Are psychologists a help or a hindrance with eating disorders and related issues?

Question

After seeing a counselor/psychologist for almost a year, I don't know if I'm in a better place than I started, or worse off. My psychiatrist and I determined that my body grows tolerant of medications very quickly (all medications) and therefore I've been going from one anti-depressant to the next trying to find one that will work and keep working. Right now I'm not on any because I feel like it isn't worth it and I want to do this on my own.

But more than that, I have disordered eating patterns and almost zero self esteem. And I feel as though my therapist didn't really help. At all. I feel as though he could have kept talking and talking and it wasn't ever going to anywhere. It seems like this is something I have to do on my own, as impossible as it feels.

Has any else had similar experiences, where their therapist has made it worse, or not helped at all with an eating disorder and/or self-esteem issue?

Answer 1

You cannot put all therapists into one basket. I think you need to seek out someone who specializes in eating disorders, after a year, there should have been more of a sense of control. Eating disorders are trying to fill a need. Ask yourself these questions (from a specialist in the field); What relief or reward are you getting by eating/not eating? Why?

Don't hang the success on your therapist too, YOU need to do the work, they provide the tools for you and guide you when you get off course.

There are also institutes that specialize in eating disorders too, if you have the money to plunk down there.

Good luck, take care and be well.

Answer 2

I am a recovering anorexic and my therapist has helped a great deal. She is the one that has helped me the most after going inpatient at a hospital that specializes in the treatment for eating disorders in Louisiana. The hospital was the best thing and really gave me the "jump start" that I needed and they have a wonderful program. I hope you can find a therapist that is able to help you. Often nutritionist can help if they are willing to work with the therapist also. I hope things get better for you. If you need to talk you can email me. Just click on my pic to get the info. Good luck~

Answer 3

Yes. Find a better therapist. There is no point in spending all that money for each session just to have nothing improve.

In fact, with my therapist, I actually was the one asking the questions. "What is the purpose of this therapy session? Keep it short please." "What do you want my parents to do?" "What are the points we are trying to work on?" "How much do you get paid for just sitting there?"

And then I found a better therapist.

Answer 4

i had some similar problems with shrinks, it took me 3 different people to find someone that helps. the thing is you need to lose this guy but find someone else cause you want to but you cant really do this on your own. but its your choice who you have as a shrink. so if you cant click try something new, somethings bond to work!

Good Luck!