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Online Therapists

Photo of Bertrina Olivia West Al-Mahdi, Licensed Professional Counselor in Elbert County, GA
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
(404) 800-3147 x21 View (404) 800-3147 x21
Photo of Jo-Anne T Liakakos, Counselor in Elbert County, GA
Jo-Anne T Liakakos
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CPCS
Verified Verified
Alpharetta, GA 30009
In addition I hold a Bachelors Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a Specialty in Foods and Nutrition; working with eating disorders and emotional and behavioral issues surrounding food.
As a therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and assist you in creating the life you desire. While we can't change difficult situations of the past we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques we will work together to resolve issues and lead you to experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
In addition I hold a Bachelors Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a Specialty in Foods and Nutrition; working with eating disorders and emotional and behavioral issues surrounding food.
As a therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and assist you in creating the life you desire. While we can't change difficult situations of the past we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques we will work together to resolve issues and lead you to experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
(470) 348-5273 View (470) 348-5273
Photo of Transformations Therapy of Atlanta, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Elbert County, GA
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!
(404) 495-5897 x100 View (404) 495-5897 x100
Photo of Counseling Innovations, Licensed Professional Counselor in Elbert County, GA
Counseling Innovations
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT-S, CPCS, CHT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30060
I have particular expertise working with Trauma, PTSD, Sexual Abuse, Dissociative Identity Disorder, Eating Disorders, Attachment Issues, Anxiety, Asperger's Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Schizophrenia.
As a licensed professional counselor, my goal is to help individuals, couples, and families identify areas where change is needed to enhance growth, harmony, and balance in their lives. I take a holistic approach to therapy by incorporating a variety of therapeutic modalities into my practice including CBT, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Imago Therapy, DBT, Mindfulness Based Therapy (i.e., meditation, guided imagery, deep breathing), Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Hypnotherapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, and Animal Assisted Therapy.
I have particular expertise working with Trauma, PTSD, Sexual Abuse, Dissociative Identity Disorder, Eating Disorders, Attachment Issues, Anxiety, Asperger's Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Schizophrenia.
As a licensed professional counselor, my goal is to help individuals, couples, and families identify areas where change is needed to enhance growth, harmony, and balance in their lives. I take a holistic approach to therapy by incorporating a variety of therapeutic modalities into my practice including CBT, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Imago Therapy, DBT, Mindfulness Based Therapy (i.e., meditation, guided imagery, deep breathing), Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Hypnotherapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, and Animal Assisted Therapy.
(678) 919-1077 View (678) 919-1077
Photo of Diane Hilleary, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Elbert County, GA
Diane Hilleary
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CEDS-S
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30329
I specialize in providing individual and family therapy for adolescents and adults with eating disorders, addiction, self harm, anxiety, and depression.
With the right kind of support, meaningful change is possible. I know it takes a lot of courage to reach out for help and therefore I want to make sure you get what you need. With that in mind, I tailor my therapeutic approach to each individual and will work with you to develop goals for your therapy. My work is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to be heard and understood and understanding is the first step to change. I believe through supportive therapy, you can live differently and experience life in a more peaceful and fulfilling way.
I specialize in providing individual and family therapy for adolescents and adults with eating disorders, addiction, self harm, anxiety, and depression.
With the right kind of support, meaningful change is possible. I know it takes a lot of courage to reach out for help and therefore I want to make sure you get what you need. With that in mind, I tailor my therapeutic approach to each individual and will work with you to develop goals for your therapy. My work is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to be heard and understood and understanding is the first step to change. I believe through supportive therapy, you can live differently and experience life in a more peaceful and fulfilling way.
(678) 408-4610 View (678) 408-4610
Photo of Julia F. Harris, Licensed Professional Counselor in Elbert County, GA
Julia F. Harris
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CPCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Roswell, GA 30075
Are you an adult or teen who is struggling to manage difficult emotions? Have you experienced emotional trauma, unhealthy or difficult relationships, or low self esteem? Are you exhausted from emotional distress and need support? If so, please consider contacting me for therapy. I am passionate about helping people live a happy, fulfilled life. Together, we can work to help you gain deeper understanding and work to accomplish goals that make life more satisfying. My areas of focus include suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, body image, depression, anxiety, trauma, CPTSD, relationships, identity, and self-esteem.
Are you an adult or teen who is struggling to manage difficult emotions? Have you experienced emotional trauma, unhealthy or difficult relationships, or low self esteem? Are you exhausted from emotional distress and need support? If so, please consider contacting me for therapy. I am passionate about helping people live a happy, fulfilled life. Together, we can work to help you gain deeper understanding and work to accomplish goals that make life more satisfying. My areas of focus include suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, body image, depression, anxiety, trauma, CPTSD, relationships, identity, and self-esteem.
(678) 252-5522 View (678) 252-5522
Photo of Dr. Kerene T Brown, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Elbert County, GA
Dr. Kerene T Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LICSW, C-DBT, CCTP, CCS
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30354  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I opened the doors to my practice with the goal of providing clients with top-of-the-line mental health services. Whether you’re looking for a bit of counseling, or need professional assistance overcoming a traumatic experience - your wellbeing is my number one priority. I go above and beyond to cater to the needs of every client with a personalized treatment approach.
I opened the doors to my practice with the goal of providing clients with top-of-the-line mental health services. Whether you’re looking for a bit of counseling, or need professional assistance overcoming a traumatic experience - your wellbeing is my number one priority. I go above and beyond to cater to the needs of every client with a personalized treatment approach.
(678) 326-4734 View (678) 326-4734
Photo of Cura Couples and Family Therapy Center of Atlanta, Marriage & Family Therapist in Elbert County, GA
Cura Couples and Family Therapy Center of Atlanta
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30338
CURA Couples and Family Therapy Center of Atlanta serves a broad range of clients including those who are feeling less connected in romantic relationships; families going through tough transitions; individuals suffering in the grips of past challenges; teenager angst; as well as those struggling with depression and/or anxiety coupled with day to day stress. And certainly dealing with the difficulties associated with the pandemic. Each CURA Therapist is trained to consider how your life experiences have impacted you. Your goals are the focus. We offer REDUCED fees! Schedule today!
CURA Couples and Family Therapy Center of Atlanta serves a broad range of clients including those who are feeling less connected in romantic relationships; families going through tough transitions; individuals suffering in the grips of past challenges; teenager angst; as well as those struggling with depression and/or anxiety coupled with day to day stress. And certainly dealing with the difficulties associated with the pandemic. Each CURA Therapist is trained to consider how your life experiences have impacted you. Your goals are the focus. We offer REDUCED fees! Schedule today!
(844) 292-4254 View (844) 292-4254
Photo of The Counseling Group LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Elbert County, GA
The Counseling Group LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CPCS, CFMHE
Verified Verified
Cumming, GA 30041
Here at The Counseling Group LLC, we have a variety of counselors who are trained in many different types of therapy. During the intake process, the intake coordinator will select the counselor who matches your needs the best. The list of specialties are based on all our counselors. Please visit our website to review our counselors and therapies they practice. We look forward to working with you.
Here at The Counseling Group LLC, we have a variety of counselors who are trained in many different types of therapy. During the intake process, the intake coordinator will select the counselor who matches your needs the best. The list of specialties are based on all our counselors. Please visit our website to review our counselors and therapies they practice. We look forward to working with you.
(678) 956-6479 View (678) 956-6479
Photo of Dr. Susan Byers, Licensed Professional Counselor in Elbert County, GA
Dr. Susan Byers
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, CRC, ACS
Verified Verified
Tucker, GA 30084
Life transitions and struggles offer the opportunity to find greater clarity of purpose, more meaningful relationships, increased confidence, and personal satisfaction. To be human is to feel emotion, both the highs and the lows. We are all connected through not only these experiences, but through the relationships with those around us. Therapy is a unique and personal journey built on mutual trust and respect. My perspective is strengths-based, LGBTQIA-affirmative, and integrative. I work with individuals of all backgrounds, bodies, and beliefs. My approach is individualized and collaborative.
Life transitions and struggles offer the opportunity to find greater clarity of purpose, more meaningful relationships, increased confidence, and personal satisfaction. To be human is to feel emotion, both the highs and the lows. We are all connected through not only these experiences, but through the relationships with those around us. Therapy is a unique and personal journey built on mutual trust and respect. My perspective is strengths-based, LGBTQIA-affirmative, and integrative. I work with individuals of all backgrounds, bodies, and beliefs. My approach is individualized and collaborative.
(678) 616-2280 View (678) 616-2280
Photo of Darice Dodd, Licensed Professional Counselor in Elbert County, GA
Darice Dodd
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, LPC, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Kennesaw, GA 30144  (Online Only)
My counseling style is eclectic, meaning I incorporate a variety of therapeutic modalities to create the ideal treatment to meet the client’s needs. I strive to provide a safe, supportive, non-judgemental, and empathic therapeutic environment. I believe that everyone is uniquely different and may not respond to a one size fits all therapeutic modality. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific goals and desires. I tend to work with clients from a strength-based, positive, and affirming perspective.
My counseling style is eclectic, meaning I incorporate a variety of therapeutic modalities to create the ideal treatment to meet the client’s needs. I strive to provide a safe, supportive, non-judgemental, and empathic therapeutic environment. I believe that everyone is uniquely different and may not respond to a one size fits all therapeutic modality. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific goals and desires. I tend to work with clients from a strength-based, positive, and affirming perspective.
(678) 661-6475 View (678) 661-6475
Photo of Lawanda Harmon in Elbert County, GA
Lawanda Harmon
PhD, MS, Pst-Doc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Loganville, GA 30052
Dr. Lawanda Harmon has been actively working in the field of mental health since 2010. With a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling obtained from Walden University, she began working at Community Friendship Inc. as an individual and group therapist. Lawanda continued to pursue her education at the doctoral level, obtaining a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Walden University. During her practicum and internship field experiences, she gained extensive training in Cognitive and Behavioral techniques as well as in Emotional, Personality, and Trauma focused interventions at Atlanta Center for Family Wellness in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Lawanda Harmon has been actively working in the field of mental health since 2010. With a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling obtained from Walden University, she began working at Community Friendship Inc. as an individual and group therapist. Lawanda continued to pursue her education at the doctoral level, obtaining a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Walden University. During her practicum and internship field experiences, she gained extensive training in Cognitive and Behavioral techniques as well as in Emotional, Personality, and Trauma focused interventions at Atlanta Center for Family Wellness in Atlanta, Georgia.
(770) 282-8731 x1 View (770) 282-8731 x1
Photo of Maria Gomez Soler, Marriage & Family Therapist in Elbert County, GA
Maria Gomez Soler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MBA, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30308  (Online Only)
Sometimes it feels as if we lost our way; our closest relationships are a constant source of conflict and loneliness, and we struggle to find true connections, clarity, confidence, hope, and peace. It does not need to be that way. You can be seen and loved for who you really are, and you can count on yourself and others through the ups and downs of life. I enjoy guiding people through that journey to become their best selves and to enjoy fulfilling relationships.
Sometimes it feels as if we lost our way; our closest relationships are a constant source of conflict and loneliness, and we struggle to find true connections, clarity, confidence, hope, and peace. It does not need to be that way. You can be seen and loved for who you really are, and you can count on yourself and others through the ups and downs of life. I enjoy guiding people through that journey to become their best selves and to enjoy fulfilling relationships.
(404) 982-4048 View (404) 982-4048
Photo of TruTherapy, Licensed Professional Counselor in Elbert County, GA
TruTherapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCSW, MD, MAC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Augusta, GA 30904
Trutherapy is a team of highly qualified professionals who strive to provide collaborative, integrated mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse treatment that meets the needs of our community. We provide evidence-based, comprehensive counseling tailored to each individual clients’ need. Our service include, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, substance abuse therapy, couples therapy, treatment planning and psychiatry (medication management).
Trutherapy is a team of highly qualified professionals who strive to provide collaborative, integrated mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse treatment that meets the needs of our community. We provide evidence-based, comprehensive counseling tailored to each individual clients’ need. Our service include, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, substance abuse therapy, couples therapy, treatment planning and psychiatry (medication management).
(706) 551-7587 View (706) 551-7587
Photo of Dr. Terry Samuels, Licensed Professional Counselor in Elbert County, GA
Dr. Terry Samuels
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MS, CDBT, CPCS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Jonesboro, GA 30236
Terry Samuels earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in December 1994 from Armstrong Atlantic University. Terry obtained his Master of Public Administration degree in December 1996 from Georgia State University. Terry obtained his Master of Professional Counseling degree in December 2015 from Grand Canyon University. Terry completed a 10-month internship at Intown Psychological Associates and completed the hours required for his associate license. Terry is a fully licensed therapist in the state of Georgia (LPC011391). Terry obtained his doctorate in psychology from Grand Canyon University in November of 2023.
Terry Samuels earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in December 1994 from Armstrong Atlantic University. Terry obtained his Master of Public Administration degree in December 1996 from Georgia State University. Terry obtained his Master of Professional Counseling degree in December 2015 from Grand Canyon University. Terry completed a 10-month internship at Intown Psychological Associates and completed the hours required for his associate license. Terry is a fully licensed therapist in the state of Georgia (LPC011391). Terry obtained his doctorate in psychology from Grand Canyon University in November of 2023.
(678) 944-8120 View (678) 944-8120
Photo of Success Brand - Counseling and Coaching, Licensed Professional Counselor in Elbert County, GA
Success Brand - Counseling and Coaching
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CPCS
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30308  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Psychotherapist in private practice in the state of Georgia. I help children and adults overcome the negative effects that stressful or traumatic life experiences have on how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.
I am a Licensed Psychotherapist in private practice in the state of Georgia. I help children and adults overcome the negative effects that stressful or traumatic life experiences have on how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.
(470) 517-6868 View (470) 517-6868
Photo of Dr. Jose Fidias Franco V., Licensed Professional Counselor in Elbert County, GA
Dr. Jose Fidias Franco V.
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, PsyD, LPC, LMHC, CPCS
Verified Verified
Augusta, GA 30909
As a solution-focused practitioners, our goal is to help you uncover your true potential and leave a life that is worth celebrating. We can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. If you are looking for counseling approaches and techniques such as clinical hypnosis, mind-body interventions, and neurotherapy when talk therapy has not worked for you, we can provide those services and give you the extra support and guidance to help you move in a new direction in your life.
As a solution-focused practitioners, our goal is to help you uncover your true potential and leave a life that is worth celebrating. We can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. If you are looking for counseling approaches and techniques such as clinical hypnosis, mind-body interventions, and neurotherapy when talk therapy has not worked for you, we can provide those services and give you the extra support and guidance to help you move in a new direction in your life.
(888) 509-9040 View (888) 509-9040
Photo of Dr. Courtney B Caldwell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Elbert County, GA
Dr. Courtney B Caldwell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CJSOC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Macon, GA 31204
Waitlist for new clients
Therapy helps work through your thoughts, emotions, perceptions, interactions and relationships in a safe supportive atmosphere. A good therapist will support and guide you to gain increased perspective and insight while also empowering you to self-assess and identify solutions/needed changes, not impress their beliefs on you. The active change agent in your journey to increased happiness and fulfillment is YOU; a good therapist just guides the way. I am happy to help whether you are adjusting to change and transition, wanting to improve or change relationships, or hoping to learn better ways to manage/cope with stress/emotions.
Therapy helps work through your thoughts, emotions, perceptions, interactions and relationships in a safe supportive atmosphere. A good therapist will support and guide you to gain increased perspective and insight while also empowering you to self-assess and identify solutions/needed changes, not impress their beliefs on you. The active change agent in your journey to increased happiness and fulfillment is YOU; a good therapist just guides the way. I am happy to help whether you are adjusting to change and transition, wanting to improve or change relationships, or hoping to learn better ways to manage/cope with stress/emotions.
(478) 292-2591 View (478) 292-2591
Photo of Coping & Healing Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Elbert County, GA
Coping & Healing Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Alpharetta, GA 30022  (Online Only)
Our experience enables us to offer effective client, individualized, psychotherapy care. We treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral ground to individuals, families, and couples in-person or via secured telehealth technologies.
Our experience enables us to offer effective client, individualized, psychotherapy care. We treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral ground to individuals, families, and couples in-person or via secured telehealth technologies.
(678) 647-7409 View (678) 647-7409
Photo of Recovery & Consulting Through A Different Lens LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Elbert County, GA
Recovery & Consulting Through A Different Lens LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MAC, CTP, CAADC, CCDPD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Stockbridge, GA 30281  (Online Only)
Viktor Frankl said "When we are no longer able to change a situation we are challenged to change ourselves." The ideal clients are individuals who recognize that they want to experience life differently so that they feel more connected to society. They are the individuals that pick up the phone, face their fears, and reach out for help and support. For Susanah, those are individuals who are thinking about sobriety and been released from the entrapment of substance use, others want to deal with trauma in their lives, and couples want to deal with the struggles in their relationship/marriage. Susanah's goal is to support your journey.
Viktor Frankl said "When we are no longer able to change a situation we are challenged to change ourselves." The ideal clients are individuals who recognize that they want to experience life differently so that they feel more connected to society. They are the individuals that pick up the phone, face their fears, and reach out for help and support. For Susanah, those are individuals who are thinking about sobriety and been released from the entrapment of substance use, others want to deal with trauma in their lives, and couples want to deal with the struggles in their relationship/marriage. Susanah's goal is to support your journey.
(678) 338-8610 View (678) 338-8610

See more therapy options for Elbert County

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.