Eating Disorder Treatment Options
For Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, EDNOS and Other
In-Patient, Outpatient, Individual Counseling, Group Therapy and Alternative Healing
There are a few different options when it comes to eating disorder treatment. Whether recovering from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, EDNOS or another type of disordered eating, it is important to find the right kind of treatment.
The most common are in-patient, outpatient, individual counselling and group therapy, and becoming more frequent is alternative healing. This can be anything from Chinese medicine and aromatherapy to bodywork and energy healing.
In-Patient Treatment This is the option for those who are in acute stages of their eating disorder. Local hospitals usually only have a handful of beds and private facilities are expensive. But sometimes this is the only choice for a family who needs to get their loved one immediate medial attention. The stay is typically a few weeks, depending on the country, state or province. When insurance money runs out, the individual must leave the facility and seek treatment elsewhere.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
Those who go through an in-patient program are usually referred to outpatient afterwards. It’s also for individuals who don’t need 24 hour medical care. Consisting mainly of therapy, these programs often have a component of group therapy or art therapy, and other alternatives. Often there are nutritionists and medical Doctors as part of the recovery team as well.
Individual Counselling
The most prevalent form of treatment is one-on-one counselling. These are usually weekly sessions where the person speaks privately with a therapist about their feelings. This is a very important step in recovery, as often this is the first time the individual has shared his or her behavior with anyone else. Therapists are both covered under family or work insurance plans (in a limited manner) or are private. Some professionals even offer a sliding fee scale for those who can’t quite afford the help.
Group Therapy
Also another useful step, group therapy offers those who are comfortable in their private sessions to speak with others who are going through a similar experience. More often than not, this is set up by the individual’s counselor who monitors and facilitates the groups. There are also organizations all over the world who provide group therapy settings with a moderator, either a professional or a peer, who encourage the participants to contribute to the conversation and share their own stories.
Alternative Healing
Especially for those who have physical pains or problems, they many seek alternative therapy as a way to heal themselves through bodywork. These include but are not limited to: energy healing, movement classes, Reiki, spiritual guidance, massage therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, healing retreats, meditation, chanting and yoga.
