Are You Resistant in Therapy?

​As a therapist, I have had my share of resistant clients. When working with people who suffer from Eating Disorders, dealing with resistance is often a big part of my job. Why is that? Well, it goes back to the Eating Disorder self vs the healthy self.
 
The healthy self is the part of you that gets you into your sessions, does the work that you discuss with your therapist and is active in session.
 
The Eating Disorder part of you, however, isn’t so nice and helpful. This is the resistant part! The Eating Disorder part makes excuses why you can’t make session or refuses to do the therapeutic work necessary for recovery. Why? Because recovery would mean that the Eating Disorder is defeated! It’s the Eating Disorder’s fight for survival!
 
I want you to take this post to honestly reflect on yourself, are you being resistant in treatment? Perhaps, you are even being resistant to getting treatment altogether, this is your Eating Disorder or your unhealthy self.
 
Here’s how to spot your resistance, you may;

1. Constantly try to cancel sessions, be purposely or carelessly late for sessions or trying to avoid scheduling another session altogether, etc.
2. Refuse to be fully compliant in treatment such as taking your medication regularly, or purposely doing things that are counterproductive to recovery.
3. Sit in therapy looking angry or upset about being there and body language reflecting that.
4. Refusal to respond to the therapist or to actually give yourself time to think about an answer to the therapist’ question and respond.
5. Constantly not completing the goals/assignments that were discussed for the week.

​What does it mean if you’re resistant? It means that your Eating Disorder is stronger than your healthy self. It means that your Eating Disorder is having the fight of its life while the healthy self sits idly by or may try to fight, but is just too weak.
 
If you are resistant, expect that your therapist will point it out and try to use skills to access your healthy self. If you continue to be resistant and feel unable to access your healthy self entirely, that’s usually when a higher level of care is needed.
 
To me, resistance is a cry for help. Have you ever seen the movie, Get Out? I know, I’m still trying to cleanse my brain of that trauma (little comic relief there)! Regardless, this is what the Eating Disorder looks like, the Eating Disorder is occupying the large part of the brain and the healthy self is there, trying to get out, but is powerless and unable to speak.
 
That doesn’t mean hope it lost, it just means you may need more or different care. I hope that you take from this post encouragement to take an honest reflection of your resistance and have a conversation with your therapist about it. Challenge yourself to access your healthy self or be open to the idea of a higher level of care.
Please share with anyone who may be struggling with their readiness to begin their treatment journey. If you have any questions, concerns or requests for future posts, feel free to leave a comment or message me privately.

I wish you honest reflection on your way to finding your State of Balance!

You can also check out my YouTube channel for more inspiration!

You may also find these posts helpful:
What to Do When I Feel my Therapist Isn't Helping Me
Therapy - Debunking Expectations
The Lie We Tell Ourselves