Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have an eating disorder or just disordered eating?
If you’re asking this question, it’s worth paying attention to. We can say with our whole chests that you DO NOT need a diagnosis for your relationship with food or your body to be impacting your life in a real way. If you’re feeling preoccupied with food, guilt after eating, out of control at times, or constantly thinking about your body, therapy can help. (In fact, if you are on this website, looking into eating disorder therapy, that alone is typically enough to indicate that you would benefit from support in this area!) We work with both eating disorders and disordered eating at all stages- no “sick enough” required.
2. Can you have an eating disorder at a normal or higher weight?
In the immortal words of Mr. Big-ab-so-freaking-lutely. Eating disorders don’t have a “look,” and research shows us that the majority of people struggling are in bodies that are medically categorized as “normal” or higher weight. This is one of the most harmful myths that keeps people from getting support. Your experience matters regardless of your body size.
3. What is eating disorder therapy like?
The best eating disorder therapy should be creative, deeply personal for your journey and needs, while also being deeply informed by the research. At Wildflower Therapy, we focus on understanding the function your behaviors are serving, while also building coping tools, and helping you reconnect with your body in a safer, more compassionate way. We use evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, and family-based strategies, while also honoring your lived experience, and going “under the iceburg” in sessions where we discuss childhood and life experiences. So in this way, therapy for eating disorders should feel like a constant mix of art and science.
4. Do I need to be “ready” to recover to start therapy?
Nope. Motivation can come and go, and ambivalence is a very normal part of the process. You don’t need to feel fully ready to begin. Therapy can actually help you build readiness and explore the parts of you that feel stuck.
5. How do I find eating disorder therapy in Philadelphia or the Main Line?
Look for a therapist or practice that specializes specifically in eating disorders (not just general therapy), uses evidence-based approaches, AND aligns with your values? Wildflower Therapy is a great place to start. We offer eating disorder therapy in Philadelphia and the Main Line, both in-person and virtually across Pennsylvania.
6. Do you offer in-person therapy near Villanova, Ardmore, or Bryn Mawr?
Yes. We offer in-person therapy sessions in the Philadelphia/Main Line area, convenient to towns like Villanova, Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, and surrounding communities. We also offer virtual therapy across Pennsylvania for added flexibility.
7. Do you offer virtual eating disorder therapy in Pennsylvania?
Yes! We work with clients virtually across Pennsylvania, as well as New Jersey, Delaware, Massachusetts, Virginia, Vermont, Florida, South Carolina, and Ohio. Virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person care and allows for more flexibility with scheduling, parenting, or busy work lives.
8. Do you accept insurance?
Wildflower Therapy is an out-of-network practice, which means we do not bill insurance directly. However, we provide detailed superbills, which are receipts with diagnostic codes on them that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Many clients are able to receive partial or full reimbursement depending on their plan. Therapy with superbill receipts allows for more flexible timelines, and the ability to operate outside of managed care session limits. It also allows for a higher level of confidentiality, and far more personalized care with therapists who have more time to utilize a true team approach to coordinate with your doctor, dietitian, school, etc.
9. What is a superbill and how does it work?
A superbill is a detailed receipt for therapy services that you submit to your insurance company. If your plan includes out-of-network mental health benefits, you may be reimbursed for a portion of the session cost. We’re happy to guide you through this process!
10. How much does eating disorder therapy cost?
Session fees vary depending on the clinician, but we are always transparent about pricing before you begin. Investing in specialized eating disorder therapy often means working with clinicians who have years of advanced training and experience in this crucial area of care.
11. What is HAES-aligned therapy?
HAES stands for Health at Every Size®. It’s an approach that focuses on health-promoting behaviors rather than weight control. In therapy, this means we do not prescribe diets or pursue weight loss as a goal. Instead, we support you in building a more peaceful, sustainable relationship with food and your body.
12. Can pregnancy or postpartum changes trigger eating disorder struggles?
Yes. Yes. One thousand times yes. Pregnancy and postpartum can be particularly vulnerable times for body image concerns, anxiety, and eating disorder relapse. Rapid body changes, loss of control, and identity shifts can all play a role. You are not alone, and support during this time can be incredibly helpful, both during pregnancy, to set you up for success during the postpartum period, and after the postpartum period- as you navigate your relationship with food and your body during motherhood in the early years and beyond.
13. How do I help my daughter with body image?
Start by focusing on your own relationship with food and your body-kids absorb more than we realize. Avoid commenting on weight (yours or theirs), encourage body functionality over appearance, and create a home environment where all foods are neutral. If you’re concerned, working with a therapist who specializes in eating disorders can provide guidance tailored to your family.
14. What are signs my child or teen may be struggling with an eating disorder?
Some signs include increased rigidity around food, skipping meals, anxiety around eating, changes in mood, body checking, rigid exercise schedules, pickiness that interferes with home life or social life, anxiety related to social situations involving food, or withdrawing socially. Not all signs are obvious, and early intervention can make a significant difference.
15. Can therapy help with binge eating or feeling out of control around food?
Yes. Binge eating is not about lack of willpower. It’s often connected to restriction, emotional overwhelm, or nervous system dysregulation. Therapy can help you understand the cycle and build more supportive ways of coping.
16. What is the connection between anxiety, OCD, and eating disorders?
Eating disorders often overlap with anxiety and OCD. Food rules, rituals, and intrusive thoughts can function similarly to OCD patterns. Addressing the underlying anxiety is an important part of treatment.
17. How long does eating disorder recovery take?
Recovery is not linear and looks different for everyone. Some people begin to feel relief within months, while deeper healing can take longer. Some research suggests that one year of highly specialized ED therapy can help those with shorter-term eating disorders fully recovery. Other research suggests that 3+ years are necessary for eating disorders that have been ongoing. Our focus is not on rushing the process, but on building sustainable change.
18. Do you work with kids, teens, or adults?
We work with children, adolescents and adults, with a particular focus on girls and women. Our clinicians tailor treatment based on developmental stage, family involvement, and individual needs.
19. How do I get started with therapy at Wildflower Therapy?
You can reach out through our contact form or email, and we’ll help match you with a clinician who fits your needs. We’ll walk you through scheduling, fees, and next steps so you know exactly what to expect.
20. What makes Wildflower Therapy different?
We are a group practice that is highly specialized in eating disorders, body image, and women’s mental health. Our work is HAES-aligned, LGBTQ+-affirming, neurodiversity-affirming, and grounded in evidence-based care. We combine the research-backed techniques with strong, creative, close-knit therapy relationships- the kind where you feel genuinely liked. Many of us have walked a similar path, and are now recovered ourselves! We also see kids (five+) teens, and adults.