Overhauling a lifetime of destructive food habits can be a daunting task, especially when you also have a lot of other issues with work and family on your plate. Finding a professional therapist or counselor who has helped hundreds of people in your shoes is a smart way to propel your personal growth to a new level, especially if you’re struggling with some deep emotional issues.
Because doing is indeed much harder than knowing, receiving some guidance from a professional can help you develop some strategies and tricks to implement the healthy changes that you’re having difficulty making on your own.
Nutrition counselors
If you have a challenging health condition like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), diabetes, kidney disease, or food allergies, find a registered dietitian or qualified nutrition counselor who has experience with that particular condition to assist you with your dietary journey.
Not all nutrition professionals with letters after their names are well educated or well qualified. During your first nutrition counseling appointment, if your counselor hands you a photocopy of the food pyramid or stares blankly at you when you mention probiotic supplements or whey protein, find a different counselor who’s more educated in current evidence-based nutrition science.
Consider asking your chiropractor, massage therapist, and/or fitness trainer to recommend a qualified, well-rounded nutrition counselor with whom their clients have had good success.
Psychotherapists
Whether you call yours a counselor, therapist, shrink, guru, spiritual leader, life coach, or psychologist, there’s no substitute for having a trained professional help you delve into the how’s and why’s of your behavior, emotions, and beliefs. Finding an experienced therapist to help guide you through the introspection process is time and money well spent!
Finding a therapist who’s a good fit for you may take some time and experimentation. This field has many different approaches and personalities, so be prepared to try out several practitioners until you find one who feels right.
Ask for recommendations from your friends, family, and members of your support team. If that yields no results, you can find local practitioners to interview from GoodTherapy or Psychologist Locator.
Finding a professional who’s good is much more important than finding one who’s convenient. Selecting a therapist just because his office is on your way home probably won’t yield the best match for you. Doing your own personal work is important, life-changing stuff, so treat it accordingly!
Before booking your first session, talk to the therapist on the phone and get answers to questions like:
How many years have you been practicing, and what are your credentials?
What are your areas of expertise?
Do you have experience with issues like mine?
Have you ever been in therapy yourself? You probably shouldn’t get into therapy with someone who hasn’t done his own work. Seeing a therapist who hasn’t done his own therapy is like hiring a personal trainer who doesn’t work out or a financial advisor who can’t save any money.
While you’re on the phone, don’t forget to double-check fees, cancellation policies, and insurance details.