Many people assume that eating disorder treatment is based on nutrition and the physical side of eating disorders. While this is a part of the treatment process, and an important one at that, it is not the only aspect of eating disorder treatment. There are several therapeutic techniques utilized in eating disorder treatment that can greatly benefit the person trying to recover from their eating disorder. Learn more about some of the different therapies offered in eating disorder treatment. Then, you can better understand these options and perhaps, get more out of eating disorder treatment than you would otherwise. 

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is an important part of any eating disorder treatment program. The patient will meet with a therapist to discuss how they are feeling, to talk about their thoughts and emotions, and to dive deeper into the potential causes of their disordered eating and their problematic relationship with food and exercise. 

In individual therapy, a patient will be able to take some of the lessons or ideas learned in other therapies and apply them to their specific circumstances. They will also be able to develop individualized coping strategies and plans. 

Group Therapy

General group therapy is another major part of treating an eating disorder. Group therapy helps in that you will begin to realize that you are not alone in what you are going through, in the thoughts and feelings you have, and the like. 

You can also learn from others' successes and struggles, applying these lessons to your own recovery journey. Group therapy is often quite cathartic, even if you stay quiet through the majority of the sessions. 

Art Therapy

Art therapy is an offering that many eating disorder treatment programs have. It is a form of expressive therapy that allows patients to learn to express their feelings and emotions in a healthy and productive way. 

Many times, when emotions get intense for a person with an eating disorder, they turn towards unhealthy behaviors like food restrictions, purging, or excessive exercise (among other things). In art therapy, they are presented with an alternative: to express their feelings and thoughts in art, whether that is sculpture, painting, drawing, or simply coloring in a picture. 

Art therapy is great for eating disorder treatment because it is a coping strategy that can be used at home as well. Patients can do art projects at home as a therapeutic way to cope with difficult and intense emotions. 

Knowing these different therapies offered in eating disorder treatment, you can be sure that you are getting the most out of your treatment program by participating in these therapy options.

For more information, contact an eating disorder treatment center in your area.