Eating Disorders Therapists in Forest Park, IL

Photo of Kirsten Tesnar Svejda, PsyD, Psychologist
Kirsten Tesnar Svejda
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Forest Park, IL 60130
Prior to my work in individual practice, I worked at LifeSpan Counseling, a group therapy practice in Oak Park, and at Arabella House, a residential treatment home for women in recovery from eating disorders.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist offering therapy services to adolescents and adults in Oak Park, IL. I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. In my treatment of complex issues, I provide both individual and family therapy and value collaborating with other healthcare providers for multidisciplinary care. I work from a mindfulness-based and trauma-informed lens, utilizing body-based, symptom-focused interventions and exploring interpersonal relationships as methods to encourage change.
Prior to my work in individual practice, I worked at LifeSpan Counseling, a group therapy practice in Oak Park, and at Arabella House, a residential treatment home for women in recovery from eating disorders.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist offering therapy services to adolescents and adults in Oak Park, IL. I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. In my treatment of complex issues, I provide both individual and family therapy and value collaborating with other healthcare providers for multidisciplinary care. I work from a mindfulness-based and trauma-informed lens, utilizing body-based, symptom-focused interventions and exploring interpersonal relationships as methods to encourage change.
(708) 885-9939 View (708) 885-9939
Photo of Emem Itiat, MA, LCPC, NCC, QMHP
Emem Itiat
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC, QMHP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Forest Park, IL 60130  (Online Only)
If you find yourself facing challenges related to mood concerns, body image, eating disorders, trauma, racial/religious/political/relational trauma, ADHD, LGBTQIA+ identity exploration and related challenges, let us work together to make changes that will create space for personal growth and cultivate contentment, joy, stability, and forward movement.
Navigating life's set backs, challenges, and adversities can absolutely take a toll on our wellbeing and ability to function, which is why it is important to know that you do not have to work through these concerns alone. I believe in the power of healing through promoting self-awareness, autonomy and empowerment, and also in people's strength to move towards change. Though suffering is a part of life, something that all humans share, working to manifest helpful and sustainable coping mechanisms, and skills that will work to serve you long term makes a difference in the quality of life a person experiences.
If you find yourself facing challenges related to mood concerns, body image, eating disorders, trauma, racial/religious/political/relational trauma, ADHD, LGBTQIA+ identity exploration and related challenges, let us work together to make changes that will create space for personal growth and cultivate contentment, joy, stability, and forward movement.
Navigating life's set backs, challenges, and adversities can absolutely take a toll on our wellbeing and ability to function, which is why it is important to know that you do not have to work through these concerns alone. I believe in the power of healing through promoting self-awareness, autonomy and empowerment, and also in people's strength to move towards change. Though suffering is a part of life, something that all humans share, working to manifest helpful and sustainable coping mechanisms, and skills that will work to serve you long term makes a difference in the quality of life a person experiences.
(312) 626-7591 View (312) 626-7591
Photo of Katarina Berin, MA, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Katarina Berin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Forest Park, IL 60130
The symptoms I work with include depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar, borderline and eating disorders.
Welcome and best wishes on your search for help. I am an experienced, mature clinician and I offer a compassionate, calm and supportive environment in which clients can work through their experiences, learn to feel their emotions in a healthy way, and find new ways of engaging with their problems. My clients will focus on improving their relationships, and on how to feel better at home, school and work. I can help manage change and stress when you are feeling overwhelmed by events, whether that is a specific issue or a problem that has snowballed over time. Please reach out.
The symptoms I work with include depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar, borderline and eating disorders.
Welcome and best wishes on your search for help. I am an experienced, mature clinician and I offer a compassionate, calm and supportive environment in which clients can work through their experiences, learn to feel their emotions in a healthy way, and find new ways of engaging with their problems. My clients will focus on improving their relationships, and on how to feel better at home, school and work. I can help manage change and stress when you are feeling overwhelmed by events, whether that is a specific issue or a problem that has snowballed over time. Please reach out.
(872) 231-3268 View (872) 231-3268
Photo of Cindy Gradle, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cindy Gradle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Forest Park, IL 60130
I am an experienced psychotherapist and I work with clients from diverse backgrounds. I have extensive experience working with clients who are adult children of alcoholics and helping clients who have suffered a loss(es) and seek bereavement counseling. I also work with adults and youths who have both depression and anxiety, including panic attacks and phobias. I offer specific strategies to combat anxiety and panic attacks. My particular expertise has been working with parents and their children. Other areas of practice are sexual abuse and domestic violence.
I am an experienced psychotherapist and I work with clients from diverse backgrounds. I have extensive experience working with clients who are adult children of alcoholics and helping clients who have suffered a loss(es) and seek bereavement counseling. I also work with adults and youths who have both depression and anxiety, including panic attacks and phobias. I offer specific strategies to combat anxiety and panic attacks. My particular expertise has been working with parents and their children. Other areas of practice are sexual abuse and domestic violence.
(708) 998-4609 View (708) 998-4609
Photo of Amy Carbone, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amy Carbone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Forest Park, IL 60130
Amy Carbone, LCSW, is dedicated to providing compassionate and empathetic care to her clients, ensuring they feel heard, understood, and safe throughout their therapeutic journey. Amy offers a welcoming environment where clients can comfortably explore their thoughts, emotions, and challenges. She is particularly passionate about supporting teens, adults, and seniors, helping them navigate life’s complexities with a blend of empathetic listening and practical, evidence-based interventions. Amy is deeply committed to addressing a range of mental health concerns, with a particular focus on anxiety, depression, and PTSD/trauma.
Amy Carbone, LCSW, is dedicated to providing compassionate and empathetic care to her clients, ensuring they feel heard, understood, and safe throughout their therapeutic journey. Amy offers a welcoming environment where clients can comfortably explore their thoughts, emotions, and challenges. She is particularly passionate about supporting teens, adults, and seniors, helping them navigate life’s complexities with a blend of empathetic listening and practical, evidence-based interventions. Amy is deeply committed to addressing a range of mental health concerns, with a particular focus on anxiety, depression, and PTSD/trauma.
(855) 641-1658 View (855) 641-1658
Photo of Anna Katarina Berin, LCPC
Anna Katarina Berin
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Forest Park, IL 60130
Katarina Berin, LPC, believes that change starts with reciprocity and respect in the therapy relationship. She encourages self-expression, affirmation, feedback, learning, and self-awareness to help clients set goals and make new behaviors possible. Katarina earned a graduate degree in community counseling from Loyola University Chicago. She works with clients age 7 to 76 and, while delighted by all life stages, has a special place in her heart for adolescents and young adults. Katarina helps individuals facing various challenges learn to live with energy, flexibility, and peace.
Katarina Berin, LPC, believes that change starts with reciprocity and respect in the therapy relationship. She encourages self-expression, affirmation, feedback, learning, and self-awareness to help clients set goals and make new behaviors possible. Katarina earned a graduate degree in community counseling from Loyola University Chicago. She works with clients age 7 to 76 and, while delighted by all life stages, has a special place in her heart for adolescents and young adults. Katarina helps individuals facing various challenges learn to live with energy, flexibility, and peace.
(708) 725-1209 View (708) 725-1209
Photo of Kelley Brown, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kelley Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Forest Park, IL 60130
Kelley Brown is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois with experience in both the clinical mental health field and school counseling field. Kelley supports clients in uncovering and breaking through life's obstacles and challenges to embrace and experience being their best self. Her goal is to mobilize her clients to have self-growth and self-agency through focusing on one's strengths, finding solutions to life's challenges, and supporting in altering one's perspective to uncover the lessons in all stages of life.
Kelley Brown is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois with experience in both the clinical mental health field and school counseling field. Kelley supports clients in uncovering and breaking through life's obstacles and challenges to embrace and experience being their best self. Her goal is to mobilize her clients to have self-growth and self-agency through focusing on one's strengths, finding solutions to life's challenges, and supporting in altering one's perspective to uncover the lessons in all stages of life.
(708) 998-4138 View (708) 998-4138
Photo of Julia Sostrin, MSW,  LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julia Sostrin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Forest Park, IL 60130
Julia Sostrin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. Julia meets clients where they are at, with more than a decade working with multiple diagnoses and disorders. She uses integrative and eclectic approaches in order to help clients find resolutions to issues and identify patterns which may be causing them issues. Julia has worked at all levels of care and often will employ modalities and treatment approach which best fit for the client in front of her. She will do this to help them move at a speed they can feel comfortable and happy with to make the progress they hope to see.
Julia Sostrin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. Julia meets clients where they are at, with more than a decade working with multiple diagnoses and disorders. She uses integrative and eclectic approaches in order to help clients find resolutions to issues and identify patterns which may be causing them issues. Julia has worked at all levels of care and often will employ modalities and treatment approach which best fit for the client in front of her. She will do this to help them move at a speed they can feel comfortable and happy with to make the progress they hope to see.
(708) 766-8438 View (708) 766-8438
Photo of Annemarie Slobig, PsyD, Psychologist
Annemarie Slobig
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Forest Park, IL 60130
My primary interest as a psychologist lies in understanding the factors that will allow you to take better care of yourself and to enjoy positive and constructive relationships. My deeply respectful approach to psychotherapy will allow you to make good choices and feel good about them. This kind of therapy allows you to achieve more successful and enjoyable relationships with partners, friends, and professional contacts. I specialize in adult and adolescent psychotherapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, and issues of spirituality and social and cultural identity. I approach each therapy relationship individually, customizing the treatment to meet your specific needs.
My primary interest as a psychologist lies in understanding the factors that will allow you to take better care of yourself and to enjoy positive and constructive relationships. My deeply respectful approach to psychotherapy will allow you to make good choices and feel good about them. This kind of therapy allows you to achieve more successful and enjoyable relationships with partners, friends, and professional contacts. I specialize in adult and adolescent psychotherapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, and issues of spirituality and social and cultural identity. I approach each therapy relationship individually, customizing the treatment to meet your specific needs.
(708) 303-8985 View (708) 303-8985
Carole D Berk
Psychologist, P, S, Y, D
Verified Verified
Forest Park, IL 60130
In my 34 years of experience as a licensed clinical psychologist, I have come to understand the healing power of the therapeutic relationship. I strongly believe that it is through this alliance and partnership that real growth and change occurs. I am committed to tailoring therapy to meet the needs and goals of each patient using a combination of psychodynamic and interpersonal approaches as well as cognitive behavioral techniques. When appropriate, I integrate a unique blend of mind, body, energy and nutritional aspects into the treatment to help move someone forward toward a healthier, more fulfilled self.
In my 34 years of experience as a licensed clinical psychologist, I have come to understand the healing power of the therapeutic relationship. I strongly believe that it is through this alliance and partnership that real growth and change occurs. I am committed to tailoring therapy to meet the needs and goals of each patient using a combination of psychodynamic and interpersonal approaches as well as cognitive behavioral techniques. When appropriate, I integrate a unique blend of mind, body, energy and nutritional aspects into the treatment to help move someone forward toward a healthier, more fulfilled self.
(773) 683-1652 View (773) 683-1652
Photo of Lisa S. Lombard, PhD, Psychologist
Lisa S. Lombard
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Forest Park, IL 60130
You want to be well, content, and feel better. But, managing chronic health conditions, feeling overwhelmed by high levels of stress and anxiety, and facing unexpected and sudden loss/grief can be enormous tasks, especially during our challenging times. Across the lifespan, we face emotional, relational, and physical difficulties that are often best navigated when we are heard, supported, and able to cultivate the natural curiosity that invites us to change.
You want to be well, content, and feel better. But, managing chronic health conditions, feeling overwhelmed by high levels of stress and anxiety, and facing unexpected and sudden loss/grief can be enormous tasks, especially during our challenging times. Across the lifespan, we face emotional, relational, and physical difficulties that are often best navigated when we are heard, supported, and able to cultivate the natural curiosity that invites us to change.
(708) 475-0796 View (708) 475-0796
Photo of Tony D. Wilson - Therapy Health Clinic: Tony D. Wilson, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Therapy Health Clinic: Tony D. Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Forest Park, IL 60130
Through more than 20 years of experience, I have worked extensively with individuals, couples and multi-generational families providing treatment for a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. I grew up in a large & humble home; learning and understanding the complexities of dealing with different types of personalities, sometimes in difficult circumstances at an early age. My goal is to see clients do amazing work in treatment by strengthening their coping skills, removing limiting beliefs, resolving conflicts, and lifestyle changes through a positive way of thinking, feeling, and behaving.
Through more than 20 years of experience, I have worked extensively with individuals, couples and multi-generational families providing treatment for a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. I grew up in a large & humble home; learning and understanding the complexities of dealing with different types of personalities, sometimes in difficult circumstances at an early age. My goal is to see clients do amazing work in treatment by strengthening their coping skills, removing limiting beliefs, resolving conflicts, and lifestyle changes through a positive way of thinking, feeling, and behaving.
(708) 300-0261 View (708) 300-0261
Photo of Jill Tregler, LCPC, Counselor
Jill Tregler
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Forest Park, IL 60130  (Online Only)
I approach my therapeutic work as my genuine self, incorporating humor, directness, and accountability in our sessions, to build rapport and challenge clients towards their identified goals. I recognize societal and other life-factors that impact/influence each individual, gaining understanding of each person’s unique framework for moving through the world. I believe a diagnosis defines a constellation of symptoms, it does not define a person. I also value and welcome feedback in order to provide the best possible clinical care - and it's a beautiful place to practice self-advocacy.
I approach my therapeutic work as my genuine self, incorporating humor, directness, and accountability in our sessions, to build rapport and challenge clients towards their identified goals. I recognize societal and other life-factors that impact/influence each individual, gaining understanding of each person’s unique framework for moving through the world. I believe a diagnosis defines a constellation of symptoms, it does not define a person. I also value and welcome feedback in order to provide the best possible clinical care - and it's a beautiful place to practice self-advocacy.
(708) 740-2598 View (708) 740-2598

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Mary Vanderplow - Mary Vanderplow LLC, PsyD, Psychologist
Mary Vanderplow LLC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301  (Online Only)
I specialize in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. My therapy is solution focused and looks to provide my clients with the tools to effectively manage the stresses of everyday life. My goal is to work closely with my clients to identify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors and help them develop healthy coping skills. Therapy is a team effort and together my clients have the support needed to make the changes that will enhance their lives.
I specialize in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. My therapy is solution focused and looks to provide my clients with the tools to effectively manage the stresses of everyday life. My goal is to work closely with my clients to identify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors and help them develop healthy coping skills. Therapy is a team effort and together my clients have the support needed to make the changes that will enhance their lives.
(708) 809-2810 View (708) 809-2810
Photo of Jennifer Beasley, LPC, LCPC, CEDS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer Beasley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC, CEDS
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60302  (Online Only)
With over 17 years of dedicated experience in treating eating disorders, I’ve witnessed the profound impact these conditions can have on adolescents and their families. Eating disorders can strip young people of their passion, health, and sense of self, often going undetected by those who care about them—parents, teachers, coaches, and even medical professionals. In my therapeutic work, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients reshape harmful thought patterns, build emotional resilience, and develop practical coping strategies.
With over 17 years of dedicated experience in treating eating disorders, I’ve witnessed the profound impact these conditions can have on adolescents and their families. Eating disorders can strip young people of their passion, health, and sense of self, often going undetected by those who care about them—parents, teachers, coaches, and even medical professionals. In my therapeutic work, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients reshape harmful thought patterns, build emotional resilience, and develop practical coping strategies.
(404) 689-9747 View (404) 689-9747
Photo of Katie Horan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Katie Horan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and issues related to trauma.
I am passionate about helping people build a healthy relationship with self and with others. I believe that we all possess unique strengths. Unfortunately, during difficult times, we can lose sight of our positive qualities and abilities. I aim to help you identify these strengths, utilize them , and build upon them during times of struggle or conflict. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the most important component of any helpful treatment. My ultimate goal is to make the therapeutic process collaborative and individualized. I strive to create a partnership that is helpful to meeting your specific needs.
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and issues related to trauma.
I am passionate about helping people build a healthy relationship with self and with others. I believe that we all possess unique strengths. Unfortunately, during difficult times, we can lose sight of our positive qualities and abilities. I aim to help you identify these strengths, utilize them , and build upon them during times of struggle or conflict. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the most important component of any helpful treatment. My ultimate goal is to make the therapeutic process collaborative and individualized. I strive to create a partnership that is helpful to meeting your specific needs.
(708) 406-7960 View (708) 406-7960
Photo of Caterina Frollano, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Caterina Frollano
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60302  (Online Only)
Caterina Frollano, LPC, specializes in the treatment of adults and adolescents with mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, trauma, women's health, multicultural identity development, and transitional stress. She uses an integrative approach to treatment and is skilled in various methods of intervention including DBT, CBT, dynamic, and multiculturally informed care. Additionally, she has advanced training in prenatal and postpartum care as well as parenting coaching.
Caterina Frollano, LPC, specializes in the treatment of adults and adolescents with mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, trauma, women's health, multicultural identity development, and transitional stress. She uses an integrative approach to treatment and is skilled in various methods of intervention including DBT, CBT, dynamic, and multiculturally informed care. Additionally, she has advanced training in prenatal and postpartum care as well as parenting coaching.
(872) 246-7447 View (872) 246-7447
Photo of Eve Haydt, LCPC, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor
Eve Haydt
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MEd
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
Eve brings expertise in working with individuals with eating disorders, body image concerns, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, trauma, relational struggles, identity concerns, and life transitions.
Eve Haydt, MEd LCPC (she/they) is a licensed clinical professional counselor who uses a relational and client centered approach to therapy, integrating CBT, DBT, and ACT skills. Eve works with clients to process experiences using systemic and cultural perspectives. Sessions are client directed, in which a phenomenological approach is taken to prioritize client needs, open dialogue, and collaborative working relationship. In treatment, the focus is placed on clients identifying personal goals to increase confidence in their own agency.
Eve brings expertise in working with individuals with eating disorders, body image concerns, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, trauma, relational struggles, identity concerns, and life transitions.
Eve Haydt, MEd LCPC (she/they) is a licensed clinical professional counselor who uses a relational and client centered approach to therapy, integrating CBT, DBT, and ACT skills. Eve works with clients to process experiences using systemic and cultural perspectives. Sessions are client directed, in which a phenomenological approach is taken to prioritize client needs, open dialogue, and collaborative working relationship. In treatment, the focus is placed on clients identifying personal goals to increase confidence in their own agency.
(312) 847-2875 View (312) 847-2875
Photo of Valerie Smith Wright, LCPC, Counselor
Valerie Smith Wright
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
I provide a gentle, encouraging environment to help clients work on relationship challenges & infidelity, eating disorders & obesity, as well as career & life transitions. I guide individuals through the dating process into healthy relationships. I have specialized clinical experience in helping people recover from addictions of all kinds (food, alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, codependency).
I provide a gentle, encouraging environment to help clients work on relationship challenges & infidelity, eating disorders & obesity, as well as career & life transitions. I guide individuals through the dating process into healthy relationships. I have specialized clinical experience in helping people recover from addictions of all kinds (food, alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, codependency).
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Photo of Niquie Dworkin, PhD, Psychologist
Niquie Dworkin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
I am a Psypact provider. I have a warm and interactive style and work to form a safe, trusting relationship with you. I adapt my approach to address your specific needs and can help you break behavior patterns quickly and improve relationships, self awareness, and self-esteem. I have advanced training in psychoanalytic, couple, group, and dialectical behavior therapy. I have expertise in treating eating disorders, personality disorders, addictive and compulsive behavior, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, high conflict couples, and grief and traumatic loss. I see adults, adolescents, couples, families and groups.
I am a Psypact provider. I have a warm and interactive style and work to form a safe, trusting relationship with you. I adapt my approach to address your specific needs and can help you break behavior patterns quickly and improve relationships, self awareness, and self-esteem. I have advanced training in psychoanalytic, couple, group, and dialectical behavior therapy. I have expertise in treating eating disorders, personality disorders, addictive and compulsive behavior, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, high conflict couples, and grief and traumatic loss. I see adults, adolescents, couples, families and groups.
(773) 747-6730 View (773) 747-6730

See more therapy options for Forest Park

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.