Therapists in Fannin County, GA
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Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in Georgia below.Online Therapists
Ginair Goodwin McKerrow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
I appreciate the opportunity to share about my private practice and expertise with you. I am an experienced licensed psychotherapist in private practice and I specialize in the fields of Eating Disorders, Body Image, Depression and Women's issues. I work with individuals over the age of 14, couples and families of any ethnicity or sexual orientation. I also have expertise and experience in working with a broad range of women's issues.
I appreciate the opportunity to share about my private practice and expertise with you. I am an experienced licensed psychotherapist in private practice and I specialize in the fields of Eating Disorders, Body Image, Depression and Women's issues. I work with individuals over the age of 14, couples and families of any ethnicity or sexual orientation. I also have expertise and experience in working with a broad range of women's issues.
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.
Tiffany Derrick
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gainesville, GA 30501
I specialize in mental health care with adults. This includes anger management, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, relational issues, and job-related stress. Also, I am trauma informed and work with the progressive counting model. I have provided care in all hospitalization and traditional outpatient settings so this means I am comfortable working with individuals with more or less severe symptoms.
I specialize in mental health care with adults. This includes anger management, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, relational issues, and job-related stress. Also, I am trauma informed and work with the progressive counting model. I have provided care in all hospitalization and traditional outpatient settings so this means I am comfortable working with individuals with more or less severe symptoms.
Counseling Services of Atlanta
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30064
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.
Elzbieta Orlowska
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30326 (Online Only)
I offer you my knowledge, compassion, patience, guidance, humor (when needed) and years of professional experience. I have worked with people who struggle with eating disorders, addiction (substance abuse, recovery), life transitions/divorce, relationship struggles, anxiety, depression, grief, and self esteem. I specialize in working with adolescents, their parents, young adults and adults. I believe every person is unique and needs a different and individual therapeutic approach.
I offer you my knowledge, compassion, patience, guidance, humor (when needed) and years of professional experience. I have worked with people who struggle with eating disorders, addiction (substance abuse, recovery), life transitions/divorce, relationship struggles, anxiety, depression, grief, and self esteem. I specialize in working with adolescents, their parents, young adults and adults. I believe every person is unique and needs a different and individual therapeutic approach.
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.
Joy Ssebikindu
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30309
My specialties include issues with communication, family transitions including divorce, trauma, depression, anxiety and disordered eating/eating disorders.
Kate Braestrup says it best: "I'm not here to keep you from freaking out. I'm here to be with you while you freak out, or grieve or laugh or suffer or sing. It is a ministry of presence. It is showing up with a loving heart." I truly believe that everyone could benefit from psychotherapy at some point in their lives -- we all need support. Taking the step towards seeking help of any kind can sometimes be difficult. I consider it a privilege to be chosen to walk out life's challenges with you.
My specialties include issues with communication, family transitions including divorce, trauma, depression, anxiety and disordered eating/eating disorders.
Kate Braestrup says it best: "I'm not here to keep you from freaking out. I'm here to be with you while you freak out, or grieve or laugh or suffer or sing. It is a ministry of presence. It is showing up with a loving heart." I truly believe that everyone could benefit from psychotherapy at some point in their lives -- we all need support. Taking the step towards seeking help of any kind can sometimes be difficult. I consider it a privilege to be chosen to walk out life's challenges with you.
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.
James E Kingman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
37 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30329
Are you seeking to renew or clarify your sense of purpose or cope more effectively with life and anxiety? There's hope for you to get unstuck, and achieve growth and stability. I offer a compassionate, safe space to uncover inner desires while solving issues, such as anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ identity/sexuality, eating disorders, or relationship goals. After a successful corporate career, I pursued a life-long desire to help others. My hope is to empower you to gain peace of mind and meaningful change. Let's start exploring your strengths and values, as we redefine your pathway for optimal growth. Note: Prepare/Enrich certified
Are you seeking to renew or clarify your sense of purpose or cope more effectively with life and anxiety? There's hope for you to get unstuck, and achieve growth and stability. I offer a compassionate, safe space to uncover inner desires while solving issues, such as anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ identity/sexuality, eating disorders, or relationship goals. After a successful corporate career, I pursued a life-long desire to help others. My hope is to empower you to gain peace of mind and meaningful change. Let's start exploring your strengths and values, as we redefine your pathway for optimal growth. Note: Prepare/Enrich certified
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.
Key Counseling Group
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30307
Are life stressors causing a strain? Ever feel like you just can’t get it right no matter how hard you try, or feel like you’re falling into a comparison trap? Everyone has periods when they may benefit from professional support. Please consider allowing us to help you move from pain to peace. Key Counseling Group is a private practice specializing in stepfamily, stepparent, and career coaching as well as psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, grief, relationship stressors, parenting support, trauma, eating disorders, and more. We work with couples, individuals, children, teens, and families.
Are life stressors causing a strain? Ever feel like you just can’t get it right no matter how hard you try, or feel like you’re falling into a comparison trap? Everyone has periods when they may benefit from professional support. Please consider allowing us to help you move from pain to peace. Key Counseling Group is a private practice specializing in stepfamily, stepparent, and career coaching as well as psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, grief, relationship stressors, parenting support, trauma, eating disorders, and more. We work with couples, individuals, children, teens, and families.
Sharon R Peterson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Roswell, GA 30076
I specialize in working with anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, addictions, women's issues, and trauma.
The decision to enter therapy can be a difficult one for many people. Taking the first steps towards, first, admitting there is a problem, and then reaching out for help takes bravery and courage. It's also a sign that you may be tired of living the way you have been living and you're ready to face the issues that are causing you and your family discomfort. I am here to help you every step of the way. As a seasoned psychotherapist with many years working in the field, I can help you by giving you a formal diagnosis at the time of our first session, educate you of your issue, and teach you better coping skills.
I specialize in working with anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, addictions, women's issues, and trauma.
The decision to enter therapy can be a difficult one for many people. Taking the first steps towards, first, admitting there is a problem, and then reaching out for help takes bravery and courage. It's also a sign that you may be tired of living the way you have been living and you're ready to face the issues that are causing you and your family discomfort. I am here to help you every step of the way. As a seasoned psychotherapist with many years working in the field, I can help you by giving you a formal diagnosis at the time of our first session, educate you of your issue, and teach you better coping skills.
Becca Samelson Webb
Associate Professional Counselor, BS, MA, LAPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Suwanee, GA 30024
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in treating mood disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, and trauma. My passion, humor, and genuineness allow me to provide a different experience for clients who may have reservations towards therapy in the past. I believe that by embracing the dialectic of acceptance and chance, anyone can learn to love themself, change their behaviors, and build their life worth living.
I specialize in treating mood disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, and trauma. My passion, humor, and genuineness allow me to provide a different experience for clients who may have reservations towards therapy in the past. I believe that by embracing the dialectic of acceptance and chance, anyone can learn to love themself, change their behaviors, and build their life worth living.
Tu Vo
Pre-Licensed Professional, LAPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30062
Our expertise lies in the areas of anxiety disorders, parenting issues, teens/adolescents, eating disorders, alcohol/drug abuse/use, couples counseling, family counseling, divorce counseling, life coaching and general life issues, sport psychology, Borderline Personality Disorder, and psychological testing.
While active listening is an important skill for a therapist, listening can only go so far. All of the therapists here believe that what sets us apart from many other therapists is the fact we actually help you help yourself make the necessary changes in your life by giving you techniques, tools, skills, and guidance to achieve your goals. You'll almost always walk out of a session with a new technique or two that you can go home and start using immediately. All eight of our therapists are highly trained, personable, and ready to give you the stills and techniques you need.
Our expertise lies in the areas of anxiety disorders, parenting issues, teens/adolescents, eating disorders, alcohol/drug abuse/use, couples counseling, family counseling, divorce counseling, life coaching and general life issues, sport psychology, Borderline Personality Disorder, and psychological testing.
While active listening is an important skill for a therapist, listening can only go so far. All of the therapists here believe that what sets us apart from many other therapists is the fact we actually help you help yourself make the necessary changes in your life by giving you techniques, tools, skills, and guidance to achieve your goals. You'll almost always walk out of a session with a new technique or two that you can go home and start using immediately. All eight of our therapists are highly trained, personable, and ready to give you the stills and techniques you need.
Shannon Jackson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CCPT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Buford, GA 30518 (Online Only)
Specialties include: Anxiety, Depression, Self-Injury, Women's Issues, Eating Disorders and Bariatric Surgery, Men's Issues, Premenaposaul Depression, Self-Esteem, Body Image Issues, Stress Management, Life Transitions, Parenting Issues, and Divorce Recovery.
There are times in life that we feel stuck, hurt, or confused and anxiety, grief, or depression seems insurmountable. Feeling heard and understood by someone who can walk along side, offer support, and to help find hope can be a step in the right direction. Through the therapeutic process Shannon assists clients ages 18 years and up with converting negative, destructive, or counterproductive thoughts and behaviors into more positive and beneficial ones. She approaches each client with empathy, respect, and congruency through services offered in office or through telemental health options.
Specialties include: Anxiety, Depression, Self-Injury, Women's Issues, Eating Disorders and Bariatric Surgery, Men's Issues, Premenaposaul Depression, Self-Esteem, Body Image Issues, Stress Management, Life Transitions, Parenting Issues, and Divorce Recovery.
There are times in life that we feel stuck, hurt, or confused and anxiety, grief, or depression seems insurmountable. Feeling heard and understood by someone who can walk along side, offer support, and to help find hope can be a step in the right direction. Through the therapeutic process Shannon assists clients ages 18 years and up with converting negative, destructive, or counterproductive thoughts and behaviors into more positive and beneficial ones. She approaches each client with empathy, respect, and congruency through services offered in office or through telemental health options.
Lauteasha Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Johns Creek, GA 30022 (Online Only)
My professional experience includes working with clients seeking treatment for a variety of issues including family conflict, marriage issues, parenting issues, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and eating disorders at any stage of life.
Telehealth Sessions Available in GA and FL. Are you feeling stuck? You want to move forward and reach your goals, but you feel confused about what steps to take next. Do you feel like you are married to a stranger and you are no longer visible to one another? Maybe your thoughts are overwhelming and you feel disconnected from your authentic self. You’d like to be able to quiet your mind and begin to cultivate a sense of peace. Whether you are a couple or family stuck in the same negative cycles, a teen struggling through high school, or a parent struggling to help your teen recover from their eating disorder- I’d like to help you.
My professional experience includes working with clients seeking treatment for a variety of issues including family conflict, marriage issues, parenting issues, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and eating disorders at any stage of life.
Telehealth Sessions Available in GA and FL. Are you feeling stuck? You want to move forward and reach your goals, but you feel confused about what steps to take next. Do you feel like you are married to a stranger and you are no longer visible to one another? Maybe your thoughts are overwhelming and you feel disconnected from your authentic self. You’d like to be able to quiet your mind and begin to cultivate a sense of peace. Whether you are a couple or family stuck in the same negative cycles, a teen struggling through high school, or a parent struggling to help your teen recover from their eating disorder- I’d like to help you.
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.
Phyllis Williams
Counselor, MSEd, MHC-LP, APC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30067
I specialize in anxiety, depression, personality disorders, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, grief, trauma, post-natal trauma, familial conflict.
I am an Associate Professional Counselor licensed in the state of GA & NY. I am also the owner of Tuyee Holistic Services LLC. My goal is to provide psycho education on mental illness and wellness and to reduce the mental health stigma in our society. Long term or short term, we will work together as a team in your therapeutic journey of self reflection & processing, in order to fully develop the skills that you learn in our sessions to apply in your daily interaction with others and personal development. The work begins when you leave my office and I aim to help you achieve that independence and overall mental health stability.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, personality disorders, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, grief, trauma, post-natal trauma, familial conflict.
I am an Associate Professional Counselor licensed in the state of GA & NY. I am also the owner of Tuyee Holistic Services LLC. My goal is to provide psycho education on mental illness and wellness and to reduce the mental health stigma in our society. Long term or short term, we will work together as a team in your therapeutic journey of self reflection & processing, in order to fully develop the skills that you learn in our sessions to apply in your daily interaction with others and personal development. The work begins when you leave my office and I aim to help you achieve that independence and overall mental health stability.
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!
Ryan R Schwerzmann
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Alpharetta, GA 30022
I have over 15 years of experience treating children, couples and families using an integrated approach based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family systems theories. My primary interests are in communication, self-expression, self-esteem, anxiety and behavior problems. I served as the Student and Associate Chair of the Georgia Association of Marriage and Family Therapists from 2009 -2012. I am the founder of Adaptive Therapy Counseling Group, LLC in Lilburn and Alpharetta, where I have treated individuals and families suffering from eating disorders, anxiety disorders and mood disorders for over 10 years.
I have over 15 years of experience treating children, couples and families using an integrated approach based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family systems theories. My primary interests are in communication, self-expression, self-esteem, anxiety and behavior problems. I served as the Student and Associate Chair of the Georgia Association of Marriage and Family Therapists from 2009 -2012. I am the founder of Adaptive Therapy Counseling Group, LLC in Lilburn and Alpharetta, where I have treated individuals and families suffering from eating disorders, anxiety disorders and mood disorders for over 10 years.
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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.