Counselling

[Tekka]

I have an ED. Have done for many years. I am having counselling for a different issue and I've been holding back mentioning my ED, since it's not the reason I started counselling. Should I bring it up? My sessions are coming to an end and I don't want to waste them as I know this is all interlinked with my other problem. I don't know what to do. Has anyone had counselling for this before? I want to tackle it but I'm scared, I've never, ever, talked about it with anyone my whole life and it's like opening a can of worms.

Yes, please mention it.
You have a wonderful opportunity to get some support; tale it while you can.
Best wishes xx

It feels wrong to mention it as I'm there for other reasons. But I know I need help with it. I've always thought I could handle it myself and would be able to stop once my other issue was dealt with, but truth is, it hasn't gone away

You're right that it's all connected and your therapist will definitely be pleased you've brought it up. It helps to make sense of the bigger picture for both of you.

Why are your sessions coming to an end? Could it be possible for your therapist to make a case for further funding if they become aware that there's more work to be done? Or they may be able to signpost you to another service that may be able to help you.

We've already extended it by a few sessions and we're having one last one as a review so it really is my last chance unless I self refer and get myself back on the waiting list. I don't know what my counsellor will do if I mention it now. I can't afford private treatment.

It will be cathartic for you to tell your therapist. You say you have never told anyone, so you have made good progress in this course of counselling as you are thinking about telling her...
Please try to.
Even though you won't be able to work on it in this course of sessions, the saying it out loud is a major step on your journey to recovery and can open up further opportunities for support for you and pride in your self for sharing.
Telling us is a practice run. Your therapist will be kind to you and is a safe space for you to test out how it feels to acknowledge your ED. Be brave
Good luck

I’d give up counselling and go for open ended therapy. It took 5 years of therapy before I could confidently say I don’t have an ED anymore. That wouldn’t have been possible with a brief counselling slot. It’s expensice but it’s worth it.