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Online Therapists

Photo of Jodi Cofer, Licensed Professional Counselor in La Fayette, GA
Jodi Cofer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Dawsonville, GA 30534
I have experience assisting clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, addictions, and marriage difficulties.
Finding the right counselor to walk along side you can be difficult! I believe wholeheartedly that healing is possible for anyone who is willing to embrace the journey. I have a varied background which gives me particular insight into individuals struggling with trauma, shame, addiction, depression, anxiety, and family conflict. I am particularly interested in marriage therapy and have equipping through the Gottman Institute. As a part of our partnership I hope to provide a safe place where you find healing and hope because my desire is to help my clients have the best possible experience in all aspects of their lives.
I have experience assisting clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, addictions, and marriage difficulties.
Finding the right counselor to walk along side you can be difficult! I believe wholeheartedly that healing is possible for anyone who is willing to embrace the journey. I have a varied background which gives me particular insight into individuals struggling with trauma, shame, addiction, depression, anxiety, and family conflict. I am particularly interested in marriage therapy and have equipping through the Gottman Institute. As a part of our partnership I hope to provide a safe place where you find healing and hope because my desire is to help my clients have the best possible experience in all aspects of their lives.
(678) 264-3065 View (678) 264-3065
Photo of Judi-Lee Webb, Psychologist in La Fayette, GA
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.
(770) 450-5912 View (770) 450-5912
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.
(678) 515-5823 View (678) 515-5823
Photo of Counseling Services of Atlanta, Licensed Professional Counselor in La Fayette, GA
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.
(678) 394-3719 View (678) 394-3719
Photo of Helping Other Live Together Inc., Licensed Professional Counselor in La Fayette, GA
Helping Other Live Together Inc.
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC, CPCS
Verified Verified
Duluth, GA 30096
With over 20 years experience as a therapist, and as a graduate of Argosy University Sarasota, Florida. Dr. Holt specializes in Reality Therapy. She is currently serving as private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Areas of expertise include but are not limited to children and adolescents, couples, anxiety and trauma. Dr. Holt is an interactive, solution-focused therapist. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. Dr. Holt integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client.
With over 20 years experience as a therapist, and as a graduate of Argosy University Sarasota, Florida. Dr. Holt specializes in Reality Therapy. She is currently serving as private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Areas of expertise include but are not limited to children and adolescents, couples, anxiety and trauma. Dr. Holt is an interactive, solution-focused therapist. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. Dr. Holt integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client.
(678) 974-0056 View (678) 974-0056
Photo of Shretta Rhone, Licensed Professional Counselor in La Fayette, GA
Shretta Rhone
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30321
I provide ongoing counseling services to positively impact the lives of the members of our communities. Clients are given tools to enable them to make the necessary changes to move their lives forward. As a therapist, I lend a helping hand to enable clients to become stronger, more functional individuals and family members. I am a warm, caring therapist who creates the optimum environment for my clients to grow. My approach is person centered, warm and inviting.
I provide ongoing counseling services to positively impact the lives of the members of our communities. Clients are given tools to enable them to make the necessary changes to move their lives forward. As a therapist, I lend a helping hand to enable clients to become stronger, more functional individuals and family members. I am a warm, caring therapist who creates the optimum environment for my clients to grow. My approach is person centered, warm and inviting.
(678) 944-7639 View (678) 944-7639
Photo of Dorothea E Lotze, Marriage & Family Therapist in La Fayette, GA
Dorothea E Lotze
Marriage & Family Therapist, ThM, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tucker, GA 30084  (Online Only)
I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist in Georgia and journey with individuals age 18 and older. Clients who come to me are going through transitions, seeking to recover from anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, find their gender/sexuality identity or have suffered trauma. I specialize working with couples and with survivors of narcissistic abuse. I approach our therapeutic relationship with utmost sensitivity and respect to multi/cross-cultural factors. You can bring your personal values and spirituality and integrate them into our healing work. I am here to support you as you are finding your authentic self.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist in Georgia and journey with individuals age 18 and older. Clients who come to me are going through transitions, seeking to recover from anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, find their gender/sexuality identity or have suffered trauma. I specialize working with couples and with survivors of narcissistic abuse. I approach our therapeutic relationship with utmost sensitivity and respect to multi/cross-cultural factors. You can bring your personal values and spirituality and integrate them into our healing work. I am here to support you as you are finding your authentic self.
(404) 609-0596 View (404) 609-0596
Photo of Mitra Rokni Yavari, Licensed Professional Counselor in La Fayette, GA
Mitra Rokni Yavari
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Johns Creek, GA 30022
My specialty is working with children as young as 4 and adolescents. I do testing for ADHD/ADD. I also do Neurofeedback and AlphaTheta treatment. Neurofeedback is a treatment for ADHD, bed wetting, anxiety, Depression, and PTSD. Alpha Theta is a treatment for fears, Phobias and Addiction. I also offer marriage/ couple counseling and multicultural counseling. I teach Anger Management classes and techniques to help people understand the nature of anger and different ways to control their aggression.
My specialty is working with children as young as 4 and adolescents. I do testing for ADHD/ADD. I also do Neurofeedback and AlphaTheta treatment. Neurofeedback is a treatment for ADHD, bed wetting, anxiety, Depression, and PTSD. Alpha Theta is a treatment for fears, Phobias and Addiction. I also offer marriage/ couple counseling and multicultural counseling. I teach Anger Management classes and techniques to help people understand the nature of anger and different ways to control their aggression.
(678) 635-9697 View (678) 635-9697
Photo of Recovery & Consulting Through A Different Lens LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in La Fayette, 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
Photo of Eboni R. Mormant, Licensed Professional Counselor in La Fayette, GA
Eboni R. Mormant
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MEd, LPC, CPCS, CAMS
Verified Verified
Roswell, GA 30076
It is my belief that quality of life is promoted by breaking through barriers that prevent wholistic growth of the the individual and/or family unit. Thus, it has been my professional goal to empower individuals, families and communities over the last 20 years from my clinical and educational experiences. My clinical expertise covers the following: Impulse Control Problems, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Sexual Addictions, Mood Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorders, Learning Disorders, Domestic Violence, Sexual Victimization, Crisis Intervention, Conflict Resolution, Bully Prevention, Anger Management, Family Preservation/Reintegration, Parenting, Stress Management and Assessment/Diagnostics.
It is my belief that quality of life is promoted by breaking through barriers that prevent wholistic growth of the the individual and/or family unit. Thus, it has been my professional goal to empower individuals, families and communities over the last 20 years from my clinical and educational experiences. My clinical expertise covers the following: Impulse Control Problems, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Sexual Addictions, Mood Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorders, Learning Disorders, Domestic Violence, Sexual Victimization, Crisis Intervention, Conflict Resolution, Bully Prevention, Anger Management, Family Preservation/Reintegration, Parenting, Stress Management and Assessment/Diagnostics.
(678) 616-2783 View (678) 616-2783
Photo of Demesha Hutchinson, Licensed Professional Counselor in La Fayette, GA
Demesha Hutchinson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CPCS, CTF-CBT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hiram, GA 30141
Your trauma does not define you. You define you. You are the author of your own book. It is possible to heal once and for all, regardless of your adverse experiences. Now is the time to re-write your narrative! There are challenges in life that may cause you to get off course, but I believe everyone has the ability to overcome these obstacles and get their lives back on a track for success. Everyone’s journey is different. I pride myself in offering a safe space where transformation & renewal can take place. Healing and Restoration can start here!
Your trauma does not define you. You define you. You are the author of your own book. It is possible to heal once and for all, regardless of your adverse experiences. Now is the time to re-write your narrative! There are challenges in life that may cause you to get off course, but I believe everyone has the ability to overcome these obstacles and get their lives back on a track for success. Everyone’s journey is different. I pride myself in offering a safe space where transformation & renewal can take place. Healing and Restoration can start here!
(678) 391-3224 View (678) 391-3224
Photo of Symmetry Counseling, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in La Fayette, GA
Symmetry Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Alpharetta, GA 30009
At Symmetry Counseling we strive to support the mind-body connection in healing the complete person. We offer psychotherapy and psychological testing services as well as supportive therapies for all phases and stages of life and have a diverse staff available to meet your needs. Our clinicians are seasoned professionals with many years of experience providing an exceptional level of care to clients.
At Symmetry Counseling we strive to support the mind-body connection in healing the complete person. We offer psychotherapy and psychological testing services as well as supportive therapies for all phases and stages of life and have a diverse staff available to meet your needs. Our clinicians are seasoned professionals with many years of experience providing an exceptional level of care to clients.
(770) 637-4310 View (770) 637-4310
Photo of Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Cent in La Fayette, GA
Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Cent
MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buford, GA 30518
At times, life presents challenges that impact the quality of our relationships and daily functioning. Counseling can help to ease the overwhelming feelings associated with life transitions, grief, depression, parenting, anxiety, anger, family, low self-esteem, and other interpersonal relationship concerns. At Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Center, we offer comprehensive therapeutic, psychological, psychiatric, medication management, nursing service, and psycho-educational services. Whether individual, family or group, our mission is to provide a collaborative and encouraging environment that encourages personal growth. Our team of expert therapists possesses a variety of specialties and certifications that focus on the needs of the individual regardless age (including preschoolers) and area of struggle. Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Center also provides comprehensive psychological educational evaluations for children and adults in the areas of intellectual functioning, academic, behavioral, vocational, and forensics. Our psycho-educational assessments are highly detailed and identify any underlying impairments affecting school performance.
At times, life presents challenges that impact the quality of our relationships and daily functioning. Counseling can help to ease the overwhelming feelings associated with life transitions, grief, depression, parenting, anxiety, anger, family, low self-esteem, and other interpersonal relationship concerns. At Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Center, we offer comprehensive therapeutic, psychological, psychiatric, medication management, nursing service, and psycho-educational services. Whether individual, family or group, our mission is to provide a collaborative and encouraging environment that encourages personal growth. Our team of expert therapists possesses a variety of specialties and certifications that focus on the needs of the individual regardless age (including preschoolers) and area of struggle. Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Center also provides comprehensive psychological educational evaluations for children and adults in the areas of intellectual functioning, academic, behavioral, vocational, and forensics. Our psycho-educational assessments are highly detailed and identify any underlying impairments affecting school performance.
(470) 215-1788 View (470) 215-1788
Photo of Francine Bouyett, Counselor in La Fayette, GA
Francine Bouyett
Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CMAC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30303  (Online Only)
It can be difficult to open up and talk about your life stressors to someone you don’t know. Sometimes we can feel unheard or alone and just need someone who can be a helping, nonjudgmental, and listening ear. The hardest part can be finding the words to express ourselves and process what can feel like a jumbled mess and you just need someone to help put the scattered puzzle pieces together to create a beautiful picture. Aristotle said it best, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” I can help with building coping skills, work on effective communication, self-expression, processing trauma/grief, and mindfulness.
It can be difficult to open up and talk about your life stressors to someone you don’t know. Sometimes we can feel unheard or alone and just need someone who can be a helping, nonjudgmental, and listening ear. The hardest part can be finding the words to express ourselves and process what can feel like a jumbled mess and you just need someone to help put the scattered puzzle pieces together to create a beautiful picture. Aristotle said it best, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” I can help with building coping skills, work on effective communication, self-expression, processing trauma/grief, and mindfulness.
(706) 770-4977 View (706) 770-4977
Photo of A Healing Journey Counseling & Consultation, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in La Fayette, GA
A Healing Journey Counseling & Consultation
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cartersville, GA 30120
"No one understands what I'm going through!" Do you feel this way? Many times, when we experience crisis or stress, it is very normal to feel like no one understands. My goal is to serve those who struggle with Trauma, Personality Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, and other Emotional Disorders. I believe trauma whether one time incident or ongoing incidents can be the root cause to other mental health issues. That is why my treatment plans are unique to each individual and their specific issues and circumstances. My philosophy is that anyone can overcome anything, with the right help.
"No one understands what I'm going through!" Do you feel this way? Many times, when we experience crisis or stress, it is very normal to feel like no one understands. My goal is to serve those who struggle with Trauma, Personality Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, and other Emotional Disorders. I believe trauma whether one time incident or ongoing incidents can be the root cause to other mental health issues. That is why my treatment plans are unique to each individual and their specific issues and circumstances. My philosophy is that anyone can overcome anything, with the right help.
(404) 620-2961 View (404) 620-2961
Photo of Savyon Sordean, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in La Fayette, GA
Savyon Sordean
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30308  (Online Only)
I am here to be present with you as you are. In this positive relationship, you can heal. In my practice I hope to provide a space for you to begin the journey of self-discovery, self-reflection, and growth. Together, we will address the barriers you may face to enhance your life in the ways that are most meaningful to you. My philosophy focuses on the healing nature of connection between people, and I strive to bring empathy, compassion, and presence into the therapeutic space. I am currently accepting clients ages 17 and up. I work with adults ages 18-70 using various treatment modalities and theoretical orientations.
I am here to be present with you as you are. In this positive relationship, you can heal. In my practice I hope to provide a space for you to begin the journey of self-discovery, self-reflection, and growth. Together, we will address the barriers you may face to enhance your life in the ways that are most meaningful to you. My philosophy focuses on the healing nature of connection between people, and I strive to bring empathy, compassion, and presence into the therapeutic space. I am currently accepting clients ages 17 and up. I work with adults ages 18-70 using various treatment modalities and theoretical orientations.
(470) 594-2710 View (470) 594-2710
Photo of Jennifer A Riapos, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in La Fayette, GA
Jennifer A Riapos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30339
Waitlist for new clients
Jennifer earned her Master's degree in Social Work at Kennesaw State University graduating cum laude. She is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. A New Jersey native, Jennifer relocated to Cobb County in 2005 as a single parent raising two children. She is active in the community and her church. Jennifer has extensive experience working with varied populations: working with a pregnancy resource center; inpatient adolescents; individuals/families in the community; as well as substance abuse/mental health IOP/PHP treatment settings.
Jennifer earned her Master's degree in Social Work at Kennesaw State University graduating cum laude. She is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. A New Jersey native, Jennifer relocated to Cobb County in 2005 as a single parent raising two children. She is active in the community and her church. Jennifer has extensive experience working with varied populations: working with a pregnancy resource center; inpatient adolescents; individuals/families in the community; as well as substance abuse/mental health IOP/PHP treatment settings.
(678) 263-2735 View (678) 263-2735
Photo of Angel Schieber in La Fayette, GA
Angel Schieber
MAed, MAPC, RYT200, AACC
Verified Verified
Cumming, GA 30041
With over 33 years of personal recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, I specialize in recovery from substance use disorders, pornography addiction, sexual/intimacy issues, self-image/gender, anxiety, and depression. Individual or relationship counseling available.
With over 33 years of personal recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, I specialize in recovery from substance use disorders, pornography addiction, sexual/intimacy issues, self-image/gender, anxiety, and depression. Individual or relationship counseling available.
(678) 723-1728 View (678) 723-1728
Photo of Farida Scriber, Counselor in La Fayette, GA
Farida Scriber
Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Marietta, GA 30064
My goal is to help individual, couples, and families process through their emotions in order to make sense of their world and to lead more productive and fulfilling lives. I have convenient evening and weekend hours available.
My goal is to help individual, couples, and families process through their emotions in order to make sense of their world and to lead more productive and fulfilling lives. I have convenient evening and weekend hours available.
(470) 285-9201 View (470) 285-9201
Photo of Amelia R Turrubiates-Huacuja, Licensed Professional Counselor in La Fayette, GA
Amelia R Turrubiates-Huacuja
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, MFT-C
Verified Verified
Smyrna, GA 30080
Amelia’s commitment is to help people regardless ethnicity, nationality, gender or socio-economic, and cultural background. Amelia believes that a collaborative therapeutic relationship will help to overcome the problems people have when they seek for professional counseling. Amelia’s ultimately goal is to empower the clients to best ensure their success.
Amelia’s commitment is to help people regardless ethnicity, nationality, gender or socio-economic, and cultural background. Amelia believes that a collaborative therapeutic relationship will help to overcome the problems people have when they seek for professional counseling. Amelia’s ultimately goal is to empower the clients to best ensure their success.
(678) 688-9856 View (678) 688-9856

See more therapy options for La Fayette


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.