The Treatment Process
Having had an eating disorder, I understand how hard it is to ask for help. Those of us who are more vulnerable to developing an eating disorder are used to setting a goal and achieving it. We don’t need any help. But eating disorders are complex and as anyone who has an eating disorder knows, very difficult to stop without help.
Ambivalence — having mixed feelings about beginning treatment for an eating disorder — is normal and expected. After all the eating disorder has served a very important function in your life. So often, individuals in treatment say things like, “Part of me wants to be rid of this and part of me doesn’t.” In the early stages of treatment many people describe their eating disorder as their “friend.” As strange as that may sound to those unfamiliar with eating disorders, it actually makes a lot of sense. In the beginning, the eating disorder is always there to distract you, to help you avoid feeling your feelings and dealing directly with whatever issue you may be facing in your life. It is there, predictable and comforting. It is not surprising you don’t want to let go of that. The good news is in therapy, as long as you do not require a higher level of care and you are medically stable, you are the one who ultimately decides if, when and how you will gradually replace the eating disorder behaviors with healthier ways to express your feelings, yourself and manage your life.
Therapy is a collaboration between us. Your treatment is individualized to meet your specific needs. I work using a Treatment Team approach, which means that along with a therapist you will have a doctor to monitor your health and, if needed, a nutritionist specializing in eating disorders. If there is a need for a medication evaluation I will also refer you to a psychiatrist. Together, we work on managing your eating disorder behaviors and symptoms. You learn the truth about how our bodies react to diets and the consequences of living the “diet mentality” and engaging in eating disorder behaviors like self-starvation, binging, purging and excessive exercise. We begin to explore how and why your eating disorder developed, what function it serves in your life and begin the work to resolve the emotional issues underpinning the eating disorder.
Although the recovery process sometimes seems like “one step forward, two steps back,” it does provide an incredible opportunity for personal growth. The recovery process, though arduous at times, strengthens and develops the Self.
It is important to choose a therapist you feel connected with and has the skills to guide you through the recovery process. I offer a free 30-minute consultation so we can meet in person, and you can ask questions and get a sense of how comfortable you feel working with me. If you feel it is not a fit, I am happy to refer you to other professionals.