Sometimes choosing a therapist can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to your daughters. Here are some suggestions of things to look for in order to ensure you find someone to help you and your family.
- You want to find someone that has a passion for treating eating disorders and someone that continues to receive training on the most cutting-edge education possible.
At Women’s Wellness of the Carolinas, I have kept my focus fairly narrow, only specializing in two areas. As far as eating disorders, I treat anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders. I also treat compulsive exercise, disordered eating, and issues with body image and self-confidence.
I take trainings on a routine basis to ensure I have the most current information and I collaborate with other professionals in the field when I have specific questions. This allows me to gain input from others whom I respect and trust. Even if you aren’t sure what your teenage daughter is dealing with, I find that a consultation with me will help guide you in the right direction and give you a peace of mind that you are doing what is best for her.
- You want to find someone who is geographically close to where you live. This is important because often, treatment can be intense in the beginning. This can mean weekly or bi-weekly appointments until the crisis begins to find some resolution. Charlotte and the surrounding counties are plagued with traffic, so finding someone close by will be critical to actually being able to make your appointments.
Women’s Wellness of the Carolinas is located at 107 S. Old Statesville Rd. Suite 106, Huntersville, NC, 28078. I am conveniently located close to 485, 77, and 85.
- You want to find a therapist that has a flexible schedule. Another way to increase likelihood of making your appointments is finding someone that offers appointments in the late afternoon, evening, and even Saturdays.
At Women’s Wellness of the Carolinas, I offer appointments that fit into your schedule, such as afternoons, nights, and Saturdays.
- You want to find someone that offers family therapy and support for all significant people that are impacted by your daughter’s eating disorder. Mental health issues impact not only the person being affected, but impact the family and anyone significant to your daughter.
At Women’s Wellness of the Carolinas, I encourage family therapy and want support from significant people in your daughter’s life. This could look like parents, siblings, friends, teachers, or coaches. Having everyone involved in this can help the recovery process.
- You want to find someone that offers Teletherapy in conjunction with in person appointments. As kids age and go off to college or transition onto adulthood, they can still benefit from therapeutic support. Having the option of Teletherapy can be very beneficial to ensure continued treatment.
At Women’s Wellness of the Carolinas, I offer Teletherapy when working with an existing client. I am careful to ensure that this distance therapy is available, only when appropriate, and safe for the client. I want to ensure that quality services are being maintained and that the client can still benefit from this type of therapy. At times, this may not be the best option for treatment and this will be discussed throughout treatment.
- You want to find someone who is well connected to other eating disorder professionals, such as psychiatry, nutritionist, and medical doctors. Eating disorders impact the body and mind as a whole and it is important to ensure that all avenues of support are being considered with treatment.
At Women’s Wellness of the Carolinas, I have excellent relationships within the community and work in collaboration with providers with superior knowledge in eating disorders.
- And the most important part to therapy is finding the right fit. People have different personalities, different ways of communicating, different ways they respond to their situations. Statistically speaking, about 60% of outcomes in therapy is related to the fit between the client and the therapist. It is important to have someone your daughter can connect to. I have a passion for working with teens and college aged students and appreciate the ability to support them through transitional times. If you had someone describe my personality it would be: compassionate, nonjudgmental, funny, smart, brave, and someone who is authentic.
Finding out your daughter may have an eating disorder is a scary and worrisome time. Let me help guide you and your family to the services you need to help your daughter. This can be a worrisome journey, but with the right people on your side, we can minimize any negative outcomes and maximize positive results.
Check out more information about me at www.womenswellnessofthecarolinas.com. You can get more information on the About me page, which discusses my training, education, and treatment philosophy. I am located in the Lake Norman area, in historical Huntersville. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me today, contact me at michelle@womenswellnessofthecarolinas.com or by phone at 704-728-0196 and we can schedule a consultation! Remember you are not alone!