Eating Disorders Treatment
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect millions of individuals worldwide. These disorders are characterized by abnormal eating behaviors, which often stem from deep-rooted emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Eating disorders can significantly impact an individual’s physical and emotional health, often leading to social isolation, relationship difficulties, and impaired functioning in various areas of life. Eating disorders can be difficult to treat, especially when treatment is isolated to visible behaviors and symptoms. Integrative, trauma-focused approaches that target the underlying root cause of an eating disorder – as well as other co-occurring conditions that may arise like substance use disorders or mental health disorders – allows for someone to experience deep healing and resolution around their condition.
How Does Someone Heal from an Eating Disorder?
Treating an eating disorder requires a holistic and integrative approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to treatment, at ILC we believe a trauma-focused and trauma-resolution approach gives someone the greatest chance at recovery from an eating disorder. Here are some steps that can be taken to support recovery:
1. Identify and address underlying trauma:
- Work with a trauma-informed therapist or treatment center to identify and address the root cause of the eating disorder
- Develop strategies for coping with emotional triggers
- Use traditional therapeutic approaches such as CBT and DBT, but also somatic and neurobiological techniques including EMDR, Brainspotting, Breathwork, Psychodrama, and Art and Music Therapy to process and release traumatic memories and experiences
2. Implement holistic interventions:
- Practice self-care, such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga
- Engage in physical activities that are enjoyable
- Seek support from loved ones and support groups
Getting Help for Eating Disorders
Overall, healing from an eating disorder with a trauma-focused approach involves a combination of therapies and holistic interventions that address the physical and emotional aspects of the condition. Recovery is a journey that requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to explore and address the underlying issues that contribute to the disorder.
In addition to individual therapy, individuals with eating disorders may benefit from group therapy in a residential or outpatient treatment setting. Other forms of treatment may include medication, nutritional counseling, and support groups. Medication may be useful in treating co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety, while nutritional counseling can help individuals develop a healthy relationship with food and understand the importance of balanced nutrition.
Support groups, such as 12-step programs or peer support groups, can also be useful in providing a sense of community and belonging after completing a treatment program.
Eating Disorders Treatment at ILC
Located in Nashville, TN, Integrative Life Center offers a dedicated residential level of care for women seeking lasting recovery from eating disorders. Our eating disorder and addiction treatment programs include a range of services including group and individual therapy sessions, experiential and somatic practices, family programming, psychiatric care, and medical and nutritional support.
The most successful eating disorder treatment programs include a combination of integrative modalities and approaches. At Integrative Life Center, eating disorder treatment services include:
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Breathwork
- Mindfulness and Meditation
- Intergenerational Trauma Work
- Brainspotting
- Art Therapy
- Music Therapy
- Yoga
- Kali Connection Therapy
Integrative Life Center’s eating disorder treatment program is ideal for those who suffer from any range of physical, emotional, or psychological symptoms of eating disorders, but do not require hospitalization. Each of our treatment plans is tailored to meet the individual’s specific needs, medical history, the severity of the disorder, and a multitude of other possible contributing or coinciding factors. Our team of medical and clinical experts works together to provide comprehensive treatment to get you well.
If you or a loved one is seeking help for an eating disorder, reach out to us today.
This is an invitation to take that next step if you need...
- a hand to help lift you up
- a warm, intimate environment to help you feel connected
- someone to walk the journey with you as you reconnect to you authentic self
- safety and grounding as you start your healing process
