Eating Disorders Counselling in Marlow

Photo of Valerie Manners, MBACP, Counsellor
Valerie Manners
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Marlow SL7
Most common areas that I work with are: Generalised Anxiety Disorder; Social anxiety; Health anxiety; Depression; Feeling sad; Low self-esteem; Low self-confidence; Social media anxiety; Panic attacks; Relationship difficulties; Work stress; Low mood; Low motivation; Midlife crisis; Loss of a loved one; Retirement concerns; Eating disorders; LGBTQIA issues;.
On-line CBT Counselling Specialist, Therapeutic Coach and Face to Face Practitioner - MBACP. For 15 years I have been in private practice in Harley Street, London, Marlow in Bucks and Hove in Sussex. I have been offering video consultations via Zoom, WhatsApp and other platforms for many years. This has the advantage of being conducted at your convenience from your own front room. You can choose the platform that you are most familiar with e.g. Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp or Skype. Cognitive behavioural therapy is proven to make a big difference to anxiety and depression and it is also approved by the NHS.
Most common areas that I work with are: Generalised Anxiety Disorder; Social anxiety; Health anxiety; Depression; Feeling sad; Low self-esteem; Low self-confidence; Social media anxiety; Panic attacks; Relationship difficulties; Work stress; Low mood; Low motivation; Midlife crisis; Loss of a loved one; Retirement concerns; Eating disorders; LGBTQIA issues;.
On-line CBT Counselling Specialist, Therapeutic Coach and Face to Face Practitioner - MBACP. For 15 years I have been in private practice in Harley Street, London, Marlow in Bucks and Hove in Sussex. I have been offering video consultations via Zoom, WhatsApp and other platforms for many years. This has the advantage of being conducted at your convenience from your own front room. You can choose the platform that you are most familiar with e.g. Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp or Skype. Cognitive behavioural therapy is proven to make a big difference to anxiety and depression and it is also approved by the NHS.
01494 360824 View 01494 360824
Photo of Holly Jordan, MBACP, Counsellor
Holly Jordan
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Marlow SL7  (Online Only)
Entering counselling for the first time can fill you with worries and anxiety. It is important for me to create a setting so anxiety begins to ease, enabling exploration to occur. I would like to offer you a safe, warm, non judgemental space to provide security that is needed for exploration that we can take together. To have a trusting relationship between therapist and client is fundamental to bring about positive change and to be understood is to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your relationships and your past experiences.
Entering counselling for the first time can fill you with worries and anxiety. It is important for me to create a setting so anxiety begins to ease, enabling exploration to occur. I would like to offer you a safe, warm, non judgemental space to provide security that is needed for exploration that we can take together. To have a trusting relationship between therapist and client is fundamental to bring about positive change and to be understood is to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your relationships and your past experiences.
01628 965507 View 01628 965507
Photo of Gabrielle Anaïs Tekerian, MSc, MUKCP, Counsellor
Gabrielle Anaïs Tekerian
Counsellor, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Marlow SL7
If you are not sure, I would encourage you to give therapy a chance. We live in such a busy world, it can be difficult to hear ourselves think. Therapy gives you space. A safe one. A space in which you can explore and unfold securely, accompanied by someone who cares, is professional and holds wisdom and respect for your therapeutic process. As a psychotherapist, I emphasise this ‘safe container’ a secure, non-judgmental environment as the important first step. From there, I am hard working and honest and will do my best to support you with whatever's going on for you right now, supporting you to find your voice, to tell your story.
If you are not sure, I would encourage you to give therapy a chance. We live in such a busy world, it can be difficult to hear ourselves think. Therapy gives you space. A safe one. A space in which you can explore and unfold securely, accompanied by someone who cares, is professional and holds wisdom and respect for your therapeutic process. As a psychotherapist, I emphasise this ‘safe container’ a secure, non-judgmental environment as the important first step. From there, I am hard working and honest and will do my best to support you with whatever's going on for you right now, supporting you to find your voice, to tell your story.
01628 969907 View 01628 969907
Photo of Louise Nairn, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Louise Nairn
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Marlow SL7
Sometimes we feel that our life is not a life well-lived. Many of us feel like we are surviving instead of thriving. Our mental health plays a big role here. It shapes our experience of life.
Sometimes we feel that our life is not a life well-lived. Many of us feel like we are surviving instead of thriving. Our mental health plays a big role here. It shapes our experience of life.
01628 882212 View 01628 882212
Photo of Keeley Taverner - Key for Change, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Key for Change
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marlow SL7
Are you baffled by your relationship with a narcissist? Are you exhausted by the mind games, gaslighting, and deceit? Have your friends grown tired of hearing you talk about the same issues? Don't worry, you're not alone. Narcissists are notoriously difficult personalities. They're sly, conniving, and incredibly devious. Until you've experienced their abuse, it's hard to understand. This often leads to victims feeling increasingly isolated, which exacerbates the narcissist's control and creates fertile ground for further abuse. It's no wonder such relationships compromise your sanity.
Are you baffled by your relationship with a narcissist? Are you exhausted by the mind games, gaslighting, and deceit? Have your friends grown tired of hearing you talk about the same issues? Don't worry, you're not alone. Narcissists are notoriously difficult personalities. They're sly, conniving, and incredibly devious. Until you've experienced their abuse, it's hard to understand. This often leads to victims feeling increasingly isolated, which exacerbates the narcissist's control and creates fertile ground for further abuse. It's no wonder such relationships compromise your sanity.
020 3856 8714 View 020 3856 8714
Photo of Julia Hudson, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Julia Hudson
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Marlow SL7
Feeling stuck in your emotional life? Your tried and tested strategies for coping aren't working? Or has there been a significant life event that has caused distress or made you re-evaluate where you are and where you are going? Has your doctor recommended Cognitive Behavioural Therapy? Talking through your difficulties with an Accredited CBT Therapist can help to reduce emotional distress by developing alternative thoughts, behaviours and feelings. By developing flexible attitudes and behaviours you can cope more effectively now and in the future. These skills build resilience to manage challenges. They are transferrable.
Feeling stuck in your emotional life? Your tried and tested strategies for coping aren't working? Or has there been a significant life event that has caused distress or made you re-evaluate where you are and where you are going? Has your doctor recommended Cognitive Behavioural Therapy? Talking through your difficulties with an Accredited CBT Therapist can help to reduce emotional distress by developing alternative thoughts, behaviours and feelings. By developing flexible attitudes and behaviours you can cope more effectively now and in the future. These skills build resilience to manage challenges. They are transferrable.
01494 416591 View 01494 416591
Photo of Tim Walker, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Tim Walker
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Marlow SL7
Dr Tim Walker is a BPS Chartered & HCPC Registered Counselling Psychologist. Drawing from senior NHS clinical experience, he runs a successful private practice operating both in central London and in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Accredited with major healthcare insurance providers, Tim is an experienced clinician with specialist skills in delivering evidence-based psychological interventions using a wide range of proven therapies including CBT, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Schema-focused Therapy, but always maintains a focus on the client’s individual needs and goals.
Dr Tim Walker is a BPS Chartered & HCPC Registered Counselling Psychologist. Drawing from senior NHS clinical experience, he runs a successful private practice operating both in central London and in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Accredited with major healthcare insurance providers, Tim is an experienced clinician with specialist skills in delivering evidence-based psychological interventions using a wide range of proven therapies including CBT, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Schema-focused Therapy, but always maintains a focus on the client’s individual needs and goals.
01628 951201 View 01628 951201
Photo of Christine Gregory, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Christine Gregory
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Marlow SL7
Are you feeling lost? Not sure where to turn, but know that something needs to change? Perhaps you need help working through a life transition, significant event, bereavement or loss. Maybe you're struggling with physical health problems, relationship difficulties, trauma or abuse. Whatever your starting point, my goal is to help you move forward, offering a space that validates, recognises and appreciates your difficulties and also celebrates your successes in the context of your wider life and environment. Our relationship will put you at its heart, recognising you may need different things from therapy at different times.
Are you feeling lost? Not sure where to turn, but know that something needs to change? Perhaps you need help working through a life transition, significant event, bereavement or loss. Maybe you're struggling with physical health problems, relationship difficulties, trauma or abuse. Whatever your starting point, my goal is to help you move forward, offering a space that validates, recognises and appreciates your difficulties and also celebrates your successes in the context of your wider life and environment. Our relationship will put you at its heart, recognising you may need different things from therapy at different times.
01753 251496 View 01753 251496
Photo of Genovieve Feasey - The Choice To Change, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
The Choice To Change
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Marlow SL7
Psychotherapy and Coaching are many things. Sometimes it's about coping strategies and supporting my clients through a tough time or loss, others want to change something about how they feel, think or behave, many looking to be free themselves of the past whilst some aren't sure exactly what they need, they simply feel the struggle to be happy in their life or relationships. There really is nothing too small or too big to ask for help with. You'll find I'm patient and calm by nature, have a compassionate and mature approach to helping, intuitively sense some things are really tough to talk about and whilst I will help you with ideas and tools to reduce symptoms and which can also speed up meaningful change between sessions, note: you will get to direct, manage your own destiny. I have always seen my role as supporting and guiding my clients through psychotherapy, enabling you to see for yourself and understand how your difficulties keeps you stuck and with my help how to overcome them. My aim is always for my clients to be able to leave feeling confident in knowing how to maintain their own well being long term.
Psychotherapy and Coaching are many things. Sometimes it's about coping strategies and supporting my clients through a tough time or loss, others want to change something about how they feel, think or behave, many looking to be free themselves of the past whilst some aren't sure exactly what they need, they simply feel the struggle to be happy in their life or relationships. There really is nothing too small or too big to ask for help with. You'll find I'm patient and calm by nature, have a compassionate and mature approach to helping, intuitively sense some things are really tough to talk about and whilst I will help you with ideas and tools to reduce symptoms and which can also speed up meaningful change between sessions, note: you will get to direct, manage your own destiny. I have always seen my role as supporting and guiding my clients through psychotherapy, enabling you to see for yourself and understand how your difficulties keeps you stuck and with my help how to overcome them. My aim is always for my clients to be able to leave feeling confident in knowing how to maintain their own well being long term.
01494 360937 View 01494 360937
Photo of Stephen Elting, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Stephen Elting
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Marlow SL7
We all have troubling problems at times, be they emotional, personal or work-related. Sometimes these problems can feel overwhelming and we become stressed, anxious and unhappy. This can affect our confidence handling relationships, making decisions and generally, our ability to just cope with the pressures that each day brings. Reaching out to an experienced therapist will enable you to talk openly about your concerns and be listened to without being judged. For many people, this is a profound way of bringing about positive and lasting change.
We all have troubling problems at times, be they emotional, personal or work-related. Sometimes these problems can feel overwhelming and we become stressed, anxious and unhappy. This can affect our confidence handling relationships, making decisions and generally, our ability to just cope with the pressures that each day brings. Reaching out to an experienced therapist will enable you to talk openly about your concerns and be listened to without being judged. For many people, this is a profound way of bringing about positive and lasting change.
01491 526778 View 01491 526778
Photo of Merisha Mistry, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Merisha Mistry
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Marlow SL7  (Online Only)
I believe that not a single person will live a lifetime without feeling stressed, anxious or low at some point in their life. Life can throw many challenges and during these times it can difficult to see a way out or that things will get better. Sometimes we experience these difficulties a number of times, or for a long period of time. However your difficulties present right now, it is important to know that support is available and that change can happen. You can use the therapy to develop your sense of self again, look towards the future and deal with life's stressors (relationships, work, friendships, health, career) better.
I believe that not a single person will live a lifetime without feeling stressed, anxious or low at some point in their life. Life can throw many challenges and during these times it can difficult to see a way out or that things will get better. Sometimes we experience these difficulties a number of times, or for a long period of time. However your difficulties present right now, it is important to know that support is available and that change can happen. You can use the therapy to develop your sense of self again, look towards the future and deal with life's stressors (relationships, work, friendships, health, career) better.
01628 561407 View 01628 561407
Photo of Juliet Louise Lethbridge - Juliet Lethbridge Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Juliet Lethbridge Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Marlow SL7
We come to therapy for a myriad of reasons some of which may be; Anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship issues, low confidence, low self-esteem, bullying in the work place and there are many more. Whatever your reason for seeking therapy simply talking can be tremendously helpful. If you have never experienced counselling or psychotherapy before, you may not be aware of the positive effect talking to someone who is trained and experienced in listening attentively and responding effectively can have. I can offer this to you in a safe, comfortable and confidential space.
We come to therapy for a myriad of reasons some of which may be; Anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship issues, low confidence, low self-esteem, bullying in the work place and there are many more. Whatever your reason for seeking therapy simply talking can be tremendously helpful. If you have never experienced counselling or psychotherapy before, you may not be aware of the positive effect talking to someone who is trained and experienced in listening attentively and responding effectively can have. I can offer this to you in a safe, comfortable and confidential space.
01494 360822 View 01494 360822
Photo of Lillie Perree, BACP, Counsellor
Lillie Perree
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Marlow SL7
Although I have trained in a diverse range of therapies I specialise in IFS (the official training from the institute), Somatic experiencing(2year) and trauma work. I hold space in a empathic non judgemental way. I am hear to listen to support and guide you through these issues building awareness and healing. I work for Khiron Clinics Harley street facilitating group and individual therapies.
Although I have trained in a diverse range of therapies I specialise in IFS (the official training from the institute), Somatic experiencing(2year) and trauma work. I hold space in a empathic non judgemental way. I am hear to listen to support and guide you through these issues building awareness and healing. I work for Khiron Clinics Harley street facilitating group and individual therapies.
020 8138 9335 View 020 8138 9335
Photo of Lynn Turner - Soulworks Counselling Limited, MBACP, Counsellor
Soulworks Counselling Limited
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Marlow SL7
Hello, my name is Lynn Turner. I have over 28 years counselling, therapy and life coaching experience, with expertise in addiction, codependency, complex and abusive relationships (including being in a relationship with a sociopath, narcissist, or someone with a mental health issue or a personality disorder). I specialise in, and have a Diploma in 'Dealing with Narcissism'. I provide a non-judgemental, safe, confidential and professional space for you to talk about, and work through, your problems. I believe the counselling relationship needs to be authentic, honest and safe in order for healthy change to happen.
Hello, my name is Lynn Turner. I have over 28 years counselling, therapy and life coaching experience, with expertise in addiction, codependency, complex and abusive relationships (including being in a relationship with a sociopath, narcissist, or someone with a mental health issue or a personality disorder). I specialise in, and have a Diploma in 'Dealing with Narcissism'. I provide a non-judgemental, safe, confidential and professional space for you to talk about, and work through, your problems. I believe the counselling relationship needs to be authentic, honest and safe in order for healthy change to happen.
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Photo of Tom Coates - Cbt Therapist, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Tom Coates - Cbt Therapist
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Marlow SL7
Emotional difficulties can make us feel overwhelmed, isolated, and exhausted, affecting our daily lives and overall well-being. If this sounds like you, remember that help is available. I'm Tom, a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with over 12 years of experience in clinical practice. Although I work with a range of conditions, including Depression and Anxiety, I have a specialist interest in working with individuals struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). My personal battles with OCD and depression allow me to empathise deeply with my clients, enabling me to provide understanding and supportive care.
Emotional difficulties can make us feel overwhelmed, isolated, and exhausted, affecting our daily lives and overall well-being. If this sounds like you, remember that help is available. I'm Tom, a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with over 12 years of experience in clinical practice. Although I work with a range of conditions, including Depression and Anxiety, I have a specialist interest in working with individuals struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). My personal battles with OCD and depression allow me to empathise deeply with my clients, enabling me to provide understanding and supportive care.
01296 327562 View 01296 327562
Photo of Will Midlane, BACP, Counsellor
Will Midlane
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marlow SL7
I am a qualified and experienced psychotherapeutic counsellor working in private practice with individuals, groups, and couples. I have worked in several settings including the NHS, Palliative Care, and the Ministry of Justice. People seek out psychotherapy for many different reasons, often though to find some relief from an emotional pain. Psychotherapy and counselling are methods of talking therapies that are useful in understanding difficulties in how you think and feel in relation to yourself, the world, and others.
I am a qualified and experienced psychotherapeutic counsellor working in private practice with individuals, groups, and couples. I have worked in several settings including the NHS, Palliative Care, and the Ministry of Justice. People seek out psychotherapy for many different reasons, often though to find some relief from an emotional pain. Psychotherapy and counselling are methods of talking therapies that are useful in understanding difficulties in how you think and feel in relation to yourself, the world, and others.
01628 969909 View 01628 969909

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Dr Donna Bella Gurney, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Donna Bella Gurney
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
High Wycombe HP15
My areas of interests are eating disorders and anxiety.
Are you suffering from an eating disorder? Are you constantly feeling not good enough? Are your anxieties stopping you from living the life that you want? Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed or burnt out? Are you a perfectionist with unrelenting standards and highly self-critical? Do you find yourself sabotaging your relationships? Whatever your circumstances, I am here to help. ‘Tutum' is a latin word which means 'safe'.​ I founded Tutum Psychology to provide a safe space for people to talk. The scientific literature has shown that feeling safe in your therapeutic relationship is important in order for therapy to be a success.
My areas of interests are eating disorders and anxiety.
Are you suffering from an eating disorder? Are you constantly feeling not good enough? Are your anxieties stopping you from living the life that you want? Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed or burnt out? Are you a perfectionist with unrelenting standards and highly self-critical? Do you find yourself sabotaging your relationships? Whatever your circumstances, I am here to help. ‘Tutum' is a latin word which means 'safe'.​ I founded Tutum Psychology to provide a safe space for people to talk. The scientific literature has shown that feeling safe in your therapeutic relationship is important in order for therapy to be a success.
01922 664934 View 01922 664934
Photo of Craig Everard, MBACP, Counsellor
Craig Everard
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Maidenhead SL6
Ranging from trauma, eating disorders, self harm and suicide ideation to weight management and sports performance and plenty of areas between those.
I am qualified TA Psychotherapeutic Counsellor with 3 years formal training in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy. I have also worked for 3 years in a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit working with individuals struggling with acute mental health conditions. Whether it’s wanting to understand yourself better or Life has thrown you one of its many curveballs, it’s okay to be overwhelmed by it. I hold the belief that everyone is OK and that the relationship built between Therapist and Client holds the key to creating change for the better. I want to help give you back your power to control and enjoy your life to its fullest.
Ranging from trauma, eating disorders, self harm and suicide ideation to weight management and sports performance and plenty of areas between those.
I am qualified TA Psychotherapeutic Counsellor with 3 years formal training in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy. I have also worked for 3 years in a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit working with individuals struggling with acute mental health conditions. Whether it’s wanting to understand yourself better or Life has thrown you one of its many curveballs, it’s okay to be overwhelmed by it. I hold the belief that everyone is OK and that the relationship built between Therapist and Client holds the key to creating change for the better. I want to help give you back your power to control and enjoy your life to its fullest.
01753 251599 View 01753 251599
Photo of Caitlin Cheale, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Caitlin Cheale
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Windsor SL4
Are you feeling sad, anxious, or overwhelmed with the demands of everyday life? Are you a mum struggling with the ups and downs of parenthood? Is your child struggling to manage big feelings and you don't know where to turn? I am here to help. I have over a decade of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adult women facing challenging times. Some of my areas of focus include anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, perinatal mental health, eating disorders, self-harm, and chronic illness. I provide both short-term, goal focused therapy and long-term work where we can explore your past and how it impacts your present.
Are you feeling sad, anxious, or overwhelmed with the demands of everyday life? Are you a mum struggling with the ups and downs of parenthood? Is your child struggling to manage big feelings and you don't know where to turn? I am here to help. I have over a decade of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adult women facing challenging times. Some of my areas of focus include anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, perinatal mental health, eating disorders, self-harm, and chronic illness. I provide both short-term, goal focused therapy and long-term work where we can explore your past and how it impacts your present.
01344 949273 View 01344 949273
Photo of Maggie Learoyd, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Maggie Learoyd
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Windsor SL4
I specialise in eating disorders, ADHD, Autism, childhood trauma and PTSD.
Hi, I'm Maggie, a qualified person-centred Psychotherapist and Life Coach diagnosed and specialising in ADHD, ARFID and Autism. With a deep commitment to helping individuals overcome their challenges, I provide a warm and supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions and experiences without fear of judgment. Plus, I bring a unique perspective as I'm diagnosed with ADHD, ARDIF and Autism myself, so I get the challenges firsthand. I also accept Access to Work clients for work-based coaching.
I specialise in eating disorders, ADHD, Autism, childhood trauma and PTSD.
Hi, I'm Maggie, a qualified person-centred Psychotherapist and Life Coach diagnosed and specialising in ADHD, ARFID and Autism. With a deep commitment to helping individuals overcome their challenges, I provide a warm and supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions and experiences without fear of judgment. Plus, I bring a unique perspective as I'm diagnosed with ADHD, ARDIF and Autism myself, so I get the challenges firsthand. I also accept Access to Work clients for work-based coaching.
01494 326041 View 01494 326041

See more therapy options for Marlow

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.