How to Find the Right Eating Disorder Therapist for Your Treatment
Let’s be real for a second: choosing the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with the emotional and physical challenges of an eating disorder, body image struggles, food-related issues, or just feeling disconnected from your body. Whatever's going on, finding someone who gets you, who gets what you’re going through, and who will actually get you where you want to go in your eating disorder treatment can feel like no easy task. But you and I both know you’re ready to find that person, that's why you're here, right? So, let’s break it down so it can feel way more manageable. It’s all about baby steps!
What Will Be Covered in This Article
Before we dive in, here’s what you can expect from this article:
Signs You’re Ready to Seek Help from an Eating Disorder Therapist: When is it time to reach out for professional support?
Reasons People Hesitate to Seek Therapy (And Why You Actually Should): Understanding common concerns about therapy and why seeking help is the right choice.
The Power of Connection: Why does the relationship between you and your eating disorder therapist matter so much in your eating disorder treatment?
Specialization: Why You Need an Expert in Eating Disorders: Why working with an eating disorder therapist who specializes in eating disorder treatment can be a game-changer.
By the end, you’ll have a much clearer idea of how to navigate the process of finding the right eating disorder therapist and what to look for in a professional who can help you on your journey to healing.
Signs You’re Ready to Seek Help from an Eating Disorder Therapist
Before we dive into the “how-to” of finding the right therapist, let’s first take a moment to reflect on when it might be time to seek help. Many people come to therapy when they realize they’re stuck in a pattern they can’t break on their own or when their struggles start affecting their daily lives in ways that are hard to ignore. So, how do you know if it’s time to look for a therapist?
Maybe you’ve been struggling with an eating disorder for a while, and no matter what you try, nothing seems to change. Or perhaps you feel like your body image struggles are consuming your thoughts and actions every single day. Maybe food has become a source of shame, guilt, and anxiety rather than nourishment and joy. These are all signs that it might be time to reach out for help.
It’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out right away. You don’t need to know exactly what you need from your eating disorder treatment. Therapy is a space to explore those answers with a professional who can help you make sense of your experiences and develop a plan for moving forward.
Most importantly, seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength. It takes courage to reach out for support, and doing so can be the beginning of real change in your life.
Reasons People Hesitate to Seek Therapy For Eating Disorders (And Why You Actually Should)
I know that seeking therapy for eating disorders in Burlington, VT isn’t always easy. In fact, a lot of people hesitate for different reasons. Maybe one of these sounds familiar:
"Other people are suffering more than me."
This may be true, but it’s not a competition. Your struggles are valid, and like everyone else, you deserve to be cared for. It’s not about comparing yourself to others. It’s about getting the help you need, no matter where you are in your journey.
"I just need to be better."
I hear you; there’s a lot of shame in feeling like you can’t just “get better.” That’s tough. But trying to do everything on your own while feeling the weight of all that shame can be incredibly isolating. The pressure you’re putting on yourself is not easy. You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.
"I’ve tried everything. Nothing has worked. So what makes therapy any different?"
It’s understandable to feel like you’ve tried every option and still haven’t found relief. But deep down, I bet there’s a part of you that still wants to feel different. I will go into this more later, but working with a therapist who specializes in eating disorders can be extremely helpful. They have experience, they have resources, they have worked with people who have felt as stuck as you do and helped them find the change they wanted.
"I’m not sick enough."
Okay, so what if you’re not "sick enough"? You don’t need to reach some threshold to deserve help. You want it, and that’s enough. Therapy isn’t just for those at rock bottom. It’s for anyone who wants to improve their mental and emotional well-being, no matter where they are in the process.
"I’ve been struggling for too long to get better."
I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way. It’s one of the hardest emotions to carry, isn’t it? But I want to remind you that you’re not alone. Many people feel like this; it’s more common than you might think. I still hope that you can feel different about yourself. I’ve seen it in the people I work with, and it’s truly amazing to witness.
I hope this helps to show that you’re not alone in these feelings. It’s okay to ask for help. Seeking therapy might be just what you need to begin the next chapter of healing. You deserve support, understanding, and a path forward, no matter what you're going through.
The Power of Connection: Why It’s the First Thing I Think About
Let’s talk about something I truly believe in connection. It’s something I’m passionate about, and it’s something we should all be talking about more, especially when it comes to therapy. In fact, it’s what therapists are all about (and yes, I’m probably a bit obsessed with it). The connection between a client and their therapist is so important, and here’s the thing: it’s okay if you don’t connect with everyone. That doesn’t mean they’re bad at their job. It just means they might not be the right fit for you, and that’s totally fine. After all, there are so many therapists out there, each with their own unique personalities.
I want to emphasize just how important this connection is when you’re choosing a therapist. Therapy is a deeply personal journey. When you feel connected to your therapist, you feel seen, heard, and understood in a way that allows the work to go deeper. If you're looking for someone to challenge you and dig into the work, you’ll want to build a strong, trusting relationship with your therapist.
How to Know If You’ve Found the Right Connection
When you first start looking for a therapist, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what makes someone a good match for you. But the truth is, it’s all about that gut feeling. How do they make you feel? Do they create a safe enough space for you to open up about the tough stuff?
For some people, that connection happens right away. For others, it might take a few sessions to click. But no matter when it happens, when you feel that connection, you’ll know it. It’s unmistakable.
Connection is the foundation of any strong therapeutic relationship. If you don’t feel like you can trust your therapist or be vulnerable with them, it’s going to be hard to make any real progress. So trust your instincts when choosing someone. You want a therapist who “gets” you.
Why is Connection Important in Recovery?
So, why is this connection so important for your recovery? Simply put, the relationship between you and your therapist is the foundation of everything. If you don’t feel safe enough to be vulnerable, it’s going to be tough to share the things that need to be addressed for healing to begin.
Eating disorders, body image struggles, and disordered eating are incredibly personal topics. Having a therapist who truly listens and validates your experience creates a safe space for you to confront the difficult parts of yourself. This trust and safety allow you to explore and make progress in ways that would be hard to do alone.
When you feel like your therapist really gets you, you’ll be able to talk openly about the things that scare you most. You’ll be able to be honest about your struggles without fear of judgment. And that’s when the real healing begins.
How to Find Someone You Connect With
Now that we’ve covered why connection is so important, let’s talk about how to actually find a therapist you connect with. This is where a lot of people feel lost, they don’t know where to start or how to tell if they’re clicking with someone. But don’t worry, I’ve got some practical tips to guide you.
1. Don’t Rush the Process
One of the biggest mistakes people make when looking for a therapist is rushing into a decision. It’s tempting to pick the first person you find and think, “Okay, this is it.” But I recommend taking your time. And finding someone who aligns with your needs.
Don’t feel like you have to settle. It’s completely okay to “shop around” a bit before making a choice. I actually recommend speaking with at least three therapists before deciding. This will give you a better sense of what feels right for you.
2. Schedule Consultations
Many therapists offer free consultation calls that usually last about 15-20 minutes. These calls are a great way to get a feel for whether you connect with the therapist without diving into deep topics. During these consultations, don’t worry about knowing all the right terms or jargon. This isn’t about impressing anyone, it’s about figuring out if the person across from you feels like someone you can trust.
Pay attention to their tone, energy, and how they respond to you. Do they seem warm and approachable? Do you feel comfortable asking questions or sharing your struggles? This is where your intuition comes in. Don’t be afraid to trust it.
3. Trust Your Instincts
This might sound obvious, but sometimes we ignore our gut feelings. If something feels off even after a consultation, don’t ignore it. If you don’t feel comfortable with a therapist after a session or two, it’s okay to move on. That doesn’t reflect badly on you. It just means they might not be the right fit.
I hope this helps you feel more confident in your search for a therapist who truly connects with you.
Specialization: Why You Need an Expert in Eating Disorders (or Anything, Really!)
Okay, now that we’ve talked about connection, let’s dive into something else that’s super important: specialization. You're a smarty, so I think you know what I’m talking about. Finding someone who specializes in eating disorder treatment when you're struggling with food, your body, or that persistent self-criticism and comparison is going to help you get where you want to go much faster. They’ve been there before. They have the training. They know who to support you.
A therapist who specializes in eating disorders will have a deep understanding of the underlying causes, the unique challenges of recovery, and the best therapeutic approaches to guide you through the process. They’ll know exactly when extra support is needed, and they’ll know how to challenge you in a way that moves you forward.
When you’re deep in those negative feelings, you don’t want someone who just says, "I work with everyone." You want the therapist who can name the specific pain you’re feeling, someone who’s confident in their ability to guide you through exactly what you’re experiencing. That’s the kind of expertise you deserve.
You’ve Got This!
As a therapist myself at Therapy With Lizzie, I know it can feel overwhelming, but finding the right therapist for your eating disorder treatment is a huge step in the right direction. It’s about more than just choosing someone with the right expertise; it’s about finding someone who truly understands your journey. Take your time, trust your instincts, and know that with the right therapist, you can start healing and building a healthier relationship with yourself. You’re not alone in this, and the support you need is out there.
Find Support From a Skilled Eating Disorder Therapist in Burlington, VT
Struggling with food, body image, or disordered eating can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Therapy for eating disorders in Burlington, VT can help you develop a healthier relationship with food and yourself. Reach out to Therapy With Lizzie today to start your journey toward healing and lasting change. Follow these three simple steps to get started:
Meet with Lizzie Werner-Gavrin, a skilled eating disorder therapist.
Face your eating disorder with support!
Other Virtual Therapies I Offer Across the State of Vermont
At Therapy With Lizzie, I provide specialized support for adults facing eating disorders and body image concerns, incorporating EMDR and other effective therapies. I also help individuals navigate anxiety, stress, and life transitions while building resilience. Whether you're healing from past trauma, managing overwhelming emotions, or exploring identity and self-acceptance, I'm here to guide you with compassion.
