Eating Disorder Therapist Palatine, IL Eating Disorder Therapist Palatine, IL

For those who are new to the world of mental health, you may be wondering what an eating disorder therapist in Palatine, IL can do for you. Our therapists are well-versed in the world of psychology, including the diagnosis and treatment of mental, behavioral and emotional disorders in patients. 

Here we have answered questions that many patients may have, especially when first starting their treatment for mental health at Lotus Wellness Center:

What does treatment with a therapist look like? 

Our therapists can diagnose a patient using a variety of tests and observations to create a treatment plan based on the individual’s needs.  An IL eating disorder therapist in Palatine can consult with patients about their behavioral, emotional and mental difficulties in their personal lives. We then monitor the patient and work with them towards positive progress. Treatment plans can be adjusted as the patient’s needs change. 

What are the more specific job tasks of a therapist? 

A Palatine, IL eating disorder therapist at Lotus Wellness Center may have to perform a broad range of tasks when it comes to taking care of their patients. While on the job, a therapist may for the following: 

  • Identifying a patient’s emotional, behavioral or mental issues
  • Diagnosing the patient based on their symptoms and feelings
  • Creating a treatment plan that can include regular therapy sessions
  • Helping patients understand their condition and practice self-compassion
  • Helping patients take action to achieve their personal and mental health goals
  • Monitoring patient progress during treatment and meet on a scheduled basis
  • Teaching group classes as education and support for mental health conditions

Can a therapist prescribe medication?

In most cases, a therapist does not prescribe medications. The approach to treatment for an eating disorder therapist in IL is most often through talk and behavioral therapy. However, the therapist may recommend consulting with a psychiatrist if they feel a prescription medication will benefit the patient during their treatment process. 

What are the most common mental health disorders?

In the United States, the top most common mental illnesses include major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse. A brief definition of each of these illnesses are listed as follows:

  1. Major Depression – persistent low mood and self-esteem, lack of interest in activities and hobbies. 
  2. Generalized Anxiety Disorder – uncontrollable and excessive worrying that causes an interference with daily functioning. 
  3. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder – feeling an urge to check things over and over again or perform rituals. 
  4. Bipolar Disorder – periods of fluctuating elevated mood (mania or hypomania) and depression. 
  5. Schizophrenia – inability to recognize reality and what is not, confusion and/or hallucinations. 
  6. Autism – disorder of neurodevelopment that hinders social interactions. 
  7. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – a disorder of neurodevelopment that can cause problems with attention and hyperactivity.
  8. Eating Disorder – abnormal habits of eating that can negatively impact someone’s mental and physical wellbeing. 
  9. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – a disorder that develops often after someone is exposed to or endures a traumatic event. 
  10. Substance Abuse – mental disorder of behavior for consuming substances. 

Our therapists are compassionate and experienced professionals who understand the anguish that mental health struggles can bring. We encourage those who are having trouble to contact an eating disorder therapist in Palatine, IL at Lotus Wellness Center for more information. 

If you or a loved one think you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, it would be in your best interest to contact an eating disorder therapist in Palatine, IL today to start the process toward positive change. 

Mental health disorders can drastically affect a person’s life, relationships, ability to work, and how they function in everyday situations. When a client first meets with their therapist they may have questions regarding what their testing, diagnosis, and treatment journey may look like. While every client and therapist is unique, there is an order to how the process of therapy might go. 

First, the therapist will listen to the client express their emotions and behaviors about their concerns. Medical and family history will also be a part of the initial consult as the therapist gathers as much information as possible. After some testing, the therapist may feel comfortable sharing the client’s diagnosis. Coming up with a treatment plan, and goals for the client is the next step in the process. Many clients wish to speak about this part, as they should feel empowered to take ownership of their treatment, and the goals they wish to accomplish. Treatment may look different depending on the client’s needs and diagnosis. For example, some clients benefit from one-on-one therapy sessions with their licensed therapist, while others thrive in group therapy sessions with their peers. Knowing you are not alone in your diagnosis encourages clients to continue in their journey toward mental, emotional, and behavioral health. 

Eating disorders may or may not be physically visible to a client’s loved ones. If you are suffering from an eating disorder, don’t suffer alone but seek an experienced, licensed therapist such as those from Lotus Wellness Center. Ensuring their client’s safety, well-being, and positive growth during treatment, therapists strive towards creating healthy communication, and transparency with each and every visit. Clients should feel motivated to reach the goals they set with their therapists. It is the job of therapists to monitor their client’s progress, and be an empathetic, listening ear without judgment. 

Since eating disorders are mostly treated with talk and behavioral therapy, most therapists do not encourage their clients to pursue help from prescription drugs as part of their treatment. If however, a therapist feels as though their client would benefit from prescription drugs in the treatment of their eating disorder, they would refer their client to a psychiatrist. Therapists do not have the authority or knowledge to prescribe medication, that is the role of a psychiatrist. Again, each and every client is unique in their diagnosis, struggles, and treatment. The addition of prescription medication to the treatment process should be carefully weighed as they do come with some risks. Risks of prescription medications may include negative side effects whether physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral, and a potential for addiction. As always, treatment should be openly communicated between the therapist and client, and adapted and altered as needed. Don’t wait to start your healing journey toward positive growth, contact an eating disorder therapist in Palatine, IL today.