Seeking a counselor, what to look for

I see a counselor now. I don't go every week, just when I am feeling like I need a "tune up". I have been going to her for probably 5 years. I feel like I need more though. When I go to her, I feel like I am just hanging out with a friend. I would like to find someone that can help me with food issues, can give me some tools.

Any idea of what I should be looking for?

I go to one of the twenty recommended therapists for my program that does the evals. At the eval we connected and I liked his philosophy. Also my program's support group has each of these folks as guest speakers throughout the year, so we get to meet them. My recco is to find a good support group in your area or a local online group and listen to who like's their therapist and set up an intro. Find someone who specializes with bariatrics and weight loss. Mine has about 35% of his practice as WL, so he's very very good and holds me accountable and knows what works for us and doesn't.

I had a lot of baggage when I first went to counseling. Actually it started as marriage counseling and when we came to issues that required individual counseling I stayed with my counselor and he was supposed to find someone else. He never did which is one of the reasons he is now my ex-husband. For me it was the comfort level that I had with her. I have had some horrendous experiences and it is not something that I feel comfortable sharing with most people. So though food issues is not her specialty she does have experience with it.

I would ask your PCP or Bariatric Surgeon for recommendations, and ask friends as well. Not all counselors are created equal, so it ends up being trial and error. If you approach it like you are interviewing them it may help. I wish you good luck and take care of yourself.

I agree that if you are specifically are looking for someone who specializes in food issues that you may want to check with your surgeon. Personally, my surgeon is good at cutting but HORRIBLE at aftercare...So he's not a good resource.

I suggest that you use the Therapist Finder database on the Psychology Today website: www.psychologytoday.com. You can search by lots of options, including your insurance, and read a bit about the possibilities.

The other option is to look for a therapist with that specialty who does cyber or phone sessions. For a while pre-op, I worked with a nutritionist who lived in Toronto! More and more professionals are becoming tech savvy and offering online services.

All the best and I congratulate you on seeking the help you need!