Treating eating disorders is difficult work, for both patient and provider. In reality, eating disorder treatment is a relatively new field, and the body of knowledge is growing exponentially each year. As a result, at times, we will seek advice from experts across the nation regarding how to approach a certain clinical situation. A few months ago, in response to one of these requests for suggestions, a number of conflicting ideas came in regarding how to broach a client’s limited progress and difficulty adhering to treatment recommendations. And as all these ideas flew back and forth, there was one comment, quite simple really, that made it all make sense to me.

Now, I have no hope of getting the quote correctly, and unfortunately don’t even remember who said it, but the bottom line was this….

As long as our clients believe in us as providers, whatever approach we take, within reason, is          likely to “work.” 

And this confirms my belief about therapy, which is that, primarily, what we have to offer is a relationship. And then that relationship has power. And that power can join with the patient to create recovery from an eating disorder. I have seen patients with severe eating disorders symptoms choose to stop engaging in their eating disorder largely because a relationship finally matters enough to overpower the eating disorder. Sometimes, that relationship is with us as providers. Other times, it is with a child, a spouse, a family member.

I firmly believe relationships help replace eating disorders. Unfortunately, relationships are also what so often frighten those with eating disorders. Or probably all of us, really. So, what seems simple, is anything but.

But, overall, the idea that relationships can replace eating disorders this is good news, because we can all offer relationships, whether we are trained in doing so, or are a friend or family member.

And I thank all of my clients for offering me a relationship with them. There is no greater honor.