Therapists in Byron, GA
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Ashley Turner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Warner Robins, GA 31088 (Online Only)
My areas of interest include treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, relationship issues, family conflict, academic and career difficulties, women's issues, self-esteem, self-image, work/life balance, PTSD, BPD, ADHD.
With 30 years of counseling experience, I hope to provide a safe space for clients to process their thoughts and feelings. My therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I received my undergraduate degree in 1992 from Virginia Tech in Family and Child Development and my masters degree in Counseling from Radford University in 1994.
My areas of interest include treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, relationship issues, family conflict, academic and career difficulties, women's issues, self-esteem, self-image, work/life balance, PTSD, BPD, ADHD.
With 30 years of counseling experience, I hope to provide a safe space for clients to process their thoughts and feelings. My therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I received my undergraduate degree in 1992 from Virginia Tech in Family and Child Development and my masters degree in Counseling from Radford University in 1994.
Georgia Behavioral
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Warner Robins, GA 31088
Georgia Behavioral provides treatment for mental health issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief/loss, ADD/ADHD, behavioral issues, school issues, personality disorders, drug and alcohol and other conditions. We also provide medication management. We are located in the heart of Warner Robins, Georgia. Our facility provides safety and privacy for patients seeking healing and recovery. Our program treats patients age 5 and older in an outpatient setting. Our staff is specially trained to address the complex needs of individuals with co-occurring disorders and to treat the whole person in a comprehensive way.
Georgia Behavioral provides treatment for mental health issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief/loss, ADD/ADHD, behavioral issues, school issues, personality disorders, drug and alcohol and other conditions. We also provide medication management. We are located in the heart of Warner Robins, Georgia. Our facility provides safety and privacy for patients seeking healing and recovery. Our program treats patients age 5 and older in an outpatient setting. Our staff is specially trained to address the complex needs of individuals with co-occurring disorders and to treat the whole person in a comprehensive way.
New Life Pastoral Care & Counseling Service, LLC
Pastoral Counselor, MA, MDiv, CNPC, PhD
Verified Verified
Warner Robins, GA 31088
Welcome to New Life! We are passionate about your mental health needs and are offering telehealth counseling twenty-four hours, due to the challenging times we are living in currently. Counselors are able to pray with you and provide empathy, along with confidentiality. Please don't hesitate to contact us we have competent and experienced counselors to meet your needs. Whether it's grief, trauma, premarital counseling, marital challenges, depression, anxiety, domestic abuse, anger management, or PTSD. We offer therapy sessions that include Spanish translators for our clients upon request please call today.
Welcome to New Life! We are passionate about your mental health needs and are offering telehealth counseling twenty-four hours, due to the challenging times we are living in currently. Counselors are able to pray with you and provide empathy, along with confidentiality. Please don't hesitate to contact us we have competent and experienced counselors to meet your needs. Whether it's grief, trauma, premarital counseling, marital challenges, depression, anxiety, domestic abuse, anger management, or PTSD. We offer therapy sessions that include Spanish translators for our clients upon request please call today.
Lifebulb Counseling & Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Warner Robins, GA 31088
We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals. Because we believe you're best served by a therapist who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to helping therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. Working with us, you'll get results.
We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals. Because we believe you're best served by a therapist who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to helping therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. Working with us, you'll get results.
Kasey Griner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Warner Robins, GA 31088
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in private practice with over 8 years of professional experience working across a variety of settings, including acute mental health, chemical dependency, dual diagnosis, PTSD and family therapy. I enjoy working with adults of all ages and have experience working in inpatient and outpatient settings as well as individual and group therapy. In addition to advanced training in addictions, I also have experience and training in maternal and perinatal counseling. Perinatal mental health covers the period of pregnancy up to a year after birth.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in private practice with over 8 years of professional experience working across a variety of settings, including acute mental health, chemical dependency, dual diagnosis, PTSD and family therapy. I enjoy working with adults of all ages and have experience working in inpatient and outpatient settings as well as individual and group therapy. In addition to advanced training in addictions, I also have experience and training in maternal and perinatal counseling. Perinatal mental health covers the period of pregnancy up to a year after birth.
Online Therapists
Fawzia Khan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RN
Not Verified Not Verified
Decatur, GA 30033
I have advocated for patients of all ages, suffering from depression, addiction, sexual and emotional abuse, eating disorders, divorce, custody battles, marriage and family conflict.
I have over 15 years of counseling experience with clients of all ages. Multicultural issues, marriage and family, and abuse are areas close to my heart. My practice is based on serving clients with empathy and compassion, and providing coping skills to support their growth and development.
I have advocated for patients of all ages, suffering from depression, addiction, sexual and emotional abuse, eating disorders, divorce, custody battles, marriage and family conflict.
I have over 15 years of counseling experience with clients of all ages. Multicultural issues, marriage and family, and abuse are areas close to my heart. My practice is based on serving clients with empathy and compassion, and providing coping skills to support their growth and development.
Counseling Services of Atlanta
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Sandy Springs, GA 30350
We treat: Depression, Anxiety, Anger, relationship issues, Parenting, Divorce, Couples, Mood Disorders, Childhood abuse, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, Loneliness, Grief, Eating disorders, Addiction (all forms), ADHD/ADD, Women's Issues, LGBT Issues, Men's Issues,Teen Issues, Bipolar, Play therapy/social skills for ages 3 and up, and Life coaching.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
We treat: Depression, Anxiety, Anger, relationship issues, Parenting, Divorce, Couples, Mood Disorders, Childhood abuse, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, Loneliness, Grief, Eating disorders, Addiction (all forms), ADHD/ADD, Women's Issues, LGBT Issues, Men's Issues,Teen Issues, Bipolar, Play therapy/social skills for ages 3 and up, and Life coaching.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
James O Montford Jr.
Pastoral Counselor, PhD, MSPC, BACS, CCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Douglasville, GA 30135
Dr. James Montford, Jr. has a passion for marriage and family counseling, teens, young adult males, and those that struggle with substance abuse and other addictions. James specializes in Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. AREAS OF FOCUS: Men's Issues, Marriage and Family, Depression, Substance Abuse, Self-mutilating behavior, Sexual Addictions, and Identity Issues, Eating disorders. James earned his Ph.D. in Religious Philosophy in Christian Counseling his master's in Professional Counseling and his Bachelor's degree in Christian Studies James is a Certified Christian Counselor in Ga and Fla.
Dr. James Montford, Jr. has a passion for marriage and family counseling, teens, young adult males, and those that struggle with substance abuse and other addictions. James specializes in Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. AREAS OF FOCUS: Men's Issues, Marriage and Family, Depression, Substance Abuse, Self-mutilating behavior, Sexual Addictions, and Identity Issues, Eating disorders. James earned his Ph.D. in Religious Philosophy in Christian Counseling his master's in Professional Counseling and his Bachelor's degree in Christian Studies James is a Certified Christian Counselor in Ga and Fla.
Carole Darnell
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Marietta, GA 30067
My specialty is with individuals, couples, and families resolving issues pertaining to: relationship/sexual/divorce, depression, anxiety, career/life transitions, and eating disorders.
As a depth psychotherapist, my goal is to help you uncover your highest potential for living a life worth celebrating. While we cannot change our past, we can learn new tools/skills for resolving current life challenges. We will identify long-standing negative behavior patterns and replace these with more effective, life affirming skills. As a couple, you will learn more effective communication and listening skills for resolving conflict, which is a part of all long-term passionate relationships. Given the right tools, knowledge, and guidance, your life and relationships can experience growth and transformation!.
We also offer services nationally via video and teleconference counseling.
My specialty is with individuals, couples, and families resolving issues pertaining to: relationship/sexual/divorce, depression, anxiety, career/life transitions, and eating disorders.
As a depth psychotherapist, my goal is to help you uncover your highest potential for living a life worth celebrating. While we cannot change our past, we can learn new tools/skills for resolving current life challenges. We will identify long-standing negative behavior patterns and replace these with more effective, life affirming skills. As a couple, you will learn more effective communication and listening skills for resolving conflict, which is a part of all long-term passionate relationships. Given the right tools, knowledge, and guidance, your life and relationships can experience growth and transformation!.
We also offer services nationally via video and teleconference counseling.
Bertrina Olivia West Al-Mahdi
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Norcross, GA 30071
This can be depicted as depression/sadness, anxiety, anger, fear, exhaustion, personality or mood disorders, eating disorders, relationship problems,.
Life is often tough & can be very stressful & overwhelming. Challenges are often thrown our way & we struggle with finding ways to cope. Hi, my name is Dr. O, I am a U. S. Navy veteran with a doctorate degree in International Psychologist. I am the Clinical Director of Out of the Box, CCC, a mom, a wife, & I'm here to help. I understand the difficulties of navigating the challenges of life while trying to hold it all together. I specialize in working with individuals, families, couples, adolescents, and children facing emotional, cognitive, & social challenges as a result of trauma. When most people think about trauma, they usually
This can be depicted as depression/sadness, anxiety, anger, fear, exhaustion, personality or mood disorders, eating disorders, relationship problems,.
Life is often tough & can be very stressful & overwhelming. Challenges are often thrown our way & we struggle with finding ways to cope. Hi, my name is Dr. O, I am a U. S. Navy veteran with a doctorate degree in International Psychologist. I am the Clinical Director of Out of the Box, CCC, a mom, a wife, & I'm here to help. I understand the difficulties of navigating the challenges of life while trying to hold it all together. I specialize in working with individuals, families, couples, adolescents, and children facing emotional, cognitive, & social challenges as a result of trauma. When most people think about trauma, they usually
Cathy Weinstein Schiff LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30326
My areas of expertise include Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Eating Disorders, Marital/Relationship Issues, Codependency, Grief, Divorce Adjustment, Parenting Issues and Education, and Stress Management.
I am an LCSW specializing in individual, couple's and family therapy. My approach is eclectic, incorporating a variety of techniques to meet the needs of each client. Therapy is a collaborative effort and I enjoy guiding clients to identify their own strengths and inner resources. I believe in giving clients the tools and support they need to move ahead on their own, knowing support is available when they need it from me. I have new patient appointment availability to see older adolescents and adults of all ages. I welcome all individuals regardless of sex, religion, sexual preference, or race.
My areas of expertise include Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Eating Disorders, Marital/Relationship Issues, Codependency, Grief, Divorce Adjustment, Parenting Issues and Education, and Stress Management.
I am an LCSW specializing in individual, couple's and family therapy. My approach is eclectic, incorporating a variety of techniques to meet the needs of each client. Therapy is a collaborative effort and I enjoy guiding clients to identify their own strengths and inner resources. I believe in giving clients the tools and support they need to move ahead on their own, knowing support is available when they need it from me. I have new patient appointment availability to see older adolescents and adults of all ages. I welcome all individuals regardless of sex, religion, sexual preference, or race.
Roshanda May
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Stonecrest, GA 30038 (Online Only)
In life we often take on many roles. These roles often leave us feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and unfulfilled with no time to cater to our needs. Take the journey with me to rediscover you and make yourself a priority. Therapy will help you learn how to balance life stressors, address unresolved trauma, build better relationships, and work towards the life you desire. I specialize in working with women, men, and teens with ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders. Whether you're struggling with daily stressors or facing more complex challenges, I am here to offer support, guidance, and practical tools to help you.
In life we often take on many roles. These roles often leave us feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and unfulfilled with no time to cater to our needs. Take the journey with me to rediscover you and make yourself a priority. Therapy will help you learn how to balance life stressors, address unresolved trauma, build better relationships, and work towards the life you desire. I specialize in working with women, men, and teens with ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders. Whether you're struggling with daily stressors or facing more complex challenges, I am here to offer support, guidance, and practical tools to help you.
Transformations Therapy of Atlanta, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CHT
Verified Verified
Lilburn, GA 30047
We work with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, anger management, ADHD, substance abuse, women’s issues, eating disorders, and other disorders.
In life, we can find ourselves wanting to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves- emotionally and behaviorally. At Transformations Therapy, we have many clinicians trained to help individuals struggling with a variety of issues. We work with children, adolescents and adults and have clinicians trained in Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Trauma Focused CBT, along with many other treatment modalities. We understand the difficulty in seeking help during tough times. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable and work with you in a non judgemental and compassionate way to help you to become your best self!
We work with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, anger management, ADHD, substance abuse, women’s issues, eating disorders, and other disorders.
In life, we can find ourselves wanting to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves- emotionally and behaviorally. At Transformations Therapy, we have many clinicians trained to help individuals struggling with a variety of issues. We work with children, adolescents and adults and have clinicians trained in Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Trauma Focused CBT, along with many other treatment modalities. We understand the difficulty in seeking help during tough times. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable and work with you in a non judgemental and compassionate way to help you to become your best self!
Heather Merritt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Macon, GA 31204
I am a licensed clinical social worker with 23 years of experience in the field, 15 of which have been in counseling. I assist clients with issues surrounding self-esteem, body image, anxiety, depression and eating disorders. I also assist clients struggling with relationship issues and divorce. I have extensive experience in grief counseling and supporting clients as they process loss. I am passionate about helping others love themselves, take care of their bodies, and find freedom from societal standards!!
I am a licensed clinical social worker with 23 years of experience in the field, 15 of which have been in counseling. I assist clients with issues surrounding self-esteem, body image, anxiety, depression and eating disorders. I also assist clients struggling with relationship issues and divorce. I have extensive experience in grief counseling and supporting clients as they process loss. I am passionate about helping others love themselves, take care of their bodies, and find freedom from societal standards!!
Rachel Schambach
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MS
Verified Verified
Marietta, GA 30067
Welcome to my practice! Licensed as an Associate Professional Counselor, I am currently under clinical direction & clinical supervision. My clientele includes couples, adults, teens, and families who have experienced stress, trauma, anxiety, and hardship. I conduct both individual and family sessions. I work with clients with diverse trauma history, including addiction, codependency, and eating disorders.
Welcome to my practice! Licensed as an Associate Professional Counselor, I am currently under clinical direction & clinical supervision. My clientele includes couples, adults, teens, and families who have experienced stress, trauma, anxiety, and hardship. I conduct both individual and family sessions. I work with clients with diverse trauma history, including addiction, codependency, and eating disorders.
Brooke Adams Lopes
MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Marietta, GA 30067
Brooke approaches psychotherapy from a whole person perspective - addressing mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and relational health. Creating personal growth and lasting change as opposed to a temporary fix is the goal. Her focus includes individual, couple, trauma, family, and spirituality counseling. She has experience helping clients with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, relationship/marital issues, personality disorders, adhd, grief, eating disorders, and spirituality issues. Brooke utilizes EMDR, Attachment Assessment, Cognitive/Dialectic Behavior Therapies, and Trauma Theory alongside talk therapy with her clients.
Brooke approaches psychotherapy from a whole person perspective - addressing mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and relational health. Creating personal growth and lasting change as opposed to a temporary fix is the goal. Her focus includes individual, couple, trauma, family, and spirituality counseling. She has experience helping clients with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, relationship/marital issues, personality disorders, adhd, grief, eating disorders, and spirituality issues. Brooke utilizes EMDR, Attachment Assessment, Cognitive/Dialectic Behavior Therapies, and Trauma Theory alongside talk therapy with her clients.
Rachel Thomas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30324
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose practice offers a warm, nonjudgmental environment for anyone seeking insight, balance, and growth in their lives. I most often work with those experiencing concerns related to depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, life transitions, and eating disorders. I have a special interest in working with individuals seeking to heal or balance their relationship with body image, food and exercise.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose practice offers a warm, nonjudgmental environment for anyone seeking insight, balance, and growth in their lives. I most often work with those experiencing concerns related to depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, life transitions, and eating disorders. I have a special interest in working with individuals seeking to heal or balance their relationship with body image, food and exercise.
Celia Webb
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30328
The decision to begin (or deepen) therapy is a big one. I imagine you’ve attempted to manage a lot of things as best as you possibly could and that led you here. I’m so happy you’re here. I help clients navigate life when there’s been a few (or many) wrong turns and bumps in the road. I am skilled at working with all parts of a client when they have a history of trauma (knowingly or not). This often takes the form of eating disorders, anxiety, emotional overwhelm or dysregulation, dissociation, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, or substance use.
The decision to begin (or deepen) therapy is a big one. I imagine you’ve attempted to manage a lot of things as best as you possibly could and that led you here. I’m so happy you’re here. I help clients navigate life when there’s been a few (or many) wrong turns and bumps in the road. I am skilled at working with all parts of a client when they have a history of trauma (knowingly or not). This often takes the form of eating disorders, anxiety, emotional overwhelm or dysregulation, dissociation, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, or substance use.
MJ Bacon - Infertility Counseling
APC, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30030
Providing individual and couples therapy, I foster a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment, dedicated to creating a safe space where you can explore, grow and heal. Building a positive and trusting relationship between us is fundamental to navigating through challenging issues. I help clients gain insights into their struggles and ultimately grow from the experience. I specialize in infertility, loss and grief, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.
Providing individual and couples therapy, I foster a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment, dedicated to creating a safe space where you can explore, grow and heal. Building a positive and trusting relationship between us is fundamental to navigating through challenging issues. I help clients gain insights into their struggles and ultimately grow from the experience. I specialize in infertility, loss and grief, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.
Counseling Services of Atlanta
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Norcross, GA 30092
We treat: Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Stress, relationship issues, Parenting, Divorce, Couples, Mood Disorders, Childhood abuse, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, Loneliness, Grief, Eating disorders, Addiction (all forms), ADHD/ADD, Women's Issues, LGBT Issues, Men's Issues,Teen Issues, Bipolar, Play therapy/social skills for ages 3 and up, and Life coaching.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, and family therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, East Cobb, West Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
We treat: Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Stress, relationship issues, Parenting, Divorce, Couples, Mood Disorders, Childhood abuse, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, Loneliness, Grief, Eating disorders, Addiction (all forms), ADHD/ADD, Women's Issues, LGBT Issues, Men's Issues,Teen Issues, Bipolar, Play therapy/social skills for ages 3 and up, and Life coaching.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, and family therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, East Cobb, West Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
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Eating Disorders Therapists
What happens in therapy for eating disorders?
In therapy for eating disorders, patients typically describe their eating and exercise behaviors, their patterns of eating in relation to stress, their beliefs about their body, the ways their eating behavior 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 counseling 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 behavioral 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 behavior, 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 recognize 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 behavior has taken root, the longer treatment is likely to be needed.