Eating Disorder

Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or other lesser-known forms are highly complex and challenging to treat. For this reason, finding the right counselor or treatment center can make all the difference in recovery. This means making the most of several different methodologies to design the most effective treatment program for the client's specific needs. A therapist who doesn’t specialize in eating disorders or a treatment center that doesn’t explore all avenues to recovery may be unable to provide the most effective therapy.

However, an evidence-based, empathetic treatment methodology based on experience and understanding CAN make a difference.

That's because this methodology provides a person in eating disorder treatment a safe space to talk about their life, concerns, and how they relate to disordered behavior and thoughts. This approach is usually more holistic, which means it focuses on treating all aspects of a person and is more complete than an isolated talk therapy program.

Full Recovery Comes From the Correct Approach

The therapeutic approach that an eating disorder counselor uses is critical. Some are more clinical, while others focus on group therapy and nutrition training. Having a mixture of both is usually the right path, although that balance will be different for each person. It can be beneficial when choosing an eating disorder counselor to find someone who has recovered from an eating disorder – they have a greater understanding and empathy regarding disordered eating behaviors. A staff that understands the journey toward being fully recovered will work with the client and give them the best possible chance to comprehensively treat the disorder.

Therapist and Clients Should Be Comfortable Together

Being comfortable together is vital for effective treatment. If the client’s and therapist’s personalities clash or they cannot reach a proper working equilibrium, the progress made will come at a higher cost in time and effort. Although progress can still be made, diminished comfort between the client and therapist can hinder progress. The person in treatment is emotionally vulnerable, and if they don’t trust their counselor, they may hold back. Lack of trust might also cause them to ignore suggested activities or fail to consider a different point of view as presented by the counselor.

Finding the proper support and guidance is crucial when dealing with eating disorders, as it can significantly impact recovery. Eating Disorder Counselling Calgary is a reliable resource that provides specialized therapeutic services to individuals struggling with eating disorders. Their experienced therapists can help clients develop a healthier relationship with food, address underlying emotional issues, and ultimately work toward lasting recovery. 

On the other hand, a bond of trust between the client and therapist can accelerate the treatment process and address the disordered eating behaviors entirely. When they trust each other, the pair can face the eating disorder together as a unified front. For example, suppose a recovered counselor discusses eating certain kinds of food with a client who has ARFID or even shows them how the counselor overcame a fear of the same food. In that case, the client will have a real-life example of overcoming it.

The Focus Should Always Be on the Client

For any therapist or counselor focused on eating disorder recovery, focusing on their client as a whole person is what matters. If the approach is too clinical, the client might feel like they are just a bundle of symptoms to the counselor. If evidence-based clinical approaches are ignored, the counselor might seem like a friend to the client and not a psychiatric professional.

Additionally, psychologists must put the client before themselves, the staff, and others in the equation. That person-centered approach is valuable for vulnerable clients who need to be heard. A person-first, therapeutic process can help them fully recover, and while there are other ways to find that success, these are generally less reliable in the long term.

Finding an Eating Disorder Treatment Center That Works for You

Entering residential or outpatient eating disorder treatment shouldn’t be taken lightly – research is essential. If the center doesn’t provide a balanced therapeutic approach that balances evidence-based and holistic treatment methods, chances are you won’t receive the best treatment available. Don't hesitate if you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, including ARFID, anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, or any other type of disordered eating or exercise behavior, don’t hesitate. Seek out an eating disorder counselor who can focus on the whole person; your fully recovered self will thank you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: CARRIE HUNNICUTT



With 20 years of behavioral health business development experience, Carrie combines world-class marketing, media, public relations, outreach, and business development with a deep understanding of client care and treatment. Her contributions to the world of behavioral health business development – particularly eating disorder treatment – go beyond simple marketing; she has actively developed leaders for her organizations and the industry.