Eating Disorder Therapy

Begin Healing Your Relationship with Food, Body, and Self
Eating disorders are complex. They are never just about food or appearance—they reflect a deeper emotional struggle, often tied to self-worth, control, perfectionism, trauma, or anxiety. Whether you’re dealing with restriction, bingeing, purging, or obsessive thoughts about weight, healing is possible—with the right support.
I provide specialized, insight-oriented therapy for individuals facing eating disorders and disordered eating patterns in Manhasset and across Long Island, both in-person and online. My goal is to help you understand the underlying forces driving your behaviors and to support you in building a more peaceful and nourishing relationship with yourself.
Understanding Eating Disorders
Eating disorders come in many forms, each with its own challenges and emotional toll. Some of the most common include:
Anorexia Nervosa
Marked by food restriction, fear of weight gain, and a distorted body image, anorexia often includes signs such as skipping meals, excessive exercise, dramatic weight loss, and preoccupation with calories or “clean eating.” Over time, this can lead to serious health complications including malnutrition, organ stress, and emotional isolation.
Bulimia Nervosa
Individuals with bulimia may eat normally or overeat, followed by purging through vomiting, laxative use, or intense exercise. The cycle of bingeing and purging is emotionally and physically taxing—often hidden from others and accompanied by shame, guilt, and anxiety. Bulimia can lead to electrolyte imbalances, digestive problems, and heart risks.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
This disorder involves regularly eating large quantities of food in a short period—often in secret and without purging. It’s not about lack of willpower; it’s about trying to soothe distress through food. Many individuals with BED struggle with feelings of self-loathing, depression, and loss of control.
These are not choices. They are coping strategies that have developed over time—and they are treatable.
Signs You Might Benefit from Therapy
Ask yourself:
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Do you find yourself obsessed with food, calories, or burning off what you eat?
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Do you see your body differently than others seem to see it?
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Are you secretly restricting food, binge eating, or purging—even if your weight appears “normal”?
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Do you feel out of control around food—or terrified of it?
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Are you using food, dieting, or exercise to cope with anxiety, stress, or shame?
If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate this alone.
A Safe Space for Recovery
In therapy, we won’t just focus on changing behaviors—we’ll look deeper. Together, we’ll explore what your eating disorder has been trying to protect you from, how it may have helped you feel in control or “enough,” and why it’s no longer working. Healing doesn’t mean losing control—it means building a life where you don’t need an eating disorder to cope.
My approach combines emotional relearning, behavioral tools, and cognitive restructuring. You’ll begin to identify triggers, shift the inner dialogue that fuels disordered behaviors, and reconnect with your body in a safer, more accepting way.
Whether you’re early in your journey or have been struggling for years, it’s never too early—or too late—to begin healing.
Why Work With Me
As a seasoned psychotherapist, I bring a depth of understanding to eating disorders that is both clinical and compassionate. I know that recovery isn’t linear—and that trust takes time. You’ll never be rushed, blamed, or pathologized here. Instead, we’ll move at your pace, with respect for where you are and hope for where you can go.
I offer therapy for teens, adults, and families navigating eating disorders, disordered eating, body image concerns, or co-occurring anxiety, depression, or trauma.
Take the First Step
If you’re struggling with an eating disorder—or worried about someone you love—reach out. The hardest part is often starting. But every recovery begins with one step toward support.
Call me at (516) 627-1145 for a complimentary consultation to discuss any of these or related topics.
Dr. Maryann B. Schaefer, LMHC
Ph.D. – Counseling, Concentration in Psychology
NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Fellow of American Psychotherapy Association
Phone: (516) 627-1145
Email: drmaryannschaefer@gmail.com
5 Travers Street Manhasset, NY 11030
Office Hours: By appointment only.

