The Role of Meal Support in Eating Disorder Treatment

Thrive • May 1, 2022

By Thrive’s National Director of Nutrition Services Kailey Cunningham, M.S., RDN, LD

Meal support within eating disorder treatment is a clinician-guided intervention intended to help individuals overcome harmful food judgments and renourish their bodies by exposing them to eating experiences. Meal support encourages intuitive eating and mindful eating , while also helping diminish disordered eating behaviors . While an integral element of all of Thrive’s eating disorder treatment programs , Thrive’s Sacramento location recently unveiled extended meal support within its intensive outpatient program + (IOP+) for adults.

THE PURPOSE OF MEAL SUPPORT IN EATING DISORDER TREATMENT

Meal support in eating disorder treatment is primarily focused on helping patients establish adequate and consistent food intake, while also including a variety of foods from different food groups in their diets. Because eating disorder rules and rituals tend to include restrictive behaviors and narrowing of acceptable kinds of foods, eating enough and expanding variety are both key parts of recovery.

THE STABILIZING BENEFITS OF MEAL SUPPORT

Eating disorder behaviors wreak havoc on one’s overall nutrient status and can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies that negatively impact a person’s overall metabolism. This means the body doesn’t have the proper building blocks nor the energy that it requires to carry out the chemical reactions necessary to support normal body functions. This imbalance is the root cause of the myriad of physiological and some psychological symptoms many people with eating disorders experience.

Because cognitive functioning is significantly compromised by insufficient caloric intake, patients can’t fully participate in therapy of any kind if their brain isn’t adequately nourished. In other words, if a patient is not properly fed, they’re not able to participate in deep or meaningful therapy due to the biological impact of inadequate energy intake on brain function. Composed of matter that is 60% fat and fueled by carbohydrates, the brain suffers immensely when the body isn’t receiving enough of either of these macronutrients or enough food in general.

Further, when we eat a limited variety of foods, we likely get too much of some nutrients and not enough of others, which is the most significant nutritional drawback of a monotonous diet. The primary objective of meal support is to help patients provide their bodies with the fuel and nutrients needed to heal and, in the process, improve their overall relationship with food. Because eating disorders create many barriers to achieving this, meal support can assist by helping patients build skills to push back against their eating disorders while receiving direct and individualized support and accountability to help them do so.

HOW MEAL SUPPORT HELPS HEAL INDIVIDUALS’ RELATIONSHIPS WITH FOOD

Some of the most important work patients do in treatment happens at the table. Eating disorders tend to show up more directly during eating experiences. A person’s eating disorder voice generally becomes louder, while at the same time, specific food judgments , body image thoughts, and other anxieties surface.

This is an ideal opportunity for supported meals, where treatment teams can guide patients in directly challenging their eating disorder thinking by doing the opposite of what the eating disorder voice tells them to do. T hese clinician-guided meals help patients replace the maladaptive coping mechanisms of their eating disorder behaviors with more helpful coping tools such as therapeutic skills and mindfulness practices . Further, during supported meals, patients can gather evidence that encourages their abilities to fuel their bodies even though it may be very difficult. The goal of meal support is for patients to then be able to apply the skills and approaches they find helpful outside of treatment.

The healing effects of supported meals unfold throughout the recovery journey, sometimes beginning with the patient solely focusing on completing adequate meals and snacks much like checking a task off a to-do list, then progressing to the development of mindfulness practices including non-judgmental awareness and a stronger connection with hunger and fullness cues.

While our body’s own feedback is the only truly reliable guide for how to best fuel ourselves, that feedback cannot be fully trusted in the early stages of the treatment process. By establishing the foundation of consistent and adequate intake and challenging eating disorder thoughts, judgments, and urges, patients are able to reap the benefits of connecting with their authentic food preferences over time. This connection makes space for the practice of intuitive eating , our ultimate goal for every client.

THE ROLES OF TREATMENT PROFESSIONALS IN SUPPORTED MEALS

Therapeutic meals can be led by a variety of professionals. Therapists, registered dietitians/registered dietitian nutritionists (RD/RDNs), and trained support staff can each lead and co-lead meals. Ideally, meals are guided by at least two support staff and by a variety of eating disorder treatment professionals allowing each specialist to bring their unique skill set to the table.

Therapists are able to help patients utilize a variety of coping skills to navigate challenges they may face during meal times. These skills range from grounding and de-escalation to anxiety and stress management skills. Therapists incorporate a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Trained support staff can also encourage the use of healthy coping skills while providing general support and accountability for meal completion. Additionally, therapists and support staff tend to be especially adept at interacting with patients and utilizing distraction techniques such as general conversation, playing games at the table, and other creative and engaging approaches.

RD/RDNs who are trained in treating eating disorders are uniquely qualified to provide support during meals. RD/RDNs help patients lean into what is true about food and learn to trust their bodies by challenging judgments that often originate from misinformation. RDs/RDNs can help patients debunk food biases and misconceptions about their bodies’ fuel needs by offering “fact-checking statements” about why they require a variety of foods and must be fed enough. For example, at a meal where a patient is struggling with consuming the necessary dietary fats their body requires, an RD/RDN may offer the fact-checking statement, “You actually need dietary fats to absorb all fat-soluble vitamins, which include vitamins D, E, K, and A. If your body doesn’t get enough fat, it also doesn’t get the vitamins it needs.” Or, if a patient is struggling with carbohydrates, an RD/RDN may provide a fact, such as, “Your body’s main source of energy is carbs. Every cell in your body uses carbs.”

Common misconceptions about these roles are that therapists can’t provide any information about food and RD/RDNs can’t recommend any therapeutic techniques. In reality, as each member of the support staff gains training and experience, they can cross over in the ways they offer support while still “staying in the lane” of their individual scope of practice. For instance, a therapist can offer nutrition fact-checking statements such as, “Your brain runs on carbohydrates” or “All foods fit.” Similarly, a dietitian can coach patients in the use of a variety of therapeutic interventions. For example, if a patient is beginning to feel overwhelmed, an RD/RDN can lead them through a grounding exercise.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING SUPPORTED MEALS

In a typical programming meal, patients are supported in eating an appropriate amount and variety of food while focusing on their individual goals. Goals can vary from completing the meal to practicing mindfulness to challenging a specific eating disorder thought or behavior. Patients are then asked to identify how they specifically plan to meet this goal and what staff can do to help. Meals are ideally led by at least two treatment team members to ensure patients are able to receive one-on-one support when needed and to add to the professional voices and clinical approaches utilized at each meal.

Patients receive guidance regarding the amount of food their body needs as recommended by their individual RD/RDN. They practice with meals that they bring from home, meals prepared by staff, order-in or take-out meals, and meal outings. A key part of the meal is the check-in led by staff where each patient is asked to identify their goal or intention for the meal as well as to check in with their hunger and fullness sensations.

An adequate amount of food is plated by staff or the patient depending on their needs. When meals are provided by Thrive, patients are all expected to eat the same food or type of food to both practice flexibility and increase their exposure to variety.

For meals brought from home, patients are given guidelines and are encouraged to challenge their eating disorder with the types of foods they choose to bring. Sometimes meals brought from home entail a group theme or prompt for the meal. For example, all patients may be asked to bring fast food or to bring an Italian-style dish or dessert with their meal. This provides an opportunity for patients to expose themselves to variety and practice eating potentially feared or avoided foods with the support of both staff and the comradery of one another.

After the food is plated, patients and staff sit at the table together. The meal typically begins with some light conversation and time to allow each patient the opportunity to work toward their stated goal. Staff then checks in with the table as a whole or with individual patients regarding their goals, how things are going, and how staff can help support any struggles that may arise.

During meals, patients are expected to remain at the table together and are not allowed to use the restroom for at least thirty minutes afterward without supervision. Both of these measures are intended to reduce the opportunity for engagement in eating disorder behavior by decreasing access to opportunities and increasing accountability.

Some meals are more challenging and therefore require much more intensive therapeutic coaching and intervention while others allow an opportunity to practice eating in a social setting while engaging with others. Eating disorders tend to be very isolating illnesses. Therefore, it can be therapeutic to simply be at the table eating together. Generally, thirty minutes are allotted for meals beginning when everyone is seated.

While the overarching goal of every therapeutic eating experience is fueling the body with food, sometimes this is not possible due to the intensity of the eating disorder or gastrointestinal discomfort. If a patient is not able to nourish themselves despite support, they are provided with a proper amount of nutrition supplement drink to give their body necessary energy and nutrients. If a patient needs to supplement multiple times, their treatment level of care is reevaluated to make sure they are receiving the right level and kind of support they need to beat their eating disorder. Ongoing supplementation likely indicates the gastrointestinal issues are too complex or the eating disorder is too strong to be fought with the current level of support indicating the need for a step up in care. This approach is not at all meant to be punitive and instead is in place to ensure each client is receiving the proper support they need to recover.

At the end of the meal, staff lead everyone as they check out together. The check-out asks patients to each reflect on their goal and may ask them to specifically identify how they feel it went, what was helpful or not helpful including support from staff or peers, ways they can apply the experience to eating outside of treatment, specific skills they may have used, and their hunger and fullness cues.

Virtual meal support can provide the same general structure, just adjusted for telehealth. In these meals, patients are asked to plate an adequate amount of food on their own or with the help of a support person such as a family member or close friend. This is then verified by the staff leading the meal. Patients are asked to set up their cameras in such a way that staff can see their entire plate for the duration of the meal and can clearly see the patient and their surroundings. This is intended to reduce the opportunity for eating disorder behavior. Otherwise, the meal is led much like an in-person meal with a check-in, coaching from staff, and a check-out to close.

EXTENDED MEAL SUPPORT IN THRIVE SACRAMENTO’S IOP+

At our Thrive’s Sacramento location, we have recently begun offering additional meal support in our eating disorder IOP+ . Since this location began offering eating disorder treatment for adults in August 2021, we have recognized a need to incorporate more meal support into our adult programming in order to help those who require additional assistance in achieving their goals of adequate and consistent eating.

Monday through Thursday, dinner meals are supported in person for all IOP+ patients with additional virtual support offered during breakfast or morning snacks and lunch for those who would benefit from it. An added advantage of this structure is the opportunity for patients to practice eating in their “real-life” environments with accountability. Completing meals and challenging their eating disorders in their own homes or commonplaces allows patients to feel more comfortable fueling themselves in these same spaces outside of treatment time.

Learn more about Thrive Sacramento’s IOP+ and reach out to seek support.

About the Author

Thrive’s National Director of Nutrition Services Kailey Cunningham, M.S., RDN, CD

Kailey Cunningham, M.S., RDN, LD, is a registered dietitian nutritionist who obtained a master’s of dietetics degree from the University of Kentucky after completing both her undergraduate studies in dietetics and accredited dietetic internship at the same university.

She has been a registered dietitian nutritionist since February of 2013 and has been working in the eating disorder field since 2015. Kailey has experience treating clients at many levels of care, from partial hospitalization programming to outpatient, with a variety of diagnoses including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID and OSFED.

She began working at The Emily Program in Lacey, Washington for three years where she acted as the full-time programming dietitian. While in this position, she worked directly with a lead therapist to develop an adolescent treatment track implementing elements of Family-Based Treatment (FBT) and gaining invaluable experience working with adolescents and their parents. She then worked at Center for Discovery in Tacoma, Washington while building her nutrition counseling private practice. She began her successful practice in April of 2018 and moved it with her from Olympia, Washington to Rocklin, California in October 2020. Kailey joined Thrive Wellness Sacramento as a registered dietitian supervisor, providing support for adult and adolescent clients in intensive outpatient and outpatient levels of care. She now serves as the national director of nutrition services for Thrive Wellness overall.

Kailey’s primary motivator and true passion is supporting others on their journey to a more peaceful and balanced relationship with food and their bodies. Through individualized nutrition counseling and education, she helps those struggling with eating disorder behaviors, body image issues, food aversion and health anxieties find what is right for them while leaving diet culture behind.

The post The Role of Meal Support in Eating Disorder Treatment first appeared on Thrive Wellness.

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The Connection Between OCD and Eating Disorders

April 14, 2025

Eating disorders, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) make up a triad of interrelated conditions that often coexist and influence each other in complex ways. While these mental health conditions are challenging on their own, when they co-occur, they can create significant distress and disruptions in daily life. Understanding the intricate relationship between these disorders is crucial for recognizing symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment. In this exploration into the connection between OCD, anxiety, and eating disorders, we aim to shed light on their intertwined nature and provide insights for those seeking knowledge and support. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Eating Disorders OCD eating disorders are a nuanced blend of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors centered around food and body image. Those grappling with these disorders experience an overwhelming preoccupation with eating habits, driven by intrusive thoughts that heighten anxiety levels. This anxiety not only exacerbates compulsive eating behaviors but also fuels obsessive thinking. The overlap between anxiety disorders and eating disorders is common, with many displaying symptoms of both conditions concurrently. This overlap suggests a complex connection between these mental health issues, highlighting the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that address all aspects of these disorders together. OCD and Anorexia Nervosa OCD and anorexia nervosa often co-occur, creating a dual struggle for those affected. People with both conditions experience overlapping symptoms such as intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. This dual presentation can make diagnosis and treatment more challenging. A desire for control often drives both OCD and anorexia, leading to rigid routines, rituals, and restriction surrounding food and body image that can be difficult to break. Understanding the shared behaviors and motivations between these disorders can aid mental health professionals in developing more effective therapeutic strategies tailored to their clients’ specific needs. OCD and ARFID OCD and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) share a common thread, deeply influencing anxiety levels and eating patterns. Individuals with OCD might develop rituals or compulsions around food intake motivated by distressing thoughts, mirroring the restrictive behaviors and fear characteristic of ARFID. Both disorders are driven by a strong need for control and intense fear, significantly affecting one's nutritional intake and overall well-being. The parallels between OCD and ARFID suggest that effective treatment involves addressing the underlying anxiety, fears, and aversions that contribute to both conditions. OCD And Bulimia The relationship between OCD and bulimia presents with unique challenges that offer insight into compulsive behaviors and intrusive thoughts. The co-occurrence of OCD and bulimia can look like compulsive binge-purge cycles rooted in an attempt to fight distressing thoughts about food and body image. Both disorders can act as coping mechanisms for underlying anxiety and distress, often manifesting as a means to gain control. The co-occurrence of OCD and bulimia complicates diagnosis and treatment, requiring a comprehensive therapeutic approach that addresses both sides of the disorder. OCD and OSFED OCD and other specified eating and feeding disorders (OSFED) often co-exist, each one potentially exacerbating the other. Both disorders frequently involve intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, such as ritualistic eating or compulsive exercising. Anxiety emerges as a common underlying factor, fuelling obsessive fears and the need for control over food and body image. Treatment approaches for these conditions often overlap, particularly with interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that aim to address distorted thinking patterns. This overlap suggests that a holistic approach to treatment can be especially beneficial for those affected by both OCD and eating disorders. Shared Traits of OCD and Disordered Eating Ritualistic Behavior Ritualistic behaviors are commonly observed in those coping with OCD, anxiety, and eating disorders. These behaviors serve a purpose: to manage distress and create an illusion of control. Though these repetitive actions might reduce anxiety temporarily, they can become time-consuming, disruptive, and negatively impact your quality of life. In OCD, people perform rituals to alleviate obsessive thoughts, whereas, in eating disorders, these rituals revolve primarily around food and body image. Anxiety Anxiety is a prominent mental health condition characterized by feelings of worry, fear, or unease that can significantly affect daily life. It often coexists with OCD and eating disorders, creating a complex interplay of symptoms. Anxiety exacerbates the compulsions and obsessions seen in OCD, leading to heightened stress and increased distress. Perfectionism Perfectionism connects OCD, anxiety, and eating disorders, driving people to pursue unrealistic standards. This pursuit of perfection often leads to increased anxiety, as the fear of failing to meet expectations results in constant worry and stress. In OCD, perfectionism manifests through repetitive behaviors aimed at achieving flawlessness and control. Understanding the role of perfectionism in these disorders can be pivotal in formulating effective therapeutic interventions tailored to combat these perfectionistic tendencies. Differences Between Disordered Eating and OCD Disordered eating involves irregular eating behaviors often linked to concerns about weight or body shape, while OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors or mental acts. Although both conditions may involve anxiety and compulsive behaviors, their motivations and manifestations differ significantly. Disordered eating focuses primarily on food-related issues, whereas OCD encompasses a wide array of obsessions frequently unrelated to food. Understanding these differences helps in tailoring more targeted treatment options for people struggling with either or both conditions. Finding Help for Eating Disorders and OCD Seeking professional help is crucial for those dealing with anorexia and OCD, given the complex interplay of these disorders. Consulting therapists or counselors specializing in eating disorders can provide valuable insights and guidance. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment option for modifying maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors. Additionally, joining support groups or online communities provides a sense of connection and shared coping strategies. Ensuring a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medical, nutritional, and psychological components is vital for addressing all aspects of the disorders. Moreover, involving family members or loved ones in the recovery process provides additional support and understanding and prevents accommodating behaviors in the home. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is widely considered the gold standard treatment for OCD and can be a critical component in addressing co-morbid presentations of OCD and eating disorders. ERP is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that involves the systematic and gradual exposure to feared stimuli while preventing the accompanying compulsive response. In the context of OCD/ED's, ERP helps reduce distress associated with intrusive thoughts related to food, body image, and rituals around eating. Research has shown that ERP can significantly improve nutritional intake by increasing an individual's flexibility with food choices, reducing avoidance behaviors, and supporting eating in a variety of settings and contexts. Do You Have a Loved One Battling an Eating Disorder or OCD? Understanding the intricate link between eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD can help improve the support offered to a loved one struggling with these challenges. Recognizing common characteristics and behaviors associated with these disorders further aids in building empathy and effective communication. Education on the psychological and physical aspects of eating disorders is essential for offering informed assistance and encouragement. Assisting your loved one in gaining professional help and maintaining patience are crucial steps in supporting a loved one on their journey to recovery. To learn more about eating disorders, download our free eating disorder guide “Recovery is Real” . Embracing Understanding and Support The intersection of anxiety, OCD, and eating disorders illustrates the complex nature of mental health challenges. By learning more about these interconnected conditions, those struggling and their loved ones can gain greater understanding and uncover effective pathways toward healing. Providing holistic support centered on empathy, education, and appropriate intervention not only improves treatment outcomes but also nurtures strength and resilience in the face of challenges. Through dedicated effort, recovery can be possible for anyone and can allow them to live a full life.

What to Do if You Think Your Teen Has an Eating Disorder

By Brianna Villalpando, LMSW, LCSW • March 19, 2025

Teen eating disorders are serious. As a parent or caregiver, one of the most difficult situations you can face is noticing that your teen may be struggling with a basic human need like eating. Adolescence is already a rough period for many teens filled with fluctuating emotions, changing bodies, and social pressures. However, sometimes coping with these challenges can manifest in unhealthy ways, like developing complicated relationships with food, body image, control, or exercise. Many teens face body image issues as their bodies mature, excessive pressure to meet unrealistic expectations fueled by social media and peers, and emotional instability and anxiety during their adolescent years, all of which can combine to create the perfect storm for an eating disorder. These challenges can often make your teen more vulnerable to unhealthy coping mechanisms , such as restricting food intake, excessive exercise, or engaging in disordered eating behaviors . If you’ve started noticing signs that something may not be right, it’s essential to take action to help your teen get the support they need. Recognizing the Signs of an Eating Disorder Eating disorders can vary in appearance, but there are some common signs and symptoms to watch for. If you notice any of the following behaviors or changes in your teen, it may indicate a problem that requires further attention: Preoccupation with body image : Teens with eating disorders often show increased focus on their weight or appearance, frequently expressing dissatisfaction with their body. Excessive discussions about dieting : If your teen frequently talks about dieting, food restriction, “getting skinny,” or often makes weight-related comments, this could be a red flag. Obsession with calorie counts : Teens who are obsessed with tracking every calorie, comparing the caloric content of foods, or controlling their calorie-intake may be struggling with an eating disorder. Skipping meals : Frequently skipping meals or not eating regularly is a common sign that something is wrong. Eating in isolation : Eating alone or avoiding family meals may signal discomfort with eating or shame around food. Excessive exercising : Over-exercising or using exercise as a way to purge calories can also point to an eating disorder. Spending long amounts of time in the bathroom : This could be a sign of emerging or purging behaviors, such as vomiting after meals. Hoarding foods : Hiding food or being secretive about eating may indicate issues with food control and secrecy around eating habits. Irregular periods or thinning hair : In females, a disruption in menstrual cycles or thinning hair can be physical signs of the effects of an eating disorder on the body. How Can I Talk to My Teen About Eating Disorders in a Supportive Way? Approaching a conversation about eating disorders with your child requires sensitivity and care. It's important to emphasize empathy and understanding, conveying that your primary concern is your teen's health and well-being. Initiating this conversation compassionately can create an environment of trust and openness to explore the problem. Selecting a calm, comfortable, and private setting is vital so your teen feels safe discussing a sensitive topic that may cause them to feel anxiety or shame. Effective communication hinges on using open-ended questions and active listening. Encourage your teen to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. By actively listening, you validate their experience, making them feel heard and understood. Before diving into the conversation, educating yourself about eating disorders can provide a solid foundation for discussing the issue knowledgeably. Some quick preparation with research allows you to dispel myths and provide accurate information when you talk to your teen. Why It's Crucial to Seek Medical Help When you notice warning signs, it’s important not to wait to get help. Eating disorders can be life-threatening, both physically and emotionally. They take a serious toll on a teen’s health, affecting their metabolism, hormonal function, and overall well-being. Beyond the physical impact, eating disorders can often involve deeply ingrained psychological and emotional challenges, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and trauma. After an initial conversation, the first step is to schedule an appointment with a medical provider. Your teen’s primary care doctor or a pediatrician can help evaluate their physical health and provide guidance for next steps. Be prepared to discuss the specific behaviors or signs you’ve observed, as this will help your provider better understand the situation. The doctor may conduct a physical examination, lab tests, and discuss your teen's emotional and psychological state. Building a Support Team Once you’ve taken the first step to ensure your teen’s immediate medical needs are addressed, it’s time to build a multidisciplinary treatment team . This may include: Therapists : A licensed, specially trained therapist who specializes in eating disorders or adolescent mental health can help your teen address the emotional and psychological root causes of their disorder. Medical doctors : Your teen’s doctor can monitor their physical health during the recovery process, ensuring they are safe while navigating the challenges of nourishing their body. Nutritionists or dietitians : A professional who specializes in eating disorders can create a nutrition plan tailored to your teen’s specific needs and help them rebuild a healthy relationship with food. Psychiatrists : In some cases, medication may be prescribed to address underlying mental health issues contributing to their behavior. Act Quickly and Seek Professional Guidance It’s crucial to act as soon as you recognize signs of an eating disorder in your teen. The longer eating disorders go untreated, the harder they can be to overcome. Recovery from an eating disorder is a complex journey, involving both physical and mental obstacles to tackle. It can be incredibly difficult for both the teen and the family to manage this process at home without professional support. A well coordinated team of medical providers, therapists, and eating disorder specialists is essential in guiding your teen through their recovery. This team can help monitor your teen’s progress, provide emotional support, and ensure that your teen is getting the care they need for both short and long-term recovery. Supporting Your Teen on Their Recovery Journey Eating disorders are serious, but with the right care and support, recovery is possible. If you suspect that your teen may have an eating disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Seek medical advice first, and build a support team of professionals who can work together to provide comprehensive care. Eating disorders are complex, and it’s not something you or your teen should have to face alone. Taking swift action and offering compassionate support will help your teen regain control of their health and their life so that they can thrive through their adolescence and beyond. At Thrive, we offer specialized treatment for anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Our adolescent intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs have not only changed lives, but saved them. If you believe your teen is struggling, don't hesitate to reach out for help, we are ready to conduct a complimentary intake assessment today. To learn more about eating disorders, download our free guide "Recovery is Real" filled with practical insights and strategies to help a loved one navigate the journey toward recovery.

Signs It’s Time to See a Therapist: How to Know When You Need Support

By Brianna Villalpando • March 12, 2025

It can be difficult to know when it's time to reach out for help. We often try to manage stress, anxiety, sadness, or relationship issues on our own, thinking it’s just a phase or something we can work through to “get over.” But sometimes, these feelings or behaviors persist and can start affecting our overall mental and emotional well-being. The truth is, seeking therapy shouldn't be a last resort. Therapy is a valuable tool for anyone looking to better understand themselves, improve their emotional health, and work through life’s challenges. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to seek therapy, there are a few key factors to consider when performing a self-evaluation. Here are five signs that it might be time to reach out for additional support: 1. Is My Mood Affecting My Life or Relationships? One of the most telling signs that you may need support is noticing that your mood is negatively impacting your daily life or interpersonal relationships. Have you noticed an increase in conflict with friends, family, or colleagues? Are you feeling stuck in patterns of negativity that seem hard to shake? If your mood is affecting how you function at work, school, or in your personal life, it may be time to talk to a therapist. Pay attention to your behaviors; are you withdrawing from activities you usually enjoy? Are you reacting more intensely to situations than usual? If your emotional state is beginning to impact your relationships, interactions, or your ability to move through everyday life, a therapist can help you explore underlying causes and develop tools to improve your social wellness. 2. Am I Isolating Myself to Avoid Conflict? There’s a big difference between being introverted and isolating yourself as a way to avoid conflict. If you find yourself consistently pulling away from social situations, not because you need time to recharge, but because you’re avoiding uncomfortable conversations or emotional confrontations, this could be a sign of a deeper issue. It’s natural to want to avoid tension or discomfort, but consistent isolation can worsen feelings of loneliness and make it even harder to work through conflicts. Therapy can help you learn healthy coping mechanisms, problem-solving and communication skills, so you can feel more comfortable facing conflict in a productive way rather than shutting down or avoiding it at the cost of self-isolation. 3. Are My Emotions Out of Control? Do you ever feel like your emotions are so overwhelming that you can't regain control? If you're finding it difficult to calm yourself down, quiet your thoughts, or manage your feelings, this might be a sign that therapy could be helpful. Emotions like anger, disgust, fear, anxiety, or sadness are natural, but if they start taking over your thoughts and actions, it can be exhausting and difficult to complete daily tasks. A therapist can help you understand why your emotions are so intense and teach you strategies to regulate them and regain a sense of balance. 4. Have I Experienced Trauma That’s Affecting My Daily Life? Trauma comes in many forms, it could be from a single incident or from ongoing experiences that have affected your sense of safety, connection, or well-being. Sometimes, trauma is tied to experiences in childhood, but it can also be linked to recent events, like accidents, loss, or abuse. If you've experienced trauma and are struggling to perform basic daily tasks or meet your needs, therapy can be incredibly beneficial. Unresolved trauma can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, or being stuck in past experiences. A trauma-informed therapist can help you process these experiences, understand their impact on your life, and work toward healing and recovery. 5. Am I Hurting Myself or Others? If your mood or behaviors are causing you to hurt yourself or others, it’s crucial to seek help immediately. Whether it’s through emotional or physical self-harm , or unintentionally inflicting harm on the people around you, this is a serious sign to find support from mental health professionals. A therapist can provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to talk about what you’re going through and help you work toward healthier ways of coping. If you’re in immediate danger or experiencing thoughts of self harm, it’s essential to reach out for help as soon as possible. There’s no shame in seeking support when you're struggling with harmful thoughts or actions. Why is Professional Mental Health Support Necessary? Although there may be barriers to seeking therapy, reaching out for professional mental health support is worth it to address the emotional and psychological issues that you shouldn’t have to deal with alone. Therapists have the knowledge and tools needed to guide you through your struggles, offering insights and solutions that aren’t available outside of the therapeutic setting. Their expertise promises not only a deeper understanding of your challenges, but the application of practical methods and skills to resolve them in your everyday life. Additionally, trained mental health professionals offer personalized strategies and coping mechanisms tailored to your unique situation and needs. These strategies are informed by evidence-based practices and a therapist’s experience working with and healing emotional and mental struggles. Personalized therapy helps clients receive the most relevant and effective guidance for their personal challenges. Embracing the Journey Toward Mental Wellness Recognizing that you might need support is the first step toward feeling better and getting the most out of life. Therapy isn’t just for when things are at their worst; it’s a proactive way to improve your emotional health, work through challenges, and build skills for resilience. If you relate to any of these situations, it might be time to reach out and explore therapy as an option. It’s okay to need help, and you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for you, consider talking to a mental health professional to discuss your concerns and explore specialized support options available to you. You deserve to feel your best, and therapy can be a stepping stone to help you reach your goals. Are you in need of support? At Thrive Wellness, we offer personalized therapy and treatment to support you in whatever you're going through, don't be afraid to reach out for help . We also offer a FREE comprehensive guide to wellness in our “How to Thrive” guide . This guide offers practical, easy-to-follow habits that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Start your journey towards a balanced and fulfilling life today with these simple yet transformative steps.