Starting Therapy for an Eating Disorder: What to Expect from your First Session
Starting therapy for eating disorders can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure about what to expect. The first session is an important step, and while it may feel different from future sessions, it’s all about laying the groundwork for your work together. Let’s walk through what typically happens during your first session and how it sets the stage for the therapy ahead.
What to Expect in Your First Therapy For Eating Disorders Session
1. Questions to Build Understanding
Your eating disorder therapist will start by asking a lot of questions, not just about your eating habits, but also about your life as a whole. They’ll want to understand your emotional history, your current struggles, and your unique experiences. This isn’t just about the eating disorder itself but about gathering a bigger picture of what’s going on in your life.
In your first session, you’ll likely be asked questions that help your therapist understand your background and the factors influencing your eating disorder. While some answers may come easily, others might take a little more time to explore. That’s okay, your therapist is simply learning more about you to better support you.
Here are some common questions you might be asked:
What does your day-to-day life look like?
What do you enjoy doing, and how do you spend your time?
Who are your main supports? Who do you turn to for help or comfort?
What’s your relationship with food like right now?
Are there specific emotional triggers that tend to affect your eating habits?
How long have you been feeling this way?
Are there past events or traumas that may be influencing your current situation?
This process helps create a full, compassionate understanding of where you’re coming from.
2. Getting to Know Each Other: The Beginning of the Therapeutic Relationship
The first session is also about building the foundation of your relationship with your eating disorder therapist. The therapeutic relationship is an important part of therapy, and this initial meeting is your chance to see if you feel comfortable with your therapist and their approach.
Your therapist will work to create a safe and open space for you to share your experiences. Over time, as trust and rapport build, you’ll be able to explore deeper issues and emotions. But remember, this first meeting is just the start of that process.
3. Discussion of Your Goals
Once your therapist has a better sense of who you are and what’s been going on in your life, you’ll begin discussing your goals for therapy. This is your chance to share what you hope to achieve through therapy. Whether your goal is to address disordered eating behaviors, manage anxiety, develop self-compassion, or something else, this discussion helps you both get clear on where you want to go.
During this time, you’ll talk about what’s most important to you and any obstacles you might face in achieving those goals. This could include emotional challenges like fear of change or difficulties in confronting underlying issues. It’s important to be open about what you hope to achieve and the areas where you might feel stuck, so your therapist can support you in the best way possible.
4. Creating a Plan
Based on the information gathered, your therapist will help you develop a plan that addresses your unique needs. The plan will include your goals and outline the therapeutic techniques that will be most helpful for you. This might involve approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or harm reduction strategies, whichever best suits your situation.
It’s important to know that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. The treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs, and it can change as you progress. As you continue therapy, your goals and the methods used may evolve, so the plan is always flexible.
In addition to your therapist’s techniques, they may suggest other resources to support your recovery. This could include working with your primary care physician (PCP) or a dietitian to address any physical health concerns or nutrition-related issues.
Moving Forward Together
Your first session is just the beginning. As therapy continues, you’ll explore deeper emotional layers that affect your eating behaviors, work through past traumas, and make progress toward your goals. The process is collaborative, and your therapist will be there to guide you with compassion and support as you navigate your relationship with food and your body.
Therapy for eating disorders is about much more than just changing behaviors; it’s about understanding the emotional needs that drive those behaviors. With the right support, you can develop new ways of coping and caring for yourself, ways that feel more sustainable and aligned with your true needs.
Starting therapy at Therapy With Lizzie can feel like a big step, but it’s an important one. It’s a move toward building a more compassionate and understanding relationship with yourself. Your therapist will work with you to create a plan that meets your needs, helping you take one step at a time toward making the change you want.
Begin Healing With Therapy for Eating Disorders in Burlington, VT
Do you feel stuck in a cycle of guilt, stress, or frustration around food and body image? You’re not alone, and healing is within reach. Therapy for eating disorders can help you break free from harmful patterns and build a healthier, more compassionate relationship with yourself. At Therapy With Lizzie, I offer a supportive space where you can explore, heal, and grow. Follow these three simple steps to get started:
Meet with me, Lizzie Werner-Gavrin, an experienced eating disorder therapist.
Begin building a more compassionate connection with your body.
You don’t have to face this alone. You deserve to feel empowered and at peace. Reach out today to take the first step toward healing!
Additional Online Services I Provide Throughout Vermont
In addition to providing therapy for eating disorders and body image concerns, I offer EMDR therapy to help process trauma and emotional pain. My work also focuses on supporting individuals with anxiety, stress management, and resilience-building. I create a compassionate, affirming space for adults exploring their gender and sexuality. Whether you're healing from trauma, coping with anxiety, or embracing your identity, I’m here to support you with understanding every step of the way.
