What To Expect: Treatment for Anorexia. Treatment of the client with Anorexia usually requires close attention to medical, psychiatric, and nutritional components of the disease. If someone has Anorexia, their therapist should be very knowledgeable about eating disorders. The therapist should be able to suggest a nutritionist, and a medical doctor familiar with eating disorders. If the patient is comfortable with their own primary care doctor than the therapist will be consulting with them about the client’s care. The therapist may also refer the client to a psychiatrist to see if medication is necessary. Depression and anxiety are very common in people living with Anorexia Nervosa so a Psychiatric consultation may be indicated. The therapist will usually be consulting with the nutritionist, medical doctor, and any other professionals involved in treatment.
Treatment for anorexia at the Center for Growth / Sex Therapy in Philadelphia is done in an outpatient setting. Clients typically attend session once a week. Some clients may be required to attend 2-3 times a week. Clients who need additional services may benefit from day programs / partial programs or hospitalization.
The primary benefit of receiving treatment for anorexia at the Center for Growth is that our therapists additional training in sexual health such as issues relating to body image, sexual expression and connection with self. Eating disorders frequently distort a person's relationship with their own body - impacting sexual connection with self and others. Thus working with an expert in eating disorders and sex therapy can be a powerful combination.