7 Reasons Therapy is the Key to Lasting Recovery

Written by CCTC Staff Writer

Eating disorders require a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan, which often includes various forms of therapy in order to promote long-term recovery. The type of therapy chosen will depend on the individual’s specific needs and goals, as well as their stage of recovery.

But ultimately, therapy is often the most important component of lasting recovery from an eating disorder. Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that can take a toll on physical, emotional and social well-being; therapy provides a safe space for individuals to explore their underlying thoughts and feelings related to their disorder, while also providing them with the skills necessary for long-term, healthy recovery.

In this blog, we will share 7 reasons therapy is important.

1. An honest space to discuss behaviors that often bring shame

Those who struggle with binging, purging or restricting may often feel shame and guilt about what they do. Many have never shared with anyone in their lives the things that they do to keep their eating disorder a secret. Hiding food receipts and wrappers, purging in public, taking laxatives; these behaviors can feel difficult to own up to and discuss with others.

Shame keeps people from moving forward in recovery, so finding a therapist with eating disorder experience who can provide a safe space to share the truth behind what is going on can be the first step to freedom.

2. Discover triggers and develop new coping skills

Through therapy, individuals are encouraged to examine the underlying causes of their eating disorder and how these issues may be impacting their daily lives. Additionally, a therapist can help them to develop new coping skills that are effective in managing their triggers and providing them with the tools they need to stay in recovery.

In therapy, individuals can also gain insight into how their eating disorder has affected them both physically and emotionally, while learning how to effectively communicate with others about their struggles. Through this process, individuals can work on developing a strong support system and learn how to ask for help when needed.

3. Celebrate recovery wins and learn from hardships

Celebrating recovery wins and learning from relapses are part of the journey towards lasting health, and therapy is the perfect place to recognize both. As individuals work on their recovery, it is important for them to recognize and celebrate any successes they have achieved along the way. This can help to motivate them to keep pushing forward as well as give them a sense of hope that recovery is possible.

4. Therapy provides accountability and guidance

Working with a therapist can create accountability in recovery as they can provide guidance on the steps necessary for lasting change. A therapist will often establish an individualized plan of action tailored to their unique needs and goals, which helps to provide structure in their recovery journey. If necessary, a therapist can help provide guidance on whether or not a higher level of care may be necessary and help support you in the process of finding a treatment center.

5. Family therapy can be an important part of the process

Family therapy can be an effective part of eating disorder recovery as it provides a space for families to learn more about the illness, discuss communication patterns and behaviors, and build stronger family bonds. Family therapy helps to provide family members with new skills that can help them support their loved one in their recovery journey. Additionally, it allows them to reconnect with one another and build trust, while also addressing any tension or issues that may be present within the family. Family therapy can also help to reduce stress and anxiety levels that are often associated with eating disorders.

6. Learn to live life authentically

While it may not be the case for everyone, many people who struggle with eating disorders may find themselves so deep into their eating disorder they no longer feel they are living authentically to who they really are. Therapy can be a place to discover who you really are and how to be authentic to yourself. It provides a safe space for individuals to explore their true identity, values, and what makes them unique. Through this process, individuals can gain insight into the beliefs and thought patterns that may have been shaping their behavior and learn how to make changes to create a more positive and authentic life. Additionally, therapy can help individuals to discover how to express themselves authentically and honestly in their relationships with others. Ultimately, therapy provides an environment in which individuals can learn how to accept and respect themselves as they are.

7. Treating trauma

Trauma is often a contributing factor in the development of an eating disorder, as individuals may use restrictive behaviors or disordered eating to cope with difficult experiences. Treating trauma is therefore an important part of recovery from an eating disorder. Trauma-focused therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help individuals to better understand their reactions and feelings, while also providing them with the skills to manage these responses. Additionally, mindfulness-based therapies such as mindful eating and body acceptance can help individuals to gain awareness of how they interact with food and their body in an effort to reduce anxiety.

If you are struggling with an eating disorder, reaching out for professional help is a crucial step on your path to recovery. With courage and dedication you can gain insight into yourself and your relationship with food and learn how to make positive and lasting changes.

Reach out today to Central Coast Treatment Center to learn more about our holistic treatment programs and how we can help you on the road to full recovery.

Ai PonoMay 1, 2023