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Category Archives: Psychologist

Categories Eating Disorder, Online Therapy, Psychologist

Can a therapist help with an eating disorder?

For people who have not experienced it themselves or in someone close to them, it is sometimes difficult to understand. The solution to an eating disorder is very simple, right? ‘Just’ start eating healthy! Unfortunately, it is not that simple, because eating disorders are mental disorders, not physical disorders. Eating disorders are characterized by disturbed eating behavior and (often) an obsession with appearance and weight, but the causes are psychological. Do you have an eating disorder? Then a therapist may be able to help you.

Types of eating disorders

What most eating disorders have in common is that the patient has a distorted body image and is afraid of getting fat. The result of this is an obsessive preoccupation with weight control. How this manifests itself varies by eating disorder. The different eating disorders often have different causes and therefore different treatment methods.

Anorexia nervosa

People with anorexia nervosa have such a distorted body image that they always think they are too fat, despite the fact that they are (severely) underweight as a result of the disorder. If you suffer from anorexia nervosa, then you are constantly trying to lose weight – either by eating too little, and exercising excessively (the restrictive type), or by eating too little, vomiting, and using laxatives (the purging type). A lack of grip on life, the need for control and excessive perfectionism may be the underlying cause of anorexia nervosa.

Bulimia nervosa

In bulimia nervosa, obsessive dieting, exercise, vomiting, and laxative use are the result of (and compensation for) uncontrolled binge eating. People suffering from this disorder usually have a normal or highly fluctuating weight. The binge eating often serves as comfort and stems from loneliness, boredom, or not knowing how to cope with unpleasant past events.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

BED is similar to bulimia, but people suffering from this disorder do not feel the need to compensate after a binge. Consequently, they are often overweight or obese, resulting in many physical symptoms.

Orthorexia nervosa

Orthorexia nervosa is always part of another disorder and does not stand alone. People with orthorexia nervosa have an obsession with healthy eating and are therefore afraid of unhealthy foods.

Pica

People with pica have the urge to eat inedible things, for example, sand, clay, soil, or pebbles. The disorder has nothing to do with weight loss or disturbed body image. Pica is common in young children and is often seen in combination with a developmental disorder, such as autism.

Avoidant or Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

ARFID was not officially recognized as an eating disorder until 2013. Suffering from this disorder, you avoid food products with a certain color, taste, smell, or texture. In addition to demonstrable, physical causes such as an allergy or intolerance, traumatic events or emotional problems can cause ARFID.

Rumination disorder

People with rumination disorder feel the urge to “regurgitate” food. Food is regurgitated, chewed again and swallowed, or spit out. This disorder is also particularly common in young children and often in combination with a developmental disorder.

Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NAO)

The abbreviation NAO is used for people who exhibit features of several disorders or do not fully meet the conditions for one disorder. Obsessive thoughts about food or weight are the main symptoms.

Psychological consequences of eating disorders

In addition to the many, sometimes very serious, physical consequences of eating disorders, patients often suffer greatly from their psychological effects as well. Eating in company is very frightening or simply impossible for most people with an eating disorder. This is due to shame or the fear of losing control. Social isolation and loneliness are therefore common among patients. Over time, this can lead to serious symptoms, such as anxiety disorders and depression.

Eating disorder treatment therapist

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

If you suffer from an eating disorder, it is important to seek help from a therapist as soon as possible. The treatment of your eating disorder depends on the type of eating disorder, your symptoms, and the probable causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy, however, is very effective in many cases. It involves taking a close look at your compulsive thoughts about food and examining how they can be replaced with less obsessive and more positive thoughts.

Behavioral change

In addition, ways are found to break undesirable behavior patterns, such as eating too much or too little, exercising excessively, vomiting, and taking laxatives. Many people with an eating disorder have established certain ‘eating rules’ for themselves. With the help of therapy, these become less important and ultimately unnecessary. At the same time, the treatment looks for ways to teach desirable behaviour, such as eating small portions regularly.

Themes

Depending on the issues central to your disorder, therapy focuses on themes such as insecurity, perfectionism, and negative self-image. You also learn to deal with emotions, such as anger, fear, or disappointment, in other ways.

With the right psychological help, half of the patients overcome the eating disorder completely. In the remaining patients, the symptoms often reduce significantly, resulting in a significant improvement in physical health and quality of life.

 

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    Categories Online Therapy, Psychologist, Tips

    Which therapist is right for me?

    Therapists probably differ from each other as much as their clients. Therefore, one therapist’s theories, ideas, opinions, and treatment techniques may just contradict another therapist’s. But how do you know which therapist is best for you?

    Why is every therapist different?

    It may sound strange, but it’s actually a good thing that there are so many different therapists. It means there is a therapist and treatment plan to suit each and every person. And that’s important because with psychological complaints it is not always immediately clear how the problems can be solved. This differs from person to person and that is why the solutions are so different. What works for one person may make no difference for another.

    How do I choose a therapist who is right for me?

    Are you seeing a therapist for the first time and don’t know how to choose the right one? Then ask yourself the questions below.

    What kind of person is the therapist?

    A good relationship with your therapist is the most important thing for the therapy to be successful. Many therapists put some general information about themselves on their website. For example about their age, place of residence, family, hobbies, or leisure activities. What kind of person is the therapist? And do you identify with them?

    What kind of lifestyle does the therapist lead?

    If your mental health problems are related to your lifestyle (your marriage, your children, or your job, for example) you may find it helpful to talk to someone who has experience with your situation. Is the therapist married? Does he or she have children? The Online Therapists, for example, works a lot with therapists who live abroad and are, therefore, extremely good at empathizing with expat-related problems.

    What techniques does the therapist use?

    Before choosing a therapist, delve a little deeper into the psychological treatment techniques that appeal to you. Therapists often use talking techniques (cognitive behavioral therapy), but may also work with body-oriented therapy (movement therapy or EMDR therapy), creative or alternative forms of therapy (mindfulness or hypnotherapy), or group therapy. The differences in the effectiveness of these techniques are minimal. Their success depends to a large extent on the trust you have in the working method of the therapist.

    How do the conversations take place?

    Sure, you can sit on the couch with a therapist for an hour at a practice, but these days there are many alternative ways to get therapy. Are you still a little hesitant about going to a therapist? Then you might find online therapy more enjoyable. Online therapy is accessible because you do not have to go to a practice and you can have the conversations at your own kitchen table. You can even choose to only email or chat with some therapists.

    Moreover, according to research, online therapy gives the same results as face-to-face conversations. In both cases, you have made the choice to face your problems and do something about them. That is often already half the battle!

    Try it!

    Have you done all the preliminary work and chosen a therapist or practice that appeals to you? Then it’s just a matter of trying! You never know if you will click with the therapist until you actually start talking to him or her. Start therapy with the idea that it’s perfectly normal to switch therapists if you still don’t feel comfortable or confident after a few sessions.

    How do you know if you have chosen an appropriate therapist?

    You know you have chosen a therapist who is a good fit for you when you feel at ease, heard, and understood. The therapist can summarize your vague complaints and reduce them to one or a few problems in a clear way. Then he or she is clear about the method and treatment plan, and they also check whether you feel comfortable with this. The therapist sometimes steers you in a certain direction and gives advice, but does not judge you or lecture you. In short, you have confidence in the professionalism of the therapist and the success of the treatment.

    Therapists at The Online Therapists

    The Online Therapists will help you to find a therapist who is right for you. We will have an introductory meeting with you, during which we will map out your situation, personality, specific problems, and preferences. We will then match you with a therapist who we think will be a good fit for you. This therapist will draw up a treatment plan based on an initial consultation so that you know exactly where you stand and whether this is something for you. Since we work with many therapists, it is also easy to switch therapists if necessary!

     

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      Categories Expats, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Therapy for children

      Psychological help for expat children

      With an ever more globalized world, international business practices, and increasing ease of travel, more and more often in psychological practice we treat expat children. Some have moved abroad at a young age and settled down; others have an almost nomadic existence. Expatriate life has advantages and disadvantages and has a different, often more profound effect on children than on adults.

      What are expatriate children?

      Expat children are children who grow up in a culture other than that of their parents or their country of origin, for example, because their parents work abroad. Expat children, therefore, often have little connection with the culture of the country they come from, but also not with the culture of the host country. They are characterized by adopting a kind of third culture that is, as it were, in between. Expat children are, therefore, also called third culture kids.

      Difference from adult expats

      Moving abroad is especially drastic for children because they are still in the middle of developing their identity. Adults have already built up their own identity, certain norms and values, and stable relationships in the country of origin. As a result, they will always feel connected to the homeland and be able to pinpoint a place where they came from. Children do not develop that core identity through expatriate life. This makes being an expat an entirely different experience for children.

      What are expat children good at?

      Expat children learn things that other children may never learn. They go to many interesting places, meet different people and come into contact with all kinds of cultures. As a result, they develop great adaptability, are resilient and curious, and dare to take on new challenges. They are also good at networking, make friends quickly, have great empathy and quickly include others in their social circle.

      Fast maturing

      Expat children often mature relatively quickly because of all these experiences. They know a lot about topics such as politics, culture and religion, speak several languages and often get along well with adults.

      What risks do expatriate children face?

      However, expat life is not easy. Especially when children move several times, a lot of stress, sadness and loneliness can occur. Children struggle with the uncertainty of whether they will make new friends at the new destination. Even if the child does not move, they often have expat friends who move away. The life of an expat child, therefore, consists largely of saying goodbye and starting all over again.

      Identity Crisis

      Expat children often have a hard time answering where they are from or where they feel at home. This is confusing for them. Moreover, having to continuously say goodbye to a place of residence, friends, school, and regular activities and rituals is akin to losing a certain part of one’s identity. Many expat children describe themselves as a ‘chameleon’: they easily measure themselves against different personas, but do not really know who they really are.

      Feeling of guilt

      However, expat life is often accompanied by a lot of luxury. The children live in beautiful homes and attend highly regarded international schools. Also, many parents abroad have the option of hiring a nanny full-time. Expat children can, therefore, feel like they can’t complain. After all, they lead a privileged life, right?

      Symptoms of grief

      What many expat children actually suffer from are symptoms of grief. Saying goodbye over and over again, to a certain environment and with that a part of one’s own identity, simply causes a lot of grief. The cause of the symptoms, however, is not as clearly identifiable as, for example, the death of a loved one. Therefore, the symptoms are often ignored and expatriate children run the risk that this unacknowledged grief will at some point surface in a destructive manner. Expat children are, therefore, at increased risk of developing depression. Therefore, when an expat child experiences psychological problems, it is specifically referred to as Expat Child Syndrome.

      Psychological help for expat children

      Have you moved abroad with your children? Then make sure to be a listening ear. It is important for children to be able to share their stories and any grief they may have. Even though they may now be living in paradise on earth, that does not mean that saying goodbye to a previous place of residence was not incredibly difficult. Give your child the feeling that that grief is allowed to be there.

      A (child) therapist can offer support in this. Many of the therapists affiliated with The Online Therapists live abroad themselves and, therefore, know exactly what is going on with you and your child. Psychological assistance consists of offering comfort and understanding, so that the child can let the mourning process take place. Next, the expat therapist offers help in developing their own identity and building deep relationships and friendships, something expat children often have difficulty with. Children also learn not to let their adaptability get in the way of setting boundaries and priorities.

       

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        Categories Online Therapy, Psychiatrist, Psychologist

        Should I go to a therapist or a psychiatrist?

        Mental health symptoms are not easy to define. If you are dealing with them for the first time and want to seek help, you may also be wondering where to start. Which counselor is right for my symptoms? Do I go to a therapist or a psychiatrist? How does psychological counseling work and how do I get to the right counselor?

        What does a therapist do?

        A therapist holds a university master’s degree in psychology. This may have chosen different majors or specializations, but what therapists have in common is that they focus primarily on the connection between human behavior and mental health. In their treatment, most therapists then use various interviewing techniques or cognitive behavioral therapy.

        What does a psychiatrist do?

        A psychiatrist has studied medicine and graduated as a medical doctor with a specialization in psychiatry. Therefore, a psychiatrist views mental illness more from a medical perspective, considering the health of the rest of the body as well. Because a psychiatrist is a physician, he or she may also prescribe medication. Psychiatrists therefore often treat patients with severe or complex mental health problems, such as patients with schizophrenia, major depression, or psychosis. The treatment is often long-term and intensive.

        Which mental health counselor is right for me?

        If you have never received psychological help before, you will usually first see a therapist. Which therapist can offer you an appropriate treatment, depends on your individual problems and the specialization of the therapist. The Online Therapists employs all kinds of different therapists so that, on the basis of an intake interview, we can match you with the right therapist.

        A counselor for every problem

        For example, a cognitive behavioral therapist is appropriate if you are experiencing behavioral problems or obstructive thought patterns. A couples therapist can help you well with relationship problems. An occupational therapist offers support for work-related psychological complaints. And if you suffer from past trauma, an EMDR therapist may be able to help you.

        Referral

        Together with the therapist, you determine which treatment is right for you. If the therapist thinks it is necessary, you may be put in touch with a psychiatrist. This happens, for example, when the therapist makes a diagnosis for which medication is prescribed, such as autism, ADHD, depression, or psychosis. For treatment from a psychiatrist, you need a referral from a therapist.

        Don’t worry about choosing the right counselor. At The Online Therapists, you will be matched with a suitable therapist based on your story. This is the starting point. If you don’t ‘click’ with your therapist, or if it appears that you need a different treatment, you will easily be referred. So you always get the appropriate help!

         

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          Categories Online Therapy, Psychologist, Tips

          The expat blues: why being an expat doesn’t always make you feel good

          Looking for adventure! More and more people are opting for a new start abroad. Preferably in a place where the sun shines a lot more often, the beach is around the corner and palm trees grow in the garden. That sounds wonderful and it is, but it doesn’t always work out right away. In the first few years, a large number of expats suffer from the so-called expat blues.

          What are the expat blues?

          The fact that life in your new location is by no means always fun has to do with various stress factors.

          Everything is new

          You have a new home, in a new city, in a new country. Perhaps when you arrive you immediately have a new job, with new colleagues. You also have to arrange a lot of things right away: a rental contract, a permit, registering with the municipality, proof of identity, insurance, you name it. And you might even have to buy a new car.

          Putting down roots

          Once the “newness” has worn off a bit, you have to work hard to “get rooted”: make new friends, get to know the culture, and learn a foreign language. A poor command of the language can be frustrating when you want to get things done at government agencies. It can also make it difficult to make local friends. You might find more of a connection with other expats, but often they leave as well. Continuous networking in a different culture with different customs is exhausting.

          Missing family and friends

          And does it sometimes get a bit too much for you? Then you miss the social safety net you used to have: your family and friends. This can cause a feeling of loneliness and isolation. On top of that, your social contacts at home are not always understanding. They expect you to have a great time in that beautiful, faraway country.

          Failure

          That can make you feel like it’s your own fault for being so miserable. After all, you live in paradise on earth, in that city you love so much, or in that cottage near the beach. Or maybe you went abroad for the job of your dreams. So why aren’t you happy?

          Disappointment

          It’s sometimes hard to admit, but the destination can simply be disappointing too. Going somewhere on vacation is really different from living somewhere permanently. You may not feel welcome in the neighborhood, you may have trouble finding work or get paid little, the facilities may be disappointing, etc. And, at some point, you even get used to the glorious weather day in and day out. In fact, in the summer it is actually just way too hot.

          Loss of identity

          If you have left everything behind and are starting all over again abroad, you may also experience an unexpected loss of identity. Who are you without your familiar job, semi-detached house, nice car, friends, hobbies, and favorite activities? It is then necessary to reinvent yourself and that comes with a lot of uncertainty.

          Consequences of the expat blues

          All of these stressors can soon produce burnout symptoms. You are tired a lot, sad or irritable, you have headaches or are easily sick, or you feel empty and gloomy. This can even develop into an anxiety disorder or depression. Did you move with your partner because of his or her job? Then it is possible that you are struggling with ‘bore-out’: the feeling of not mattering because you cannot find work or are performing below your level. This in turn causes tension in the relationship.

          Online expat therapist

          The good news is that all of these symptoms are perfectly normal. You have turned your whole life upside down! It’s not surprising that you don’t feel like yourself for a while. Online therapy can support you in this process. The Online Therapists is specialized in expat problems because many of our therapists live abroad themselves. You can therefore come to us for therapy in different languages, in your time zone, and from your home wherever that is.

          Benefits of the expat blues

          You may not see it that way yourself yet, but the expat blues also have advantages. You really get to know yourself at this stage in your life and can completely reinvent yourself. It’s scary, but it also offers the opportunity for tremendous personal growth and self-development. What kind of person have you always wanted to be and what kind of life does that person have? An online therapist helps you to answer these questions in an accessible way, so you can start taking steps in the right direction.

           

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