7 of 8

Write now Article Tools

When you have or suspect that you have an eating disorder or when you suspect that a loved one is suffering, it is important to consider the wide variety of therapy options for the treatment of the eating disorder.

The first thing to consider is the benefits different types of practitioners offer. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications such as anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications that can be useful in treating an eating disorder; a psychologist, a primary care physician or nurse practitioner can also administer these drugs. A medical doctor or nurse practitioner will also be invaluable when it comes to monitoring the patient's progress during treatment.

In addition, there are a range of counselors who are also beneficial when treating an individual with eating disorders. Social workers, licensed clinicians, family therapists and even religious professionals can administer "talk therapy" to someone with an eating disorder.

Talk therapy is the foundation for all types of individual counseling. Psychoanalytic therapies can be used in treating individuals with eating disorders to draw out and analyze internal conflicts that the patient may be feeling.

Another form of talk therapy is focused on the Jungian model - a form that encourages the individual to make a greater self-connection and to be better connected with his or her own feelings. This sort of talk therapy focuses on the big picture of helping the individual with an eating disorder become more self-aware and, therefore, more complete as a person.

Still another approach to talk therapy is based on the cognitive behavioral model. Some practitioners choose to operate from this model, and it is effective in treating eating disorders because it focuses on training the individual to think about their behaviors and to re-learn healthier methods of living.

In some cases, the professional seen will combine all of these forms of therapy based on the individual's needs.

Depending upon the severity of the patient's eating disorder and the treatment team in place, talk therapy will be combined with prescription medication and routine medical appointments. The medical component to treatment will involve monitoring the patient's weight and performing blood tests to be evaluate the health of the patient.

In some cases, the treatment team will also include nutritional counseling. A nutritionist can play a valuable role in the treatment of eating disorders by teaching the patient why nutrition is important and how to take in the right balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats to keep their body functioning in a healthy way.

Similarly, the treatment team might decide that other therapies should be explored as well. These therapies include: using art or movement to explore thoughts and feelings; meditation and yoga might be included along with other spiritual counseling; and, in some cases, physical therapies are used as well.

In each individual case, the best form of therapy for the eating disordered patient will be assessed. During this assessment, other determinations will be made.

The first of these is whether the patient will benefit more from individual therapy or if group therapy is advisable. In group therapy, individuals will work with a therapist and others who are working on their recovery.

Another form of group therapy - one that is more often used in extreme cases - in inpatient treatment. Inpatient treatment may be at an eating disorders treatment facility or it may be in a hospital setting.

Which form of therapy is right for you? It's not possible to convey that information in this article; this is only an overview of some types of therapy that are available.

Learn more about this author, loveinvented.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Types of therapy for eating disorders?
We want to hear your view. Write now!