A licensed psychotherapist (LHP) is trained to treat mood disorders, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, and other mental illnesses. A licensed psychotherapist (LHP) has received specialized training in mental health, and their education includes a year of psychotherapy inpatient training at an LHP facility. Many psychotherapists also participate in community mental health counseling. One of the most challenging parts of psychotherapy is being able to open up with clients about feelings they may not be comfortable talking about. Psychotherapists help their clients learn how to address those feelings confidently. This is why a thorough psychiatric assessment is so important for anyone considering a psychotherapist for treatment of an eating disorder.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a popular form of psychotherapy, is a common form of talk therapy (counseling). CBT will help you identify your thoughts and beliefs that are contributing to your anxiety, depression, or other mental illness. With consistent psychotherapy and behavioral training, you will learn new ways to think and act to manage stress and improve your quality of life. CBT may help you reduce your dependence on medications or alcohol to relieve symptoms of your mental illness.
An LHP will offer specific psychotherapy strategies to help people suffering from eating disorders. Most psychotherapists offer a variety of treatments including dietary changes, nutrition education, and lifestyle counseling. They will teach patients how to recognize symptoms of an eating disorder and what to look for in terms of behavior. After an evaluation, the psychotherapist will develop a personalized treatment plan to address the specific needs of the patient. Often, diet education is combined with education on healthy nutrition, exercise, and healthy decision making.
Many psychiatrists choose to become licensed in both clinical and non-clinical mental health. A doctoral degree in clinical or hospital psychotherapy opens the door to working in more specific environments. These psychotherapists practice in hospitals, clinics, private practices, or other facilities. A doctorate degree allows psychotherapists to provide more specialized care to patients. General term mental health refers to psychotherapists who specialize in one particular illness.
Eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, binge eating disorder, and other eating disorders affect millions of people. Seeking psychotherapy is the first step towards recovery and a healthier lifestyle. Unlike typical forms of mental health counseling, psychotherapy for bulimia focuses on the problem at hand, the eating disorder rather than the person’s psychological makeup or personality. The goal of therapy is to discover and treat the cause of the disorder, and not just the symptoms.
Bulimia is not a disease, but rather a condition. Proper treatment plans are essential to successful outcome. Unfortunately, many psychologists do not have the skills required to properly treat bulimia. It is important to work closely with a trained psychotherapist who specializes in eating disorders to form a treatment plan that addresses the mental, emotional, physical, and social aspects. A psychotherapist can assist in dieting, muscle strengthening, relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, and exercise.
Some psychologists choose to work solely, or in conjunction with mental health counseling agencies. This type of psychologist generally requires a doctoral degree in psychology. Those specializing in clinical or hospital psychotherapy are required to obtain a Master’s degree or higher. There are numerous online doctoral degree programs that allow those with a bachelor’s degree in psychology to further their education and enhance their income. These programs typically focus on researching and diagnosing eating disorders and related conditions.
Many psychologists choose to specialize in family and marriage counseling, while others choose to focus on child development. No matter what your interests are, there is a psychotherapist that can fit your needs. Choosing a psychotherapist requires careful screening and evaluation to determine if they are the right person for you. It is important that your treatment plan incorporate both traditional and nontraditional treatment methods. When selecting a therapist, it is important that you do your research and ask questions to make sure you have the right professional for your needs.