How to Choose the Right Therapist for Your Eating Disorder Treatment
If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, it can often feel like there’s an endless list of challenges to tackle. The road to healing might seem overwhelming, and finding the right therapist could feel like another mountain to climb. But this step? It’s one of the most important ones you’ll take, so let’s try to make it a little bit easier!
When you’re searching for the right therapist, it’s easy to feel lost in the sea of options out there. How do you know what type of therapy for eating disorders will work for you? How do you find someone who understands your struggles without judgment?
And, perhaps most importantly, how do you find a therapist you can really connect with and feel like you can open up to?
In this article, we’ll walk through how to choose an eating disorder therapist who aligns with your needs, values, and the kind of support you’re looking for. We’ll talk about the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship, what to look for in a therapist, and how to feel confident in your choice.
Why Finding the Right Eating Disorder Therapist Is So Important
Choosing the right therapist for your eating disorder treatment is a critical part of the healing process. It’s not just about finding someone who has the right qualifications. It’s about finding someone who understands you, who will respect where you are in your journey, and who will meet you with compassion and care. Eating disorders are deeply personal and complex, and your therapist should be someone who knows how to support you.
The therapy for eating disorder process can be vulnerable and emotional, so working with someone you trust and feel comfortable with is key. It’s not about finding someone who just “knows their stuff” it’s about finding someone who makes you feel seen, heard, and supported.
What to Look for When Choosing Your Eating Disorder Therapist
As you begin your search, it’s helpful to consider a few important things that can guide you toward the right fit.
Experience Matters
When it comes to eating disorders, it’s worthwhile to choose a therapist who specializes in this area. Eating disorders are more than just a simple issue with food. A therapist with experience in this field will understand the unique challenges involved, such as perfectionism, body image issues, and the deep shame that can often accompany these disorders. They’ll also be familiar with the helpful treatment approaches and will tailor their methods to suit your individual needs.
Asking about their experience with treating eating disorders is a good first step. A therapist who specializes in this area will know how to help you work through the complex feelings and behaviors that contribute to disordered eating and be able to talk you through what it might look like.
Therapeutic Approach: Finding What Resonates With You
Not all therapists use the same methods, and that’s okay! Different approaches work for different people, and many therapists use a combination of approaches. Some common modalities for treating eating disorders include:
Trauma-Informed Care: Eating disorders are often rooted in past trauma, and this approach recognizes how those experiences may be influencing current behaviors. It emphasizes creating a safe, supportive space to address the impact of that trauma, helping you process it in a way that lets the memories feel less overwhelming.
Harm Reduction Model: If you’re not ready to completely stop certain behaviors, harm reduction allows for progress at your own pace, aiming to reduce the harm caused by disordered eating without demanding perfection.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a popular method that helps you identify negative thought patterns and behaviors, replacing them with more balanced, realistic ways of thinking.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation and building coping skills, which can be especially helpful for managing difficult emotions that might trigger disordered eating behaviors.
Every therapist will have a different approach, so it’s important to ask about their methods and what they think will work best for you. A good therapist will be open to discussing this with you and adjusting their approach based on your needs.
Connection Is Key
A therapist’s modalities and experience are pretty important, but at the end of the day, it’s all about how well you connect. Therapy works best when you feel safe, understood, and supported. During your first session, pay attention to how you feel. Are you able to open up? Do they seem empathetic and non-judgmental? Is there a sense of trust, even from the start?
You don’t need to become best friends with your therapist, but a genuine connection can help you feel comfortable enough to tackle the tough stuff. Trust your instincts—if you feel heard and respected, you’re likely on the right path.
Other Things to Consider
While the therapist’s experience and approach are crucial, there are other factors that can make a huge difference in your healing process. For example:
Queer-Friendly & Gender-Affirming Therapy: If you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community, it can be important to find someone who is affirming of your gender and sexual identity. The right therapist will understand the unique challenges LGBTQIA+ individuals face with eating disorders and body image issues.
Awareness of Neurodivergence: If you identify as neurodivergent (for example, with ADHD or autism), it can be helpful to find a therapist who is familiar with the ways neurodivergence can affect your relationship with food, body image, and emotions.
Considering these factors will ensure you find a therapist who respects and affirms your individual experiences and is fully equipped to support you on your journey.
You Deserve to Feel Supported
Choosing a therapist for eating disorder treatment is a big step, but it’s also one of the most powerful moves you can make in your healing process. It’s about finding someone who will meet you where you are, guide you through the challenges, and support you in building a healthier relationship with food, your body, and yourself.
Remember, the right therapist won’t just be a guide; they’ll be a partner in your recovery. You deserve to work with someone who truly gets you, respects you, and is equipped to help you heal. The road may not always be easy, but with the right support, it’s one you don’t have to walk alone. Find support soon with Therapy With Lizzie.
Begin Healing From an Eating Disorder With an Eating Disorder Therapist in Burlington, VT
At Therapy With Lizzie, a skilled eating disorder therapist, offers compassionate care tailored to your unique journey toward healing. Together in therapy for eating disorders in Burlington, VT, you’ll address the challenges of eating disorders, rebuild a positive relationship with food, and foster lasting self-acceptance. Take the first step toward the freedom and balance you deserve. Follow these three simple steps to get started:
Reach out to schedule a free consultation.
Meet with me, Lizzie Werner-Gavrin, an experienced eating disorder therapist.
Begin to rediscover a positive and nurturing relationship with your body.
Additional Online Services I Provide Throughout Vermont
Along with supporting adults dealing with eating disorders in therapy for eating disorders, I offer EMDR therapy to help process trauma and emotional pain. At Therapy With Lizzie, my work also includes guiding individuals through anxiety, stress management, and building resilience. I provide a compassionate, affirming space for adults exploring their gender and sexuality. Whether you’re navigating past trauma, managing anxiety, or discovering your identity, I’m here to walk with you through every part of your journey with understanding and support.
