What is an Eating Disorder Recovery Coach?
Eating disorder recovery coaches are an emerging resource in the eating disorder recovery world. A typical treatment team for eating disorder recovery consists of a therapist, dietician, and oftentimes a doctor. Eating disorder recovery coaches add another element to recovery that is proving to be very useful for those on their healing journey.
But, what is an eating disorder recovery coach?
The Role of an Eating Disorder Recovery Coach
Eating disorder recovery coaches are a unique and valuable resource within eating disorder recovery. In many ways, recovery coaches fill the gaps in regular treatment. Within recovery, a client may have scheduled meetings with a therapist on a regular basis – but outside of those set times, they may not have the support they need.
This is where coaches come in.
Eating disorders do not have office hours. If you are in-between therapy sessions or experience a need for after-hours support, a coach is an excellent resource for you. Due to the nature of our professions, we are more readily available to offer you support in the moment.
That said, coaches in no way act as a form of therapy. While therapists dive into the “why” of the eating disorder, explore trauma, and help heal/overcome past pains, coaches focus on the “here and now”. Coaches have been through what you have been through and can off real time support and relatability
Do ED Recovery Coaches Only Work With Diagnosed Eating Disorders?
Nope!
This is another beautiful part of coaching. Certified ED recovery coaches are well-trained in eating disorders but do not ONLY work with those with a diagnosis.
At Beyond Sport Recovery, I am trained to work with clients on body image, exercise addiction/compulsive exercise, dieting, food rules, and all other obsessive food/body/exercise thoughts and behaviors. You do not need a diagnosis to be worthy of help.
If food, exercise, and/or body thoughts are clouding the enjoyment of your everyday life, you are worthy of care. Coaching may be the perfect fit for you.
Are Eating Disorder Recovery Coaches Professionally Trained?
Yes! Well, we should be!
Before you sign up to be coached by an ED recovery coach, be sure to look into their credentials. I, personally, am certified under OED Academy by Lindsay Ronga
My training consists of 14 modules of eating-disorder-specific information. I am trained to assist in body image support, eating disorder support, and how to hold compassion for those struggling.
Additionally, my training includes neutral retraining, identifying and challenging cognitive distortions, establishing productive self-care practices, initiating adaptive, healthy coping skills, and reframing negative maladaptive beliefs.
ED coaching in a nutshell
Your eating disorder recovery coach should be someone you can look to for support in your recovery journey. Your coach should feel non-judgmental, trustworthy, and safe. You should feel heard, validated, and well-supported.
Coaches are here to fill the gaps in your recovery.
Whether you are battling a diagnosed disorder or undiagnosed food/body struggles, your coach is here to help you. As a trained professional, your coach should be able to provide you with the tools and resources to support your recovery.
Ultimately, your coach should help you develop a toolkit of skills for you to eventually utilize on your own as you break free of diet, food, body, and exercise restraints and pursue your full life finally FREE