“Patients with eating disorders frequently feel that they aren’t ‘sick enough’ to merit treatment, despite medical problems that are both measurable and unmeasurable. They may struggle to accept rest, nutrition, and a team to help them move towards recovery.” -Dr. Jennifer Guadiani
Nearly all my patients at some point in therapy talk to me about how they are not THAT bad and aren’t THAT sick. Because eating disorders are comparative in nature, my patients have pointed out to me why someone else they know is worse than they are, and this somehow cancels out them needing or deserving any help. Turns out that’s actually completely false. When I worked in inpatient, my patients would express guilt that they must be taking the spot of someone else that does deserve and need help and somehow they made it to treatment by mistake. It would seem that they think there is a limited amount that is deserving of help, and they just aren’t one of them.
You deserve eating disorder treatment
It makes me tear up when I think about those that I work with not getting help because they don’t think they need it or that they don’t deserve it regardless of what they’re struggling with. They don’t go to therapy because they think their eating disorder will be dismissed or that they’re not in a condition that a therapist would believe they have an eating disorder. It scares me when I see people delaying help and their condition declines. The truth is those with eating disorders don’t ever think they’re bad enough to warrant help. They often spend months and years trying to sort things out on their own. Those that I work with are often high achievers, dependable, responsible, and are the ones that are present and compassionate with everyone else while ignoring their basic human need: nutrition.
Regardless of your size or weight, eating disorders are serious
It doesn’t matter your body size; eating disorders are harmful to everyone, from average size to larger-sized bodies. There is plenty of research that it isn’t just about what you weigh or your size. I realize that in health class, whether in middle school, high school, or even college it wasn’t brought to anybody’s attention that people can have deadly eating disorders despite how much they weigh or their body size. Also, if you’ve done a Google search on eating disorders and didn’t find your symptoms aligned with WebMD: please know that means nothing.
As an eating disorder therapist, I want you to get help
I need you to sit down and really listen to me. I know that maybe you have had your needs ignored most of your life, whether it’s by yourself or someone else that was supposed to love you. I know that therapy and medical care can be an investment. I know it would be easy to dismiss and try to work out on your own. It’s very important to stop putting this off or waiting until you look or feel “sick enough.” I cannot speak for every therapist, dietitian, or medical provider, but I can speak for myself in saying that I promise you I won’t judge you. I won’t dismiss your struggles or tell you that “you don’t look like you have an eating disorder. “ I want you to have a safe place to come and feel supported and cared about. Most of all, I can help you kick your eating disorder to the curb and to help you start a new and better life. You deserve it.
Ready to start eating disorder therapy near Provo Utah?
I don’t want your eating disorder to prevent you from enjoying life. I know your eating disorder has likely taken a lot from you, and it’s time for you to get it back. Eating disorder therapy can help. This Northern Utah Counseling Clinic has an eating disorder therapist that can help. To begin eating disorder therapy follow these steps:
Complete online forms and meet with a caring therapist
Begin Eating Disorder Treatment
Online Eating Disorder Therapy in Utah
I know that having access to this specialized treatment isn’t easy. Eating disorders require working with a professional with specialized training in eating disorders. Unfortunately, many parts of Utah do not have access to this care. This is why I offer online therapy in Utah. Eating disorder therapy is just as effective as meeting with a therapist, and it’s convenient and requires no travel.
Online therapy means wherever you are in Utah, I can work with you. I work with clients in Logan, Salt Lake City, Heber, Cedar City, St. George, and more.
Other Mental health Services Provided By Maple Canyon Therapy
Eating disorder therapy isn’t the only mental health service provided at this Utah County Counseling Center. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include anxiety therapy, body image therapy, EMDR therapy, and Binge Eating Disorder treatment in Utah.
About the Author
Ashlee Hunt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of Maple Canyon Therapy outside of Provo, Utah. Ashlee specializes in eating disorder treatment and is passionate about Binge Eating Disorder. She provides enjoys being able to help women access this specialized treatment through online therapy all throughout Utah. Ashlee holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Life and Human Development from Southern Utah University, and a Masters's in Social Work from Utah State University. Ashlee believes in the Intuitive Eating and Health At Every Size approach to treating disorders. The women with eating disorders that Ashlee works with also have high-functioning anxiety. When Ashlee isn’t doing therapy, she might be found walking her Goldendoodles around the Canyon View Park in Spanish Fork.