Finding the Right Eating Disorder Therapist in Asheville, NC
The journey to recovery from an eating disorder can be a challenging one, but finding the right therapist can make all the difference. Asheville, NC, with its vibrant community and integrative health focus, offers numerous options for those seeking help. Here’s a guide to finding the right eating disorder therapist in this beautiful city.
Understand Your Needs
Before beginning your search, it's essential to understand your specific needs. Eating disorders come in various forms, such as Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge-Eating Disorder, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Pica, and Rumination Disorder. There are also various kinds of disordered eating that might also need support including emotional eating, compulsive eating, exercise, and orthorexia. Each type may require a different therapeutic approach. Reflect on what you’re experiencing and consider whether you might benefit from specialized treatment.
Many approaches to recovery are more “top-down”, which means they are working through issues cognitively. Top-down processing includes addressing thought patterns, beliefs, decision-making, and problem-solving. Other approaches are “bottom-up”, which explore body sensations, education on the nervous system, grounding and mindfulness. You may be looking for a top-down or bottom-up approach, or a therapist who integrates these two.
Research Credentials and Experience
Look for therapists who are licensed and have specific experience in treating eating disorders. Credentials to look for include Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (LCMHCs), and Clinical Psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D.).
Therapists who are Certified Eating Disorder Specialists (CEDS) have additional training and experience in this area. The CEDS designation demonstrates a clinician has completed a rigorous set of criteria for the evaluation of education, training, knowledge and experience. This certification offers assurance and confidence that the highest standards of care will be provided throughout all stages of treatment for those suffering from the full spectrum of disorders.
Another certification to look for is a Certified Body Trust™ Specialist (CBTS). Clinicians certified in Body Trust have undergone training in weight-inclusive, social justice aspects of eating disorder recovery and demonstrate an understanding of the intersection of marginalized identities and eating disorders.
Clinicians without these advanced certifications can still be excellent eating disorder therapists. Working with eating disorders effectively requires a specialized understanding of neuroscience, psychology, the disease itself, and many co-occurring presentations including ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, and OCD among others. However, many clients have been harmed by “experts'' who don’t have an understanding of marginalized identities, neurodiversity, and the systems of oppression that perpetuate eating disorders and body image challenges. Look for a clinician who listens to your lived experience, is weight-inclusive and neurodiversity-affirming, and continues to work on understanding their privileges and potential blind spots in supporting recovery for diverse populations.
Utilize Local and National Resources
Asheville has some unique resources that can help in your search. The Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders (CRC for ED) is the only nonprofit in North Carolina providing education, resources, and support to individuals, families, and professionals concerned with disordered eating and recovery from eating disorders. They offer a directory of professional providers and treatment centers, as well as free assessments, support groups and a helpline.
Nationally, the Alliance for Eating Disorders also offers a free helpline, support groups, and a directory of professionals who specialize in eating disorder treatment. Also, Project HEAL is an excellent resource for finding support in accessing eating disorder treatment. They also offer a list of free virtual eating disorder support groups.
Consider Therapeutic Approaches
Different therapists use different therapeutic approaches. Here are some you might encounter:
Top-Down Approaches:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Emphasizes acceptance as a way to deal with negative thoughts, feelings, symptoms, or circumstances.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Emphasizes mindfulness and coping strategies.
Internal Family Systems (IFS). Views the mind as a system of interconnected parts that each have their own role and perspective.
Family-Based Treatment (FBT). Involves family members in the recovery process, particularly effective for adolescents.
Emotion Focused Family Therapy for Eating Disorders (EFFT). Created around the idea that emotions play a central role in therapeutic change.
Bottom-Up Approaches:
Embodied Recovery for Eating Disorders (ERED). A trauma-informed, relationally oriented, and neurobiologically supported approach that weaves interventions based on the latest research in traumatology, interpersonal neurobiology and child development.
Somatic Internal Family Systems (SIFS). Merges elements of somatic therapy, such as movement, touch, and breathwork, with the established principles of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). Helps people heal from trauma and other distressing life events that can lead to coping with eating disorders by processing memories
Evaluate the Therapist's Approach
When you find potential therapists, evaluate their approach to treatment. Are they empathetic and understanding? Do they listen and center your lived experience? Do they involve you in the treatment planning process? It’s crucial to feel comfortable and supported, as a strong therapeutic relationship is vital for successful treatment.
Look for Multidisciplinary Teams
Eating disorders often require a comprehensive treatment approach. Look for therapists who work with a multidisciplinary team, including dietitians, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and occupational therapists.
Trust Your Instincts
Ultimately, trust your instincts. After initial consultations, reflect on how you feel about the therapist. Do you feel heard and understood? Do you feel hopeful about the potential for recovery with their guidance? Your comfort and confidence in the therapist are crucial components of successful treatment.
Finding the right eating disorder therapist in Asheville, NC, may take some time, but the journey is worth it. With the right support, recovery is not only possible but probable. Remember, reaching out for help is the first and most crucial step towards healing.
What We Offer for Eating Disorder Treatment at Reclaiming Beauty
At Reclaiming Beauty, we offer therapists who are Certified Eating Disorder Specialists, Certified Body Trust Specialists and providers who offer a variety of top-down and bottom up therapeutic approaches. Our providers have extensive training and experience in eating disorders and the many presentations that intersect with our relationship with food and body. Some of us have lived experience and some of us have extensive experience walking alongside people in eating disorder recovery. Our team of skilled and well-respected therapists each have their own specialized training in somatic approaches to eating disorders and unique personalities. Reach out today to get connected with the best match therapist for your needs.
Take the First Step Towards Healing Today
Embarking on the journey to recovery from an eating disorder is a courageous decision, and finding the right therapist can make all the difference. Remember, understanding your unique needs, researching experienced therapists, and utilizing local resources are key steps in this process. Follow the steps below and take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Contact us here so we can get to know your story.
Learn more about our approach at Reclaiming Beauty.
Begin your journey toward recovery with the support of an eating disorder therapist.
Other Services We Offer in Asheville, NC
Discover a holistic approach to well-being at Reclaiming Beauty. In addition to eating disorder therapy and eating disorder therapy for teens, we offer personalized embodiment coaching to unlock the wisdom within, fostering self-compassion and resilience. Or, explore the transformative benefits of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP). This is a non-invasive auditory intervention that enhances social engagement and reduces stress.
