Eating Disorders Counselling in Norwich

Photo of Becky Grace Irwing - Becky Grace Therapy, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Becky Grace Therapy
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Norwich NR3
As a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist, EMDR practitioner, and former Mental Health Nurse, I bring over a decade of experience in eating disorders, neurodiversity, and trauma.
Are you tired of feeling like you don’t quite fit in? Do you struggle with your identity, feel "othered," or question where you belong in the world? Perhaps food has become a way to cope—bingeing, restricting, avoiding, over-exercising, or purging—yet it never truly eases the discomfort inside. Maybe you've sought validation through diagnoses like ADHD, Autism, BPD, OCD, or CPTSD, trying to make sense of your experiences. You might have tried therapy before but still feel like something is missing. I specialize in helping deep thinkers and sensitive souls untangle the complex relationship between food, trauma, and identity.
As a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist, EMDR practitioner, and former Mental Health Nurse, I bring over a decade of experience in eating disorders, neurodiversity, and trauma.
Are you tired of feeling like you don’t quite fit in? Do you struggle with your identity, feel "othered," or question where you belong in the world? Perhaps food has become a way to cope—bingeing, restricting, avoiding, over-exercising, or purging—yet it never truly eases the discomfort inside. Maybe you've sought validation through diagnoses like ADHD, Autism, BPD, OCD, or CPTSD, trying to make sense of your experiences. You might have tried therapy before but still feel like something is missing. I specialize in helping deep thinkers and sensitive souls untangle the complex relationship between food, trauma, and identity.
01603 361424 View 01603 361424
Photo of Karen Susan Alford, Counsellor, MBACP
Karen Susan Alford
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Norwich NR8
I have considered experience in working with 3 charities in Norwich where I have supported clients with anxiety, depression, sadness, substance misuse, trauma, eating disorders, anger, relationship issues as well as other areas.
I offer face to face sessions in addition to telephone or online. I practice in the NR6 area of Norwich easily accessed from the NDR. This may be a time in your life when you feel an overwhelming anxiety, low self esteem, depression or sadness. It may be evoked from a current or historic experience. I believe that recognising you are struggling and making the choice to seek help may be your first step towards finding some resolution. I work to assist and support you in exploring your issues and will always allow you direction in the sessions.
I have considered experience in working with 3 charities in Norwich where I have supported clients with anxiety, depression, sadness, substance misuse, trauma, eating disorders, anger, relationship issues as well as other areas.
I offer face to face sessions in addition to telephone or online. I practice in the NR6 area of Norwich easily accessed from the NDR. This may be a time in your life when you feel an overwhelming anxiety, low self esteem, depression or sadness. It may be evoked from a current or historic experience. I believe that recognising you are struggling and making the choice to seek help may be your first step towards finding some resolution. I work to assist and support you in exploring your issues and will always allow you direction in the sessions.
01603 984393 View 01603 984393
Photo of Dr Isabelle Straw, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Isabelle Straw
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Norwich NR2
g, chronic pain, IBS, migraines, Fibromyalgia, anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD and eating disorders/disordered eating,.
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist providing evidence-based psychological therapy in the NHS and private practice for over 15 years. My extensive training enables me to draw on a variety of therapeutic models that I integrate into my practice to support you in reclaiming your quality of life. These include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, and Somatic Therapy. I am also a trained Internal Family Systems (IFS) psychologist, which is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that is particularly effective at helping clients to heal from complex trauma.
g, chronic pain, IBS, migraines, Fibromyalgia, anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD and eating disorders/disordered eating,.
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist providing evidence-based psychological therapy in the NHS and private practice for over 15 years. My extensive training enables me to draw on a variety of therapeutic models that I integrate into my practice to support you in reclaiming your quality of life. These include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, and Somatic Therapy. I am also a trained Internal Family Systems (IFS) psychologist, which is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that is particularly effective at helping clients to heal from complex trauma.
01508 505540 View 01508 505540
Photo of Mandy Noblet, Counsellor, MSc, BACP
Mandy Noblet
Counsellor, MSc, BACP
Verified Verified
Norwich NR2
I have experience of working with identity and relationship issues, stress, anxiety, depression, bereavement, low self-esteem, addiction, neurodiversity, abuse, eating disorders and life-altering conditions.
Thank you for starting your journey and visiting my profile. I am a passionate, empathic, down to earth integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor; I am trained in various modalities to tailor individualistic therapy. I fuse theory with a creative approach to enable work at greater depth, revealing disconnected parts of self and unmet needs. I work with a trauma and attachment informed approach and feel the relationship to be at the core of our work together. I have 25 years experience as a registered general nurse and a further 3 years in mental health, including low cost counselling and child and adolescent mental health services.
I have experience of working with identity and relationship issues, stress, anxiety, depression, bereavement, low self-esteem, addiction, neurodiversity, abuse, eating disorders and life-altering conditions.
Thank you for starting your journey and visiting my profile. I am a passionate, empathic, down to earth integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor; I am trained in various modalities to tailor individualistic therapy. I fuse theory with a creative approach to enable work at greater depth, revealing disconnected parts of self and unmet needs. I work with a trauma and attachment informed approach and feel the relationship to be at the core of our work together. I have 25 years experience as a registered general nurse and a further 3 years in mental health, including low cost counselling and child and adolescent mental health services.
01603 931612 View 01603 931612
Photo of Lauren Roberts, Counsellor, MBACP
Lauren Roberts
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Norwich NR3
Through counselling we can explore whatever you bring, such as but not limited to trauma, abuse (of all kinds), identity issues, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders & loss.
I'm an integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor- which means that I am trained in and draw from the three main schools of thought and tailor my approach to you; not applying any particular method but rather meeting you where you are, and going from there. As there is no one set way of being, I believe there is no one set way of working therapeutically with another, so our therapeutic relationship is important. I offer a free 30 minute consultation to look at what brings you to counselling, any queries you may have, and to see how we 'fit' and how you feel about the prospect of beginning sessions with me.
Through counselling we can explore whatever you bring, such as but not limited to trauma, abuse (of all kinds), identity issues, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders & loss.
I'm an integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor- which means that I am trained in and draw from the three main schools of thought and tailor my approach to you; not applying any particular method but rather meeting you where you are, and going from there. As there is no one set way of being, I believe there is no one set way of working therapeutically with another, so our therapeutic relationship is important. I offer a free 30 minute consultation to look at what brings you to counselling, any queries you may have, and to see how we 'fit' and how you feel about the prospect of beginning sessions with me.
01508 505549 View 01508 505549
Photo of Amanda Jayne Eade - MD of Harley St. Psychotherapy Ltd (Amanda Goss), Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
MD of Harley St. Psychotherapy Ltd (Amanda Goss)
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
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 Michele Jane Furlong - Moore - Time to Flourish , Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Time to Flourish
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have 15 years of experience helping individuals & couples who have complex needs such as anxiety, addiction, pornography, eating disorders, co-dependency, infidelity, or depression.
Hello. My name is Michelle. I'm offering Teams, telephone or f2f counselling in Martham near the broads. A very peaceful location with incredible views. A place you can come and find answers to complex questions. I have been a therapist for over 15 years competently helping people experience a compassionate space for exploration or to set some goals for the future. This is an opportunity to learn, grow, achieve successful outcomes, and effect change to improve your whole life. I help resolve troublesome symptoms. I offer a free telephone consultation.
I have 15 years of experience helping individuals & couples who have complex needs such as anxiety, addiction, pornography, eating disorders, co-dependency, infidelity, or depression.
Hello. My name is Michelle. I'm offering Teams, telephone or f2f counselling in Martham near the broads. A very peaceful location with incredible views. A place you can come and find answers to complex questions. I have been a therapist for over 15 years competently helping people experience a compassionate space for exploration or to set some goals for the future. This is an opportunity to learn, grow, achieve successful outcomes, and effect change to improve your whole life. I help resolve troublesome symptoms. I offer a free telephone consultation.
0115 697 1504 View 0115 697 1504
Photo of Jacqueline Sawkins, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Jacqueline Sawkins
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
We offer individual psychotherapy services for people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, traumatic bereavement, OCD, panic attacks, eating disorders, grief, phobias, pain disorders, performance anxiety, stress, and physical/sexual abuse as well as medical related traumatic experiences.
Jacqueline is an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and registered with the EMDR Association UK with over 20 years of clinical experience within the NHS, private sector, and charity organisations.
We offer individual psychotherapy services for people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, traumatic bereavement, OCD, panic attacks, eating disorders, grief, phobias, pain disorders, performance anxiety, stress, and physical/sexual abuse as well as medical related traumatic experiences.
Jacqueline is an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and registered with the EMDR Association UK with over 20 years of clinical experience within the NHS, private sector, and charity organisations.
01473 943291 View 01473 943291
Photo of Asni Cook, Psychotherapist, MA, MBABCP
Asni Cook
Psychotherapist, MA, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I have trained under CREDO (Oxford University) in CBT-E; the leading treatment model for Eating Disorders.
My name is Asni and I am a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. I have 16 years experience of supporting people to overcome psychological difficulties within the NHS and private sector. I have undergone extensive additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and am also qualified in Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR). I have a specialist interest in working with disordered eating. I am trained in CBT-E; the leading evidence based treatment for eating disorders and am a Certified Intuitive Eating counsellor. Please do get in touch if you would be interested in having therapy with me.
I have trained under CREDO (Oxford University) in CBT-E; the leading treatment model for Eating Disorders.
My name is Asni and I am a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. I have 16 years experience of supporting people to overcome psychological difficulties within the NHS and private sector. I have undergone extensive additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and am also qualified in Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR). I have a specialist interest in working with disordered eating. I am trained in CBT-E; the leading evidence based treatment for eating disorders and am a Certified Intuitive Eating counsellor. Please do get in touch if you would be interested in having therapy with me.
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Photo of Jennifer Coles, Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBACP
Jennifer Coles
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBACP
Verified Verified
Norwich NR1
I offer a space where you can talk about the things that are troubling you, things that might be hard to say to other people, sometimes even to yourself. I encourage keeping a journal whilst in therapy and we can both make notes between sessions, keeping our connection alive.
I offer a space where you can talk about the things that are troubling you, things that might be hard to say to other people, sometimes even to yourself. I encourage keeping a journal whilst in therapy and we can both make notes between sessions, keeping our connection alive.
01603 249957 View 01603 249957
Photo of Becky Sarah List - Becky List. - Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Becky List. - Psychotherapeutic Counsellor
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
"I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become" Carl Jung"
"I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become" Carl Jung"
07427 530178 View 07427 530178
Photo of Natalia Barnes, Psychotherapist, MA, MBABCP
Natalia Barnes
Psychotherapist, MA, MBABCP
Verified Verified
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 Joyce Catherine Billing, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Joyce Catherine Billing
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Norwich NR12
I am a BACP registered person-centred counsellor and counselling supervisor. I work with young people and adults - age from 11 years old and up. I aim to offer a confidential, safe space and a non-judgemental supportive relationship, hopefully helping you to explore and gain understanding of why you may feel the way you do. This sometimes can mean reviewing and working through past influences and life events and how they may be affecting you in the present. This self-exploration can be an opportunity for personal development and growth, bringing about positive changes in how we feel about ourselves and how we relate to others.
I am a BACP registered person-centred counsellor and counselling supervisor. I work with young people and adults - age from 11 years old and up. I aim to offer a confidential, safe space and a non-judgemental supportive relationship, hopefully helping you to explore and gain understanding of why you may feel the way you do. This sometimes can mean reviewing and working through past influences and life events and how they may be affecting you in the present. This self-exploration can be an opportunity for personal development and growth, bringing about positive changes in how we feel about ourselves and how we relate to others.
01692 666313 View 01692 666313
Photo of Dr Meghan Waugh, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Meghan Waugh
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Norwich NR2
I'm passionate about helping you work on the things getting in the way of living the life you want. I'm used to working with a range of complex difficulties, like anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders and relationship difficulties. It’s important that you can feel safe with me, and I have an affirming approach to therapy, particularly around gender, sexuality and neurodivergence. I love working with individuals and couples who are in non-heteronormative and non-monogamous relationships and are looking for a safe, accepting space to explore dynamics and difficulties.
I'm passionate about helping you work on the things getting in the way of living the life you want. I'm used to working with a range of complex difficulties, like anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders and relationship difficulties. It’s important that you can feel safe with me, and I have an affirming approach to therapy, particularly around gender, sexuality and neurodivergence. I love working with individuals and couples who are in non-heteronormative and non-monogamous relationships and are looking for a safe, accepting space to explore dynamics and difficulties.
01603 249877 View 01603 249877
Photo of Amelia Andrews, Counsellor, MBACP
Amelia Andrews
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Norwich NR6
I practice from my own room in NR6, Norwich, with parking available. I offer a safe, nurturing, non-judgemental counselling relationship. I work with clients to explore the issues that bring them to counselling, make them feel unhappy, unsatisfied or overwhelmed; exploring and working towards understanding these issues, and their responses to them. Our unhappiness may be triggered by any number of things beyond our control, but we can change how we think and the views we hold, through increased self-awareness. Couples work looks at exploring issues in a safe and emotionally containing environment to work towards mutual resolution.
I practice from my own room in NR6, Norwich, with parking available. I offer a safe, nurturing, non-judgemental counselling relationship. I work with clients to explore the issues that bring them to counselling, make them feel unhappy, unsatisfied or overwhelmed; exploring and working towards understanding these issues, and their responses to them. Our unhappiness may be triggered by any number of things beyond our control, but we can change how we think and the views we hold, through increased self-awareness. Couples work looks at exploring issues in a safe and emotionally containing environment to work towards mutual resolution.
01603 984357 View 01603 984357
Photo of Constance Croot - Constance Counselling BSc (Hons) MBACP, UKCP, Counsellor, MBACP
Constance Counselling BSc (Hons) MBACP, UKCP
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Norwich NR1
It can be daunting taking the first step in finding a new counsellor, so my priority is to put you at ease. I'm a warm, non-judgemental, experienced counsellor, and my goal is to facilitate a strong relationship so we can work collaboratively, helping you feel empowered to improve your life and wellbeing. I am committed to providing a safe, supportive space for adults hoping to improve their emotional wellbeing, relationships, and focus on personal development. Our relationship is underpinned by my solid educational foundation and exceptional standards of care and ethical practice as a member of both BACP and UKCP.
It can be daunting taking the first step in finding a new counsellor, so my priority is to put you at ease. I'm a warm, non-judgemental, experienced counsellor, and my goal is to facilitate a strong relationship so we can work collaboratively, helping you feel empowered to improve your life and wellbeing. I am committed to providing a safe, supportive space for adults hoping to improve their emotional wellbeing, relationships, and focus on personal development. Our relationship is underpinned by my solid educational foundation and exceptional standards of care and ethical practice as a member of both BACP and UKCP.
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Photo of Kathleen Blades, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap.
Kathleen Blades
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap.
Verified Verified
Norwich NR2
Hello, I’m Kathleen. I’m a Drama & Movement Psychotherapist. I have a therapy room in Norwich city centre. I also offer Online Therapy sessions and Walk & Talk sessions across Norfolk. I work with both individuals and organisations. I am non-judgemental, compassionate and adaptable. I tailor my approach to best suit the needs of each individual client. I work with adults, adolescents and children. I can also visit schools and organisations. You can read more about my practice below and get in touch with any questions or to arrange a free introductory call!
Hello, I’m Kathleen. I’m a Drama & Movement Psychotherapist. I have a therapy room in Norwich city centre. I also offer Online Therapy sessions and Walk & Talk sessions across Norfolk. I work with both individuals and organisations. I am non-judgemental, compassionate and adaptable. I tailor my approach to best suit the needs of each individual client. I work with adults, adolescents and children. I can also visit schools and organisations. You can read more about my practice below and get in touch with any questions or to arrange a free introductory call!
01603 361993 View 01603 361993
Photo of Jo Clarke, Counsellor, MBACP
Jo Clarke
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Norwich NR2
Are you fed up of waking up in the morning with a feeling of dread, a churning in your stomach, a tightness in your chest? Are you frustrated from having thoughts going around in your mind, feeling like you're out of control? Perhaps you're finding yourself feeling sad and crying more than usual? Or feeling confused, finding yourself asking "what's wrong with me?" If the answer to one or more of these questions is yes, then counselling can help to support you through this emotional and psychological distress and to help you move forwards with your life.
Are you fed up of waking up in the morning with a feeling of dread, a churning in your stomach, a tightness in your chest? Are you frustrated from having thoughts going around in your mind, feeling like you're out of control? Perhaps you're finding yourself feeling sad and crying more than usual? Or feeling confused, finding yourself asking "what's wrong with me?" If the answer to one or more of these questions is yes, then counselling can help to support you through this emotional and psychological distress and to help you move forwards with your life.
01603 361758 View 01603 361758
Photo of Craig Jones - Craig Jones Therapy , MSc
Craig Jones Therapy
MSc
Verified Verified
Norwich NR6
Counselling & Therapist based in Norwich, Anxiety Reduction, Trauma & PTSD Specialist Counsellor, EMDR Therapist, non-judgement, a proven record in assisting people with Anxiety & Trauma
Counselling & Therapist based in Norwich, Anxiety Reduction, Trauma & PTSD Specialist Counsellor, EMDR Therapist, non-judgement, a proven record in assisting people with Anxiety & Trauma
0191 743 0054 View 0191 743 0054
Photo of Laura Middleton, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Laura Middleton
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Norwich NR2
If you’re considering counselling, finding the right therapist for you can be daunting. I offer a warm, accepting and non-judgemental space for you to be completely yourself. I will support you to work through what you bring to our sessions and to feel truly listened to. If you’ve been feeling stuck in life, suffering from overthinking, low-self esteem, stress, relationship difficulties, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed - I can help you to better understand yourself and move through difficult times.
If you’re considering counselling, finding the right therapist for you can be daunting. I offer a warm, accepting and non-judgemental space for you to be completely yourself. I will support you to work through what you bring to our sessions and to feel truly listened to. If you’ve been feeling stuck in life, suffering from overthinking, low-self esteem, stress, relationship difficulties, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed - I can help you to better understand yourself and move through difficult times.
01603 249542 View 01603 249542
1

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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.