5 Ways to Get the Most from Eating Disorder Therapy

Working with an eating disorder therapist, whether in residential treatment, outpatient treatment, or even individual sessions is an important part of becoming recovered for any patient. But to get the biggest benefit from that encounter, there are some specific things patients need to consider. Here are five of the best ways to get the most from eating disorder therapy when recovering from it. That can lead to a patient who is their healthiest self, and who is fully recovered, happy and whole. This can take some time, but it is well worth the effort a patient puts in to get back to a place of health for both body and soul.

Eating Disorder Therapy

 

Take Time to Find a Therapist or Group Who You Connect With

Not everyone gets along with everyone else, and that’s ok. But when it comes to working with a therapist to get help for their eating disorder, getting along is important. Patients need to find a therapist they can relate to in some way. Having fully recovered staff at an eating disorder treatment center can help with that. As can choosing a therapist who will offer insight and value that a patient can relate to. Without being able to relate to the information they are being given, patients may have trouble addressing issues or taking to heart the knowledge their therapist is trying to impart to them.

 

Be Willing to be Open and Vulnerable to Eating Disorder Therapy

 

It can be very difficult for any individual to allow themselves to be vulnerable to a stranger. But true eating disorder support comes without any judgment at all. It only comes with compassion and caring, and a desire to help the patient be their best self. Being fully recovered is certainly possible, and the more open someone is with their therapist. The greater the chance they have of finding out all the information they need to move toward the future in a positive way. For patients who are vulnerable and honest with their struggles, therapy for eating disorders can be more effective and complete.

 

Don’t Ignore Therapeutic “Homework”

Therapists often give their patients exercises for them to try in between appointments. When an eating disorder therapist asks a patient to do this, there is a reason. It’s not just “homework,” and there is a purpose to the things the patient is being asked to do. While not every patient may want to try these exercises, giving them a try could make a big difference in the way that patient feels about their physical and psychiatric health. Nourishing the body and tending the soul can go hand in hand. And getting therapy for an eating disorder is part of that.

 

Be a Strong Advocate for Self-Acceptance and Emotional Honesty

 

When a patient has a strong reaction to something in therapy, or when there are other concerns that can and should be addressed, patients need to speak up. It doesn’t mean they should avoid or change the therapy. But they need to be honest about the ways in which they struggle with areas of life the therapist touches on. Advocating for their own self is important. Both the mind and the body need to be cared for in order to become fully recovered.

 

Use the Tools You Learn in Everyday Life

 

Therapy will provide an individual with a lot of different tools they can use. These will benefit them not just in their recovery from an eating disorder but in a number of other aspects of life. Patients should never be afraid to use those tools. Learning good coping skills helps in many ways, and as a patient becomes fully recovered from their eating disorder. They can apply those coping skills to other areas of life where they want to make positive adjustments.

 

Conclusion

 

While considering treatment approaches for an eating disorder, it is critical to comprehend that distinctive individuals react to various kinds of treatment. Regardless of whether they are encountering a similar eating disorder. We hope that these above-mentioned ways will help you to get rid of the eating disorder. Also please share with us the other ways in the comment section, of how one can get maximum out of this eating disorder therapy.