How Online Eating Disorder Therapy Can Help During Quarantine

Overwhelmed with your eating disorder? Have your eating patterns changed during the quarantine, which makes you nervous?  Have your symptoms worsened since the COVID-19 outbreak? Feeling isolated and don’t know where to turn? Whether locally in San Diego or elsewhere, we are all going through tremendous stress and uncertainty right now. It really, really sucks. I am here to tell you that there’s hope. Even though you’re stuck at home, you can still find help. Virtual or online eating disorder therapy, also known as telehealth, is an excellent resource you can use to get you the support you need during this difficult time. All you need is a device with a camera, such as a computer, a tablet, or phone, and you can get started.

Researchers have shown that online psychotherapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions. Not only is it convenient and especially helpful during quarantine, it can help you deal with stress in the very situation in which you’re feeling distressed. For example, the food you’re binging on could be literally in the next room, and so talking about how to handle the food and then walking into the kitchen and doing something your therapist suggested can help reinforce the new behavior.

I’ve actually eaten “fear foods” with clients together over video in eating disorder therapy. It’s very helpful (and often humorous!). You can eat in the comfort of your own home while getting help dealing with the anxiety in eating a particular food.

Another benefit of online eating disorder therapy is that it can actually feel more comfortable that being in person for some people. I’ve had several clients had their dogs or cats with them for comfort, or they wrap themselves in a cozy blanket and drink a hot cup of tea or cold water as we chat.

There are several types of virtual therapy: texting/messaging, phone sessions, and video sessions. I provide video sessions via a HIPPA-compliant, secure system called Simple Practice. I’ve been working this system for a while, and it’s excellent for telehealth. Given the COVID-19 outbreak, HIPPA has temporarily relaxed the laws around telehealth so that you don’t even need a HIPPA-compliant system to use it. That means therapists can use Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime for video therapy.

Some therapist friends of mine are meeting with clients over the phone. I’ve done that in the past, and it’s definitely an option if you don’t have a camera on your device. From my home office in San Diego, I definitely prefer video sessions because I can see the faces of people I’m treating, which gives me more information on how to help them.

With texting, there’s actually an online service called Talkspace where you can post messages, and a licensed therapist in your state will respond to you. You can use it through an app on your phone, so it’s like carrying a therapist in your pocket. :)

Phone and text therapy can be beneficial for some. In my opinion, one drawback is that when therapists are getting written or verbal information without your body language, the clinician can miss some vital cues to what is going on with you emotionally.

I’ve had several instances on video online therapy in which I ask a question and the client is silent and starts crying, and so I know that we touched on a topic worth exploring further. I would find it difficult to do that on the phone or via a message system. That said, many people make those options work, and it’s certainly preferred to getting no help at all for your eating disorder.

There are some drawbacks to online eating disorder therapy, including not having the processing time driving to and from the therapy session, and not having that “safe space” of the therapist’s office to work through your eating disorder issues. You also need to ensure that the online eating disorder therapist is licensed in your state and specializes in working with eating disorders. Some insurance may not reimburse for online therapy, although more companies are relaxing rules around it because of the national health crisis.

How can you make the most of online eating disorder therapy in San Diego and elsewhere? Make sure you have a quiet place in your home where you can talk with your therapist in confidence. Wear headphones with a microphone to protect your privacy. Headphones can also prevent dogs from barking when they hear a disembodied voice coming out of your device. :)

Sit in a comfortable chair and have things to help you during the sessions that you would in an in-person session, such as tissue, a drink, something to play with your hands (e.g., a fidget cube or Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty). You can even light a candle or turn on an essential oil diffuser to help you relax. Make sure that the room lighting isn’t too dim or bright. Take a couple of deep breaths before you log on, and then just talk.

Online eating disorder therapy isn’t for everyone, and it may be challenging to adjust to it. Your computer may freeze at times. It’s important to close other applications you’re on and even clear your browser history to help you have the best possible connection.

Regardless, please remember that this option is temporary during the COVID-19 outbreak, and you’ll be able to return to your eating disorder therapist’s office someday. Who knows? You may come to like online eating disorder therapy more than you think.

Hang in there everyone, and stay safe!

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Hey everyone, I really appreciate you reading my blog!  Have a wonderful day. :)  

Marianne 

If you are struggling to find online eating disorder treatment with help with binge eating or other eating disorders in San Diego, schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation using the online scheduler (just click on the orange button), and I will help you get where you need to be! 

You can find more information about me on Instagram @drmariannemiller or on my Facebook page.