Finding the Best Eating Disorder Therapist for You

If you're struggling with an eating disorder, finding the right therapist can be hard but it is so important in the recovery process! Finding the right therapist for you can help you understand your eating disorder, develop better coping, and support you on your path to recovery. The big question is how do you find the right therapist for you? Here are a few things to consider when finding an eating disorder therapist.

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When is it time to get help?

This is often the hardest question as it can be easy to minimize the problem (e.g., "Everyone eats this way," "I know people who eat way worse than I do and they seem fine," "I know people who exercise way more than me and they don't have an eating disorder," etc). The truth is, comparison gets you nowhere. To truly assess whether your relationship with food might require professional help, you may ask yourself, "How much is this interfering with my life?" Some indications of a problem include becoming preoccupied with weight management practices such as diet pills and purging or restricting foods. Although eating disorders are often hidden, minimized or done in secret, are people close to you concerned? For instance, do they notice you declining social invitations especially when food is involved?

Another important thing to notice is if there have been any significant weight changes recently. Sometimes providers may miss the key question of how did you lose/gain weight? Given our society is diet obsessed, weight loss is almost always thought of as a good thing but so often extreme practices are what gets someone there and can be incredibly dangerous. Lastly, quick screening tools- although not diagnostic-may indicate a problem. The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) has a good one and you can check it out here

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What to look for when choosing an eating disorder therapist

The first thing to consider is experience. Few therapists have experience with eating disorders. As eating disorders are so commonly misunderstood, it is crucial to your recovery to find someone who has the right knowledge and experience to help. Also you can familiarize yourself with and consider what modality the therapist uses- a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are considered the gold standard. Insurance is also a factor for many people seeking a therapist for help with an eating disorder. Many therapists don't take insurance but if this is important to you, calling your insurance company and asking for referrals is a great start. Lastly, ask yourself if you would prefer in person or virtual help. Recently there has been increased access to teletherapy, which means less time in the car, not having to wait in a waiting room, and the convenience of staying home in your PJs.

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How to find the right therapist for you

Now that you know what to look for, you can begin your search. When searching for a therapist, as previously mentioned, if you want to use your insurance, you can call your insurance company for referrals first. Other options are directory sites such as Psychology Today where you can read therapist's bios. Here is mine!

You can also use national databases such as the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) referral network. You can ask your primary care physician or call your local hospital for referrals as well. Lastly, asking friends or family members who have received eating disorder treatment and that you trust are great resources too as they can give their own opinions of their experiences.

After you've done your search and narrowed it down, reach out to a few therapists and ask/double check: Do you take my insurance? Do you specialize in eating disorders? Do you have availability?

Many therapists offer a free 10-20 minute free consultation- take advantage of this to get a feel for the therapist, their approach/style, and if they could potentially be a good fit for you. Can you get a sense of their experience? Do you feel a connection? This can be difficult to determine in 10-20 minutes so having a few (I suggest three) sessions with a therapist can allow a bit more time for that therapeutic bond to form.

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If you cannot afford therapy

It can be difficult to find the money for quality mental health treatment, but there are resources available if you're struggling to pay for services. Non-profit counseling centers often provide affordable or free care, or you may qualify for sliding scale fees or scholarships based on income. Additionally, many eating disorder support groups are free or low cost.

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Final thoughts on finding an eating disorder therapist

Finding the right eating disorder therapist is an important step in recovery and you should never feel rushed into a decision. It is important to do your research, ask questions, and take time to find someone with whom you trust and connect. Make sure to give yourself time to try a few sessions before deciding to stick with, or leave, a therapist.

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Questions to ask before starting therapy

The first question to ask yourself is, "Do I want to do this?" Therapy can be a big emotional and possibly financial commitment. With a strong therapeutic relationship however, hopefully you will feel supported when it gets hard. Questions for the therapist can include asking about their qualifications, therapeutic approach and how often you'll meet which is often decided together. You may want to ask how you know if therapy is "working" and address any elements of treatment that might be causing distress or discomfort along the way. Ultimately, go with your gut, speak to the elements of therapy that may be causing distress and stay open and honest to the process.

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How to make the most of your therapy sessions

As mentioned, honesty is key so it is important that you feel safe, supported, and not judged in the therapeutic space. If you feel misunderstood or your therapist didn't interpret you correctly, please inform them. Sometimes in doing so this can lead to a stronger therapeutic relationship as it builds trust. Next is goals- what do you want to work on? Are there observable and tangible goals you want to move towards? These will be important to communicate to your therapist in the first few sessions. Lastly, when you're considering ending therapy, talk to your therapist about this so there is a clear understanding as to why and it's for the "right" reasons.

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Tips for staying motivated during recovery

Recovery is hard and so staying motivated can be difficult. Thinking about the life you want without your eating disorder can help. Also connecting with your values can drive you towards this new life without an eating disorder. Having patience, self compassion, and honesty with yourself and your therapist all contribute to staying the course. Lastly having a strong support network can be crucial. Recovery doesn't happen alone so joining a group, entering into an eating disorder program and/or reaching out to family and friends you trust can all have positive and significant impacts on your recovery.

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Conclusion

Taking the steps to seek out therapy for an eating disorder can be a difficult and scary process, but with the right therapist it can also be a life changing experience. It is important to take your time in searching for the perfect fit, as this will ensure that you are able to get the most out of your therapeutic journey. Remember that the therapeutic process is something that you have to actively contribute to- if motivated and willing, your therapist can provide the tools and support needed in order for you to make a full recovery. If you are looking for professional help, please reach out and schedule a free 15-20 minute consultation with me. Together we can build the life you want without the burden of an eating disorder. You deserve to live your best life!