I also made a decision

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-26-2003
I also made a decision
17
Tue, 06-22-2004 - 8:03pm
As most of you know, I'm working on my doctorate in clinical psychology. While on maternity leave, I wrote a textbook for the abnormal psychology independent study class offered at the university. I had a really hard time writing the eating disorders chapter. It just really hit home for me. It kind of forced me to think about my behaviors and I really began to recognize that I have an eating disorder, binge eating disorder to be specific. Then the other day I was talking to my best friend from college who has struggled with anorexia since she was in high school (we're quite the pair. I always weigh at least double what she does, even at my lowest weight of 170 she weighed about 85). We were talking about raising our sons and the topic of what our mothers taught us about eating and our bodies came up. I was pretty amazed that we got the same bad messages about ourselves, internalized them, but then dysfunctional eating popped up in different ways for us. It was kind of a revelation, that she and I have the same problem, but that it expresses itself in different ways.

Anyway, I decided to go into therapy with someone who is a specialist in eating disorders. I start tomorrow. This was a really, really hard decision, especially since I do therapy and know at least half of the therapists in town. I found a PhD who only takes eating disorder cases and isn't affiliated with the university or the inpatient setting where I run groups. Unfortunately she shares a building with a psychologist that I do know, but I'm hoping I can get in and out without crossing her path.

In any case, I wanted to let you guys know what was up. I've been quiet lately, doing a lot of reflecting and chasing after my newly creeping son.

If you got through all of this, I appreciate it!

Erin

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Mom

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-04-2003
Tue, 06-22-2004 - 8:21pm
Erin, I think that's great.......I really want to see a therapist, but haven't looked into it yet.
 
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-17-2004
Tue, 06-22-2004 - 8:31pm
Erin - sounds like you've made a positive decision for yourself and your family! Good for you. I know sometimes it can be difficult tackling situations of this nature regarding our own selves. Good luck to you on your journey.

Kerry

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-31-2003
Tue, 06-22-2004 - 9:12pm

Erin, I just finished my Masters in Professional Counseling and I have started my doctorate courses.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-26-2003
Tue, 06-22-2004 - 9:22pm
Wow, Furry. I never knew that you were in the same field. I'm scared of eating D/O clients. Sometimes I think that when I work through my issues it would be great to take them, but right now I avoid them like the plague. It's cool to hear that you've done counseling, too. I did once before as a teenager and it was helpful, but it will be a new experience to do it at this point in my life.

My first year of grad school I had an eating disorder client and we discussed how it felt for her to discuss eating issues with someone who was overweight (since she was terrified of being fat). THAT was hard. I did fine and she improved significantly, but it was sooo hard.

Thanks so much.

Erin

http://www.GlitterMaker.com/ - Glitter Graphics
Mom
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-17-2004
Tue, 06-22-2004 - 10:07pm

I'm just curious about what you are saying is your d/o.

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Fear

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-06-2003
Wed, 06-23-2004 - 9:35am

Erin I say good for you...what a revelation to stumble upon!!!


I think this will help so much not only in your own personal life but also as a professional as well !


Let us know how it works out for you I am so happy for you !

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-16-2004
Wed, 06-23-2004 - 10:34am

Hey there Erin :)

 

  Shawna

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-04-2004
Wed, 06-23-2004 - 10:40am
Erin, it's nice to see you back again! I think therapy is a great idea. Good luck with it and I hope that you have a lot of success with it.

~~Linda

~~Linda

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Wed, 06-23-2004 - 11:47am
Hey Erin, Don't be ashamed of your therapy. Be proud that you are taking care of yourself. That is a huge task. My therapist constantly has to remind me that if I don't take care of me I am no good to anyone else. Enjoy it!

Hugs, Brenda

Hugs, Brenda 

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-19-2004
Wed, 06-23-2004 - 8:18pm
Oh, Erin and Kerstin, do I hear you, sisters! I will eat for the same reasons as Kerstin, and do it completely MINDLESSLY. No cognizance whatsoever. I have done therapy to (DBT for Borderline Personality Disorder)but never addressed my food issues. Erin, i commend you for seeking guidance and hope you can come to terms with this.

Amy

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