Therapy for eating disorders
Therapists who support eating disorder recovery in the Twin Cities
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can affect a person’s emotional and physical health. That’s why working with therapists who specialize in
Our eating disorder therapists include mental health therapists, physical therapists and occupational therapists. They work with people of all ages and are experts at treating
How we help you find the best eating disorder therapist
When you call for the first time, we’ll answer any questions you have and walk you through scheduling an initial assessment. Depending on your preference, the initial assessment can be done in person or through a video visit.
During the initial assessment appointment, we’ll ask questions about symptoms and medical history and address any concerns you have. At the end of the assessment, we’ll provide a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. This is when you’re connected with one or more eating disorder therapists as part of your care team.
Mental health therapists for eating disorders help manage and change thoughts, emotions and behaviors
Eating disorders are often related to overwhelming thoughts and emotions. A person may use eating disorder symptoms to cope with upsetting life experiences such as a stressful job or a difficult relationship. Eating disorders are also more common in people with other mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disease, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias and
Working with a licensed therapist or psychologist can help a person with an eating disorder work through strong emotions, change behaviors and develop new coping strategies.
For eating disorder treatment to be successful, it’s important that there’s a good match with the therapist. At Melrose Center, we recommend therapists based on your or your loved one’s diagnosis, age and symptoms. Our experienced team of eating disorder therapists includes licensed psychologists, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed independent clinical social workers and licensed professional clinical counselors.
Occupational therapists for eating disorders help develop life skills
Eating disorders can create challenges related to everyday activities such as meal preparation and eating, personal hygiene, sleep and rest, work or school participation, and social skills. Partnering with an occupational therapist can help people overcome these challenges.
Occupational therapists at Melrose Center can help you or your loved one with social and life skills. They provide education on healthy and effective coping strategies, assist with goal setting to increase self-esteem and confidence, and explore self-identity without the eating disorder.
Occupational therapists can also help with finding community resources and programs for food, housing, mental health support, in-home services and financial assistance.
Not all eating disorder treatment plans include occupational therapy. Your care team will recommend occupational therapy if they think it would be helpful for you.
Physical therapists for eating disorders help incorporate exercise into recovery in a safe way
Some people with eating disorders struggle with compulsive overexercising while others have low activity levels. Teaming up with a physical therapist can help people form a balanced relationship with exercise that increases strength, mobility and endurance.
Physical therapy can also help manage health conditions that may be related to eating disorders. Improper nutrition can lead to muscle wasting, fatigue, poor coordination and reduced bone density (osteoporosis). Eating disorders can also contribute to weight-related conditions, including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Not everyone with an eating disorder needs physical therapy. It may be recommended for those who struggle with compulsive exercise, as well as those who avoid physical activity or exercise. Our physical therapists also work with athletes with eating disorders who want to return to their sport in a safe and recovery-oriented way.
How Melrose Center uses evidence-based therapy to heal eating disorders
To support recovery from eating disorders, Melrose Center uses different types of evidence-based therapy. Your care team may use one or more of these therapies.
Cognitive behavior therapy enhanced (CBT-E)
CBT-E is a highly individualized treatment where a patient has weekly sessions with a therapist to work through what’s causing their eating problems, how to change their behaviors and deal with setbacks.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (CBT-AR)
This is a specialized form of CBT used with people who struggle with ARFID. Goals of CBT-AR are to normalize eating patterns, increase variety and volume of food intake, address fears related to eating, improve nutritional status, and restore weight and growth.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
This type of therapy helps people recognize the emotions and situations that may trigger eating disorder symptoms, and help them learn healthier ways to cope with overwhelming feelings.
Family-based treatment (FBT)
This is a clinically proven treatment for children and adolescents living at home with their families. With this treatment, parents or caregivers take a leading role in helping the child change eating behaviors, restore weight and return to normal growth patterns.
Group therapy
Group therapy allows people to share their experiences while also learning from others with similar experiences. During therapy, they’ll learn methods for managing emotions such as feelings of isolation and distress, and skills for strengthening interpersonal relationships. Plus, the personal connections they make in group therapy can also be part of their support system moving forward.