What does treatment look like?

YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT

Prior to your first appointment you will be asked to complete a series of forms and questionnaires asking about your current symptoms and overall quality of life.

At the beginning of the first appointment we will review these forms to ensure that you understand what you have read and to allow you to ask questions so that you are comfortable with and informed about the treatment arrangement.

We will then ask you what you would like help with and look at specific examples of the problem(s). In the process, we will together get a picture of what is causing your concerns, and develop a plan on how to make things better.

It is important that you feel like your therapist is a good match for you. So, after the initial session you can choose how you’d like to proceed with treatment, if at all.

SUBSEQUENT APPOINTMENTS

The reasons why your eating issues started and/or continue are personal and specific, so  treatment is tailored to your specific needs.

However, there are often some common themes in treatment. You might be wondering what kinds of things people talk about in their sessions. Here are some examples:

Situations that lead to feeling overwhelmed and result in eating problems.

For some people this includes strained relationships, low self esteem, not knowing how to cope with stressful events or strong emotions (e.g. grief, anger), or being bothered by past difficult life experiences.

How to cope more effectively.

Well-researched treatment approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) help people to identify when they are distressed and give them the tools to cope differently. These skills teach you how to be more mindful of feelings, work with feelings more skillfully, and become more effective in relationships.

How to create a life worth living.

People often express a desire to improve their overall quality of life. Focusing on fostering meaningful experiences in a variety of areas (e.g., work, school, relationships, leisure) can be crucial for long-lasting change.

Developing a better relationship with food.

For some this includes gradually loosening rigid rules about good/bad foods and  adopting a more balanced relationship with food. The benefit is that when we don’t end up feeling deprived, we aren’t as vulnerable to making bad food choices. Often, meeting with a dietitian with specialized experience in this area is extremely important in getting better.