There is no “one size fits all” model for treating people with eating disorders. People with eating disorders may have a variety of different reasons for their illness – biological, emotional to environmental. In the same way, treating eating disorders usually requires a team approach – with assistance from counselors, psychologists, nutritionists, and other specialists.
Some form of counseling is always needed for people with eating disorders. A psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional meets with the patient individually and provides ongoing emotional support, while the patient begins to understand and cope with the illness. A counselor can help people with eating disorders learn healthy ways to think about food and your body.
There are several different types of outpatient psychotherapies with demonstrated effectiveness in patients with eating disorders. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, family therapy, and behavioral therapy. Psychological counseling or cognitive-behavioral therapy to help you replace negative attitudes about your body with healthier, more realistic ones;
Goals in counseling people with eating disorders may include:
- Learning to listen to your body
- Learning to listen to your feelings
- Learning to trust yourself
- Learning to accept yourself
- Learning to love yourself