Recovery:
What to Expect
Recovery is Possible
The most important thing for you to know is that recovery is possible. We have compiled a list of resources and information to help facilitate the recovery process but it is imperative to consult with a professional to support your specific situation.
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What if I experience a slip in the middle of recovery?
It is important to remember that while relapse is possible, not every slip is a relapse. It can be discouraging and overwhelming to experience a slip in the middle of recovery. Every day will be the start of new recovery and will have a new battle attached to it.
Eating disorders can carry a sense of “black and white” thinking and discouragement about slips can hinder recovery. Remember that if your loved one does relapse, this is a normal and common part of recovery.
Don’t give up!
Though weight and eating habits may change during treatment, the real battle is overcoming the negative thought processes that were created about food and the individual’s weight and body.
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Finding the Right Clinician for Eating Disorder Recovery
Eating disorders (EDs) are complex conditions that involve both mental health and physical health components. Because of the serious consequences they can have on your well-being, it’s essential to choose a clinician or treatment facility that is skilled, experienced, and equipped to support you in recovery.
In your search, it's important to find a professional you feel comfortable with, who understands your unique experience, and whom you can trust.
Different Types of Mental Health Professionals
The mental health field includes a variety of professionals, and it’s essential to understand their roles and qualifications when seeking treatment for an eating disorder.
Here’s a quick breakdown of different types of providers:
Psychologists
Psychologists hold a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology and can assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including eating disorders. They don’t prescribe medication but may work with other healthcare providers for a comprehensive treatment plan.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health and can prescribe medication. They typically have extensive training in treating psychiatric conditions, including eating disorders, and may provide therapy in addition to medication management.
Clinical Social Workers
Clinical social workers have a Master’s in Social Work and must complete additional training and clinical experience. They are qualified to provide therapy for eating disorders, including helping clients address underlying emotional and social issues.
Therapists, Counsellors, and Psychotherapists
These are generic terms that may refer to professionals with varying levels of education and training. It’s important to inquire about their specific credentials, areas of expertise, and experience in treating eating disorders.
Nutritional Support
Dietitian's can help you develop a plan to maintain healthy eating habits. This may include:
Education about how nutrition affects your body
Meal planning
Establishing regular eating patterns — generally, three meals a day with regular snacks
Taking steps to avoid dieting
Helping you to recognize and manage thought patterns that affect your food intake
Eating disorder treatment depends on your disorder and your symptoms. There are a variety of theraputic models that can aid in eating disorder recovery. These may include:
Therapy For Eating Disorders
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT can change negative thought and behavioural patterns and focuses on creating personal coping strategies. This is currently the most effective evidence-based treatment for adults. It can also help to improve the perception of body image.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Focuses on providing emotional therapy for individuals. This includes teaching mindfulness, increasing negative emotional tolerance, overall emotional regulation and positive interpersonal communication.
Emotion-focused therapy (EFT)
EFT teaches individuals how to create safe and healthy relationships with themselves and the people around them. EFT can provide the tools to help recognize and deal with the underlying cause of the eating disorder.
Family-Based Treatment (FBT)
Also called Maudsley Approach, family-based treatment be used to help break secrecy surrounding a disorder, rebuild trust, and teach families how to give effective support. This is currently the most effective evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents.
Group therapy
Group therapy can help the individual feel like they are not alone in their illness. It can help them to cope with disappointments, celebrate their recovery victories and deal with any shame they are feeling.
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Key Questions to Ask an Eating Disorder Specialist
What is your experience and training in treating eating disorders?
Ask about their background, experience, and how long they’ve been working with clients who have eating disorders. It’s important to understand whether they use evidence-based treatment approaches, and whether they’re trained to treat co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety.
Are you affiliated with any professional eating disorder organizations?
Professionals who are members of reputable organizations like NEDIC (National Eating Disorder Information Center) or IAEDP (International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals) stay updated on the latest research and treatment protocols.
What level of education and training do you have?
A licensed therapist or counsellor should have advanced education, such as a Master's degree or Ph.D. in counselling, psychology, or a related field. It’s also important to confirm their credentials and licensing status.
Do you collaborate with other healthcare providers?
Eating disorder treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Ask if the therapist works with registered dietitians, physicians, or other professionals to provide a well-rounded treatment plan. Regular communication among team members is crucial for your overall care.
How do you involve family members or loved ones in treatment?
Eating disorders can impact the whole family. It’s important to understand how family or significant others will be involved in your treatment, especially if you’re a young person or if you are working through relationship dynamics that affect your recovery.
What is your process for referring to a higher level of care?
An effective eating disorder therapist should recognize when a more intensive level of care (such as inpatient or residential treatment) is necessary. Ask about their referral process and whether they have connections with reputable treatment centers.
Need One-on-one
Recovery Guidance?
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We know that navigating eating disorder (ED) recovery options can be overwhelming. Our Recovery Navigator has in-depth knowledge of the wide array of public and private recovery options in the province.