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Eating Disorders

An eating disorder is when someone eats too much (bulimia) or when someone avoids eating (anorexia). These disorders can affects one's mental and physical health. Someone with an eating disorder may... more
An eating disorder is when someone eats too much (bulimia) or when someone avoids eating (anorexia). These disorders can affects one's mental and physical health. Someone with an eating disorder may start out just eating smaller or larger amounts of food, but at some point their urge to eat less or more spirals out of control. Severe concern about body weight or shape may also characterize an eating disorder.
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Questions and Answers

Am I anorexic?

Cynthia Finefrock
Cynthia Finefrock
LPC Associate, supervised by Martin K. Shaw, LPC-S, LMFT and Christy Graham, LPC-S, RPT-S

While I cannot diagnose you, as you are not my client, I would say those are definite warning signs. Anorexia can go undiagnosed, especially if the individual tries to hide their behaviors or manages to remain functional or at a barely sufficient weight. A crucial question to ask yourself is why you... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide.   If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.
Ian Palombo
Ian Palombo
#ThoughtMediator & #LifeUntangler

Anorexia Nervosa involves severe restriction of food intake, which can cause the body to go into survival mode. This process slows down important functions of the body to conserve energy. The consequences are dangerous and can be fatal.Some symptoms of anorexia are: Fatigue and faintingSlow heart... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

Can a therapist have a client admitted to an eating disorder treatment center if the client does not want to go?

Ian Palombo
Ian Palombo
#ThoughtMediator & #LifeUntangler

Short answer: No.Long answer: There are few instances where a therapist can break confidentiality and have a client involuntarily admitted to a treatment center. The therapist would have to believe the client is a danger to themselves or others or gravely disabled, at which point they would place a... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.
Eric Ström, JD, MA, LMHC
Eric Ström, JD, MA, LMHC
Attorney & Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Typically, a therapist cannot force a client to receive any treatment they do not want. In the end, it is the clients who get to decide what type of treatment they want.If a therapist believes that their client is in imminent danger of harm however, the therapist might have an obligation to take... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care nor legal advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist/attorney nor does it create a therapist-client nor attorney-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

How do I overcome my fear of eating in public?

Kaileen McMickle, MS, LPC
Kaileen McMickle, MS, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor

It's so brave of you to want to confront your fear! If you want to work with that fear, it might be helpful to try it at home first with someone you trust. Because the nation is basically in lock down right now, it could be an opportunity to prepare this way. Notice what you may be thinking when... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.
Sherry Katz, LCSW
Sherry Katz, LCSW
Couples and Family Therapist, LCSW

Are you able to eat any food in public?Start with what is easy.If you're able to eat your own selection of particular foods in public and see the results of whatever you are fearful may happen from eating in public, then gradually this becomes your motivation to add more categories of food.Also... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

How do I see a therapist without having healthcare?

Ian Palombo
Ian Palombo
#ThoughtMediator & #LifeUntangler

Openpath.com is a great resource for therapists that offer affordable services. 

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.
Linda Mullin
Linda Mullin
Kicking anxiety and depression to the curb!

There is an organization dedicated to helping individuals find affordable counseling. It is called Open Path Collective. There is a one time membership fee of $49 and it lasts for your lifetime. You then have access to local counselors/therapists who will see you for an extremely reduced rate... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide.   If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.
2nd Chance Counseling Service Online Addiction Therapy Provider
2nd Chance Counseling Service Online Addiction Therapy Provider
Convenient Online Addiction Therapy

There are plenty of online providers within the mental health field that would me more than happy to speak with you immediately. Many of them provide treatment on a sliding scale fee. I would google online mental health treatment providers and that should lead you to a list of providers that can... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide.   If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

How can I stop bulimia after 6 years?

Sherry Katz, LCSW
Sherry Katz, LCSW
Couples and Family Therapist, LCSW

Eating disorders usually result from a sense of insecurity about who the person is, whether they are good enough compared with anyone else, and whether the way they person lives is effective.If you have a style you're already happy with to reflect on these sorts of topics, keep following your own... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

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