Advice for how to reduce purging?

I have a great counselor, but unfortunately she doesn't have any background in eating disorders and I was wondering what sort of things have helped other people limit how often they purge by throwing up.

So far I've not found distractions helpful, but... I'm willing to try most anything at the moment! I am currently trying to plan what I eat each day and stick to that very strictly in attempt to prevent feeling the urge to purge. If anyone has any advice or things that worked for them, I would love to hear it. I'm starting to get very concerned with how this is affecting my health. Thanks!

Replies

  • stephgas
    stephgas Posts: 159 Member
    please reach out for professional help...

    http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/find-help-support

    if you have an eating disorder and your therapist doesn't have experience, is it possible for you to locate a new therapist?

    purging will certainly affect your health in negative ways. until you can find someone who is appropriately trained to help you, maybe you can space out your eating. sometimes eating smaller servings throughout the day can help people prevent feeling the need to purge.
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    please reach out for professional help...

    if you have an eating disorder and your therapist doesn't have experience, is it possible for you to locate a new therapist?

    ^^ This ^^
  • AllOutof_Bubblegum
    AllOutof_Bubblegum Posts: 3,646 Member
    Find a counselor trained in helping those with EDs. Neither the conselor you have, nor any one of us here is properly qualified to help you. Good luck. :flowerforyou:
  • skinnybythanksgiving
    skinnybythanksgiving Posts: 159 Member
    I suggest finding an additional counselor that treats your illness and if possible get in-patient treatment.

    Long term support is invaluable as well. You might consider Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous.

    http://aba12steps.org/

    They have a text as well that you can read between meetings.
  • LAT1963
    LAT1963 Posts: 1,375 Member
    Yeah, you really need a pro to help you with this topic. It's not that we don't want to help you, but we really don't have the skills.
  • PaperKranes
    PaperKranes Posts: 9 Member
    Thanks for the concern. It's touching. I'm with my counselor for other, more important reasons though, so, we'll figure it out. I'll look into that anorexics/bulimics anonymous thing though. Hadn't ever heard of that before. Perhaps they have ideas.
  • brianpperkins
    brianpperkins Posts: 6,124 Member
    If your current counselor cannot help with the purging, you need a specialist in addition to whatever therapy you're undergoing.
  • AbbeyDove
    AbbeyDove Posts: 317 Member
    I wanted to wish you well. I don't purge myself, but here's what I've noticed. When I record my foods, I feel less guilty and anxious about what I've eaten, even if it wasn't ideal. But I don't know how this would work for someone with bulimia.
  • CipherZero
    CipherZero Posts: 1,418 Member
    Find a therapist who DOES understand and treat eating disorders. NOW. As much as you like the current therapist, they're not able to help you with the underlying problems.
  • BlackPup
    BlackPup Posts: 242 Member
    This is a serious thing and it does affect your health now and in the future. Please try to find an additional therapist to deal with this.
    Try to identify what makes you feel like purging. Are you over restricting food also?