Therapists in Brookline, MA
Yanina Gonzales Blanchard
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446
My areas of interest include eating disorders, relationship problems, stress management issues, adjustment disorders, acculturation issues, grief/loss, depression and anxiety disorders.
Currently, accepting referrals for Adult DBT group starting on August 2024. I see psychotherapy as a safe place where healing and change are fostered. I help patients to be able to gain awareness of their own thoughts, feelings and behaviors so they are able to change aspects of themselves that are holding them back from having a self-fulfilling life. I believe that everybody has the capacity to change and live a life worth living. The therapeutic relationship is central. I provide a warm, caring, nonjudgemental and compassionate environment that helps clients to feel supported while working on their goals.
My areas of interest include eating disorders, relationship problems, stress management issues, adjustment disorders, acculturation issues, grief/loss, depression and anxiety disorders.
Currently, accepting referrals for Adult DBT group starting on August 2024. I see psychotherapy as a safe place where healing and change are fostered. I help patients to be able to gain awareness of their own thoughts, feelings and behaviors so they are able to change aspects of themselves that are holding them back from having a self-fulfilling life. I believe that everybody has the capacity to change and live a life worth living. The therapeutic relationship is central. I provide a warm, caring, nonjudgemental and compassionate environment that helps clients to feel supported while working on their goals.
Sarah Frenette
Counselor, LCMHC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446
I specialize in treating eating disorders and body image concerns, anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, family conflict, grief, stress, life transitions and relationship concerns.
I believe that most of us can greatly benefit from a safe, trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship. Seeking help can be an overwhelming and intimidating process. I am a warm, engaged and directive therapist who believes that people can make positive changes to feel better and live more fulfilling and connected lives. My approach to therapy is integrative; combining psychodynamic, behavioral, and relational models. I work with teens, college students, adults and couples on a variety of presenting concerns. Additionally, I offer consultation and supervision services to other clinicians.
I specialize in treating eating disorders and body image concerns, anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, family conflict, grief, stress, life transitions and relationship concerns.
I believe that most of us can greatly benefit from a safe, trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship. Seeking help can be an overwhelming and intimidating process. I am a warm, engaged and directive therapist who believes that people can make positive changes to feel better and live more fulfilling and connected lives. My approach to therapy is integrative; combining psychodynamic, behavioral, and relational models. I work with teens, college students, adults and couples on a variety of presenting concerns. Additionally, I offer consultation and supervision services to other clinicians.
Jenna Kauffman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446 (Online Only)
I am versed in working with anxiety disorders and panic attacks, OCD, depression, eating disorders, trauma and PTSD, phase of life concerns, adjustment issues, stress management, and relationship issues.
With the right clinician, therapy can give you the freedom to be who you are and who you want to be. Therefore my primary focus to treatment is establishing and strengthening an authentic and collaborative relationship, one that offers a non-judgmental and safe space for healing to occur. I utilize evidence-based practices based in training in multiple modalities of psychotherapy, catered to each individual. Taking into account the multidimensionality of the human experience, I offer both theory and practice towards living a meaningful life, doing the work of self-discovery, and healing with greater perspective and awareness.
I am versed in working with anxiety disorders and panic attacks, OCD, depression, eating disorders, trauma and PTSD, phase of life concerns, adjustment issues, stress management, and relationship issues.
With the right clinician, therapy can give you the freedom to be who you are and who you want to be. Therefore my primary focus to treatment is establishing and strengthening an authentic and collaborative relationship, one that offers a non-judgmental and safe space for healing to occur. I utilize evidence-based practices based in training in multiple modalities of psychotherapy, catered to each individual. Taking into account the multidimensionality of the human experience, I offer both theory and practice towards living a meaningful life, doing the work of self-discovery, and healing with greater perspective and awareness.
Lacey McClure
Counselor, LMHC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446 (Online Only)
Being a young adult is SUPER hard. There is a lot of pressure to know exactly what your next steps should be. You may have noticed yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious or disconnected. Do you find yourself having trouble with food, hating your body, or just not feeling like yourself lately? Maybe you have tried reaching out to friends or family and they just don’t get it. Over the past several years I have worked with clients with a diverse range of life experiences and through this work have developed a specialty in treating anxiety, depression, and eating disorders; and gaining clarity around purpose, self love, and sexuality.
Being a young adult is SUPER hard. There is a lot of pressure to know exactly what your next steps should be. You may have noticed yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious or disconnected. Do you find yourself having trouble with food, hating your body, or just not feeling like yourself lately? Maybe you have tried reaching out to friends or family and they just don’t get it. Over the past several years I have worked with clients with a diverse range of life experiences and through this work have developed a specialty in treating anxiety, depression, and eating disorders; and gaining clarity around purpose, self love, and sexuality.
Karen Chinca-Nourished Minds Counseling + Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW, CEDS-S
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446
At Nourished Minds, we offer compassionate, holistic, and evidence-based counseling to adolescents, adults, and families. We provide a safe, affirming, and inclusive therapeutic space for clients struggling with a wide range of mental health disorders which include anxiety disorders, eating disorders, trauma, OCD, and depression. Our licensed and experienced therapists specialize in treatment modalities which include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and internal family systems (IFS).
At Nourished Minds, we offer compassionate, holistic, and evidence-based counseling to adolescents, adults, and families. We provide a safe, affirming, and inclusive therapeutic space for clients struggling with a wide range of mental health disorders which include anxiety disorders, eating disorders, trauma, OCD, and depression. Our licensed and experienced therapists specialize in treatment modalities which include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and internal family systems (IFS).
Meghan Brown
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446 (Online Only)
**Please email me if you are interested in being added to my waiting list for individual therapy** I believe that clients who struggle with eating disorders have inherently painful emotions which are managed by various harmful behaviors. In that context these behaviors make sense! I work collaboratively with clients, their support network, and their outpatient providers to find ways to change these behaviors and manage emotions in both the short and long term.
**Please email me if you are interested in being added to my waiting list for individual therapy** I believe that clients who struggle with eating disorders have inherently painful emotions which are managed by various harmful behaviors. In that context these behaviors make sense! I work collaboratively with clients, their support network, and their outpatient providers to find ways to change these behaviors and manage emotions in both the short and long term.
Nyssa Wittliff Boardman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02445 (Online Only)
While I specialize in eating disorders and body image concerns, these issues do not occur in isolation.
I consider it a great privilege to hear people’s stories and struggles. With my outside perspective and training, we can create a therapy that will shed light on patterns in your life that you would like to change, help make sense of how they came to be, and create a plan to address them head on. I take an active role in therapy by asking thought provoking questions and offering my observations and feedback, which promotes movement towards lasting change.
While I specialize in eating disorders and body image concerns, these issues do not occur in isolation.
I consider it a great privilege to hear people’s stories and struggles. With my outside perspective and training, we can create a therapy that will shed light on patterns in your life that you would like to change, help make sense of how they came to be, and create a plan to address them head on. I take an active role in therapy by asking thought provoking questions and offering my observations and feedback, which promotes movement towards lasting change.
Kristina Wischhusen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02445
Through relational and trauma informed lenses, I work with individuals who struggle in areas that include anxiety, depression, relationship problems, eating disorders, grief and loss, transitions, ADHD, identity issues, and much more.
With the foundation of a trusting therapeutic relationship, I offer a safe space for adults and older adolescents to self-reflect and grow through their personal development. I use a curious, collaborative, and compassionate approach so my clients can feel seen, heard, and even challenged at times. Growth and change can happen when we explore our vulnerabilities, feelings, and struggles in a safe and supportive environment. I aspire for each of my clients to live a grounded, fulfilling, and optimal life.
Through relational and trauma informed lenses, I work with individuals who struggle in areas that include anxiety, depression, relationship problems, eating disorders, grief and loss, transitions, ADHD, identity issues, and much more.
With the foundation of a trusting therapeutic relationship, I offer a safe space for adults and older adolescents to self-reflect and grow through their personal development. I use a curious, collaborative, and compassionate approach so my clients can feel seen, heard, and even challenged at times. Growth and change can happen when we explore our vulnerabilities, feelings, and struggles in a safe and supportive environment. I aspire for each of my clients to live a grounded, fulfilling, and optimal life.
Anne Liblich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02445 (Online Only)
My most utilized therapeutic interventions for treating eating disorders, anxiety, and mood disorders are CBT, ERP, and ACT.
Do you or a loved one struggle with disordered eating, or a possible eating disorder? Sometimes it is difficult to know when it is cause for concern, however if there is an unhealthy relationship with food that is enough to warrant therapeutic intervention. I am an experienced eating disorder therapist with an abundance of knowledge in the field, and open to provide help. I offer treatment for disordered eating, bulimia, anorexia, ARFID, orthorexia, yo-yo dieting, and body image issues. In addition I specialize in anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. I welcome all ages, genders and backgrounds and have tele-health availability.
My most utilized therapeutic interventions for treating eating disorders, anxiety, and mood disorders are CBT, ERP, and ACT.
Do you or a loved one struggle with disordered eating, or a possible eating disorder? Sometimes it is difficult to know when it is cause for concern, however if there is an unhealthy relationship with food that is enough to warrant therapeutic intervention. I am an experienced eating disorder therapist with an abundance of knowledge in the field, and open to provide help. I offer treatment for disordered eating, bulimia, anorexia, ARFID, orthorexia, yo-yo dieting, and body image issues. In addition I specialize in anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. I welcome all ages, genders and backgrounds and have tele-health availability.
Julie Gardner Mandel
Psychologist, PhD, PC
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446
People tend to suffer alone in silence with Depression, Anxiety, Relationship Distress, Eating Disorders and Grief over loss for far too long. I am an Associate Clinical Psychologist - Massachusetts General Hospital & Clinical Instructor - Harvard Medical School. I have over 30 years of experience doing individual, couples and group psychotherapy. More important than my extensive experience working with adults and adolescents is my approach to treatment. I am a warm, engaging, interactive therapist. In order to alleviate pain associated with depression and anxiety my patients and I go on a journey to discover the roots of problems.
People tend to suffer alone in silence with Depression, Anxiety, Relationship Distress, Eating Disorders and Grief over loss for far too long. I am an Associate Clinical Psychologist - Massachusetts General Hospital & Clinical Instructor - Harvard Medical School. I have over 30 years of experience doing individual, couples and group psychotherapy. More important than my extensive experience working with adults and adolescents is my approach to treatment. I am a warm, engaging, interactive therapist. In order to alleviate pain associated with depression and anxiety my patients and I go on a journey to discover the roots of problems.
Katharine Thomson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446 (Online Only)
I use CBT/DBT/ACT approaches for individuals (thoughts, emotions, behaviors, skills, acceptance, mindfulness); a Development Model for couples therapy (connections, healthy differentiation); SPACE for parents with children/teens with anxiety/OCD (reducing accommodations), and FBT for parents with teens with eating disorders (family-based therapy).
In addition to my faculty and hospital-based roles, in my private practice I see children, teens, adults, couples, and families. I am licensed in Massachusetts, New York, and British Columbia. Harvard Medical School trained, I deliver evidence-based approaches and treat a range of psychiatric diagnoses using a bio-psycho-social model. I welcome all backgrounds and strive for culturally responsive and attuned care. My interventions also include mindfulness and focus on reducing distress and improving relationships, all delivered with warmth, humor, and science.
I use CBT/DBT/ACT approaches for individuals (thoughts, emotions, behaviors, skills, acceptance, mindfulness); a Development Model for couples therapy (connections, healthy differentiation); SPACE for parents with children/teens with anxiety/OCD (reducing accommodations), and FBT for parents with teens with eating disorders (family-based therapy).
In addition to my faculty and hospital-based roles, in my private practice I see children, teens, adults, couples, and families. I am licensed in Massachusetts, New York, and British Columbia. Harvard Medical School trained, I deliver evidence-based approaches and treat a range of psychiatric diagnoses using a bio-psycho-social model. I welcome all backgrounds and strive for culturally responsive and attuned care. My interventions also include mindfulness and focus on reducing distress and improving relationships, all delivered with warmth, humor, and science.
Andrea Hernandez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446
Areas of interest include: CBT, eating disorders, life transitions, chronic medical conditions, anxiety, depression, academic and work stress, and relationship problems.
I believe people are experts in their own lives; my goal is to partner with you to find answers and solutions to address the challenges you are facing. Whether you are looking for individual, couples or family therapy, you will find my approach to be collaborative and solution-focused with strong CBT leanings. Perhaps you are struggling to cope with an eating disorder, overwhelming anxiety or depression. We can work together to address these challenges.
Areas of interest include: CBT, eating disorders, life transitions, chronic medical conditions, anxiety, depression, academic and work stress, and relationship problems.
I believe people are experts in their own lives; my goal is to partner with you to find answers and solutions to address the challenges you are facing. Whether you are looking for individual, couples or family therapy, you will find my approach to be collaborative and solution-focused with strong CBT leanings. Perhaps you are struggling to cope with an eating disorder, overwhelming anxiety or depression. We can work together to address these challenges.
Brigitte Zakari
Counselor, PsyaD, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02445
In my private practice, I work with patients suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma-related issues, eating disorders, cultural issues, difficulties with college life, and other significant life stressors.
I am a psychoanalyst and licensed mental health counselor in private practice in Brookline, Massachusetts with more than 15 years experience in the field. Throughout my training and career, I have worked with adults in outpatient psychotherapy clinics as well as with children and adolescents and their families in the Public School Systems.
In my private practice, I work with patients suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma-related issues, eating disorders, cultural issues, difficulties with college life, and other significant life stressors.
I am a psychoanalyst and licensed mental health counselor in private practice in Brookline, Massachusetts with more than 15 years experience in the field. Throughout my training and career, I have worked with adults in outpatient psychotherapy clinics as well as with children and adolescents and their families in the Public School Systems.
Judith Wilner Lawrence
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446
When beginning psychotherapy, individuals often feel vulnerable and in need of a safe space in which to examine their struggles and work towards healing. With over 30 years of experience, and as a Harvard-trained psychologist, I provide such a space. I work with empathy, intellect, and humor to help clients address such diverse concerns as life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, and eating disorders. My approach is grounded in psychodynamic and relational theories, and I use CBT and mindfulness techniques where appropriate to help clients understand themselves, achieve their goals, and find satisfaction in their lives.
When beginning psychotherapy, individuals often feel vulnerable and in need of a safe space in which to examine their struggles and work towards healing. With over 30 years of experience, and as a Harvard-trained psychologist, I provide such a space. I work with empathy, intellect, and humor to help clients address such diverse concerns as life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, and eating disorders. My approach is grounded in psychodynamic and relational theories, and I use CBT and mindfulness techniques where appropriate to help clients understand themselves, achieve their goals, and find satisfaction in their lives.
Becky Lynne Bernat
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, CEDS-S
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02445
I have focused my professional career on learning techniques, skills, tools and interventions to enable all my clients to feel more effective and strong at managing challenging emotions, interpersonal situations and life's daily ups and downs. I am an expert in Eating Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, anxiety, trauma, gender dysphoria, and self-injury. Helping my clients achieve their goals of mental health wellness along with feeling capable and successful in their lives by using therapies such as DBT, CBT and CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD) are the cornerstone of the therapies I use and value.
I have focused my professional career on learning techniques, skills, tools and interventions to enable all my clients to feel more effective and strong at managing challenging emotions, interpersonal situations and life's daily ups and downs. I am an expert in Eating Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, anxiety, trauma, gender dysphoria, and self-injury. Helping my clients achieve their goals of mental health wellness along with feeling capable and successful in their lives by using therapies such as DBT, CBT and CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD) are the cornerstone of the therapies I use and value.
Audrey Grubb
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446
I specialize in working with kids, teens, and young adults with depression, anxiety, school issues, trauma, and eating disorders.
Whether you are seeking support for your child/teen, feeling overwhelmed with a life transition, or finding yourself worrying too much about different things, we can work together to create more balance in your life. Together we will explore unhelpful thoughts, patterns, and behaviors that are keeping you stuck and find new ways of coping with the challenges you are facing. I use a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy with elements of play therapy, CBT, DBT, and family-based treatment to support each client in their own journey.
I specialize in working with kids, teens, and young adults with depression, anxiety, school issues, trauma, and eating disorders.
Whether you are seeking support for your child/teen, feeling overwhelmed with a life transition, or finding yourself worrying too much about different things, we can work together to create more balance in your life. Together we will explore unhelpful thoughts, patterns, and behaviors that are keeping you stuck and find new ways of coping with the challenges you are facing. I use a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy with elements of play therapy, CBT, DBT, and family-based treatment to support each client in their own journey.
Kaitlin Spitz
Counselor, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446
Waitlist for new clients
I am a warm, interactive, and supportive licensed clinical therapist who approaches each client as a whole person. I provide psychotherapy to individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, eating disorders, relationship problems, family issues, academic and occupational stress, trauma, and life transitions. I use relational, insight-oriented, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients explore their emotions and behaviors without judgement. My goal is to help clients gain insight, understand how their past experiences influence the present, and develop a better understanding of themselves.
I am a warm, interactive, and supportive licensed clinical therapist who approaches each client as a whole person. I provide psychotherapy to individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, eating disorders, relationship problems, family issues, academic and occupational stress, trauma, and life transitions. I use relational, insight-oriented, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients explore their emotions and behaviors without judgement. My goal is to help clients gain insight, understand how their past experiences influence the present, and develop a better understanding of themselves.
Amy K Friedman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446
My specialties run the gamut - but they include in no specific order, trauma, spirituality and religion, creativity and creative professionals, relationships, existential identity, fertility, pregnancy loss, pregnancy, and parenting, eating disorders, cutting, couples and families, Depression, and Anxiety.
I am warm, authentic, dynamic, and connective, and I believe in meaning-making and healing through relationship. I also believe in the balance of holding what's challenging or traumatic, while looking at possibilities for growth and change. I truly love the work that I do, providing holding, healing, and transformation in a safe and natural way. Come meet me for a free sample session, and see what possibilities we might explore together. My contact information is (617) 935 - 9116. I look forward to hopefully meeting with you.
My specialties run the gamut - but they include in no specific order, trauma, spirituality and religion, creativity and creative professionals, relationships, existential identity, fertility, pregnancy loss, pregnancy, and parenting, eating disorders, cutting, couples and families, Depression, and Anxiety.
I am warm, authentic, dynamic, and connective, and I believe in meaning-making and healing through relationship. I also believe in the balance of holding what's challenging or traumatic, while looking at possibilities for growth and change. I truly love the work that I do, providing holding, healing, and transformation in a safe and natural way. Come meet me for a free sample session, and see what possibilities we might explore together. My contact information is (617) 935 - 9116. I look forward to hopefully meeting with you.
Meredith Carter
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446
Waitlist for new clients
Over 16+ years, I have helped many clients navigate an array of personal challenges, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, body-image, eating disorders, grief and loss, relationships, self-identity, empowerment, and various life transitions and adjustments.
As an experienced and compassionate psychologist, I am committed to helping individuals on their journey towards self-discovery and personal growth. It is a privilege to work with clients who are motivated to gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, and relationships, and who aspire to evolve and improve. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, empathic, and tailored to each individual's needs. I draw from a range of evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), relational, interpersonal, and insight-oriented therapies.
Over 16+ years, I have helped many clients navigate an array of personal challenges, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, body-image, eating disorders, grief and loss, relationships, self-identity, empowerment, and various life transitions and adjustments.
As an experienced and compassionate psychologist, I am committed to helping individuals on their journey towards self-discovery and personal growth. It is a privilege to work with clients who are motivated to gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, and relationships, and who aspire to evolve and improve. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, empathic, and tailored to each individual's needs. I draw from a range of evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), relational, interpersonal, and insight-oriented therapies.
Aliza Phillips-Stoll
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446
A licensed psychologist practicing in Newton, Mass., I have 15+ years of experience treating individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness, eating disorders and relationship challenges. With adolescents, adults, and couples, I use an integrative therapeutic approach, drawing on psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical behavioral techniques. Life can be full of rough patches. Therefore my clients and I work together to shift the ways in which they relate to themselves and others, in order to lead more meaningful, productive, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
A licensed psychologist practicing in Newton, Mass., I have 15+ years of experience treating individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness, eating disorders and relationship challenges. With adolescents, adults, and couples, I use an integrative therapeutic approach, drawing on psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical behavioral techniques. Life can be full of rough patches. Therefore my clients and I work together to shift the ways in which they relate to themselves and others, in order to lead more meaningful, productive, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
See more therapy options for Brookline
Nearby Eating Disorders Therapists Searches for Brookline
- Boston
- Brighton
- Brookline Village
- Cambridge
- Chestnut Hill
- Jamaica Plain
- Newton
- Newton Centre
- Roslindale
- Somerville
- Watertown
- West Roxbury
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.