EMOTIONAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL WELLNESS

Myths Regarding Eating Disorders

Eating Disorder Therapist Palatine, IL

Eating Disorder Therapist Palatine, IL

If you or your loved ones are experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder, it would be in your best interest to contact an eating disorder therapist in Palatine, Il today.

Eating disorders are treated with prescription medication that therapists can prescribe their patients during a therapy session. This myth is false and can be potentially dangerous for patients.  Eating disorders are treated with talk and behavioral therapy. On rare occasions, a therapist may advise their patient to seek additional help from a psychiatrist who may prescribe medication based on their unique needs. Patients should be cautious when trying prescription drugs to help treat their eating disorders as they may potentially cause negative side effects. Behavioral therapy has been proven to be successful in the healing process of eating disorders.

Eating disorders are problems of self-control and can be fixed with determination and willpower. This assumption is naive and harmful to those suffering from this painful disorder. Many victims of eating disorders try to treat themselves before seeking help from a professional therapist. To say that willpower or determination was the answer would be insulting and demeaning to the patient, as their suffering and psychological disorder are very real for them, impacting their everyday life. For those diagnosed with eating disorders, their mental, emotional and physical health is not functioning on a healthy level. Imagine how stressful that would be on a person, their relationships with loved ones, work, and enjoyment of life.

A therapist cannot help patients suffering from eating disorders long term, but rather temporarily stop their destructive behavior. While every therapist is different and has a unique approach to treatment with their patients, the licensed professionals at Lotus Wellness Center are experienced and skilled to diagnose, treat, teach, help, and monitor their patients as they strive for results that are long-lasting. Eating disorders do not have a quick fix, due to the nature of the psychological disorder and the implications it has on an individual’s life. Quick fixes often reverie back to unhealthy patterns. That is why experienced therapists seek treatments for their patients that provide life-changing, and long-lasting results.

Therapy for eating disorders is unstructured. When a patient first comes to therapy, their therapist will identify their emotional, behavioral, and mental issues. Once the therapist has a good grasp on what their patient is struggling with, they will diagnose them according to their symptoms and feelings. After diagnosis, the therapist will recommend a treatment plan specifically made to meet the unique needs of the patient. This treatment may include regular one-on-one therapy sessions with a licensed professional or alternative forms of therapy such as group therapy with other patients diagnosed with eating disorders. Throughout treatment, therapists will help their patients in their understanding of their eating disorder, and how it affects their everyday life. Eating disorders affect the patient physically, emotionally, and mentally and therefore require treatment targeted toward the patient\’s whole being. Within treatment, a therapist will teach their clients how to practice self-compassion, and meet their personal and mental health goals. Monitoring their patients, a therapist fosters accountability and helps their patients stay on track with their progress toward healthier outcomes.