What Is Eating Disorder Therapy

What Is Eating Disorder Therapy?

Eating disorder therapy is a critical part of recovery, focusing on the emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges behind disordered eating. At Virtue Recovery, therapy is personalized to each client’s unique needs, offering support for conditions such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, diabulimia, and more.

Our compassionate team uses proven therapeutic approaches alongside nutritional counseling and medical care, creating an integrated treatment plan that addresses the whole person — mind, body, and spirit.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps clients identify and reframe negative thought patterns that lead to disordered eating behaviors.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT equips individuals with skills in emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance to reduce self-destructive eating behaviors.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

MI fosters intrinsic motivation for recovery by helping clients resolve ambivalence and set meaningful goals.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT guides clients to accept difficult emotions while taking committed actions aligned with their values and recovery.

Family-Based Therapy (FBT)

FBT empowers families, particularly for adolescents, to take an active role in restoring healthy eating and supporting long-term recovery.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

IPT addresses how relationship challenges, grief, or life transitions contribute to eating disorders and promotes healthier social functioning.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

ERP reduces food-related anxiety by helping clients gradually confront feared foods and break avoidance patterns.

Meal Support Therapy

Structured mealtime support provides a safe environment to help clients relearn normal eating patterns and reduce food-related fear.

Nutritional Counseling

Licensed dietitians work closely with clients to develop balanced, individualized meal plans and restore healthy nutritional habits.

Group Therapy

Group therapy fosters peer support, shared healing, and community connection throughout the recovery journey.

Art Therapy

Art therapy offers a nonverbal outlet for exploring emotions, trauma, and body image issues through creative expression.

Music Therapy

Music therapy engages clients in healing through sound, rhythm, and songwriting to promote emotional release and relaxation.

Meditation Therapy

Meditation therapy promotes mindfulness, self-awareness, and inner calm, helping clients manage anxiety and stay grounded.

Yoga Therapy

Yoga therapy enhances body awareness, self-acceptance, and emotional balance through movement, breathwork, and mindfulness.

5 Key Benefits of Eating Disorder Therapy

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Understanding the Root Causes

Therapy helps uncover the emotional, psychological, and behavioral reasons behind disordered eating. By addressing these root causes, clients can work toward lasting recovery rather than only treating surface-level symptoms.

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Developing Healthy Coping Skills

Clients learn new strategies to manage stress, trauma, and emotions without turning to harmful eating behaviors. These skills build resilience and provide healthier ways to handle life’s challenges.

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Improving Self-Esteem & Body Image

Therapy builds confidence and promotes a more positive and accepting relationship with the body. Over time, clients can shift their focus from self-criticism to self-compassion and strength.

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Healing Relationships & Family Dynamics

Therapy often involves family or loved ones to strengthen the support system at home. These sessions help improve communication, set healthy boundaries, and repair relationships strained by the disorder.

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Preventing Relapse

Long-term therapy provides relapse prevention tools and ongoing accountability. With continued support, clients are better prepared to maintain progress and sustain recovery.

Do I Have an Eating Disorder?

If you’re concerned about your symptoms, click below to take our eating disorders quiz.

Types of Eating Disorder Therapy at Virtue Recovery

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    CBT helps individuals identify and change distorted thoughts about food, weight, and body image. By addressing these patterns, clients can replace harmful behaviors with healthier, more balanced choices.

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
    DBT focuses on emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance to reduce harmful eating behaviors. It teaches practical coping skills for managing stress, urges, and intense emotions.

  • Family-Based Therapy (FBT)
    Particularly effective for adolescents, FBT actively involves families in the recovery process. Parents and caregivers learn how to support healthy eating and provide accountability at home.

  • Trauma-Informed Therapy
    This approach addresses how past trauma influences eating behaviors and emotional well-being. Therapists create a safe space to process trauma while developing healthier coping mechanisms.

  • Nutritional Counseling & Meal Support
    Dietitians guide clients in creating structured meal plans that restore physical health and balanced nutrition. Mealtime support provides accountability and helps reduce fear and anxiety around eating.

  • Experiential & Holistic Therapies
    Therapies like yoga, art therapy, and music therapy support whole-person healing beyond food and weight. These practices encourage self-expression, reduce stress, and promote inner balance.

  • Group Therapy & Peer Support
    Group sessions foster connection, encouragement, and shared accountability among peers. Clients gain strength by realizing they are not alone in their recovery journey.

  • Mindfulness & Meditation Practices
    Mindfulness-based approaches help clients become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and body signals without judgment. Regular practice builds calm, reduces anxiety, and supports healthier eating behaviors.

Client Testimonials

Luxury Eating Disorder Therapy

Virtue Recovery combines clinical expertise with a serene, healing environment where clients can focus fully on recovery. Our luxury facilities offer private accommodations, chef-prepared meals, and comfortable spaces that promote peace of mind and physical restoration.

In addition to evidence-based treatments, clients benefit from a variety of holistic therapies designed to restore balance to body and mind. This whole-person approach ensures that healing extends beyond symptoms, supporting long-term wellness and a renewed sense of self.

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Our Las Vegas Luxury Inpatient Eating Disorder Therapy Center

Our inpatient program in Las Vegas provides 24/7 support for individuals needing intensive therapy. Clients receive daily individual and group sessions, nutritional counseling, and full-time support from a multidisciplinary care team.

This level of care is best for individuals with severe eating disorders or those needing structured recovery in a safe environment.

Our Las Vegas Outpatient Eating Disorder Therapy Center

Our outpatient program provides flexible therapy for those who do not require inpatient care or who are transitioning out of residential treatment.

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Our Las Vegas Adolescent / Teen Inpatient Eating Disorder Therapy Center

Teens and young adults face unique challenges in eating disorder recovery. Our Adolescent Inpatient Program provides therapy tailored specifically to young clients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eating Disorder Therapy

CBT and DBT are among the most effective, but treatment is individualized and may include family therapy, trauma therapy, and holistic approaches.

Yes. While nutrition support addresses physical health, therapy addresses the emotional and psychological aspects of eating disorders.

The length of therapy depends on individual needs. Many clients benefit from long-term therapy to support sustained recovery.

Yes. Family-based therapy is a key component, especially for adolescents and teens.

Yes. Many individuals benefit from outpatient therapy, especially when transitioning from inpatient care or when symptoms are moderate.

Glossary of Terms for Eating Disorder Therapy

Therapy that addresses distorted thoughts and behaviors.

Therapy focused on mindfulness and emotional regulation.

Therapy involving family members in recovery, often used with adolescents.

An approach that acknowledges the impact of trauma on health and behaviors.

Support from dietitians to restore balanced eating.

Therapy with peers for connection and support.

Non-traditional therapies like art, yoga, and mindfulness.

Intensive 24/7 care in a residential setting.

Flexible therapy while living at home.

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