Eating Disorders Therapists in Hanover, PA

Photo of Michelle L Young, LCSW-C, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle L Young
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hanover, PA 17331
I firmly believe that healing happens best within a trusting, solid therapeutic relationship. I work hard to help clients feel seen, heard and valued for who they are. My clinical experience includes treating individuals and couples, perinatal and post-partum disorders, eating disorders, and treating children and adolescents with a variety of mood and behavioral challenges. Tackling the impacts of media and social media on our relationships is also a focus of my work.
I firmly believe that healing happens best within a trusting, solid therapeutic relationship. I work hard to help clients feel seen, heard and valued for who they are. My clinical experience includes treating individuals and couples, perinatal and post-partum disorders, eating disorders, and treating children and adolescents with a variety of mood and behavioral challenges. Tackling the impacts of media and social media on our relationships is also a focus of my work.
(223) 219-4301 View (223) 219-4301
Photo of undefined - Healing Hearts Counseling Center, LLC, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Healing Hearts Counseling Center, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hanover, PA 17331
Jennifer also specializes in treating personality disorders, mood disorders, anxiety related disorders, trauma related disorders, eating disorders, and risk-taking behaviors.
Jennifer Hanson received her Master's Degree in Social Work from University of Maryland where she specialized in Clinical Social Work working with Children and Families. Jennifer is a licensed clinical social worker under the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors with 15 plus years of experience in providing individual, family, and group counseling to children/ adolescents/ adults and families in outpatient, residential and partial hospitalization settings.
Jennifer also specializes in treating personality disorders, mood disorders, anxiety related disorders, trauma related disorders, eating disorders, and risk-taking behaviors.
Jennifer Hanson received her Master's Degree in Social Work from University of Maryland where she specialized in Clinical Social Work working with Children and Families. Jennifer is a licensed clinical social worker under the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors with 15 plus years of experience in providing individual, family, and group counseling to children/ adolescents/ adults and families in outpatient, residential and partial hospitalization settings.
(717) 523-9918 View (717) 523-9918
Photo of Dr. Tish Nicole Weikel, NCC, LPC, EdD, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Tish Nicole Weikel
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC, EdD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Hanover, PA 17331
It takes courage to embark on your recovery journey, as a therapist I am honored to sit with individuals and facilitate change. I believe it is important to meet each person where they are at and it is my goal to assist you to achieve a happy healthy life as you define it. Please do not hesitate to call me for a free phone consultation to see if we are a good fit. ( ": Together we will rise")
It takes courage to embark on your recovery journey, as a therapist I am honored to sit with individuals and facilitate change. I believe it is important to meet each person where they are at and it is my goal to assist you to achieve a happy healthy life as you define it. Please do not hesitate to call me for a free phone consultation to see if we are a good fit. ( ": Together we will rise")
(717) 455-3437 View (717) 455-3437
Photo of undefined - Wike Counseling Services, LLC, LPC, CAADC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Wike Counseling Services, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CAADC
Verified Verified
Hanover, PA 17331
Wike Counseling Services is a group practice of Licensed Professional Counselors treating children, adolescents, and adults. Our specialities include recovery, trauma, depression, anxiety, panic, mood disorders, stress related illnesses, and child behaviors. Our goal is to empower you and help you tap into your best self. We want to help you navigate through difficult times so you can reach your full potential.
Wike Counseling Services is a group practice of Licensed Professional Counselors treating children, adolescents, and adults. Our specialities include recovery, trauma, depression, anxiety, panic, mood disorders, stress related illnesses, and child behaviors. Our goal is to empower you and help you tap into your best self. We want to help you navigate through difficult times so you can reach your full potential.
(717) 500-3618 View (717) 500-3618
Photo of Cheryl Stroup, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cheryl Stroup
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hanover, PA 17331
I work with clients of all ages. I currently have clients that are as young as 4 years of age and up into their 60's. Each client is unique and comes to therapy with their own story and history. I enjoy working with each client and their uniqueness and assisting them on attaining their personal goals and immediate objectives. I have an extensive knowledge base with specifically children and have dedicated the last 10+ years working with them on various struggles such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues to family, peer, and school conflicts. I have worked with schools, case workers, as well as IEPs.
I work with clients of all ages. I currently have clients that are as young as 4 years of age and up into their 60's. Each client is unique and comes to therapy with their own story and history. I enjoy working with each client and their uniqueness and assisting them on attaining their personal goals and immediate objectives. I have an extensive knowledge base with specifically children and have dedicated the last 10+ years working with them on various struggles such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues to family, peer, and school conflicts. I have worked with schools, case workers, as well as IEPs.
(717) 864-0639 View (717) 864-0639
Photo of August Cheetham, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
August Cheetham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hanover, PA 17331
Throughout our lives, we all encounter challenges that may be beyond our ability to manage on our own. My focus is on creating a trusting and supportive relationship that will allow you to feel safe, respected, and hopeful while working toward achieving your personal goals.
Throughout our lives, we all encounter challenges that may be beyond our ability to manage on our own. My focus is on creating a trusting and supportive relationship that will allow you to feel safe, respected, and hopeful while working toward achieving your personal goals.
(717) 229-0394 View (717) 229-0394
Photo of Christian Counseling Associates Of Central Pennsylvania, Licensed Professional Counselor
Christian Counseling Associates Of Central Pennsylvania
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Hanover, PA 17331
Christian Counseling Associates (CCA) provides individual, marriage, and family counseling. We serve Christians who want their faith integrated into the counseling process and those holding any beliefs or attitudes toward spirituality. Our counselors will help you identify the core issues that have caused your emotional and personal problems and immediately develop strategies to resolve these issues. CCA is able to provide a full range of clinical services. Please visit our website for a complete description of our faith based counseling services, locations, and counseling staff.
Christian Counseling Associates (CCA) provides individual, marriage, and family counseling. We serve Christians who want their faith integrated into the counseling process and those holding any beliefs or attitudes toward spirituality. Our counselors will help you identify the core issues that have caused your emotional and personal problems and immediately develop strategies to resolve these issues. CCA is able to provide a full range of clinical services. Please visit our website for a complete description of our faith based counseling services, locations, and counseling staff.
(717) 931-6722 View (717) 931-6722
Photo of undefined - Innovative Counseling and Life Coaching, PhD, Life, Coach, Psychologist
Innovative Counseling and Life Coaching
Psychologist, PhD, Life, Coach
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hanover, PA 17331  (Online Only)
Are you feeling anxious, fearful, depressed, stuck, or simply unhappy with your current situation or relationship? I can help. I use a personalized, brief, focused mind-body approach combined with cognitive behavioral techniques and EMDR to address the core of your conflicts or trauma and enhance your communication skills. Whether you’re lacking passion or your life feels out of balance, I will work with you to uncover and change unconscious, repetitive negative patterns. This will help you bring more passion, natural health, contentment, and direction into your life and relationships. Tele-sessions are available.
Are you feeling anxious, fearful, depressed, stuck, or simply unhappy with your current situation or relationship? I can help. I use a personalized, brief, focused mind-body approach combined with cognitive behavioral techniques and EMDR to address the core of your conflicts or trauma and enhance your communication skills. Whether you’re lacking passion or your life feels out of balance, I will work with you to uncover and change unconscious, repetitive negative patterns. This will help you bring more passion, natural health, contentment, and direction into your life and relationships. Tele-sessions are available.
(561) 576-1461 View (561) 576-1461

Online Therapists

Photo of Michelle Perna, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michelle Perna
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Limerick, PA 19468
I am experienced in depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, relational conflict, family systems, addiction, criminal justice, anger management, eating disorders/body image, and mood disorders. The ideal client actively wants to explore their behaviors and thinking patterns and identify the underlying causes of these behaviors. In addition, the ideal client will be willing to tackle goals inside & outside therapy sessions. My ideal client would be an individual who is internally and externally motivated to change their life. They show up to sessions on time consistently and make a conscious effort to engage in the therapeutic process.
I am experienced in depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, relational conflict, family systems, addiction, criminal justice, anger management, eating disorders/body image, and mood disorders. The ideal client actively wants to explore their behaviors and thinking patterns and identify the underlying causes of these behaviors. In addition, the ideal client will be willing to tackle goals inside & outside therapy sessions. My ideal client would be an individual who is internally and externally motivated to change their life. They show up to sessions on time consistently and make a conscious effort to engage in the therapeutic process.
(484) 715-1120 View (484) 715-1120
Photo of Christina Hopkins, PhD, Psychologist
Christina Hopkins
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wayne, PA 19087
I specialize in the treatment of trauma, including recovery from acute traumatic events, experiences of chronic neglect or abandonment, and navigating long-term reactions to painful situations. I also specialize in treatment of eating disorders (e.g., BED, BN), emotional eating, body image concerns, weight-based stigma, and post-bariatric support. I treat mood disorders and anxiety, and have completed advanced certification for the treatment of trauma (i.e., Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure). I tailor my treatment to each patient's unique needs, with a focus on building a valued & meaningful life.
I specialize in the treatment of trauma, including recovery from acute traumatic events, experiences of chronic neglect or abandonment, and navigating long-term reactions to painful situations. I also specialize in treatment of eating disorders (e.g., BED, BN), emotional eating, body image concerns, weight-based stigma, and post-bariatric support. I treat mood disorders and anxiety, and have completed advanced certification for the treatment of trauma (i.e., Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure). I tailor my treatment to each patient's unique needs, with a focus on building a valued & meaningful life.
(610) 688-4147 x3 View (610) 688-4147 x3
Photo of Laurel Greberman, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Laurel Greberman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Waitlist for new clients
Laurel Greberman is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 25 years of experience providing therapy to individuals, couples and groups 18 years of age and older. She creatively incorporates elements of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Art Psychotherapy to treat anxiety, depression and eating disorders specifically binge eating and compulsive overeating.
Laurel Greberman is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 25 years of experience providing therapy to individuals, couples and groups 18 years of age and older. She creatively incorporates elements of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Art Psychotherapy to treat anxiety, depression and eating disorders specifically binge eating and compulsive overeating.
(484) 559-7317 View (484) 559-7317
Photo of Erin Hipple, MA, LCSW, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Erin Hipple
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19382  (Online Only)
I am a white, queer, disabled, non-binary femme. I have worked as a therapist in a variety of settings, including inpatient mental health facilities, outpatient community mental health services, women's shelters, and university settings. These experiences have led me to pursue a liberation-based, anti-carceral, and non-pathologizing approach to mental health support. I have worked with individuals experiencing a variety of expressions of distress including: depression, anxiety, stress, struggles with intimacy and boundaries, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, complicated and disenfranchised grief, and trauma-related stress.
I am a white, queer, disabled, non-binary femme. I have worked as a therapist in a variety of settings, including inpatient mental health facilities, outpatient community mental health services, women's shelters, and university settings. These experiences have led me to pursue a liberation-based, anti-carceral, and non-pathologizing approach to mental health support. I have worked with individuals experiencing a variety of expressions of distress including: depression, anxiety, stress, struggles with intimacy and boundaries, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, complicated and disenfranchised grief, and trauma-related stress.
(484) 648-2767 View (484) 648-2767
Photo of undefined - River Wards Wellness Collective, LPC, LMFT, LCSW, Licensed Professional Counselor
River Wards Wellness Collective
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19147
We specialize in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, pregnancy and postpartum, and relationships.
River Wards Wellness Collective focuses on holistic wellness practices. We offer individual therapy, couples therapy, reiki, and individual trauma-informed yoga and meditation. Our providers have a variety of specialties to address the specific needs of our community including DBT, CBT, EMDR, Mindfulness, Sensorimotor Therapy, and Perinatal Therapy. We have office locations in Philadelphia (Fishtown & Society Hill), and West Chester.
We specialize in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, pregnancy and postpartum, and relationships.
River Wards Wellness Collective focuses on holistic wellness practices. We offer individual therapy, couples therapy, reiki, and individual trauma-informed yoga and meditation. Our providers have a variety of specialties to address the specific needs of our community including DBT, CBT, EMDR, Mindfulness, Sensorimotor Therapy, and Perinatal Therapy. We have office locations in Philadelphia (Fishtown & Society Hill), and West Chester.
(215) 515-0581 View (215) 515-0581
Photo of Jennifer Granozio, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer Granozio
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I understand that facing the complexities of life & challenges like eating disorders, anxiety, or depression, can feel like an uphill battle.
Do you struggle with an eating disorder, anxiety, or depression? Are you facing life transitions & want to regain control over your life, develop a positive relationship with yourself, and find inner peace and fulfillment? I will teach you coping skills, relaxation techniques, & mindfulness exercises to manage your symptoms and break free from the cycle of distress. Our goals would be achieving greater self-awareness, building resilience, fostering a sense of empowerment, and interrupting symptoms. We'll work together to develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve self-esteem, and cultivate meaningful connections with others.
I understand that facing the complexities of life & challenges like eating disorders, anxiety, or depression, can feel like an uphill battle.
Do you struggle with an eating disorder, anxiety, or depression? Are you facing life transitions & want to regain control over your life, develop a positive relationship with yourself, and find inner peace and fulfillment? I will teach you coping skills, relaxation techniques, & mindfulness exercises to manage your symptoms and break free from the cycle of distress. Our goals would be achieving greater self-awareness, building resilience, fostering a sense of empowerment, and interrupting symptoms. We'll work together to develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve self-esteem, and cultivate meaningful connections with others.
(267) 360-7938 View (267) 360-7938
Photo of Sarah Lewandowski, MA, LPC, CEDS-C, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sarah Lewandowski
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CEDS-C
Verified Verified
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Sarah specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma/ PTSD, and relationship challenges.
Sarah believes that success begins by empowering clients to enhance and embrace their authentic selves. She works from a person-centered approach where she provides care, concern and empathy to all clients. She believes in the power of relationships and connections to support clients in taking a more active role in their lives. She supports clients in exploring and fostering their self-reflective process in a safe and support environment, limiting reliance on the eating disorder or unhealthy narrative. Sarah believes that she holds hope for all clients and is ready to walk their journey along with them.
Sarah specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma/ PTSD, and relationship challenges.
Sarah believes that success begins by empowering clients to enhance and embrace their authentic selves. She works from a person-centered approach where she provides care, concern and empathy to all clients. She believes in the power of relationships and connections to support clients in taking a more active role in their lives. She supports clients in exploring and fostering their self-reflective process in a safe and support environment, limiting reliance on the eating disorder or unhealthy narrative. Sarah believes that she holds hope for all clients and is ready to walk their journey along with them.
(267) 416-0822 View (267) 416-0822
Photo of Rebekah Crocker, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Rebekah Crocker
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19146
I have experience working with clients with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and trauma. I will work with you to discover how past experiences have shaped you and what you'd like to be defined by in the future. Together we'll explore your most authentic and true self through a variety of counseling techniques. I believe that there is so much hope and growth in the counseling journey!
I have experience working with clients with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and trauma. I will work with you to discover how past experiences have shaped you and what you'd like to be defined by in the future. Together we'll explore your most authentic and true self through a variety of counseling techniques. I believe that there is so much hope and growth in the counseling journey!
(267) 493-1559 View (267) 493-1559
Photo of Lisa Simon, MSEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisa Simon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19109  (Online Only)
Welcome to Therapy For Success. Lisa is the owner of TFS and is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in therapy for all Eating Disorders including ; Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder and disordered eating and food and weight disorders. TFS has several wonderful clinicians on staff to meet the needs of our clients. Lisa and her staff have counseled individuals in the most intense hospital inpatient and outpatient settings and helped them accomplish recovery free from the addiction of food. TFS offers individual, family and group counseling to address specific needs of each client.
Welcome to Therapy For Success. Lisa is the owner of TFS and is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in therapy for all Eating Disorders including ; Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder and disordered eating and food and weight disorders. TFS has several wonderful clinicians on staff to meet the needs of our clients. Lisa and her staff have counseled individuals in the most intense hospital inpatient and outpatient settings and helped them accomplish recovery free from the addiction of food. TFS offers individual, family and group counseling to address specific needs of each client.
(215) 995-3010 View (215) 995-3010
Photo of Robert Gervasi, MS, EDTC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Robert Gervasi
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, EDTC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
As a therapist, I aim to create a welcoming and collaborative space for all to feel safe and supported in creating positive change and becoming the best version of themselves. I work with children, teens, adults, and couples to navigate the ups and downs of life. My passions lie in working with folks in the Queer Community and clients with Eating Disorders and disordered eating behaviors. As a certified professional in treating Eating Disorders (EDTC), I have a passion for working with this population and their families to strive for health, happiness, and recovery.
As a therapist, I aim to create a welcoming and collaborative space for all to feel safe and supported in creating positive change and becoming the best version of themselves. I work with children, teens, adults, and couples to navigate the ups and downs of life. My passions lie in working with folks in the Queer Community and clients with Eating Disorders and disordered eating behaviors. As a certified professional in treating Eating Disorders (EDTC), I have a passion for working with this population and their families to strive for health, happiness, and recovery.
(610) 819-5682 View (610) 819-5682
Photo of Gerald F Bellettirie, PhD, Psychologist
Gerald F Bellettirie
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437  (Online Only)
I am a Ph.D. Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families to improve the quality of their lives.I am a member of the American Psychological Association, Fellow of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association and Listed in the National Register of Health Services Providers in Psychology. In addition to my Ph.D. I also completed a full time Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Behavioral Medicine and Behavior Therapy to evaluate and treat disabling anxiety such as panic attacks and OCD in addition to stress reactions that create health problems such as migraine headache, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep and eating disorders and chronic pain. I help people in dealing with challenging life stress and eliminate the need to use alcohol and substances to cope. I develop behavioral plans for parents and for divorced parents I offer co-parenting counseling. I evaluate and treat ADHD. For those seeking help, I offer a comprehensive evaluation and a goal oriented personal treatment plan in an empathic and compassionate enviornment. I personally provide all treatment in a comfortable environment with the complete privacy of a private exit.
I am a Ph.D. Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families to improve the quality of their lives.I am a member of the American Psychological Association, Fellow of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association and Listed in the National Register of Health Services Providers in Psychology. In addition to my Ph.D. I also completed a full time Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Behavioral Medicine and Behavior Therapy to evaluate and treat disabling anxiety such as panic attacks and OCD in addition to stress reactions that create health problems such as migraine headache, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep and eating disorders and chronic pain. I help people in dealing with challenging life stress and eliminate the need to use alcohol and substances to cope. I develop behavioral plans for parents and for divorced parents I offer co-parenting counseling. I evaluate and treat ADHD. For those seeking help, I offer a comprehensive evaluation and a goal oriented personal treatment plan in an empathic and compassionate enviornment. I personally provide all treatment in a comfortable environment with the complete privacy of a private exit.
(215) 995-1035 View (215) 995-1035
Photo of undefined - The WELL Clinic, LPC, MEd, MPS, Licensed Professional Counselor
The WELL Clinic
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd, MPS
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Welcome to The WELL Clinic. We provide high quality, evidence-based treatment for individuals struggling with eating and weight disorders in the Philadelphia area. My name is Marirose Benedict and I am the Acting Director of the clinic and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of PA. Our team has extensive experience in providing scientifically informed treatments to teens and adults having bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and restrictive eating disorders. Our team believes in treating the whole person, including the related difficulties that often result from having a difficult relationship with food and eating.
Welcome to The WELL Clinic. We provide high quality, evidence-based treatment for individuals struggling with eating and weight disorders in the Philadelphia area. My name is Marirose Benedict and I am the Acting Director of the clinic and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of PA. Our team has extensive experience in providing scientifically informed treatments to teens and adults having bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and restrictive eating disorders. Our team believes in treating the whole person, including the related difficulties that often result from having a difficult relationship with food and eating.
(215) 598-6632 View (215) 598-6632
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.