Therapists in Thomaston, GA
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Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in Georgia below.Online Therapists
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.
Diann Chere' Stuart
Marriage & Family Therapist, LAMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Alpharetta, GA 30022
All to often individual’s, couples and families view therapy as a one and done, one-sided conversation where all their problems can be solved quickly. Life is hard enough and when you add depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, grief, eating disorders, addiction or other life controlling issues to your daily life the day ahead often seems impossible. The key is finding your voice and learning how to use it to achieve your dreams, goals, hopes and desires so you can live your best life, the life you have always wanted. Discovering want it means to be real and authentic makes the process of staying stuck where you are more difficult.
All to often individual’s, couples and families view therapy as a one and done, one-sided conversation where all their problems can be solved quickly. Life is hard enough and when you add depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, grief, eating disorders, addiction or other life controlling issues to your daily life the day ahead often seems impossible. The key is finding your voice and learning how to use it to achieve your dreams, goals, hopes and desires so you can live your best life, the life you have always wanted. Discovering want it means to be real and authentic makes the process of staying stuck where you are more difficult.
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.
Madison Day Grove
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tucker, GA 30084
I received my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University, and my BS in Psychology and Criminology with a concentration in Eating Disorders and Human Sexuality from KSU.
Hi there & Welcome! Let’s get to healing! I approach therapy from a very open-minded and affirming perspective. I believe that everyone can benefit from adding acceptance and confidence into their lives, and it is my goal as a therapist to help you maximize your life by guiding you through healing past wounds that are holding you back from experiencing all that life has to offer. As a couple's therapist, I can teach you how break unhelpful cycles and how to develop healthy communication. As an eating disorder therapist, I can help you gain food freedom, body neutrality, and learn how to prevent relapses.
I received my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University, and my BS in Psychology and Criminology with a concentration in Eating Disorders and Human Sexuality from KSU.
Hi there & Welcome! Let’s get to healing! I approach therapy from a very open-minded and affirming perspective. I believe that everyone can benefit from adding acceptance and confidence into their lives, and it is my goal as a therapist to help you maximize your life by guiding you through healing past wounds that are holding you back from experiencing all that life has to offer. As a couple's therapist, I can teach you how break unhelpful cycles and how to develop healthy communication. As an eating disorder therapist, I can help you gain food freedom, body neutrality, and learn how to prevent relapses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cathy Weinstein Schiff LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30326
My areas of expertise include Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Eating Disorders, Marital/Relationship Issues, Codependency, Grief, Divorce Adjustment, Parenting Issues and Education, and Stress Management.
I am an LCSW specializing in individual, couple's and family therapy. My approach is eclectic, incorporating a variety of techniques to meet the needs of each client. Therapy is a collaborative effort and I enjoy guiding clients to identify their own strengths and inner resources. I believe in giving clients the tools and support they need to move ahead on their own, knowing support is available when they need it from me. I have new patient appointment availability to see older adolescents and adults of all ages. I welcome all individuals regardless of sex, religion, sexual preference, or race.
My areas of expertise include Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Eating Disorders, Marital/Relationship Issues, Codependency, Grief, Divorce Adjustment, Parenting Issues and Education, and Stress Management.
I am an LCSW specializing in individual, couple's and family therapy. My approach is eclectic, incorporating a variety of techniques to meet the needs of each client. Therapy is a collaborative effort and I enjoy guiding clients to identify their own strengths and inner resources. I believe in giving clients the tools and support they need to move ahead on their own, knowing support is available when they need it from me. I have new patient appointment availability to see older adolescents and adults of all ages. I welcome all individuals regardless of sex, religion, sexual preference, or race.
Clarity Counseling Peachtree City
MS
Verified Verified
Peachtree City, GA 30269
I am an empathetic therapist who is dedicated to guiding individuals through the journey of healing from eating disorders using a blend of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). I also offer therapeutic meal support and work with dietitians in the community to give full wrap around support.
I am an empathetic therapist who is dedicated to guiding individuals through the journey of healing from eating disorders using a blend of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). I also offer therapeutic meal support and work with dietitians in the community to give full wrap around support.
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.
Christina Marie Kight
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CAMS-II
Verified Verified
Rockmart, GA 30153 (Online Only)
I have extensive experience working with trauma survivors, those that are struggling with substance use, eating disorders, life transitions, grief, & women’s issues.
They say to everything there is a season; seasons of joy, seasons of pain, & seasons of healing. I am so honored to be a part of your season of healing. Asking for help is not easy, so I want to congratulate you on taking the first & often the hardest, step towards wellness. Through my practice, Seasons of Life Counseling & Consulting, I strive to meet my clients where they're at, provide a safe, non-judgmental space where they can be their true, authentic selves & feel heard, validated, and valued for the unique individuals that they are.
I have extensive experience working with trauma survivors, those that are struggling with substance use, eating disorders, life transitions, grief, & women’s issues.
They say to everything there is a season; seasons of joy, seasons of pain, & seasons of healing. I am so honored to be a part of your season of healing. Asking for help is not easy, so I want to congratulate you on taking the first & often the hardest, step towards wellness. Through my practice, Seasons of Life Counseling & Consulting, I strive to meet my clients where they're at, provide a safe, non-judgmental space where they can be their true, authentic selves & feel heard, validated, and valued for the unique individuals that they are.
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.
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.
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.
Roshanda May
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Stonecrest, GA 30038 (Online Only)
In life we often take on many roles. These roles often leave us feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and unfulfilled with no time to cater to our needs. Take the journey with me to rediscover you and make yourself a priority. Therapy will help you learn how to balance life stressors, address unresolved trauma, build better relationships, and work towards the life you desire. I specialize in working with women, men, and teens with ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders. Whether you're struggling with daily stressors or facing more complex challenges, I am here to offer support, guidance, and practical tools to help you.
In life we often take on many roles. These roles often leave us feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and unfulfilled with no time to cater to our needs. Take the journey with me to rediscover you and make yourself a priority. Therapy will help you learn how to balance life stressors, address unresolved trauma, build better relationships, and work towards the life you desire. I specialize in working with women, men, and teens with ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders. Whether you're struggling with daily stressors or facing more complex challenges, I am here to offer support, guidance, and practical tools to help you.
Brittany (Hughes) Hopkins
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CPCS
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30342
Are you overwhelmed, anxious or depressed and turning to substances and other unhealthy behaviors to cope? Do you struggle with feeling uncomfortable in your own skin? Are you looking to make real changes in your life but don't know where to start? Or, maybe you've started your journey and you recognize the need for support as you continue to move forward. Change can be difficult and sometimes scary. It's important to have the right person "in your corner" to help you tap in to your inner wisdom and navigate the challenges that you're facing. I have experience working with a wide variety of presenting struggles including substance abuse, eating disorders, body image concerns, women's issues and navigating life transitions.
Are you overwhelmed, anxious or depressed and turning to substances and other unhealthy behaviors to cope? Do you struggle with feeling uncomfortable in your own skin? Are you looking to make real changes in your life but don't know where to start? Or, maybe you've started your journey and you recognize the need for support as you continue to move forward. Change can be difficult and sometimes scary. It's important to have the right person "in your corner" to help you tap in to your inner wisdom and navigate the challenges that you're facing. I have experience working with a wide variety of presenting struggles including substance abuse, eating disorders, body image concerns, women's issues and navigating life transitions.
Haley Peck
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
McDonough, GA 30252
Hello, my name is Haley Peck. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 4 years of clinical experience guiding and helping individuals and minors facing Anxiety, Depression, Domestic Abuse/Violence, Eating Disorders, Trauma, and PTSD. I utilize a combination of Attachment-based, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), EMDR, Client-Centered Therapy, and Trauma Focused therapies during treatments with my clients. It is of the utmost importance to me that we focus on your progress along the way, as well as self-encouragement during the hard times to remind you why you started therapy and all of the positive outcomes to look forward to.
Hello, my name is Haley Peck. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 4 years of clinical experience guiding and helping individuals and minors facing Anxiety, Depression, Domestic Abuse/Violence, Eating Disorders, Trauma, and PTSD. I utilize a combination of Attachment-based, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), EMDR, Client-Centered Therapy, and Trauma Focused therapies during treatments with my clients. It is of the utmost importance to me that we focus on your progress along the way, as well as self-encouragement during the hard times to remind you why you started therapy and all of the positive outcomes to look forward to.
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.
Counseling Services of Atlanta
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Sandy Springs, GA 30350
We treat: Depression, Anxiety, Anger, relationship issues, Parenting, Divorce, Couples, Mood Disorders, Childhood abuse, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, Loneliness, Grief, Eating disorders, Addiction (all forms), ADHD/ADD, Women's Issues, LGBT Issues, Men's Issues,Teen Issues, Bipolar, Play therapy/social skills for ages 3 and up, and Life coaching.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
We treat: Depression, Anxiety, Anger, relationship issues, Parenting, Divorce, Couples, Mood Disorders, Childhood abuse, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, Loneliness, Grief, Eating disorders, Addiction (all forms), ADHD/ADD, Women's Issues, LGBT Issues, Men's Issues,Teen Issues, Bipolar, Play therapy/social skills for ages 3 and up, and Life coaching.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
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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.