Thriving Beyond Eating Disorders by Empowering Adults on the Path Towards Recovery

Eating Disorders do not discriminate based on age. They can impact both males and females. While girls and women may be more vulnerable to these disorders, it is essential to note that boys and men and indeed any gender identity are also vulnerable.

We now understand that Eating Disorders can manifest at any age, contrary to the previously held belief that they predominantly affect adolescents. Whilst adolescence may be the most common age of onset, adults also experience Eating Disorders, either for the first time or because it has endured since adolescence. It is possible to provide support and resources to individuals across the lifespan.

With the proper treatment and a positive outlook, the majority of individuals with an Eating Disorder can make a full recovery. It is essential to approach your recovery journey with optimism and confidence.

Recovery from an Eating Disorder can evoke a range of emotions, including hope, fear, uncertainty, and ambivalence. It’s essential to recognise that these mixed feelings are valid and understandable. The road to recovery may seem intimidating, and it’s okay to feel conflicted about letting go of familiar patterns or facing the unknown. Remember that acknowledging and processing these emotions is an important part of the healing process.

Explore the valuable resources that can support you in overcoming your Eating Disorder, click here. They are tailored to your specific needs. 

This individual-focused treatment seeks to understand the relationship between the individual’s  thoughts, feelings, and actions, with a goal of improving both emotional and physical health.

CBT-E treatment involves four distinct stages: gaining insight into the individual disorder and its potential causes, formulating an individualised treatment strategy, implementing developed strategies and addressing maintaining factors, and creating prevention measures for potential relapse. Each stage typically includes varying numbers of sessions, with a total of 20-40 weekly sessions depending on the client’s needs and availability.

This is a treatment of an exceptional approach to aiding young individuals experiencing restrictive eating or weight loss. This therapy positions parents as a vital aid in their child’s recovery, with siblings also involved in the treatment process.

This is a treatment approach designed for individuals exhibiting emotional over-control, often resulting in social isolation and poor interpersonal relations, contributing to conditions like Anorexia Nervosa. This therapy promotes openness to feedback, flexibility in response to changing demands, and effective emotional communication, fostering an emotionally healthy, socially connected life. While traditional Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) targets under-controlled emotional styles, RO-DBT focuses on over-controlled styles, emphasising social signalling and connectedness. Individuals experiencing an Eating Disorder due to over-control and desiring a more open, connected life could find RO-DBT beneficial.

This is a individualised therapeutic approach designed to holistically support individuals with complex needs such as Eating Disorders. The core of SSCM is a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including medical specialists, psychologists, and rehabilitation specialists, who provide comprehensive care focusing on physical, emotional, and social aspects. Central elements of SSCM include a thorough assessment leading to a personalised treatment plan, medical management of the patient’s condition, and psychological support. SSCM also provides continuous monitoring of the patient’s mental health, coping skills, quality of life, and social support network to ensure effective management of the Eating Disorder. Rehabilitation and patient education are further components, enhancing patients’ functional abilities and independence while empowering them with the knowledge and skills to manage their condition.

This is a goal-oriented psychotherapy that concentrates on enhancing a patient’s relationships and communication skills, crucial in managing conditions such as Eating Disorders. Grounded in attachment and interpersonal theories, IPT focuses on understanding and resolving current interpersonal issues that may affect the patient’s emotional well-being. The therapist helps identify patterns in the patient’s relationships and communication styles that may contribute to their disorder. Using techniques such as role-playing and practical examples, IPT aims to enhance the patient’s social support network and improve their relationships. The therapy typically spans 12-20 weekly sessions, offering a focused approach to address specific issues within a defined timeframe.

This is an evidence-based therapy designed to address factors maintaining Eating Disorders in adults. Grounded in the Maudsley Family-Based Treatment, it involves the patient’s close support network to restore healthy eating habits and weight gain while addressing related psychological issues. The structured and goal-oriented treatment entails weekly sessions, including individual therapy, family therapy, and dietetic support, all aiming for complete recovery within a defined timeframe. The therapist and patient collaboratively devise a structured treatment approach targeting the most significant aspects of the Eating Disorder. MANTRA is particularly beneficial for individuals who are experiencing Eating Disorder for an extended period of time who’ve found little success with other treatment methods.

At BodyMatters Australasia, our experienced team of credentialed practitioners combines the comprehensive and evidence-based treatment to treat Eating Disorders and is equipped with relevant knowledge and skills to educate communities about these conditions. Our multidisciplinary team comprises nutritionists, dietitians, psychologists, and paediatricians who have dedicated their careers to helping individuals navigate the challenges of eating disorders.