Finding the Right Eating Disorder Therapist in Raleigh, NC
Shopping for the right eating disorder therapist can feel daunting. Not only does navigating an eating disorder feel lonely and overwhelming, but finding someone you can trust adds to the mix. It can be hard to open up about the shame, fear, and embarrassment that comes with an eating disorder, but it’s crucial to helping you recover. If eating disorders were something people just got over on their own, therapists would be out of a job…and there are plenty of us still employed.
If you’re looking for help, I want you to know that finding a counselor is a brave and vital step toward recovery. Whether you’re looking for an in-person eating disorder therapist in Raleigh, NC, or someone virtual, finding the right fit is key. I’m here to demystify the process for you. I’ll share what an eating disorder therapist does, and offer guidance on how to find the perfect match for your needs.
What does an eating disorder therapist do?
Eating disorder therapists are specialized mental health professionals who have completed graduate school in counseling, social work, or psychology and are licensed in their state to provide therapy services. They are specifically trained to help people overcome struggles with disordered eating patterns. Their role extends far beyond merely treating the symptoms; they delve deep into the underlying psychological, emotional, and sometimes physiological factors contributing to the disorder.
One of the primary functions of an eating disorder therapist is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors surrounding food, body image, and self-esteem. Each eating disorder therapist will have a different personal style that they bring to therapy. They also have different therapeutic techniques they use to help clients recover based on their training and philosophy about what works best in eating disorder treatment.
Different therapeutic approaches
Some therapists use thinking-based interventions such as:
cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
family-based therapy (FBT)
Other therapists use more body-based strategies such as:
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Somatic Experiencing
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
The Safe and Sound Protocol
Brain spotting.
It’s common that therapists will use a combination of strategies based on what their client’s needs are. Regardless, they assist clients in developing healthier coping mechanisms and improving their relationship with food and their bodies.
Moreover, eating disorder therapists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as dietitians, physicians, and psychiatrists, to ensure comprehensive and holistic care. They play a pivotal role in facilitating communication among the treatment team and tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual. Eating disorder therapy is more effective and efficient when there is a team approach. If you have more than one provider, make sure your eating disorder therapist is communicating with other members of your team so you get the best care possible.
How to find an eating disorder therapist:
Begin your search for an eating disorder therapist by conducting thorough research. Utilize online directories, such as Psychology Today or the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) website to find qualified therapists in Raleigh, NC, specializing in eating disorders. You can also seek recommendations from trusted sources, such as friends, family members, or healthcare providers. Personal referrals often provide valuable insights into the therapist's approach, demeanor, and effectiveness.
When evaluating potential therapists, prioritize those with specialized training and experience in treating eating disorders. Look for credentials such as Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). You can also see if they have additional certifications or advanced training in eating disorder treatment and the specific interventions they specialize in.
At the very least, you want to make sure your therapist has a Master’s degree and is licensed in your state. It's essential to verify the therapist's credentials and licensure through the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board, or relevant professional associations.
I can tell you from personal and professional experience that working with someone who specializes in eating disorder treatment is going to be a much better fit than a general therapist. Sometimes, a person’s eating disorder mindset limits full disclosure about the severity of their symptoms and an eating disorder therapist will be able to spot that more easily than someone else. If you’re hiring a therapist to help you get better, go for the person who is going to hold you accountable to your recovery goals instead of wasting your time with someone who doesn’t “get” eating disorders.
I’ve also found that therapists who work in the eating disorders field may have their own personal experiences with recovery. You want to make sure that your therapist is keeping your eating disorder experience and recovery the primary focus instead of divulging too much about their own experience. That said, it can be helpful to have a therapist who understands what it takes to recover and is recovered. There is hope and people do recover. I am one of them.
How to find a compatible eating disorder therapist in Raleigh, NC:
Finding a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and understood is crucial for the therapeutic process. Schedule initial consultations or phone calls with potential therapists to discuss your concerns, treatment goals, and their approach to therapy. I offer 20-minute video sessions to people so that we can see each other’s expressions, check out the vibe between us, and have enough time for you to answer any questions about working with me before scheduling an official visit. It’s important to have this time so you can make an informed decision.
A therapist’s approach
During these conversations, pay attention to the therapist's communication style, empathy, and willingness to collaborate. Ask about their experience working with eating disorders, preferred therapeutic modalities, and treatment philosophy. This will help you gauge whether their approach aligns with your needs and preferences. You can gather a lot of info from someone’s tone of voice, the way they answer questions and the words they use to describe their work.
Accessibility
When selecting an eating disorder therapist, make sure you also consider practical factors such as location, availability, fees, and whether or not they take insurance. Choose a therapist whose office is conveniently located in Raleigh, NC, or can do telehealth in North Carolina to ensure ease of access for regular appointments. Discuss logistical details such as scheduling options upfront to avoid any surprises later on.
Some therapists offer sliding scale fees or accept insurance plans, so inquire about payment options if this is a factor. If you want to use insurance, call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask what it would cost to go to a therapist “in-network” (i.e. someone on your insurance company’s roster of providers) or “out-of-network” (i.e. a person who isn’t on the roster but provides that same service). Sometimes it doesn’t matter if you go in or out of network if your deductible is really high. If you have to pay in a certain amount before your therapy sessions are covered or you have a Health Savings Account, it might not make much of a difference who you see.
The cost of therapy
***A word on paying for therapy. Counseling services aren’t exactly cheap, but they cost a heck of a lot less than spinning your wheels, and buying a bunch of “magic bullets” that aren’t going to work in the long run (e.g. diets, booze, drugs, clothes, vacations). Your investment in yourself is long-term. Your new clothes, the week of vacation, the high…they’re all temporary and only help you feel better for a short time. Figure out the cost of all that one-time stuff and use that money to go to counseling. When eating disorder therapy is a priority and when it’s working, you probably won’t miss the short-lived things you once spent on.
Take your time in finding the right eating disorder therapist
Finally, trust your instincts when choosing an eating disorder therapist. Pay attention to your gut feelings and intuition during the selection process. If something doesn't feel right or if you don't click with a particular therapist, it's okay to explore other options until you find the right fit. Remember that finding the perfect eating disorder therapist may take time and patience, but investing in your mental health and well-being is always worth it.
Getting started with eating disorder therapy in Raleigh, NC
Embarking on the journey to recovery from an eating disorder requires courage, resilience, and support. Finding the right eating disorder therapist is a crucial step toward healing and reclaiming your life. You can empower yourself to make informed decisions and find a compassionate guide to accompany you on your path to healing from an eating disorder. You deserve support, understanding, and hope as you navigate recovery. Follow the steps below to get started:
Schedule a free consultation so we can get to know more about each other.
Learn more about me here!
Begin eating disorder therapy and reclaim your life!
Other services I offer in North Carolina:
My goal is to provide compassionate support to help individuals process and release trauma stored in the body with trauma and somatic therapy. Rediscover a harmonious relationship with food and your body through my intuitive eating services!