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SOME SUGGESTIONS ABOUT FINDING A THERAPIST
AND REMAINING IN THERAPY
revised by: Capital Region Association for Eating Disorders (CRAED)
Adapted from ANAD statement
There are many philosophies concerning the treatment of eating disorders and many personality differences in both patients and therapists. CRAED strongly recommends that you explore the suitability of the therapist from a very personal standpoint to ensure finding the therapist who can work best with you or with you and your family.
CRAED feels that your best approach is to familiarize yourself, through reading, with all the phases of eating disorders and the treatment approaches, then select a therapist who makes the most sense to you. The therapist's rapport with an individual (and family) and confidence in the proposed treatment approach are important considerations.
If the symptoms appear to you to be the symptoms of anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating, but the therapist suggests that no problem exists, or recommends that the problem can be handled by the individual without treatment, do not hesitate to ask for another opinion.
Nor should one hesitate to seek another therapist if, after a reasonable time, no progress is evident. Before changing therapists this should be discussed with the present therapist. Having considered the therapist's views, one can make a more informed decision on changing or not changing therapists. If the fees are too high, check local, state or county mental facilities or private welfare agencies that operate on a sliding scale. Any therapist who is willing to work with someone with an eating disorder on the problems of low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and guilt should produce some positive results, providing a good therapeutic relationship has been established.
CRAED can only provide the names of therapists who have indicated they work with individuals with eating disorders, but cannot be responsible for the success or failure of their treatment. We will be glad to help in any way we can.
1996 Capital Region Association for Eating Disorders, Albany, NY (518) 464-9043.
For more information, contact: Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention, 603 Stewart St., Suite 803, Seattle, WA 98101, 206-382-3587,
Website: http://members.aol.com/edapinc
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