Choosing a Therapist

Many people who struggle with an eating disorder are ambivalent about seeking treatment, even after taking the first step of admitting that they need and want help.
The uncertainty of what treatment will involve, along with the fear of weight gain and eating in general plays a large role in this.
Once a person decides to seek treatment, how do they find the help that they need?
There are several options for obtaining referrals, including online Helplines, your own doctor, Mental Health Associations, etc.
Once you have some names to go with, then what? Asking questions is imperative before you make an appointment to meet with someone. Remember, these people are 'serving' you. You are paying them. You have every right to 'interview' them before 'employing' them. Some important questions to ask include:
-What is their background and experience with treating eating disorders?
-What kind of approach do they use, and why? Why do they believe in this particular treatment approach?
-Are they willing to explore your feelings and attitudes about your weight and shape (body image)?
-Do they deal directly with tactics for normalizing eating, and/or stabilizing a healthy weight? Or do they recommend that a person see a nutritionist for those aspects of treatment?
-What is their attitude about medication? For an eating disorder primarily, medications are not normally the first treatment recommended.
-Method of payment may be important for most people. You should inquire about insurance coverage, or if they provide a sliding scale payment plan.
-It may take a session or two to decide if you think you can trust this person, if you 'click'. Are you comfortable sharing what is necessary for you to truly get the help you need? Do you sense a good rapport forming?
-You should remember that recovery takes time, and there may be periods when you feel 'stuck', or you can't notice progress. This is the time to re-examine the progress you have made, and determine if it correlate with the needs in your life? Can you list tangible ways that you have made progress?
-It's important along the way to express your needs and concerns about your progress.

One of the first steps when beginning treatment with a professional will be developing a treatment plan. This is your opportunity to speak up about what kind of outcome you desire, and if you have ideas about accomplishing goals that are made. A treatment plan should be updated on an ongoing basis, by both you and your therapist. You should have an active role in the decisions about your recovery.

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