Therapists in Elbert County, GA
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Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in Georgia below.Online Therapists
Christine Bunyan
Counselor, MS, LAPC
Verified Verified
Alpharetta, GA 30022 (Online Only)
I utilize DBT and CBT skills to teach clients to cope with symptoms related to a wide variety of clinical concerns, including anxiety, depression, OCD, self-harm, eating disorders, and addiction.
Whatever circumstances you are coming from, I am here to validate your experience with non-judgmental support. I work with adolescents and adults who struggle with many different issues, including relationship problems, low self-esteem, adjustment difficulties, and identity exploration. I began my career as a therapist at a counseling center where clients focused on recovery from sexual abuse, which led me to develop a passion for helping clients heal from traumatic experiences.
I utilize DBT and CBT skills to teach clients to cope with symptoms related to a wide variety of clinical concerns, including anxiety, depression, OCD, self-harm, eating disorders, and addiction.
Whatever circumstances you are coming from, I am here to validate your experience with non-judgmental support. I work with adolescents and adults who struggle with many different issues, including relationship problems, low self-esteem, adjustment difficulties, and identity exploration. I began my career as a therapist at a counseling center where clients focused on recovery from sexual abuse, which led me to develop a passion for helping clients heal from traumatic experiences.
Molly Fine
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30328
Beginning therapy can be overwhelming and I aim to make the process feel authentic and comfortable. I welcome adult and adolescent clients, their families and significant others who are motivated to learn about themselves, improve their relationships and transform their lives. I am fat-positive and use a Health At Every Size (HAES) approach, am welcoming to all gender and sexual identities, races, religions, and cultural backgrounds and am an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. I work with clients going through a wide range of difficulties including addiction, grief/loss, eating disorders, negative body image and relationship problems.
Beginning therapy can be overwhelming and I aim to make the process feel authentic and comfortable. I welcome adult and adolescent clients, their families and significant others who are motivated to learn about themselves, improve their relationships and transform their lives. I am fat-positive and use a Health At Every Size (HAES) approach, am welcoming to all gender and sexual identities, races, religions, and cultural backgrounds and am an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. I work with clients going through a wide range of difficulties including addiction, grief/loss, eating disorders, negative body image and relationship problems.
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.
Leah Goodson
Counselor, MS, LAPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Alpharetta, GA 30009
I work in treating eating disorders, depression, suicidal ideation/self-harm, anxiety, emotional regulation, OCD, behavioral problems, and personal growth.
The therapeutic process can be challenging therefore I strive to offer my clients a nonjudgemental safe space to be comfortable in the uncomfortable feelings of change. It is important that we build an authentic therapeutic relationship to be effective. We all move at our own pace and struggle with our own individualized battles.
I work in treating eating disorders, depression, suicidal ideation/self-harm, anxiety, emotional regulation, OCD, behavioral problems, and personal growth.
The therapeutic process can be challenging therefore I strive to offer my clients a nonjudgemental safe space to be comfortable in the uncomfortable feelings of change. It is important that we build an authentic therapeutic relationship to be effective. We all move at our own pace and struggle with our own individualized battles.
Corey A Marshall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30030
I specialize in helping individuals combat their bouts of anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and addiction.
Everyone has bad days. Even the most fortunate and well-adjusted of us struggle with feeling overwhelmed, lost, or anxious from time to time. But your dark days shouldn’t outweigh your bright ones. Maybe you find yourself lacking motivation. Or perhaps worrying has become a norm for you. Maybe you realize you have an unhealthy relationship with food or other substances—or even a person. No matter your challenge, it may be time to talk with someone. I'm here for you. Together, we can work to understand and address what’s holding you back from being the person you know you can be.
I specialize in helping individuals combat their bouts of anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and addiction.
Everyone has bad days. Even the most fortunate and well-adjusted of us struggle with feeling overwhelmed, lost, or anxious from time to time. But your dark days shouldn’t outweigh your bright ones. Maybe you find yourself lacking motivation. Or perhaps worrying has become a norm for you. Maybe you realize you have an unhealthy relationship with food or other substances—or even a person. No matter your challenge, it may be time to talk with someone. I'm here for you. Together, we can work to understand and address what’s holding you back from being the person you know you can be.
Intuitive Counseling Associates
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CPCS
Verified Verified
Woodstock, GA 30188
Over the years, my clients have trusted me to help them work through a number of challenges some of which include anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, divorce, self-injury, eating disorders, sexual abuse, ADHD, and OCD.
As a therapist, I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, and families. Through a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship, my clients can expect to find hope and feel empowered. I strive to help individuals identify their strengths and become more self-aware. By learning to cope and respond to life’s challenges in a healthy and meaningful way, my clients achieve personal growth and strengthened relationships.
Over the years, my clients have trusted me to help them work through a number of challenges some of which include anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, divorce, self-injury, eating disorders, sexual abuse, ADHD, and OCD.
As a therapist, I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, and families. Through a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship, my clients can expect to find hope and feel empowered. I strive to help individuals identify their strengths and become more self-aware. By learning to cope and respond to life’s challenges in a healthy and meaningful way, my clients achieve personal growth and strengthened relationships.
Leanne Shub
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Nourish to Flourish Therapy is a space for holistic healing from traumatic experiences/family of origin wounds, anxiety, and eating disorders.
The greatest gift we can give to ourselves and those we love is to heal our wounds. Through healing, we can begin to hear what others are truly saying without the filter of our wounds. We can connect deeper with ourselves and others. We begin to feel a sense of ease and clarity in the present without constantly feeling plagued by our past. Maybe you're aware of certain circumstances that you have experienced which are impacting your current functioning; maybe you aren't. Either way, if you feel the inner pull toward self discovery, Nourish to Flourish Therapy is here for you.
Nourish to Flourish Therapy is a space for holistic healing from traumatic experiences/family of origin wounds, anxiety, and eating disorders.
The greatest gift we can give to ourselves and those we love is to heal our wounds. Through healing, we can begin to hear what others are truly saying without the filter of our wounds. We can connect deeper with ourselves and others. We begin to feel a sense of ease and clarity in the present without constantly feeling plagued by our past. Maybe you're aware of certain circumstances that you have experienced which are impacting your current functioning; maybe you aren't. Either way, if you feel the inner pull toward self discovery, Nourish to Flourish Therapy is here for you.
Chelsey Beauchamp
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30305
"Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we will ever do" - Brene Brown. With these words in mind, I work to create an open, caring, and safe space where clients can explore their life story and the challenges that they are facing. I specialize in clinical issues, including addictions, eating disorders, bullying, health concerns, anxiety, and depression. I have experience working with clients ranging from late adolescence to late adulthood. Additionally, I conduct substance and family violence evaluations.
"Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we will ever do" - Brene Brown. With these words in mind, I work to create an open, caring, and safe space where clients can explore their life story and the challenges that they are facing. I specialize in clinical issues, including addictions, eating disorders, bullying, health concerns, anxiety, and depression. I have experience working with clients ranging from late adolescence to late adulthood. Additionally, I conduct substance and family violence evaluations.
Judi-Lee Webb
Psychologist, PhD, CEDS-S
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30339
I conduct individual, couples, and family therapy with adolescents and adults and specialize in treating, mood disorders, anxiety, eating disorders, body image issues and obesity issues, relationship issues, family issues, adolescent issues, GLBTQ issues and diversity issues.
I believe in establishing a collaborative approach with my clients to help support the therapeutic process. Using cognitive-behavioral techniques, I help my clients learn to identify and challenge their unhealthy thoughts and behaviors so they can develop fuller, more meaningful lives. I work with clients in managing their emotions, improve their ability to communicate with others, and build healthy and resilient self-concept. Utilizing a direct, interactive approach, with a touch of humor, I teach my clients coping skills so they can pull from their "toolbox" of skills in between sessions and eventually throughout their lives.
I conduct individual, couples, and family therapy with adolescents and adults and specialize in treating, mood disorders, anxiety, eating disorders, body image issues and obesity issues, relationship issues, family issues, adolescent issues, GLBTQ issues and diversity issues.
I believe in establishing a collaborative approach with my clients to help support the therapeutic process. Using cognitive-behavioral techniques, I help my clients learn to identify and challenge their unhealthy thoughts and behaviors so they can develop fuller, more meaningful lives. I work with clients in managing their emotions, improve their ability to communicate with others, and build healthy and resilient self-concept. Utilizing a direct, interactive approach, with a touch of humor, I teach my clients coping skills so they can pull from their "toolbox" of skills in between sessions and eventually throughout their lives.
Benedicta Ekwutosi Ejindu
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd, C-DBT, NCC, CAADC
Verified Verified
Martinez, GA 30907
I am an emotionally intelligent and faith-based professional that has experience in working with individuals (children, adolescents, and adults), families and groups. I am a highly skilled counselor who has had the opportunity to work with those struggling with substance abuse, behavioral disorders, grief, trauma, eating disorders, culture, and minority issues, anxiety, relational issues and depression. It is an honor to walk alongside those who are in a place where they need help to move forward, find well-being and achieve their goals. I am optimistic, that there is resolution towards concerns and issues affecting positive functioning.
I am an emotionally intelligent and faith-based professional that has experience in working with individuals (children, adolescents, and adults), families and groups. I am a highly skilled counselor who has had the opportunity to work with those struggling with substance abuse, behavioral disorders, grief, trauma, eating disorders, culture, and minority issues, anxiety, relational issues and depression. It is an honor to walk alongside those who are in a place where they need help to move forward, find well-being and achieve their goals. I am optimistic, that there is resolution towards concerns and issues affecting positive functioning.
Becky Wofford
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30060
My passion is working with women on issues including eating disorders, sexual and relational wholeness, healthy boundaries, divorce recovery, and coping with chronic disease or illness.
Many people come to counseling feeling stuck in certain behaviors, relational patterns, or emotional cycles, perhaps without even understanding why, or without hope of lasting change. My desire is to journey with you toward emotional, mental, spiritual, and relational wholeness. You may be facing a broken relationship, suffering from disordered eating or body image concerns, have a history of sexual abuse or trauma, be living with or recovering from a serious illness, or be experiencing depression or anxiety. There is hope!
My passion is working with women on issues including eating disorders, sexual and relational wholeness, healthy boundaries, divorce recovery, and coping with chronic disease or illness.
Many people come to counseling feeling stuck in certain behaviors, relational patterns, or emotional cycles, perhaps without even understanding why, or without hope of lasting change. My desire is to journey with you toward emotional, mental, spiritual, and relational wholeness. You may be facing a broken relationship, suffering from disordered eating or body image concerns, have a history of sexual abuse or trauma, be living with or recovering from a serious illness, or be experiencing depression or anxiety. There is hope!
Empower Counseling PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Evans, GA 30809
My clinical experience spans from perinatal mental health (postpartum, mood and anxiety disorders, perinatal PTSD, birth trauma), grief and loss, eating disorders, PTSD and trauma, Veterans and law enforcement, blended family issues, relational issues, infertility, life coaching and transitions, anxiety/depression, and many more!.
Our skilled team of therapists, offers a diverse set of expertise through professional and personable services to teens, adults, and couples. We provide a confidential, encouraging, and compassionate space for you to explore feelings and insights, so you can move forward in adversity, heal in a holistic way, and experience growth and development. Our motto is “let go, grow, and define yourself” because we believe in the healing power of acceptance, emotional expression, and connection to create change. It’s your journey, you get to define what success means to you. We look forward to seeing you soon!
My clinical experience spans from perinatal mental health (postpartum, mood and anxiety disorders, perinatal PTSD, birth trauma), grief and loss, eating disorders, PTSD and trauma, Veterans and law enforcement, blended family issues, relational issues, infertility, life coaching and transitions, anxiety/depression, and many more!.
Our skilled team of therapists, offers a diverse set of expertise through professional and personable services to teens, adults, and couples. We provide a confidential, encouraging, and compassionate space for you to explore feelings and insights, so you can move forward in adversity, heal in a holistic way, and experience growth and development. Our motto is “let go, grow, and define yourself” because we believe in the healing power of acceptance, emotional expression, and connection to create change. It’s your journey, you get to define what success means to you. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Wendy A Crawford
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Suwanee, GA 30024
Wendy Crawford's mission is to provide professional counseling within a Christian context. She uses established therapeutic techniques against the solid guidance of Scripture to help clients learn more effective and healthier ways of dealing with life's struggles.
Wendy provides individual counseling for couples, adults, and adolescents suffering from a variety of emotional, relational, and spiritual difficulties. Her practice specialties include depression, anxiety, stress management, divorce recovery, relationship issues, sleep problems, life transitions, parenting issues, trauma and grief, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, workplace/career problems, eating disorders, and anger management.
Wendy Crawford's mission is to provide professional counseling within a Christian context. She uses established therapeutic techniques against the solid guidance of Scripture to help clients learn more effective and healthier ways of dealing with life's struggles.
Wendy provides individual counseling for couples, adults, and adolescents suffering from a variety of emotional, relational, and spiritual difficulties. Her practice specialties include depression, anxiety, stress management, divorce recovery, relationship issues, sleep problems, life transitions, parenting issues, trauma and grief, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, workplace/career problems, eating disorders, and anger management.
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
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.
Kim Page
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Not Verified Not Verified
Cornelia, GA 30531
My expertise is working with faith filled women and young girls struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, relational conflict and lack of self-acceptance.
Hi! I'm so glad you are here.You have come to this page because you are looking for something to change in your life. It may be within yourself or in a relationship.You are brave for seeking connection and for seeking support. You don't have to do it alone anymore. I'm here to come alongside of you as you navigate fears, anxieties, & unwanted behaviors. I'm passionate about this because I have journeyed through many of these places and am coming out victorious! You can get free of unwanted thought patterns, painful emotions, or trauma that is keeping you stuck. We will work together to listen to the needs and desires of your soul.
My expertise is working with faith filled women and young girls struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, relational conflict and lack of self-acceptance.
Hi! I'm so glad you are here.You have come to this page because you are looking for something to change in your life. It may be within yourself or in a relationship.You are brave for seeking connection and for seeking support. You don't have to do it alone anymore. I'm here to come alongside of you as you navigate fears, anxieties, & unwanted behaviors. I'm passionate about this because I have journeyed through many of these places and am coming out victorious! You can get free of unwanted thought patterns, painful emotions, or trauma that is keeping you stuck. We will work together to listen to the needs and desires of your soul.
Mary Brooks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30305
Hi, I'm Imani, a licensed clinical social worker. My approach in therapy comes from a strengths-based and client-centered perspective, which means I believe in collaborating with you to identify your personal strengths and develop solutions that work best for your unique situation. My areas of focus in practice include substance abuse, anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, and relationship issues.
Hi, I'm Imani, a licensed clinical social worker. My approach in therapy comes from a strengths-based and client-centered perspective, which means I believe in collaborating with you to identify your personal strengths and develop solutions that work best for your unique situation. My areas of focus in practice include substance abuse, anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, and relationship issues.
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.
Karla Redman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dawsonville, GA 30534
My specialties include depression, anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, PTSD, trauma, crisis intervention, and eating disorders.
You have taken the first major step of getting healthier by acknowledging there is a concern and you are reaching out. My goal is to provide you a safe and comfortable environment to begin this journey. Change is possible. If you have experienced trauma, I can help you in the healing process. If you need someone to guide you through a difficult situation, I am here. I have been practicing in Mental Health since the 80's and many people have crossed my path. I love what I do and look forward to being there for you during this difficult time.
My specialties include depression, anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, PTSD, trauma, crisis intervention, and eating disorders.
You have taken the first major step of getting healthier by acknowledging there is a concern and you are reaching out. My goal is to provide you a safe and comfortable environment to begin this journey. Change is possible. If you have experienced trauma, I can help you in the healing process. If you need someone to guide you through a difficult situation, I am here. I have been practicing in Mental Health since the 80's and many people have crossed my path. I love what I do and look forward to being there for you during this difficult time.
Laura Lee Baker
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CPCS
Verified Verified
Acworth, GA 30101
I enjoy equipping teenagers and adults with tools to utilize as they navigate through unexpected life transitions such as divorce, blending families, depression and anxiety. I specialize in trauma, dissociative disorders, self harm and eating disorders. I am passionate about empowering people of all ages to embrace their "unique" selves and not to let their past define them. My goal is to create a trusting environment for open communication, so it can be transferred to relationships outside of the counseling setting. Call 770-892-6287 or email me. (www.exhalecounselingsvcs.com) Ask for Laura Baker MA, NCC,LPC,CPCS
I enjoy equipping teenagers and adults with tools to utilize as they navigate through unexpected life transitions such as divorce, blending families, depression and anxiety. I specialize in trauma, dissociative disorders, self harm and eating disorders. I am passionate about empowering people of all ages to embrace their "unique" selves and not to let their past define them. My goal is to create a trusting environment for open communication, so it can be transferred to relationships outside of the counseling setting. Call 770-892-6287 or email me. (www.exhalecounselingsvcs.com) Ask for Laura Baker MA, NCC,LPC,CPCS
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.