a deeper understanding of the difficulties connected to them, such as different types of anxiety disorders and depression, perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. I use different interventions deriving from a wide range of psychological theories, including motivational enhancement therapy, interpersonal therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. Please, for more information visit my website: www.luciagiombini.com
I have dedicated the majority of my career as Clinical Psychologist thus far to helping people suffering from various forms of eating disorder, such anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder or emotional eating. By working with these conditions, I have developed a deeper understanding of the difficulties connected to them, such as different types of anxiety disorders and depression, perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. I use different interventions deriving from a wide range of psychological theories, including motivational enhancement therapy, interpersonal therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. Please, for more information visit my website: www.luciagiombini.com
020 3962 0172 View 020 3962 0172
Photo of Caroline Salter, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Caroline Salter
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Online Only
I worked with people with a variety of mental health problems in the NHS since 2010, and privately since 2020. I have five years experience working in a leading specialist eating disorder service in London, and currently work as acting lead psychologist in a general adult psychology service. I specialise in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Cognitive Analytic Therapy for eating disorders (including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder), depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem and persistent self-criticism.
I worked with people with a variety of mental health problems in the NHS since 2010, and privately since 2020. I have five years experience working in a leading specialist eating disorder service in London, and currently work as acting lead psychologist in a general adult psychology service. I specialise in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Cognitive Analytic Therapy for eating disorders (including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder), depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem and persistent self-criticism.
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Photo of Melis Okur, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Melis Okur
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
South West London, London SW5
People who have experienced depression, trauma, eating disorders, immigration/adaptation issues and anxiety are what I’ve specialized working with.
People who have experienced depression, trauma, eating disorders, immigration/adaptation issues and anxiety are what I’ve specialized working with.
020 3974 1811 View 020 3974 1811
Photo of Samantha Bottrill, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Samantha Bottrill
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South West London, London SW1W
Dr Sam Bottrill spent almost a decade working at the world renowned Maudsley Hospital Child & Adolescent Eating Disorder Service supporting teenagers and their families through recovery from Anorexia and Bulimia. Sam has worked privately with clients since 2012, working with adolescents, adults and families with a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, stress, depression, eating disorders, and trauma. Sam also specialises in couples therapy.
Dr Sam Bottrill spent almost a decade working at the world renowned Maudsley Hospital Child & Adolescent Eating Disorder Service supporting teenagers and their families through recovery from Anorexia and Bulimia. Sam has worked privately with clients since 2012, working with adolescents, adults and families with a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, stress, depression, eating disorders, and trauma. Sam also specialises in couples therapy.
020 3870 4206 View 020 3870 4206
Photo of Louise Grace Montgomery, MBACP, Counsellor
Louise Grace Montgomery
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
South West London, London SW11
I have training in Internal Family Systems, helping eating disorders, and is particularly helpful for Autism and ADHD.
Hi I'm Louise, I'm a Humanistic counsellor, I am honest, approachable and authentic. Searching for the right therapist can be hard, finding someone you can trust and feel at ease with is the first step. To help you connect with me, I offer warmth and kindness, I really care for my clients. Many people see counselling as a place where they talk and the therapist listens, I will listen, but I will also support, resource you and help you find your way to wellbeing and calm. Together we can unpick any confusion, ease anxiety and bring light to the darker parts of your world. So let's work as a team to make things better.
I have training in Internal Family Systems, helping eating disorders, and is particularly helpful for Autism and ADHD.
Hi I'm Louise, I'm a Humanistic counsellor, I am honest, approachable and authentic. Searching for the right therapist can be hard, finding someone you can trust and feel at ease with is the first step. To help you connect with me, I offer warmth and kindness, I really care for my clients. Many people see counselling as a place where they talk and the therapist listens, I will listen, but I will also support, resource you and help you find your way to wellbeing and calm. Together we can unpick any confusion, ease anxiety and bring light to the darker parts of your world. So let's work as a team to make things better.
01273 092813 View 01273 092813
Photo of Sophia Berouka, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Sophia Berouka
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I have 12 years experience of working in different settings such as the NHS, eating disorders clinics, universities, employee assistance programmes and private practice.
My approach to psychotherapy involves trying to understand and address difficulties by increasing awareness of the more underlying aspects that lead to the development of symptoms. I will start by being curious and listening carefully at what brought you to therapy: the moments that marked your life, your relationship to others and the issues that may be making life hard for you. The specific words you use to describe your problems and the thoughts, feelings and memories that may come up during sessions are all important as they can open the way to understanding the more underlying concerns that lie behind symptoms.
I have 12 years experience of working in different settings such as the NHS, eating disorders clinics, universities, employee assistance programmes and private practice.
My approach to psychotherapy involves trying to understand and address difficulties by increasing awareness of the more underlying aspects that lead to the development of symptoms. I will start by being curious and listening carefully at what brought you to therapy: the moments that marked your life, your relationship to others and the issues that may be making life hard for you. The specific words you use to describe your problems and the thoughts, feelings and memories that may come up during sessions are all important as they can open the way to understanding the more underlying concerns that lie behind symptoms.
020 3973 9225 View 020 3973 9225
Photo of Allison Rigg - The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Serves Area
The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic is an award-winning, independent private practice providing psychological help and services across London and Surrey. Our clinicians are hand-selected, highly skilled clinical and counselling psychologists, who have established academic backgrounds and NHS careers, in addition to their private work. We provide interventions for a wide variety of mental health conditions and difficulties including stress, anxiety, depression, personality disorders and eating disorders, all of which can have a hugely debilitating effect on our lives and the lives of people around us.
The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic is an award-winning, independent private practice providing psychological help and services across London and Surrey. Our clinicians are hand-selected, highly skilled clinical and counselling psychologists, who have established academic backgrounds and NHS careers, in addition to their private work. We provide interventions for a wide variety of mental health conditions and difficulties including stress, anxiety, depression, personality disorders and eating disorders, all of which can have a hugely debilitating effect on our lives and the lives of people around us.
020 4538 4770 View 020 4538 4770
Photo of Saundra Rhoden (Sex And Relationship Therapy), COSRT General, Counsellor
Saundra Rhoden (Sex And Relationship Therapy)
Counsellor, COSRT General
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I also provide specialist support to recover from eating disorders, including binge eating, bulimia, anorexia and yo-yo dieting.
Life can feel overwhelming sometimes. Perhaps you’re feeling stressed and anxious about work, or your relationships are not going well. You want things to get better but you are losing hope that anything will ever change. Or, you have spent too long ignoring the situation and hoping it will go away. Why not take some time out for yourself. You’ve either tried talking to friends/ family or you don’t want to burden them. The answer may be to find a relatable counsellor who will listen calmly and guide you towards a better awareness of how to move forward. I am here to help.
I also provide specialist support to recover from eating disorders, including binge eating, bulimia, anorexia and yo-yo dieting.
Life can feel overwhelming sometimes. Perhaps you’re feeling stressed and anxious about work, or your relationships are not going well. You want things to get better but you are losing hope that anything will ever change. Or, you have spent too long ignoring the situation and hoping it will go away. Why not take some time out for yourself. You’ve either tried talking to friends/ family or you don’t want to burden them. The answer may be to find a relatable counsellor who will listen calmly and guide you towards a better awareness of how to move forward. I am here to help.
020 3962 1511 View 020 3962 1511
Photo of Charlotte Ord, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Charlotte Ord
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Having spent over a decade working in the health and fitness industry prior to training as a psychologist, I have a particular interest in issues relating to the body, including weight, eating disorders, and body dissatisfaction. I have extensive experience working with people in larger bodies and am an advocate of health at every size and body diversity. I also have a strong interest in LGBTQ+ issues and am experienced in working with clients who struggle with a range of other difficulties including anxiety, depression, loneliness, bereavement and life transitions. I am able to support adults and young people aged sixteen +.
Having spent over a decade working in the health and fitness industry prior to training as a psychologist, I have a particular interest in issues relating to the body, including weight, eating disorders, and body dissatisfaction. I have extensive experience working with people in larger bodies and am an advocate of health at every size and body diversity. I also have a strong interest in LGBTQ+ issues and am experienced in working with clients who struggle with a range of other difficulties including anxiety, depression, loneliness, bereavement and life transitions. I am able to support adults and young people aged sixteen +.
01483 930169 View 01483 930169
Photo of Patricia Hines - Patricia Hines Counselling and Psychotherapy, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Patricia Hines Counselling and Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South West London, London SW1W
Do you need help with: self-esteem, relationship problems, anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders, recent or past trauma, experience of abuse, OCD, or perhaps other issues? I provide a confidential space where your experience will be heard. We can work together to find new perspectives for a better future.
Do you need help with: self-esteem, relationship problems, anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders, recent or past trauma, experience of abuse, OCD, or perhaps other issues? I provide a confidential space where your experience will be heard. We can work together to find new perspectives for a better future.
020 3962 1066 View 020 3962 1066
Photo of Natasha Menoni - Natasha Menoni: ADHD & Autism Specialist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Natasha Menoni: ADHD & Autism Specialist
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Online Only
My expertise acknowledges challenges neurodivergent individuals may encounter including: anxiety, social anxiety, depression, perfectionism, people pleasing, addiction, anger management, autistic burnout, OCD, low self esteem, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, trauma.
I am an HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist dedicated to serving adults who have been diagnosed or believe they might have Autism and/or ADHD. I invite you to work together on a therapeutic journey especially catered to your goals and needs. We can work together to identify and make the most out of your own unique strengths, establish robust coping strategies, and build self-awareness to develop a greater understanding of yourself so you can live a more fulfilling life.
My expertise acknowledges challenges neurodivergent individuals may encounter including: anxiety, social anxiety, depression, perfectionism, people pleasing, addiction, anger management, autistic burnout, OCD, low self esteem, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, trauma.
I am an HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist dedicated to serving adults who have been diagnosed or believe they might have Autism and/or ADHD. I invite you to work together on a therapeutic journey especially catered to your goals and needs. We can work together to identify and make the most out of your own unique strengths, establish robust coping strategies, and build self-awareness to develop a greater understanding of yourself so you can live a more fulfilling life.
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Photo of Simone Charlotte Addison, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Simone Charlotte Addison
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
South West London, London SW4
I’ve also been working at the South London and Maudsley Hospital for some years now,with it being one of the most accomplished places in London focusing on the mental health of our patients who have issues from self harm, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, eating disorders, anger management, addiction, low self esteem PTSD and many other mental health disorders.
I have a multitude of experience and I am committed in my role to facilitate growth and help clients find contentment from their lives. My style is creative allowing me to work with the unique requirements off all my clients and I adapt my way of working according to personality and concerns. Currently working within the private and public education system I work daily with young children and adolescents with a wide range of needs from different backgrounds and cultures, I absolutely love my work and find working collaboratively is also so rewarding for the client as they get that sense of accomplishment.
I’ve also been working at the South London and Maudsley Hospital for some years now,with it being one of the most accomplished places in London focusing on the mental health of our patients who have issues from self harm, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, eating disorders, anger management, addiction, low self esteem PTSD and many other mental health disorders.
I have a multitude of experience and I am committed in my role to facilitate growth and help clients find contentment from their lives. My style is creative allowing me to work with the unique requirements off all my clients and I adapt my way of working according to personality and concerns. Currently working within the private and public education system I work daily with young children and adolescents with a wide range of needs from different backgrounds and cultures, I absolutely love my work and find working collaboratively is also so rewarding for the client as they get that sense of accomplishment.
020 4572 4282 View 020 4572 4282
Photo of Romy Wakil, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Romy Wakil
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Online Only
My specialist areas in therapy are: trauma and recovery, eating disorders and disordered eating, intergenerational trauma, depression, anxiety, racial identity, cultural identity, grief and anger, and navigating interpersonal relationships.
My specialist areas in therapy are: trauma and recovery, eating disorders and disordered eating, intergenerational trauma, depression, anxiety, racial identity, cultural identity, grief and anger, and navigating interpersonal relationships.
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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.