how to find an eating disorder recovery programme that works for you
If you’re reading this, you may be grappling with an eating disorder or disordered eating, or maybe you’re worried that someone you care about is. Eating disorder recovery is totally possibly, although I know that taking that first step can feel daunting. As an experienced recovery clinic, we’ve seen how transformative the right eating disorder recovery programme can be. However, choosing a clinic, practitioner, or programme can be tricky. This blog outlines some key factors you should consider when choosing so you can start on the pathway to rebuilding a balanced relationship with food.
the importance of specialist support
Eating disorders and disordered eating include a range of irregular and unhelpful thoughts, patterns and behaviours around food, eating and exercise. Disordered eating—although it may not fit the criteria for a specific eating disorder diagnosis—can be just as harmful as an eating disorder. These thoughts, patterns, and behaviours can be very destructive both physically and mentally, often leading to long-term health issues if not addressed through proper recovery interventions.
Because eating disordered and disordered eating can vary hugely, its key to find a recovery clinic or programme that does not rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. These generic approaches may fail to address the complex, deep-rooted and personal nature of eating disorder recovery. Instead, you need a clinic that recognises and responds to your unique needs and challenges, ensuring that you receive the most effective support for your eating disorder recovery journey.
identify your unique needs and preferences
Before diving into all of the possible clinics, practitioners and programmes, you must make sure you are clear of your personal needs and preferences. The key questions you need to ask yourself include:
What particular thoughts and/or behaviour patterns am I struggling with? For example, restricting my eating (e.g., counting calories/macros), being preoccupied with ‘clean’ eating, binge eating, purging, or over-exercising, distressing thoughts about my body? Different clinics and programmes may specialise in specific eating issues so knowing this may help you narrow down the choices.
What are my dietary preferences - e.g., vegetarian, veganism etc. It’ll be important to communicate this to your chosen clinic or practitioner, especially if your eating disorder is tied to specific food restrictions or beliefs.
What type of approach may resonate with me the most? Would you prefer a clinic that works face-to-face or online? Consider whether the eating disorder recovery programme offers flexibility to accommodate your lifestyle and emotional needs.
evaluating different clinics, practitioners and programmes
When choosing a recovery programme, you are likely to encounter two main types:
Single discipline: these offer one therapy or approach. For example, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), nutritional counselling, person-centred counselling. While effective in specific areas, single disciplines can be limited in addressing the multifaceted nature of eating disorder recovery.
Holistic Approaches: these offer a combination of several types of therapies, providing a multifaceted approach. This is often the most effective, as it can address the psychological, behavioural, and physical aspects of eating disorders. Holistic eating disorder recovery programs might include therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, and nutritional rehabilitation to provide comprehensive support.
what to avoid in a recovery clinic and red flags
Not all clinics, practitioners or programmes are equal and some may even do harm. Here are some red flags to look out for when evaluating your options:
lack of specialist training: a reputable clinic or programme will have qualified practitioners with specialist eating disorder training or significant experience (ideally postgraduate level)
lack of accreditation, registration or insurance: ensure all practitioners have appropriate registration with a professional body and indemnity insurance. This ensures the clinic adheres to the highest standards of eating disorders care.
vague treatment plans: be cautious of programmes that don’t offer a clear outline of their approach or those that rely heavily on a single method. Eating disorder recovery is complex and effective programmes will offer comprehensive and personalised approaches
quick fix promises: be wary of clinics that promise rapid results or claim to ‘cure’ eating disorders quickly. Eating disorder recovery is a journey (not a destination) and while a great deal of progress can be made quickly, its unrealistic to expect instant results.
making the final decision
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of options, schedule in calls with a few clinics, practitioners or programmes. Many will offer these for free so you can discuss your unique requirements and hear more about their approach. Some questions you may wish to ask at or before these calls:
what approaches do you use?
how do you make the programme personalised to me and my needs?
what support do you offer in-between appointments?
how do you handle relapses or setbacks?
These questions will help you to assess whether the programme is for the long-term or a quick fix that is just trying to get your business.
conclusion
Finding the perfect eating disorder recovery clinic or programme can feel overwhelming, and that is completely normal. Remember, the right programme is out there - one that respects your uniqueness, addresses your personal needs and supports you ever step of the way (however challenging). Take the time to research, ask questions and trust your instincts.
At The Eating Clinic, we offer a multidisciplinary approach using psychological, behaviour change, counselling and nutrition to support you in your recovery from eating distress. Find out more about our approach here.