Eating Disorders Therapists in Henderson County, TX

Photo of Samantha A Goss, Licensed Professional Counselor in Henderson County, TX
Samantha A Goss
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
Gun Barrel City, TX 75156  (Online Only)
I will help you learn strategies to replace hurtful or self-defeating thoughts, feelings, and actions with healthy, adaptive, alternatives. Such counseling is a highly individualized process focusing on specific areas of concern that you and I will identify together.
I will help you learn strategies to replace hurtful or self-defeating thoughts, feelings, and actions with healthy, adaptive, alternatives. Such counseling is a highly individualized process focusing on specific areas of concern that you and I will identify together.
(430) 224-0079 View (430) 224-0079
Photo of Diane M Gard, Psychologist in Henderson County, TX
Diane M Gard
Psychologist, PhD, BFK, NFK
Verified Verified
Dr. Gard has a PhD in Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine with over 30 years of clinical experience. Clients span a wide variety of diagnoses. She sees clients Age 5 to seniors. ETNH office is open Mondays through Thursdays and by appointment to serve the community. She can provide biofeedback, neurofeedback, EMDR, hypnosis, light therapy in addition to eclectic approaches (cognitive and behavioral) to address your specific needs.
Dr. Gard has a PhD in Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine with over 30 years of clinical experience. Clients span a wide variety of diagnoses. She sees clients Age 5 to seniors. ETNH office is open Mondays through Thursdays and by appointment to serve the community. She can provide biofeedback, neurofeedback, EMDR, hypnosis, light therapy in addition to eclectic approaches (cognitive and behavioral) to address your specific needs.
(903) 767-4190 View (903) 767-4190
Photo of Vicki R Wolfe, Licensed Professional Counselor in Henderson County, TX
Vicki R Wolfe
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Athens, TX 75751
As both a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and an elementary school counselor, I have a passion for helping others negiotiate life. Uniquely formed through personal experiences, my geniune personality allows me to empathize with others and assist them with formulating positive resolutions in both personal and professional situations. Above all, as a Christ follower, I know we are all uniquely created and divinely designed to connect to, rely on and help one another navigate life. Simply put, I have been commissioned by our Creator to help you get through whatever it is you are facing.
As both a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and an elementary school counselor, I have a passion for helping others negiotiate life. Uniquely formed through personal experiences, my geniune personality allows me to empathize with others and assist them with formulating positive resolutions in both personal and professional situations. Above all, as a Christ follower, I know we are all uniquely created and divinely designed to connect to, rely on and help one another navigate life. Simply put, I have been commissioned by our Creator to help you get through whatever it is you are facing.
(430) 259-3365 View (430) 259-3365
Photo of Susan Cason-Parks, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Henderson County, TX
Susan Cason-Parks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Athens, TX 75751
With over a decade of experience treating individuals,couples and families in community mental health, non-profits, military bases, psychiatric hospitals and private practice, you can be assured that your mental health issues will be empathically and skillfully treated and resolved.
With over a decade of experience treating individuals,couples and families in community mental health, non-profits, military bases, psychiatric hospitals and private practice, you can be assured that your mental health issues will be empathically and skillfully treated and resolved.
(903) 705-4651 View (903) 705-4651

Online Therapists

Photo of Jennifer Jenkins, Licensed Professional Counselor in Henderson County, TX
Jennifer Jenkins
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75075
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice. I am also a Licensed Counselor Supervisor and Registered Play Therapy Supervisor. I earned my Masters of Science degree at the University of North Texas, and received advanced training in Play Therapy, Expressive Arts and Filial Therapy. I have more than 18 years of experience working with children and families. I specialize in working with Preschool age children and their parents to address concerns regarding emotional and social development and behavioral issues while enhancing the parent-child relationship. I am also passionate about working with pre-adolescents and adolescents. Counseling in adolescence is beneficial to facilitate healthy coping skills and self-expression. I also specialize in addressing the psycho-therapeutic needs of individuals with eating disorders, women with postpartum depression, and families who have experienced the death of a loved one.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice. I am also a Licensed Counselor Supervisor and Registered Play Therapy Supervisor. I earned my Masters of Science degree at the University of North Texas, and received advanced training in Play Therapy, Expressive Arts and Filial Therapy. I have more than 18 years of experience working with children and families. I specialize in working with Preschool age children and their parents to address concerns regarding emotional and social development and behavioral issues while enhancing the parent-child relationship. I am also passionate about working with pre-adolescents and adolescents. Counseling in adolescence is beneficial to facilitate healthy coping skills and self-expression. I also specialize in addressing the psycho-therapeutic needs of individuals with eating disorders, women with postpartum depression, and families who have experienced the death of a loved one.
(972) 893-9467 View (972) 893-9467
Photo of Lyndsey Skye Orler, Licensed Professional Counselor in Henderson County, TX
Lyndsey Skye Orler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Arlington, TX 76015  (Online Only)
Sometimes life can be overwhelming and difficult, where it can be hard to find the skills needed to cope and handle life effectively. My goal in counseling is to slow down and identify the core issues impacting your daily functioning, then create an individualized and collaborative approach that will suit your needs. I am passionate about working with those who struggle with Trauma and PTSD, Eating Disorders, and Mood Disorders. I am currently a tele-health only clinician.
Sometimes life can be overwhelming and difficult, where it can be hard to find the skills needed to cope and handle life effectively. My goal in counseling is to slow down and identify the core issues impacting your daily functioning, then create an individualized and collaborative approach that will suit your needs. I am passionate about working with those who struggle with Trauma and PTSD, Eating Disorders, and Mood Disorders. I am currently a tele-health only clinician.
(817) 241-5461 View (817) 241-5461
Photo of Wade C. McDonald, Psychologist in Henderson County, TX
Wade C. McDonald
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Frisco, TX 75034
It's time to live the life you want to live - and decide what that life looks like. I see adolescents and young adults (13-35) and specialize in anxiety, LGBTQIA+ issues (including identity and family conflict), eating disorders, and chronic illness. Sometimes this might mean learning and practicing new skills to help you manage problems and obstacles; other times it may mean really exploring within yourself. Frequently, it means recognizing that negative thought patterns are getting in your way - and we can work together to find individualized solutions for you!
It's time to live the life you want to live - and decide what that life looks like. I see adolescents and young adults (13-35) and specialize in anxiety, LGBTQIA+ issues (including identity and family conflict), eating disorders, and chronic illness. Sometimes this might mean learning and practicing new skills to help you manage problems and obstacles; other times it may mean really exploring within yourself. Frequently, it means recognizing that negative thought patterns are getting in your way - and we can work together to find individualized solutions for you!
(214) 273-2340 View (214) 273-2340
Photo of Trisha Fiene-Spain, Licensed Professional Counselor in Henderson County, TX
Trisha Fiene-Spain
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
My background is with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, aggression, grief, stress and eating disorders.
My passion as a therapist centers around creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment in which my clients feel fully accepted and free to explore. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or simply want to live a more fulfilling life, I am here to offer you a holistic therapeutic approach that is tailored to your unique needs. Struggling alone or in silence can make you feel isolated and stuck. Through the collaborative process of therapy you will learn specific tools to create lasting and positive changes.
My background is with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, aggression, grief, stress and eating disorders.
My passion as a therapist centers around creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment in which my clients feel fully accepted and free to explore. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or simply want to live a more fulfilling life, I am here to offer you a holistic therapeutic approach that is tailored to your unique needs. Struggling alone or in silence can make you feel isolated and stuck. Through the collaborative process of therapy you will learn specific tools to create lasting and positive changes.
(972) 236-7541 View (972) 236-7541
Photo of Brenna Cleeland, Licensed Master Social Worker in Henderson County, TX
Brenna Cleeland
Licensed Master Social Worker, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grapevine, TX 76051
I work with PTSD/trauma, depression/anxiety, ADHD/neurodiversity, women's & gender issues, eating disorders, & chronic illness/chronic pain.
Hi, I’m Brenna! My passion for mental health comes from my own wellness journey around intergenerational family trauma & mental illness. I help clients explore where they’ve been, where they are, & where they’d like to go using a holistic, mind-body approach. I have a direct, engaging style that focuses on humor & empathy to build a warm, accepting therapeutic relationship. My goal is to empower clients to tell their story while using an intersectional lens & practicing unconditional high regard. I believe each client is the expert on themselves & strive to always practice cultural humility.
I work with PTSD/trauma, depression/anxiety, ADHD/neurodiversity, women's & gender issues, eating disorders, & chronic illness/chronic pain.
Hi, I’m Brenna! My passion for mental health comes from my own wellness journey around intergenerational family trauma & mental illness. I help clients explore where they’ve been, where they are, & where they’d like to go using a holistic, mind-body approach. I have a direct, engaging style that focuses on humor & empathy to build a warm, accepting therapeutic relationship. My goal is to empower clients to tell their story while using an intersectional lens & practicing unconditional high regard. I believe each client is the expert on themselves & strive to always practice cultural humility.
(817) 752-7544 View (817) 752-7544
Photo of Katy Perkins Coveney, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Henderson County, TX
Katy Perkins Coveney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75074
I have extensive experience with intimate partner violence/narcissistic abuse recovery, eating disorders, overachievers who are exhausted and want big change, traditionally marginalized people (BIPOC/LGBTQ/etc), family secrets, adoption/foster care, pre & post adoption search/reunion, DNA discoveries, identity distress, and overlapping issues.
Virtual services available CO/FL/NC/TX/VA, in-person TX/NC. Regardless of family structure, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, race, or other minority status, you are welcome. People who come to me are often asking themselves: What's wrong with me? Who am I/Where did I come from? Is what happened to me abuse? Why did my family keep this secret? Why can't I get over 'it'? What do I do, now that I know the truth? I've spent my life overachieving, so why don't I feel better yet? Maybe I'm making a big deal out of nothing.
I have extensive experience with intimate partner violence/narcissistic abuse recovery, eating disorders, overachievers who are exhausted and want big change, traditionally marginalized people (BIPOC/LGBTQ/etc), family secrets, adoption/foster care, pre & post adoption search/reunion, DNA discoveries, identity distress, and overlapping issues.
Virtual services available CO/FL/NC/TX/VA, in-person TX/NC. Regardless of family structure, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, race, or other minority status, you are welcome. People who come to me are often asking themselves: What's wrong with me? Who am I/Where did I come from? Is what happened to me abuse? Why did my family keep this secret? Why can't I get over 'it'? What do I do, now that I know the truth? I've spent my life overachieving, so why don't I feel better yet? Maybe I'm making a big deal out of nothing.
(910) 415-1521 View (910) 415-1521
Photo of Effective Therapy Solutions, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Henderson County, TX
Effective Therapy Solutions
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75217
EMDR and Eating Disorders.
Effective Therapy Solutions incorporate the whole person into the healing process. This includes the spirit, mind, body, and soul. We empower clients to navigate and overcome trauma, fostering resilience for a thriving, prosperous future beyond therapy. Our mission is to provide accessible, effective, and empowering trauma therapy to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Through advocacy, education, and personalized treatment, we aim to break down barriers to mental health care and empower her clients to rewrite their stories of resilience and growth.
EMDR and Eating Disorders.
Effective Therapy Solutions incorporate the whole person into the healing process. This includes the spirit, mind, body, and soul. We empower clients to navigate and overcome trauma, fostering resilience for a thriving, prosperous future beyond therapy. Our mission is to provide accessible, effective, and empowering trauma therapy to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Through advocacy, education, and personalized treatment, we aim to break down barriers to mental health care and empower her clients to rewrite their stories of resilience and growth.
(210) 940-9114 View (210) 940-9114
Photo of Erica Brown, Licensed Professional Counselor in Henderson County, TX
Erica Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75243
My experience working in private, inpatient and outpatient settings has enabled me to effectively treat those struggling with eating disorders, depression, anxiety related disorders, trauma, self-esteem, gender identity, grief, mood disorders, addiction, family/relationship issues and just doing daily life.
I am passionate about creating an environment where one feels comfortable and safe. My clients would describe me as patient, competent, goal driven, and honest. As a Licensed Professional Counselor with ten years of experience, I'm committed to challenging you to be honest with yourself while making progress each day towards our long-term goals. It is important to me to empower my clients to be their own agents of change as well as be an anchor for themselves when presented with difficulties in life.
My experience working in private, inpatient and outpatient settings has enabled me to effectively treat those struggling with eating disorders, depression, anxiety related disorders, trauma, self-esteem, gender identity, grief, mood disorders, addiction, family/relationship issues and just doing daily life.
I am passionate about creating an environment where one feels comfortable and safe. My clients would describe me as patient, competent, goal driven, and honest. As a Licensed Professional Counselor with ten years of experience, I'm committed to challenging you to be honest with yourself while making progress each day towards our long-term goals. It is important to me to empower my clients to be their own agents of change as well as be an anchor for themselves when presented with difficulties in life.
(214) 623-6438 View (214) 623-6438
Photo of Lara Lohman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Henderson County, TX
Lara Lohman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75024  (Online Only)
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. Please email to reach me. If you’re struggling with life stress, major transitions, anxiety, eating/body/exercise issues, depression or other mental health concerns, you deserve the time and space to process. I’ve specialized in eating disorders, substance use and comorbid disorders for the past decade and would love to help meet you wherever you fall in your journey toward getting well. I have also served as director at several adult and adolescent eating disorder residential programs which lends to my knowledge of the field at every level of care.
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. Please email to reach me. If you’re struggling with life stress, major transitions, anxiety, eating/body/exercise issues, depression or other mental health concerns, you deserve the time and space to process. I’ve specialized in eating disorders, substance use and comorbid disorders for the past decade and would love to help meet you wherever you fall in your journey toward getting well. I have also served as director at several adult and adolescent eating disorder residential programs which lends to my knowledge of the field at every level of care.
(346) 707-2620 View (346) 707-2620
Photo of Samantha Gordon, Marriage & Family Therapist in Henderson County, TX
Samantha Gordon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southlake, TX 76092  (Online Only)
Hi! How can I help you grow today? I hope to help individuals and their families manage issues related to disordered eating, eating disorders, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and all that goes along with this.
Hi! How can I help you grow today? I hope to help individuals and their families manage issues related to disordered eating, eating disorders, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and all that goes along with this.
(817) 662-4416 View (817) 662-4416
Photo of Veronica Cerda, M.S., LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Henderson County, TX
Veronica Cerda, M.S., LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Richardson, TX 75080  (Online Only)
I work with clients from different walks of life and backgrounds. I strive to provide a warm and safe space in my practice for all my clients. I work with individuals and/or couples who struggle with anxiety, depression, motherhood, postpartum, dating anxiety, parenting issues, pregnancy issues, self worth and confidence, domestic violence, communication issues, and eating disorders. I also have experience working with the LGBTQ+ community and those struggling with gender/sex issues. I strive to provide my clients peace and understanding to help clarify broken belief systems that are damaging to the self.
I work with clients from different walks of life and backgrounds. I strive to provide a warm and safe space in my practice for all my clients. I work with individuals and/or couples who struggle with anxiety, depression, motherhood, postpartum, dating anxiety, parenting issues, pregnancy issues, self worth and confidence, domestic violence, communication issues, and eating disorders. I also have experience working with the LGBTQ+ community and those struggling with gender/sex issues. I strive to provide my clients peace and understanding to help clarify broken belief systems that are damaging to the self.
(972) 884-5501 View (972) 884-5501
Photo of Ryan Pope, Licensed Professional Counselor in Henderson County, TX
Ryan Pope
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Frisco, TX 75034
Ryan Pope is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who has been practicing since 2021. Ryan is a person-centered clinician who utilizes aspects of CBT, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness in her work with clients. She also has 3 years of experience working with eating disorders in both inpatient/residential treatment centers and PHP/IOP centers. Ryan works to create an environment filled with warmth, acceptance, and free of judgment. Everyone’s story is unique and challenging in its own way. Sometimes we need support in learning about ourselves and how to move through life’s difficult challenges.
Ryan Pope is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who has been practicing since 2021. Ryan is a person-centered clinician who utilizes aspects of CBT, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness in her work with clients. She also has 3 years of experience working with eating disorders in both inpatient/residential treatment centers and PHP/IOP centers. Ryan works to create an environment filled with warmth, acceptance, and free of judgment. Everyone’s story is unique and challenging in its own way. Sometimes we need support in learning about ourselves and how to move through life’s difficult challenges.
(469) 270-8635 View (469) 270-8635
Photo of Lauren Elizbeth Novak, Licensed Professional Counselor in Henderson County, TX
Lauren Elizbeth Novak
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Frisco, TX 75034
I specialize in eating disorders, addiction and LGBT issues.
I was in a low place once (I call it darkness, I was in a place of darkness) and it caused me to seek help from a stranger, a therapist. Ultimately, I am grateful for the experience I received and the healing that occurred. That is what I wish to offer you in working with me. I give empathy compassion, kindness. I provide an authentic relationship, and provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you feel comfortable being yourself regardless of the topic being discussed.
I specialize in eating disorders, addiction and LGBT issues.
I was in a low place once (I call it darkness, I was in a place of darkness) and it caused me to seek help from a stranger, a therapist. Ultimately, I am grateful for the experience I received and the healing that occurred. That is what I wish to offer you in working with me. I give empathy compassion, kindness. I provide an authentic relationship, and provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you feel comfortable being yourself regardless of the topic being discussed.
(214) 974-3663 View (214) 974-3663
Photo of Candace David, Licensed Professional Counselor in Henderson County, TX
Candace David
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, LCDC, CEDS-C, EMDR, Trained
Verified Verified
Allen, TX 75013
I have experience serving individuals struggling with things like eating disorders, depression, and anxiety in higher levels of care in Residential (RTC), Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and outpatient.
Let's talk about why things are so hard. Why you're doing the same old thing day in and day out despite wanting to change. Why you're waking up and wishing that the pills you took the night before had actually worked. Why in spite of all the things you've done to try and recover from your eating disorder or addiction, you feel like you've made no progress. Let's get down to the root of things and face them head on; if you're ready to get to work, I'm ready to help you!
I have experience serving individuals struggling with things like eating disorders, depression, and anxiety in higher levels of care in Residential (RTC), Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and outpatient.
Let's talk about why things are so hard. Why you're doing the same old thing day in and day out despite wanting to change. Why you're waking up and wishing that the pills you took the night before had actually worked. Why in spite of all the things you've done to try and recover from your eating disorder or addiction, you feel like you've made no progress. Let's get down to the root of things and face them head on; if you're ready to get to work, I'm ready to help you!
(214) 256-4384 View (214) 256-4384
Photo of Mandy Melissa Melton, Licensed Professional Counselor in Henderson County, TX
Mandy Melissa Melton
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76177  (Online Only)
Welcome! I am honored that you stopped by! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor committed to supporting you, to leaning in and listening, as you discover your unique pathway. I help clients navigate abuse, anxiety, burnout, career indecisiveness, depression, divorce, eating disorders, grief, relationship struggles, stress, low self-esteem, trauma, and women’s issues.
Welcome! I am honored that you stopped by! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor committed to supporting you, to leaning in and listening, as you discover your unique pathway. I help clients navigate abuse, anxiety, burnout, career indecisiveness, depression, divorce, eating disorders, grief, relationship struggles, stress, low self-esteem, trauma, and women’s issues.
(817) 839-2430 View (817) 839-2430
Photo of Steffanie Grossman, Psychologist in Henderson County, TX
Steffanie Grossman
Psychologist, PhD, CEDS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75231
I provide therapy for a variety of issues, with specializations in eating disorders & self-esteem, as well as gender & sexual identities, & LGBTQ+ related concerns.
I enjoy helping my clients empower themselves to live the lives they wish to live, develop self-compassion, & embrace peace, frequently with the help of my therapy dog, Rockstar. I believe many stressful behaviors (e.g., isolation, eating disorders) begin as a way to cope, when we feel we have little control. Even if certain behaviors are now causing you distress, it is amazing that you empowered yourself to manage times in your life when you didn't know how else manage. Now, we can figure out new strategies that not only allow you to survive, but to thrive, in a way that allows you to feel peaceful & free.
I provide therapy for a variety of issues, with specializations in eating disorders & self-esteem, as well as gender & sexual identities, & LGBTQ+ related concerns.
I enjoy helping my clients empower themselves to live the lives they wish to live, develop self-compassion, & embrace peace, frequently with the help of my therapy dog, Rockstar. I believe many stressful behaviors (e.g., isolation, eating disorders) begin as a way to cope, when we feel we have little control. Even if certain behaviors are now causing you distress, it is amazing that you empowered yourself to manage times in your life when you didn't know how else manage. Now, we can figure out new strategies that not only allow you to survive, but to thrive, in a way that allows you to feel peaceful & free.
(817) 442-2752 View (817) 442-2752

See more therapy options for Henderson County

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.