February 19, 2024
I’m a recovered binge eater who changed the story from something that happened to me to something that happened for me. Now, I’m a licensed therapist teaching you to do the same.
My mission? To help you ditch food stress and live your life with mental peace and freedom every single day!
Finding the right therapist can feel a bit like dating—except instead of swiping left or right, you’re trying to find someone who gets you, listens to you, and actually has the skills to help you heal. You’re looking for someone you can trust, someone who makes you feel safe enough to open up about the things you’ve been struggling with. But just like dating, not every therapist is going to be the right match, and that’s okay. It’s all about finding the right fit for you.
And if you’re dealing with something specific, like binge eating, this becomes even more important. Not all therapists specialize in binge eating or have the expertise to navigate the complexities that come with it. Just because someone is licensed doesn’t mean they’re equipped to handle every issue under the sun. Finding a therapist who understands your unique struggles is key—because this isn’t just about “talking” your way through it, it’s about deep, meaningful work with someone who knows how to guide you.
The first decision you’ll want to make is whether you prefer in-person or virtual therapy. Both have their pros and cons, so think about what makes you feel most comfortable. In-person sessions offer that face-to-face connection and can help create a more grounded experience. Virtual therapy, on the other hand, gives you flexibility and access to therapists outside your immediate area—perfect if you live in a place with fewer options or need more convenience.
If you’re leaning toward in-person therapy, your best bet is to start with Psychology Today. It’s like the therapist version of Yelp but with less food and more mental health. You can filter by specialty (binge eating, anxiety, trauma—you name it), location, and even whether or not they take insurance. It’s a great starting point to see who’s available in your area and narrow down your search based on your needs.
If you’re considering virtual therapy, I know this might sound a bit unconventional, but hear me out—Instagram can be a fantastic place to find therapists. Many therapists are building strong online presences, and it’s a great way to get a sense of their personality and approach before you even have that first call. You can see if their posts resonate with you, check out their content, and follow them to get a feel for whether they might be a good fit. It’s a more organic way to find someone, and you can often reach out via DM or follow their link to schedule a consultation.
Now, let’s talk about finding a therapist who gets binge eating. This is crucial because not all therapists are equipped to help with this specific issue, and trust me, working with someone who doesn’t fully understand it can make things worse.
Therapists have different specialties, which means they focus on various mental health concerns based on their training and experience. Some might specialize in trauma, anxiety, or depression, while others are more focused on eating disorders, body image, or even relationship issues. Binge eating requires a very specific skill set. Therapists who work with eating disorders should not only have the clinical knowledge but also understand the emotional and behavioral complexities involved. It’s more than just having you “talk about your feelings”—it’s about helping you get to the root of the behavior and learning to manage the urges in a healthy way.
You’ll want to look for someone who has experience and training in binge eating specifically—like me! It’s one of those areas where you don’t want someone who’s going to make your binge eating worse. I’ve heard so many stories of people being told by their therapist to “just binge on raw veggies instead.” I mean… WHAT?! That’s not how any of this works! You need a therapist who understands that binge eating is about more than just the food; it’s emotional, mental, and physical.
During your search or consultation call, don’t be shy about asking directly, What’s your experience with binge eating? If they don’t have much experience or seem unsure, that’s your sign to keep looking. You deserve someone who knows how to help you heal, not just someone who’s figuring it out as they go.
Speaking of consultation calls—do them. Most therapists offer them, and yes, I offer them too! Some therapists may have certain qualifications before setting up a consultation—like for me, you need to apply and be approved for Binge Eating Unchained before we hop on a call. Which is totally fair, right? Everyone’s time is valuable, and we don’t want to waste time if it’s not a good fit from the start. So, don’t be discouraged if a therapist has a process in place—it’s just to make sure you’re both on the same page before diving in.
Consultation calls are where you can get a feel for their approach, personality, and whether or not you can see yourself working with them. You want to feel safe, heard, and understood in therapy, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or get a little picky. Seriously—no part of you should feel like you need to lie to your therapist. If you do, that’s a red flag. If you’re thinking, I don’t know if I can be real with this person, then they’re probably not the right therapist for you.
This is your healing journey, after all. If the vibe is off during the consultation, don’t force it—keep looking. The right therapist is out there, and when you find them, you’ll know. Trust your gut, because the connection with your therapist is key to making real progress.
Here’s the part that people don’t always talk about: insurance. While it’d be great if insurance covered everything, it just doesn’t. A lot of the best therapists—especially those who specialize in areas like binge eating—might not take insurance. Why? Because insurance companies often limit the number of sessions, dictate how therapy is provided, or require therapists to jump through a bunch of hoops just to get reimbursed. It’s a frustrating system that doesn’t always work in favor of the client or the therapist.
And let’s be honest—when you’re paying for something out of pocket, you pay more attention. It’s really easy to chill and take a back seat when insurance is covering everything. You might feel less urgency to do your homework or fully engage in therapy when there’s no financial skin in the game. But when you’re paying for each session, you’re much more likely to be committed, listen closely, and apply what your therapist says. You’re investing not just your money but your energy and focus too.
So, while insurance can be helpful, don’t be discouraged if the therapist you connect with doesn’t take it. Investing in your mental health is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Even if it means paying out of pocket, the long-term benefits will far outweigh the initial cost. Sometimes, paying a little more upfront is what it takes to really prioritize your healing.
Finding the right therapist is all about fit. It’s not just about finding someone who’s a licensed professional—it’s about finding someone who understands your struggles and has the tools to help you move through them. It’s okay to be a little picky here. You deserve a therapist who gets what you’re going through, especially if you’re dealing with something as specific as binge eating.
Take your time, ask the right questions, and don’t settle for someone who doesn’t feel right. This is your space to heal, so trust your instincts and make sure you feel safe and understood. The right therapist will make all the difference in your journey, helping you uncover what’s really going on and guiding you toward lasting change. You’ll know when you’ve found the right one, and it’s worth the effort to get there.
Intimate group coaching to break free from binge eating
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A safe space to connect with others on the same journey.
Have real conversations and hear others share their struggles.
Ryann Nicole
Licensed Therapist, Certified Nutritionist, and Virtual Wellness Coach
Ryann is a licensed therapist and virtual wellness coach who has assisted individuals worldwide in establishing a healthier relationship with food and their bodies.
I understand—it can be overwhelming to figure out where to begin. Let's simplify things and have you start right here:
Why Am I Overeating?
First Steps To Stop Binge Eating
The Ryann Nicole
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