I recently attended a health and wellness expo where I had the opportunity to network with local mental health care providers. I introduced myself as an eating disorder coach to one therapist in particular who asked me, “what do I do to help my patient who has an eating disorder?".
I admittedly was not ready for this question and suggested she read up on Intuitive Eating. In retrospect, I realize the correct response should have been, “refer them to an eating disorder provider”. That’s exactly the response I will be giving to this question going forward.
I bring this encounter up because I believe it is extremely problematic and unethical that there are mental health providers who are continuing to see patients with eating disorders, when they have no expertise in helping patients recover. I’m saying this not only because of that encounter, but because of my lived experience.
I’ve been very public in sharing that it took me nearly two decades to BEGIN the process of recovery. A large part of the reason it took me so long is that I saw many therapists over the years who did not help me recover. I realize now that these therapists were not equipped to help me. However, rather than refer me out, they continued to take my money, waste my time, and as a result caused me to believe that I was not capable of recovery. That I was hopeless.
I am so regretful that I didn’t respond the way I wished I had in that moment with that therapist, but it was a learning opportunity for me and a reminder of why I do the work that I do. The tools, strategies, and wisdom that I have DOES lead to recovery, and I owe it to the people out there like her patient to help them.
BTW, I did provide her my business card if she wanted to discuss more about how to help her client, and I never heard from her!
Therapists are important providers, but if the one you have is not trained in eating disorders and has not referred you to someone who is, they are doing you a disservice.
I promise you that recovery is possible with the right support, tools, and resources. If you want to book a free discovery call, I’d love to learn about you and how I might be one of those support people on your team.
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