A very close, very dear friend loves me enough to tell me he thinks I keep people at a distance while pushing the edge of self-destruction privately. After a bit of denial and further discussion, he told me that his first wife had a weight problem, and after being that close to the dysfunctional eating pattern, he saw some of the same behaviors in me.

So...I have an appointment later this month for mid-life crisis type depression and anxiety. There isn't coverage under my insurance policy for a primary diagnosis of a feeding disorder of any kind, so it has to be approached as a secondary diagnosis. So...I found a Psychologist whose area of expertise includes B.E.D. and has depression and anxiety as an additional area of focus. (I loathe games, but if that what it takes, so be it.)

I'm not sure what to expect for the first appointment. What are your experiences?

Best wishes. The first appointment is usually about what brought you there, and maybe a bit of background. I've been seeing a therapist regularly for a long time, and personally really love seeing my therapist. If this is a therapist you connect with, I'd assume you'll get a lot out of it. Just be as honest as possible and try to relax

Thanks for the input. Greatly appreciated.

My 1st appointment with a therapist who specialized in BED and other problems with women was like this: 1st she asked family of origin ?'s, drew a family genogram of my immediate family of origin, asked me several questions to assess whether I was starving or over eating or other questions to clarify my problem.

Then she clarified my medical coverage and asked whether I see anyone else for support with my food and body image issues, or needed group support referrals.

That was about it for my 1st appointment. Oh and she contracted with me to call her if I felt an impulse coming on to do anything to harm myself.

I had to sign several forms my 1st therapy appointment applying to confidentiality and medical release request from my primary med provider too.

A lot of Red Tape seemed to be taking place on my very 1st therapy appointment.

Not sure i recall anything else. Hope that helps you.