Coming to Terms...

DietingMommy08

I have had this issue my whole life and didnt really know what it was or that I had the problem until recently when I decided to start this diet.

I have an appointment with a mental health specialist on friday....
When I tell him I believe I have a binge eating problem, what is he going to say?

Whats the next step after him?!
Has anybody gone thru professional help before?!

sjbangs

I've gone to group before, but I've just started seeing someone one-on-one. There's no "one thing" anyone is going to say... They will ask you questions about your life and your background and try to see where the BED started and what triggered it and continues to trigger it. He'll work with you to control it, probably by using a journal and discuss what to do when cravings come on. There doesn't need to be a next step, necessarily, as long as you find he is helping you. Group helped me a lot; it's always nice to have support from people going through the same thing. If you have any more questions, feel free to add/message me :-)

Lobster1987

Yep! I just started the process. He'll get your background history, health/mental health stuff. He'll give you an MMPI and some other tests, about body image, self-esteem, and one about drug use. At least this is how it all went for me....

After the testing, I had a second interview/intake session and went a little bit more in depth and they'll go over your test results. Next, they'll figure out your diagnosis, whether you have a true eating disorder. I am not a full-blown binge eater, but I am well on my way to being one. She said I caught it early (thankfully).

Then, if you are in the right place (I am using an eating disorder specific program), you'll start therapy sessions. She has me working out of a workbook, one chapter a week.

So far it's going good. It hasn't done much for the binging. I still binge daily, but we've had some major break throughs in how I became this way, etc.

Going to her is very helpful and I always look forward to going. I always feel great after my appointment with her.

I hope this helps.

shannonsnail

I have been through alot of counseling over the many years I've been dealing with BED but I have yet to find an ED specific counselor in my area that is not primarily focused on the other EDs.

DietingMommy08

Thank you for the information.

It was definetly helpful.

I am really greatful for this group. )

Lobster1987

I use the Emily Program. I think it's only a Minnesota based group though, but do a google search for eating disorder specific treatment centers in your area. I didn't realize it, but BED is even more prevalent in the general population than AN and BN are. I was amazed by how many BED patients they counsel here.