Therapy?

ObtainingBalance

I've been a member of this group for over a year, but I haven't been active as of recently.
I have been really struggling with my BED lately. I wanted to come here and ask you guys what experiences you've had with therapy for treatment (I've been considering it a lot lately).
When I went to search for this group I saw some recent threads and read the "THE THERAPY CHRONICLES". I want to thank the OP for her honesty because reading it really helped me. I've been avoiding my feelings/ thoughts lately and I haven't done much self reflection on why I binge and what I feel before, during, and after. Your post(s) were insightful and I found I could relate to pieces of it.
I was surprised to find a topic posted recently that related to what I planned on asking in this group.

So does anyone else have any thoughts on therapy? Any personal experiences and if it helped you with managing your binges? I feel like reading about other peoples thoughts on it might encourage me to take action and find one.

Today I had a binge and I feel really helpless and think it would be best to have someone I can confide to about it. But when I have "good" eating days, the courage to reach out for help lessens because I don't feel I really need it.... until I fall on my face and have another "binge day".

If I do seek out a therapist, should I ask them if they specialize in eating disorders or do you think it's that important?
I ask that because...
I think binge eating is my main problem but I know there are underlying things probably triggering it. I've been pretty stressed and lonely lately and I think that if I was more content with my life the binges would occur less. So I don't know if the therapist would need to specialize in eating disorders, because maybe all I need is someone to help me get my life in better balance... my coping mechanisms are whats messing me up.

tsikkz

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read the therapy chronicles I know its a whole ton to read and I write them out on graveyard shift so sometimes they are a little crazy. Haha

There are different kinds of therapy; psychoanalytic (what Kate was in the TC), cognitive behavioral(which is what Dr. C uses on me), psycho-physical (these are often therapists who incorporate things like yoga and meditation, I found a TON of them when I was searching for help), Meditation therapy, hypnotherapy, the list goes on and on.

Ontop of that you need to analyze your budget and look at the level of therapy you want to pursue. There are social workers, clinical counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists. Dr. C is billed through my insurance as a clinical counselor but she holds a masters hence the "dr" part. She charges $175 per 1 hour session, but I found psychologists for more $$ and lots of free counselling through social workers.

But the most important thing is someone you trust and generally feel that they can help you. Trust your instinct and don't give up after 1 therapist that doesn't feel right.

IsMollyReallyHungry

tsikkz wrote: »

But the most important thing is someone you trust and generally feel that they can help you. Trust your instinct and don't give up after 1 therapist that doesn't feel right.

Yes, it may take some time to find the right therapist and patience on your part. I agree, go with your gut and if you don't click or feel comfortable after a few visits don't keep wasting your time and money. If you have insurance, usually 26 to 52 visits are cover each year and you have to pay your co-pay.

I recommend you Google the phrases "Dialectical Behavior Therapy" and "Cognitive Behavior Therapy" to find someone who specializes in these therapies and/or eating disorders. Most large metropolitan areas have them. There is a lot of help out there. Hang in there.

superj016

I've wondered about this myself. I've seen a counselor before after a serious, chronic illness but never for my issues with food. Like you, I am curious as to whether therapy would help my eating issues or just help me balance out the rest of my life. But I guess my view on it is, it's meant to help, so it can't hurt to try. I plan on making an appointment within the next month.

ObtainingBalance

tsikkz wrote: »

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read the therapy chronicles I know its a whole ton to read and I write them out on graveyard shift so sometimes they are a little crazy. Haha

There are different kinds of therapy; psychoanalytic (what Kate was in the TC), cognitive behavioral(which is what Dr. C uses on me), psycho-physical (these are often therapists who incorporate things like yoga and meditation, I found a TON of them when I was searching for help), Meditation therapy, hypnotherapy, the list goes on and on.

Ontop of that you need to analyze your budget and look at the level of therapy you want to pursue. There are social workers, clinical counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists. Dr. C is billed through my insurance as a clinical counselor but she holds a masters hence the "dr" part. She charges $175 per 1 hour session, but I found psychologists for more $$ and lots of free counselling through social workers.

But the most important thing is someone you trust and generally feel that they can help you. Trust your instinct and don't give up after 1 therapist that doesn't feel right.

I think cognitive behavioral therapy would help me address the binges. But I'm not too familiar with psychoanalytic (so I'm not sure).
I made a few calls today and got a price range.
My insurance covers a lot of it, but I still have to pay some of it. It isn't too bad, but I guess it depends how frequent the sessions are. I'm thinking maybe one every 2 weeks but I'll talk to them about it and decide when I start.

I know the campus I'm at right now has advisers and stuff but I'm not sure if they cover a wide variety of things (like mental health and eating disorders? ) They don't appear to be specialized in areas like that... I see most students go to them when they are struggling with college related issues.

Thanks, I am proud of myself for calling them. They didn't have any appointments open tomorrow but they said to call a day ahead to figure out a time for the initial visit.

I don't want a male therapist. It's not because I've ever had problems with them but I feel more comfortable talking about diet, body image, etc with a girl.

ObtainingBalance

IsMollyReallyHungry wrote: »

tsikkz wrote: »

But the most important thing is someone you trust and generally feel that they can help you. Trust your instinct and don't give up after 1 therapist that doesn't feel right.

Yes, it may take some time to find the right therapist and patience on your part. I agree, go with your gut and if you don't click or feel comfortable after a few visits don't keep wasting your time and money. If you have insurance, usually 26 to 52 visits are cover each year and you have to pay your co-pay.

I recommend you Google the phrases "Dialectical Behavior Therapy" and "Cognitive Behavior Therapy" to find someone who specializes in these therapies and/or eating disorders. Most large metropolitan areas have them. There is a lot of help out there. Hang in there.

I looked online around the area and noticed a few that specialized in cognitive behavior therapy. I live in a small city so the options are a bit limited I think

ObtainingBalance

superj016 wrote: »

I've wondered about this myself. I've seen a counselor before after a serious, chronic illness but never for my issues with food. Like you, I am curious as to whether therapy would help my eating issues or just help me balance out the rest of my life. But I guess my view on it is, it's meant to help, so it can't hurt to try. I plan on making an appointment within the next month.

That's what I'm thinking, it's meant to help so it won't hurt.

If I really don't find any therapists are helping me improve, I can always leave... but I'm going to give them chances and figure out what therapist works for me. You should try it

tsikkz

Sounds like you are both moving in a positive direction! I totally agree about having a female therapist. I lucked out with mine because she has over 5 years experience working in an eating disorder clinic, where as I felt like the first therapist I tried just wanted my money.

You know I think making the phonecall to set up the appointment was the most difficult thing in the whole process. Its like you're admitting its bad enough that you can't beat it alone.

IsMollyReallyHungry

I recommend not limiting your options to a female therapist only (unless you just have a preference) because I have had 2 very good male therapist too. As a matter of fact for me they were better than the women therapists I have had -- and I am not saying the women therapists were not good. The men were able to see thru my crap more and called me on it and make me dig deeper too. I was more comfortable with the men for sure. My 2 cents.

Keep us posted on your searches too!! Be patient and find the right click for you and it will definitely help you in all aspects of life. It will help you pull things together. How it works for you also depends on how much work you put into it too. Mental Therapy of any kind is just as hard IF not harder than physical therapy.

ObtainingBalance

I haven't called them back to set up an initial appointment. I'm starting to feel excuses coming on and I'm a bit anxious. Because setting up an appointment means I see them the day after... in person. I'm scared that I won't openly and honestly talk about my binge eating problem and that I'll make it sound like no big deal. If I don't explain what I'm having issues with, they can't help me. On the phone I just said I needed help with stress management...
In the meeting I want to mention that I am having issues with overeating, body image, and stress management (I think my binges are due to stress... I also think there are other deeper factors) but if I don't feel comfortable with the person I might avoid going into detail, which will be a waste if I don't mention it -- the more honest I am, the better they can help me.

I think I'm going to make myself call Sunday (if they're open) so I can have an appointment Monday after work. I'm pretty busy this weekend or else I'd do it now.

ObtainingBalance

IsMollyReallyHungry wrote: »

I recommend not limiting your options to a female therapist only (unless you just have a preference) because I have had 2 very good male therapist too. As a matter of fact for me they were better than the women therapists I have had -- and I am not saying the women therapists were not good. The men were able to see thru my crap more and called me on it and make me dig deeper too. I was more comfortable with the men for sure. My 2 cents.

Keep us posted on your searches too!! Be patient and find the right click for you and it will definitely help you in all aspects of life. It will help you pull things together. How it works for you also depends on how much work you put into it too. Mental Therapy of any kind is just as hard IF not harder than physical therapy.

Thanks Molly. I should probably be more open minded as not all men are going to listen/respond the same and maybe some of them are pretty good at dealing with EDs, body image, etc.

IsMollyReallyHungry

ObtainingBalance wrote: »

I haven't called them back to set up an initial appointment. I'm starting to feel excuses coming on and I'm a bit anxious. Because setting up an appointment means I see them the day after... in person. I'm scared that I won't openly and honestly talk about my binge eating problem and that I'll make it sound like no big deal. If I don't explain what I'm having issues with, they can't help me. On the phone I just said I needed help with stress management...
In the meeting I want to mention that I am having issues with overeating, body image, and stress management (I think my binges are due to stress... I also think there are other deeper factors) but if I don't feel comfortable with the person I might avoid going into detail, which will be a waste if I don't mention it -- the more honest I am, the better they can help me.

I think I'm going to make myself call Sunday (if they're open) so I can have an appointment Monday after work. I'm pretty busy this weekend or else I'd do it now.

I was in self denial for many years and wasted precious time that could have been spent on resolving my personal issues. Just do it and keep on doing it until you find a therapist you are comfortable. It is a process but worth the effort.

superj016

I just started with a therapist last week. Just keep in mind everything is confidential so, you could say anything you want and nothing you say will be judged or leave the room. Again, they are there to help you so, you are your own worst enemy if you don't allow them to reach out to you. I'd just be honest on the phone about my real reasons for needing the appointment and then let the conversation come at it's own pace, as you are comfortable, when you meet in person. They may also be able to do a consultation vs. a therapy session so you can get a better feel for things. The first session is more about paperwork and getting to know you anyway vs. bringing all your deep dark secrets immediately to the surface. Let it happen naturally. Plus, if they work with eating disorders specifically, they may be like my doctor who has overcome these issues herself. So, again, nothing you say will shock them and, if anything, it may make the therapist more relatable. I definitely felt better knowing my therapist has overcome her own binge eating issues. It's nice to talk to someone who "gets it", even if some of the details differ.

ObtainingBalance

It's sad to say I have not made the initial appointment yet. They told me to call a day ahead to schedule it, and I put it off. I told myself I was too busy with school and work and that therapy can happen when my life slows down.
I am hoping to go in after my finals. I also keep hesitating because I tell myself over time the money will accumulate and I could be using the money on better things.
I really wish I wasn't coming here to tell you guys this, I'm annoyed at myself for not going yet. I don't know what I'm afraid of.

I'm making a goal to myself to go in before June. That gives me some time to finish my finals and attend a music festival that I've been planning.

I'm glad to hear you've found a therapist who can relate to you and support you on your journey to overcome the binges. Good luck!

totaldetermination

Can you call now and schedule an appointment for after your finals ?

ObtainingBalance

No for some reason they don't schedule appointments that much in advance. The first day I called with questions she said that the appointments were booked for tomorrow and just to call a day before I can do an appointment, and call early in the morning (because appointments book up quickly).
I think they don't allow scheduling more than a day ahead because it might book up too quickly?
Or maybe this is just on initial visits that the scheduling is that way.

I will keep you all updated on when I do go and how I feel about the session.

tsikkz

@obtainingbalance have you considered that maybe going to a therapy session might even make the stress of finals easier to cope with?

ObtainingBalance

That's a good point But they're Monday and Tuesday morning so I don't really have a whole lot of time. I'm just preparing myself by studying when I'm not at work. After finals I need to start moving everything out of my unit by the deadline, I'm staying on campus for the summer and taking more classes but I'm moving to the apartments. The week after finals & moving I'm going to a music festival out of state.

The therapist might be able to help me balance my responsibilities during the summer and avoid using food as a coping mechanism. I don't know if I'm the only one, but it stresses me out getting new room mates every semester. It's a random person that I don't know, and I have to learn to live with them and their habits. I think the therapist might help me adjust with changes I can't control (minimize my anxiety on things like that).

I really do think I need it and I am going to schedule the appointment, I think writing what I will do in this group is helping me stick to what I say, and it helps seeing how some of you have gone to therapy already and it's benefited you. I'll keep you updated.

superj016

i was going to say, do you think you want to set a goal date for making an appointment here with us to help keep you accountable? when are your finals? soon, i would imagine? also, do you have friends at the same school? are you able to request to room with someone you know if you have any friends available to do that with you?

ObtainingBalance

That's probably a good idea. My finals are happening this week, this weekend is when I am probably going to be working and packing my stuff up to move to the apartments. My schedule has been wacky lately I'm trying to think of if a weekend would be better or a weekday - and if it'd be morning or afternoon. I think I just want to set up an appointment before the end of this month, I don't have a specific date.

slaite1

ObtainingBalance wrote: »

tsikkz wrote: »

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read the therapy chronicles I know its a whole ton to read and I write them out on graveyard shift so sometimes they are a little crazy. Haha

There are different kinds of therapy; psychoanalytic (what Kate was in the TC), cognitive behavioral(which is what Dr. C uses on me), psycho-physical (these are often therapists who incorporate things like yoga and meditation, I found a TON of them when I was searching for help), Meditation therapy, hypnotherapy, the list goes on and on.

Ontop of that you need to analyze your budget and look at the level of therapy you want to pursue. There are social workers, clinical counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists. Dr. C is billed through my insurance as a clinical counselor but she holds a masters hence the "dr" part. She charges $175 per 1 hour session, but I found psychologists for more $$ and lots of free counselling through social workers.

But the most important thing is someone you trust and generally feel that they can help you. Trust your instinct and don't give up after 1 therapist that doesn't feel right.

I think cognitive behavioral therapy would help me address the binges. But I'm not too familiar with psychoanalytic (so I'm not sure).
I made a few calls today and got a price range.
My insurance covers a lot of it, but I still have to pay some of it. It isn't too bad, but I guess it depends how frequent the sessions are. I'm thinking maybe one every 2 weeks but I'll talk to them about it and decide when I start.

I know the campus I'm at right now has advisers and stuff but I'm not sure if they cover a wide variety of things (like mental health and eating disorders? ) They don't appear to be specialized in areas like that... I see most students go to them when they are struggling with college related issues.

Thanks, I am proud of myself for calling them. They didn't have any appointments open tomorrow but they said to call a day ahead to figure out a time for the initial visit.

I don't want a male therapist. It's not because I've ever had problems with them but I feel more comfortable talking about diet, body image, etc with a girl.

I highly recommend contacting a counselor on campus. Usually they don't just have advisors, their should be an actualy therapist. Often a professor that also works in the counsing department. You can try looking up student services or the actual counseling department.

It's usually free. And, at my last school, the clinic was also free which meant when my counselor recommended medication I could go to the doctor next door and they could communicate witht each other. I am an adult student (30) and the counselor on campus was hands down the best I have seen-and I've seen a few.

I would also venture to guess that in a college campus they may have experience with eating disorders. In addition, you usually have a plethora of resources on campus, and a good counselor can help you navigate them. A specialized registered dietitian (also usually found in campus) can be helpful also.

ObtainingBalance

I feel like the counselor on campus is for minor anxiety and stress related issues, and wouldn't be specifically trained with eating disorders... this is just a small community college.
Maybe I am wrong, it's just what I think. I feel like a large university might have more resources for issues like this than my college...

I called the office and they didn't answer. It said to call during business hours - but I can't find the business hours online. I know they're open at 8AM, but it's the weekend.
It took me awhile before I got the courage to call. I'm going to have to wait until next week now, and I feel like once I get busy I put it off and make excuses.

Currently I just need a space to write out my thoughts.
I'm running low on food in the apartment, but I'm afraid to get too much variety or too much in bulk because I feel like it makes it easier to binge.
Right now I have oats, chia seeds, eggs, half and half, jelly, and a few other condiments. I had bread but it went by quickly when I ate jelly and toast. It's too easy to have a second meal and then spiral into a binge. This isn't really much to make a meal out of but I'm still hesitant to get foods that are appealing. It's only 10AM and I have consumed 2,000 calories. Not all at once, it just started out with breakfast and a workout... then I came back and had more, and it just started adding up.

One solution to controlling my binges would be...
Eating only at the cafeteria because at least there I'm not going to have seconds, but then I fear the meal choices can easily add up in calories. I also sometimes feel a bit of anxiety eating around a lot of people, and usually feel really fat. It's uncomfortable, but I know it's not healthy to want to eat alone. I'm hoping maybe a therapist could help me work on this problem?
During the semester I ate a lot of sandwiches and salads at the cafeteria because that's the only thing that seemed low calorie or at least easy to log. Someone commented on my weird food pattern in a teasing but questioning way, and it made me even more anxious eating around a lot of people.

Sometimes I'll feel comfortable eating with friends, but then my friends encourage unhealthy eating styles and make me feel pressured to eat like them (fast food, soda, junk, etc).

I feel really alone and I don't know what to do. I don't have anyone to go hang out with, atleast not in this city right now. I feel like the lack of things to do this weekend is going to result in extra calories...
I'm afraid of the scale... I used to be able to manage at least a week of following my calorie goals and I'd feel like I was making weight loss progress, now I can't even step on the scale.

Does anyone here want to call/text members in the group? Maybe we could find members who want to connect on skype or FB...

totaldetermination

So many of us can relate to what you are saying. You are not alone.

I live alone and only buy food for 1 or 2 days at a time, so binging can't get too out of hand. I have read (including on this forum) that therapists suggesting identifying and then removing tools that allow you to binge. For me that is the food at home. It works for me :-)

I also log my entire days worth of eating at the beginning of the day. If I am worried that it is going to be a difficult day to avoid binging then I increase my calories to maintenance so that I know I have enough food and will definitely not be hungry.

I started this thread (http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10013044/a-promise-to-myself) which helped me a lot when I was going through a challenging period. Every time I posted about myself not binging, I wasn't just writing about it, it was an opportunity for me to reassert that determination. To actually feel it. To psyche myself up. I wanted to stop my determination from slipping before it slipped enough for me to be thinking about binging (at which point its a lot harder to stop). I posted as often as I could throughout the day. (every half hour, every hour - whatever you need) and to be honest it felt really good, really positive. It really worked for me, and has gotten me back on track. I think the reason was the constant updates which kept my resolution strong throughout the day - not giving temptations an opportunity to start to form in my mind. I was 'being in control', rather than 'controlling my urges'. Once the urges start its a battle to win back control. Prevention is easier than cure, but required constant awareness. I didn't give those urges a chance !!

Good Luck :-) I find reading the success stories on the main forum very helpful.

ObtainingBalance

Thanks for the response.

Buying food for only 1-2 days at a time is a good idea, but it's difficult sometimes. Depends on what you choose to eat during the day.

Pre-logging is something I need to do more often, I know a lot of people say it helps them.

That sounds like a good idea... maybe a journal would help, I want to find a journal with a lock on it.
I'll try to call again Monday, to set up an appointment for Tuesday.

ObtainingBalance

I'm feeling better today. I was really down yesterday, binges mess with my mood and mindset badly.
Thanks for listening, on days like that I need an on call therapist lol.