Many people struggle with eating disorders for long periods of time, and it takes a lot of courage for them to make the decision to find an eating disorder therapist to help them begin the healing process. If that sounds like you, and you’ve been searching for a Vancouver eating disorder therapist to help you, it can be difficult to know where to begin, or what criteria you should be looking for.

Today, I would like to offer you some suggestions on what to look for, in order to help you find the therapist that’s right for you.

Criteria #1: Look for a therapist who has experience

When you struggle with an eating disorder, you want to choose a therapist who has experience successfully helping people with eating disorders. Experience is important because you can be fairly certain that you will receive excellent treatment. You may even want to ask for recommendations from your friends or family members. Many therapists also publish testimonials on their websites, so you can read what other people have to say about the help they received.

Criteria #2: Look for a therapist you feel comfortable with

When you’re working with a therapist, it’s very important that you feel comfortable with that person. While you will be cultivating a professional relationship, you still need that personal connection in order for your therapy to be beneficial to you. Keep in mind that a good therapist will challenge you to make the changes you need to make in your life. That can be uncomfortable, especially at first. However, your therapist should also offer you the encouragement you need to succeed. Many therapists offer a free telephone consultation that will allow you to get to know them a little bit before you make an appointment for a more indepth visit.

Criteria #3: Look for a therapist who provides evidence-based treatment

It is also important for you to seek out evidence-based treatment when you’re looking for a therapist. Some therapists are trained in a variety of treatment philosophies, and some are only trained in a few. You may want to ask the following questions during your first consultation:

• Do you provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
• Do you provide Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy?
• What other therapists do you model your practice after?
• How many people have had success with the type of therapy you provide?

A good therapist will partner with you in your recovery from an eating disorder. He or she will encourage you to use your strengths and abilities to make the changes you need to make in order to be successful in reaching your treatment goals.

Once you find the right Vancouver eating disorder therapist for you, you will be able to begin your journey toward healing and freedom. If you are looking for a therapist who specializes in helping clients who suffer from eating disorders, I would love to help you, and I offer a free telephone consultation so that you can determine whether or not we would be a good fit to work together.

*Image courtesy of Ambro, www.freedigitalphotos.net*