eating disorder recovery Archives - Suzanne Wallach

Mindfulness plays a crucial role in eating disorder recovery, offering a holistic approach that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of healing. The Oxford English Dictionary defines mindfulness as “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.” Mindfulness offers individuals recovering from eating disorders a powerful tool to navigate the complexities of their relationship with food, body image, and emotions. Let’s explore the profound role of mindfulness in fostering healing and resilience on the path to recovery:

• Cultivating Awareness of Eating Habits: Mindfulness brings attention to the act of eating itself. By being fully present during meals, individuals can develop a heightened awareness of their eating habits, including the pace of eating, chewing, and the sensations of hunger and fullness. This mindful approach forms the foundation for fostering a healthier and more attuned relationship with food.
• Recognizing Triggers and Emotional Patterns: Eating disorders often intertwine with emotional triggers and patterns. Mindfulness encourages individuals to observe and acknowledge their emotional states without judgment. By recognizing triggers and observing emotional responses, individuals gain insights into the underlying factors contributing to their eating behaviors.
• Developing a Non-Judgmental Attitude: Mindfulness promotes a non-judgmental and compassionate attitude towards oneself. In the context of eating disorder recovery, this attitude is crucial. It allows individuals to approach their struggles with kindness, understanding that healing is a gradual process without room for self-blame or harsh criticism.
• Mindful Eating Practices: Mindful eating involves savoring each bite, paying attention to flavors, textures, and the overall experience of eating. By incorporating mindful eating practices, individuals can break free from automatic or impulsive eating behaviors, fostering a more conscious and intentional approach to nourishing their bodies.
• Building Emotional Regulation Skills: Mindfulness equips individuals with tools for emotional regulation. By staying present in the moment and observing emotions without immediate reaction, individuals can develop healthier coping mechanisms for managing stress, anxiety, or other emotional triggers that may have contributed to their eating disorder.
• Enhancing Body Awareness: Central to eating disorder recovery is the cultivation of body awareness. Mindfulness encourages individuals to reconnect with their bodies, fostering an appreciation for the body’s signals of hunger, fullness, and overall well-being. This awareness lays the groundwork for building a positive body image.
• Mindful Self-Compassion: Eating disorder recovery necessitates self-compassion. Mindfulness practices emphasize self-kindness and acceptance. By cultivating mindful self-compassion, individuals can counteract negative self-talk and develop a more nurturing relationship with themselves during the ups and downs of the recovery journey.
• Breaking Automatic Thought Patterns: Mindfulness enables individuals to break free from automatic thought patterns associated with eating disorders. By bringing attention to these patterns, individuals can interrupt destructive thought cycles and gradually replace them with more constructive and affirming thoughts.
• Coping with Urges and Cravings: Mindfulness equips individuals with tools to navigate urges and cravings without succumbing to impulsive behaviors. By observing these sensations without immediate reaction, individuals can build resilience against the pull of destructive habits, fostering a sense of control in the face of challenging moments.

In the realm of eating disorder recovery, mindfulness stands as a beacon of awareness, compassion, and resilience. Its transformative influence extends from the dinner table to the inner workings of the mind, offering individuals a holistic approach to healing. By embracing mindfulness, individuals embarking on the journey of recovery can navigate the challenges with greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and a renewed connection to the present moment.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

Eating disorders are neurological disorders that are loosely characterized by abnormal, irregular eating habits, and an extreme concern with one’s body weight or shape. There are several different types of eating disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and each is categorized under the Disorder Class: Feeding and Eating Disorders. Although eating disorders are life-long conditions, with proper treatment and support, an individual can learn to effectively manage its symptoms. The goal of treatment for an individual diagnosed with an eating disorder is to help them find a healthy and sustainable relationship with food. Creative expression can be an effective way to foster mental health and well-being. Hence, art therapy plays a valuable role in the recovery process for individuals dealing with eating disorders.

The American Art Therapy Association defines art therapy as “an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.” It is a form of experiential therapy that is facilitated by art therapists who are trained mental health clinicians that are educated in human development, clinical practice, psychological theories, and fine art. Art therapy offers a unique and effective approach to addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of eating disorders:

• Art therapy provides an arena for individuals to explore self-expression, emotions, and eating disorder related challenges that may otherwise be abandoned through various art media (e.g., painting, drawing, sculpting, etc.) rather than solely relying on verbal articulation.
• Eating disorders are often driven by emotional triggers, and studies show that art therapy can help people learn how to identify, access, and effectively manage their emotions.
• Art therapy is a highly adaptable framework that affords clinicians with the flexibility to provide each individual with a personalized therapeutic experience that is directly reflective of their nuanced needs and eating disorder treatment goals.
• People with eating disorders often have distorted body image perceptions. Art therapy allows them to externalize and visually represent their perceptions of their bodies. Creating art can help them gain insight into their body image concerns and challenge distorted beliefs that contribute to their disordered eating habits.
• Through art therapy, individuals can explore and develop a more positive relationship with their bodies. This process can lead to greater body acceptance and self-compassion.

Art therapy sessions can be conducted in an individual or group setting. While it can be used on its own or in conjunction with other treatment modalities, art therapy is often integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan for eating disorder recovery, alongside medical, nutritional, and psychological interventions. Art therapy provides a safe and creative space for exploration, expression, and healing, ultimately supporting one’s journey toward improved mental health and recovery.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

Eating disorders are complex psychological conditions that are characterized by abnormal, irregular eating habits, and an extreme concern with one’s body weight or shape. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) specifically defines eating disorders as “serious medical illnesses marked by severe disturbances to a person’s eating behavior.” There are different types of eating disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) under the Disorder Class: Feeding and Eating Disorders. Eating disorders often involve intense self-criticism, body dissatisfaction, and perfectionism. While everyone experiences negative thoughts or feeling about their body from time to time, overcoming negative body image and thoughts related to eating disorders can be a particularly challenging process. Body image refers to how an individual perceives, thinks, and feels about his or her own body. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) highlights various suggestions that can help you work toward a more positive body image:

• Be kind to yourself: Practicing positive self-talk, for example, encourages self-confidence, effective coping, achievement, and a general feeling of well-being. Select a few affirmations, or positive statements about your body and repeat them regularly. Avoid self-criticism, treat yourself with respect, and shift your internal dialogue to replace negative self-talk with more positive and realistic statements.
• Wear comfortable clothes: Tight or restrictive clothing can exacerbate negative body image thoughts. When you are already feeling particularly self-conscious about various areas of your body, alleviate any added anxiety by wearing clothing that is comfortable.
• Strengthen social connections: Build a healthy support network that includes people who understand and support your journey towards a healthier body image. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can help reinforce a healthier mindset.
• Make time for self-care: Self-care encompasses activities, practices, and habits intended to reduce mental and physical stress and strain while simultaneously fostering feelings of inner peace and happiness. Engage in activities that promote physical and mental well-being.
• Get rid of your scale: Recovering from an eating disorder will likely involve weight changes. While knowing your weight can be a great exposure therapy tool, having a scale at your constant disposal can sometimes be a distraction from your long-term recovery goals.

Body acceptance and neutrality are difficult concepts for everyone, and especially challenging for those who have a history of an eating disorder. It is essential to be patient and have compassion for yourself, as overcoming negative body image in eating disorder recovery is a crucial aspect of the healing process.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) list different types of eating disorders that are respectively categorized under the Disorder Class: Feeding and Eating Disorders. Eating disorders are defined as “serious medical illnesses marked by severe disturbances to a person’s eating behavior,” and are characterized by abnormal, irregular eating habits, and an extreme concern with one’s body weight or shape. The pervasive symptoms associated with any type of eating disorder can cause adverse physiological consequences, interfere with one’s ability to adequately function in daily life, and if left untreated can become life-threatening. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), an estimated 30 million U.S. adults will have an eating disorder at some point in their lives.

Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is defined as “compassion directed inward, relating to oneself as the object of care and concern when faced with the experience of suffering.” Kristin Neff, Ph.D., one of the leading researchers in this field, explains that self-compassion is comprised of the following three central components:

• Self-kindness versus self-judgment: Being kind and understanding toward oneself rather than being self-critical.

• Common humanity versus isolation: Seeing one’s fallibility as part of the larger human condition and experience rather than as isolating.

1. Mindfulness versus overidentification: Holding one’s painful thoughts and feelings in mindful awareness rather than avoiding them or overidentifying with them.

When these interrelated elements combine and mutually interact, we can cultivate a self-compassionate frame of mind when encountering personal mistakes, failure, perceived inadequacies, and/ or various experiences of life difficulty. Self-compassion plays a crucial role in the recovery process for individuals overcoming an eating disorder.

Self-Compassion in Eating Disorder Recovery

In addition to increasing treatment outcome, there are a variety of benefits to practicing self-compassion for those recovering from an eating disorder:

• Reduction in self-criticism: A 2021 paper in the Journal of Positive Psychology, asserts that self-compassion induces a feeling of security and calmness as it produces a chemical response by activating the parasympathetic system, which triggers the release of oxytocin (commonly known as the “love hormone”). This creates a sense of emotional safety that can help reduce the harsh self-judgment that perpetuates disordered eating behaviors.
• Enhanced motivation for recovery: According to Michigan State University, “practicing self-compassion helps us to accept our own humanness and imperfections with kindness and increases people’s motivation to learn, to change for the better and to avoid repeating past mistakes.”
• Reduced shame and guilt: Shame and guilt are common emotions in eating disorders. Self-compassion fosters a sense of worthiness and acceptance, reducing the shame associated with food, body image, and past behaviors.

Self-compassion plays a vital role in eating disorder recovery by promoting emotional healing, reducing self-criticism, and fostering a healthier relationship with oneself. Eating disorders often involve intense self-criticism, body dissatisfaction, and perfectionism. Cultivating self-compassion can counteract these harmful patterns and support individuals on their journey to recovery.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) list different types of eating disorders that are, respectively, categorized under the Disorder Class: Feeding and Eating Disorders. Eating disorders are defined as “serious medical illnesses marked by severe disturbances to a person’s eating behavior,” and are characterized by abnormal, irregular eating habits, and an extreme concern with one’s body weight or shape. The pervasive symptoms associated with any type of eating disorder can cause adverse physiological consequences and interfere with one’s ability to adequately function in daily life. Further, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. There are a variety of eating disorder treatment options available. The path of recovery will not be the same for everyone, as everyone is unique with distinct needs. A personalized treatment plan will provide an individual with the highest potential for a successful long-term recovery.

The Role of Exercise

While exercise has long been recognized as an effective intervention for many psychological health issues, it has often been overlooked as a potential adjunct to eating disorder treatment. This may be, in part, due to the fact that over-exercising and purging through exercise are common features across all eating disorders, and these unhealthy practices are often some of the last symptoms to subside during recovery. According to Psychology Today, “the degree of over-exercise, as well as body image dissatisfaction, also predicts whether a person will relapse, an occurrence that happens in up to 52% of people who have initially recovered from an eating disorder.” Based on the assumption that individuals will misuse workout practices to compensate for increased food intake, eating disorder treatment has historically involved no access to exercise.

However, prohibiting or significantly restricting exercise during eating disorder treatment can hinder one’s recovery. Prolonged abstinence from exercising can exacerbate one’s body image dissatisfaction and trigger relapses. Hence, much like recovery from eating disorders involves the reintroduction of foods and/ or calories that have been previously eliminated, helping to reestablish a healthy relationship with exercise is becoming an increasingly common component of the eating disorder treatment protocol. There are several empirically supported benefits of including exercise in eating disorder recovery, such as:

• Exercising has the potential to enhance one’s interoceptive awareness, which is one’s ability to sense internal cues (e.g., hunger, thirst, heartbeat, etc.), shaping how one feels and behaves. This, in turn, helps to support behavioral changes (such as eating and resting), as it improves one’s ability to notice when they feel hunger and/ or fatigue.
• One study found that incorporating mindful exercise into eating disorder treatments boosts weight restoration and reduces compulsive thoughts. Mindful exercise involves paying attention to how your body moves and observing how you feel before, during, and after the movement.
• Exercise during recovery increases individual’s autonomy, and clinical evidence demonstrates that when individuals have a sense of autonomy in their recovery plan it heightens their motivation to adhere to their treatment.

Scientific research demonstrates that exercising during eating disorder recovery improves treatment outcomes physically and mentally.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.