FAQs

FAQs - Finding a Therapist

What are the best online directories for finding therapists?

The biggest directory is Psychology Today, but there are others like TherapyDen, Inclusive Therapists, Therapy for Black Girls, and ones focused on particular types of therapists (like eating disorders, EMDR, DBT, RO-DBT, ACT, etc.), which can be really useful if you are looking for something specific. These platforms make it easy to filter by location, specialty, and more.

How do I know if I need therapy?

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like things aren’t improving on your own, therapy can help. It’s not just for crises—it’s for growth.

What’s the difference between therapy and coaching?

Therapy dives deep into emotions and healing past wounds. Coaching focuses on setting and achieving specific goals. Both are helpful, but therapy goes deeper.

Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Research shows it’s just as effective as in-person therapy for most issues, including eating disorders and trauma. The magic isn’t in the couch; it’s in the connection and the work you do together. Virtual therapy also cuts out the commute (and excuses), making it more accessible and flexible. Whether you’re in your living room or an office, the real question isn’t where you’re healing—it’s how. Guess what? Showing up for yourself works just as well on Zoom as it does on a couch.

Are virtual therapy sessions confidential and secure?

Absolutely! Therapists use HIPAA-compliant platforms to protect your privacy. The key is finding a licensed therapist who prioritizes security, so you can share freely without worry.

How can I find the best virtual therapist for my needs?

Look for someone who specializes in your concerns, aligns with your values, and offers a free consultation. Reading reviews and trusting your gut also go a long way, especially when you are reading their profiles or you are meeting with them for a consultation.

What questions should I ask when choosing a therapist?

Ask about their specialties, approach, and experience with your concerns. Trust and rapport matter just as much as certifications (though you should always check licensing credentials).

How do I know if my therapist is the right fit for me?

You should feel safe, supported, and challenged in a good way. If it feels off, it’s okay to try someone else—it’s your healing journey.

What qualifications should I look for in a therapist?

Look for a licensed professional with experience in your area of concern. Specializations like trauma or eating disorders can be particularly helpful.

How do I find a therapist who aligns with my values?

Search online directories, read bios carefully, and schedule consultations. It’s okay to ask about their approach to topics like inclusivity or diet culture.

FAQs - Eating Disorder & Body Image Issues

What are common misconceptions about eating disorder recovery?

That it’s all about food or weight. Recovery is about addressing deeper issues like self-worth, emotions, and coping skills. Another myth? That someone “looks” recovered. Healing isn’t visible—it’s internal and complex.

How do I support a loved one in eating disorder recovery without enabling their behaviors?

Start by being compassionate, not controlling. Encourage professional support, listen without judgment, and avoid focusing on food or appearance. Validate their feelings while setting boundaries to avoid reinforcing harmful patterns.

What are the signs that unresolved trauma is affecting my mental health?

Flashbacks, anxiety, depression, trouble trusting others, or feeling “stuck” emotionally can all point to unresolved trauma. Trauma can also manifest physically—think chronic pain or fatigue.

How does societal pressure affect body image and self-esteem?

Unrealistic ideals and constant comparison fuel shame and dissatisfaction. It’s exhausting, but therapy can help challenge these harmful narratives.

Can therapy help me overcome negative body image?

Yes! Therapy helps you unpack cultural messages, reconnect with your body, and build self-compassion so you can shift from criticism to care.

What are common myths about body image and self-worth?

That your worth depends on your size or that confidence comes from achieving a certain look. Real self-worth is internal and doesn’t shrink with your waistline.

What are the benefits of a weight-neutral approach to eating disorder treatment?

It shifts the focus from the number on a scale to overall well-being—mental, emotional, and physical. Instead of chasing impossible ideals, this approach encourages body respect and self-compassion, creating space for healing rather than shame. By rejecting weight as the sole measure of health, it dismantles the toxic narratives that fuel disordered eating, making recovery more sustainable. It’s not about “fixing” your body—it’s about caring for it, valuing it, and living a fuller, freer life without the constant pressure to shrink yourself.

How can self-compassion improve body image?

Research shows that self-compassion can reduce body dissatisfaction, silence that inner critic, and promote healthier behaviors that stick because they’re rooted in care, not punishment. It lets you focus on your body's function instead of how it looks. Over time, self-compassion creates a sense of body respect that goes deeper than any superficial makeover. It’s not about "loving every inch" every day—it’s about being on your own team, even on the hard days.

FAQs - DBT & RO-DBT

How does DBT help with emotional regulation and distress tolerance?

DBT teaches practical skills to manage overwhelming emotions and handle crises without making things worse. Think of it as a toolbox for emotional balance.

Who is DBT most effective for?

People struggling with intense emotions, self-harm, or relationship challenges benefit greatly, but the skills of DBT apply to a wide range of issues. If I had my way, we would teach it as a class in middle school (along with mindful self compassion!) because so many people struggle with issues of emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. 

What are the differences between standard DBT and radically open DBT?

Standard DBT focuses on managing intense emotions, while RO-DBT helps people who over-control—think perfectionists or those who struggle with flexibility and connection.

How long does it take to see results from DBT?

It varies, but many people notice improvements within weeks, with significant changes after six months to a year of consistent practice.

Who can benefit most from RO-DBT?

Anyone struggling with over-control, like perfectionists, those with eating disorders, or people who find it hard to connect socially, can benefit from RO-DBT.

What are the signs of over-control, and how does RO-DBT address them?

Signs include rigidity, perfectionism, or difficulty adapting to change. RO-DBT helps loosen those tendencies by promoting openness, playfulness, and connection.

How does RO-DBT help with social connectedness?

It encourages vulnerability, humor, and openness, which create deeper, more authentic relationships.

What are the key mindfulness skills in RO-DBT?

Skills like self-inquiry and observing without judgment help increase awareness, flexibility, and social connection.

FAQs - Trauma, Compassion, & Resilience

How do therapists use mindfulness to treat trauma?

Mindfulness helps you stay present, reduce reactivity, and observe emotions without judgment. It creates a safe space to process trauma and build resilience without being overwhelmed.

What is the difference between acute trauma, complex trauma, and PTSD?

Acute trauma stems from a single event, like an accident. Complex trauma arises from prolonged exposure to harm, such as childhood abuse. PTSD involves ongoing distress, flashbacks, and hypervigilance after trauma.

What are the key principles of mindful self-compassion?

Kindness over criticism, connection instead of isolation, and mindfulness instead of judgment. These principles create space for growth and healing, even when you’re struggling.

How does mindful self-compassion help with anxiety and stress?

It shifts your focus from fixing yourself to comforting yourself. By responding to stress with kindness, you reduce emotional overwhelm and build resilience.

What are some simple daily self-compassion practices?

Try offering yourself encouraging words, placing a hand on your heart during tough moments, or asking, “What would I say to a friend?”

Can mindful self-compassion improve relationships?

Yes! When you’re kinder to yourself, you’re less defensive and more empathetic, which fosters stronger, healthier connections with others.

What are the differences between self-care and self-compassion?

Self-care is about actions, like taking a bath or exercising. Self-compassion is an attitude—it’s how you treat yourself when things get tough.

What are simple ways to build emotional resilience?

Practice gratitude, focus on what you can control, and nurture supportive relationships. Resilience is about small, intentional actions over time.

How does resilience impact mental health recovery?

It fosters adaptability and hope, making it easier to navigate setbacks and stick with treatment.

Can mindfulness practices help improve resilience?

Yes! Mindfulness strengthens your ability to stay present and handle challenges without becoming overwhelmed.

How do I stay resilient during major life changes or setbacks?

Focus on your values, take small steps, and lean on your support network. Resilience is about progress, not perfection.