A Journey Through Eating Disorders Support & Recovery

What exactly is expressive arts therapy? At its core, expressive arts therapy involves the use of creative art forms like drawing, painting, writing, movement, or even acting to help individuals process and communicate difficult emotions. It provides an alternative and often powerful way of expressing feelings for those who struggle to articulate them verbally. The premise is simple: by tapping…

What is Refeeding Syndrome? Refeeding syndrome is a serious and potentially fatal complication of nutritional rehabilitation. It occurs in significantly malnourished patients when a diet of increasing calories is initiated orally, enterally, or parenterally. Refeeding syndrome can cause: Cardiovascular issues Respiratory failure Seizures Death Refeeding Syndrome Definition The most recent definition of refeeding syndrome proposed by the American Society for…

For a young person in eating disorder recovery, going back to school—whether at the end of summer or after taking time off for treatment—can be a cause for celebration. It’s a milestone of progress, a chance to reconnect with friends and activities, and a return to some semblance of normalcy. But it can also be fraught with challenges, not the…

What is Lanugo? Lanugo is a soft, light coating of hair on the face and body. Lanugo commonly appears on the skin of newborns to help regulate body temperature. But when lanugo shows up on an adolescent or adult, it can be a sign of an eating disorder called anorexia nervosa [1]. In individuals with anorexia nervosa, lanugo often appears…

Eating disorders are serious, often life-threatening conditions that affect many individuals, including teens. While eating disorders are typically associated with early adulthood, the reality is that they often begin much earlier, even as young as six years old. Early intervention and treatment are essential for a successful recovery. If you're considering eating disorder treatment for your teen, it's crucial to…

Purging affects all major organ systems. Side effects of purging range from clinically insignificant presentations in the eyes to serious dental, gastrointestinal, cardiac and metabolic complications, some of which may continue to persist even have purging stops. Purging and Eating Disorders Compensatory behaviors are any eating disorder behaviors used to compensate for food intake, prevent weight gain or to relieve…

When most people hear about eating disorders, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa often come to mind first. In more recent years, binge eating disorder (BED) has also become better understood. Yet there are other types that remain under the radar: ARFID, diabulimia, and orthorexia. Though each is clinically distinct, they share something in common: insufficient awareness frequently leads to missed…

Working in an eating disorder treatment center is a unique and meaningful path for therapists. It's a setting where clinical skill and teamwork converge in a fast-paced and often unpredictable environment. While every treatment center may have its own nuances, there are several key qualities that hiring teams consistently seek in therapists to support the complex needs of individuals struggling…

Whether we realize it or not, we’ve all likely felt the pressures of diet culture. It pops up as backhanded compliments from coworkers and “wellness tips” on social media. It can cloud our vision of self when we look in a mirror or shift how we look at a menu. Diet culture is subtle yet pervasive, and, unfortunately, it’s deeply…

In today’s digital world, fitness trackers have become increasingly popular tools for individuals looking to monitor their physical health. These devices track steps, calories burned, heart rate, and even sleep patterns, offering insights into one’s daily activity. While many people use fitness trackers as motivational tools, for individuals struggling with eating disorders, they can sometimes exacerbate their issues, further complicating…