Integrative Eating Disorder Treatment
What is Integrative Eating Disorder Treatment?
Integrative Eating Disorder Treatment is something that I’ve been using with my clients for more than 25 years. I haven’t always used this term to describe my treatment philosophy, but as I’ve learned more about Integrative Medicine and other Integrative approaches, I have come to realize that my method of Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy (EDIT)™ is absolutely an integrative method. I have intuitively known that true healing of eating disorders involves addressing each client in a holistic way – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually – and integrating these aspects of what I call one’s True Self.
How does Integrative Eating Disorder Treatment work?
I also view Integrative Eating Disorder Treatment using the EDIT™ Principles and Techniques as something which can be integrated with other types of treatment for a client’s other diagnoses. Let’s get real here – eating disorders don’t occur on their own. I always see other issues, such as trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse – to name a few. The comprehensive EDIT™ method addresses all of the essential areas of eating disorder recovery – positive self-image, physical well-being, emotional well-being and healthy coping skills, holistic self-care, relapse prevention, and long-term recovery. Can you see how clients with mood disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders and other diagnoses can benefit from these treatment areas which EDIT™ addresses? EDIT™ can be easily utilized as an integrated and whole-person treatment for complex issues. EDIT™ can also be integrated other treatments, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), since EDIT™ has roots in DBT and other evidence-based practices.
Why is Integrative Eating Disorder Treatment so effective?
In my 25+ years of working with eating disorders, alongside of dual-diagnosis or multiple diagnoses, I have witnessed that about 1/3 of clients find freedom from their eating disorder behaviors, as well as relief of their other symptoms, including remission from an alcohol use disorder and no longer meeting criteria for borderline personality disorder. Another 1/3 report improvements in eating disorder behaviors, but seem to play the game of “whack-a-mole,” where one “mole” may pop down, but another “mole” pops up – such as an increase in drug use when eating disorder behaviors seem managed. Another 1/3 seem to chronically struggle with their eating disorder and other complex diagnoses; this 1/3 also includes clients who drop out of treatment. What makes each of these groups different? The essential factor I have witnessed over and over again is the integration of spirituality into recovery. Many people think that spirituality implies religion; spiritual practice may involve specific religions or religious practices, but spirituality is much bigger than any religion. Spiritual Psychology, also known as Transpersonal Psychology, involves guiding clients to explore and connect with something bigger than and beyond themselves – it may be nature, animals, or connection in community with others. It may also involve philosophical or existential questioning, such as, “Who am I,” and “Why am I here?” These types of explorations, where clients look deeply within and far beyond themselves, are what lead to healing of eating disorders and other diagnoses. This is the premise of EDIT™ – and clients who are willing to go on this spiritual journey with me are the ones on that top 1/3 category. The second 1/3 still have doubts, or other factors “in the way” of this spiritual exploration. The final 1/3 often need more intense management of deep psychological and medical issues, at which point it is my hope they can eventually move into that top 1/3 and experience lasting recovery.
*****
Article may be reprinted with the author bio below.
©2021 by Dr. Dorie McCubbrey. Dr. Dorie is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist who is passionate about training professionals to effectively guide clients in recovery from eating disorders. She is the President of the EDIT™ Training Institute LLC, which provides training and certification in her method of Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy (EDIT)™. She also provides sessions for clients who struggle with these issues, either in person or by phone/video. Learn more at: https://www.editcertified.com
*****
Want more that this “taste” of EDIT™? Dr. Dorie is passionate about her method of Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy (EDIT)™ to help people overcome eating disorders. She provides customized programs for people in recovery from eating disorders and who struggle with weight issues, and EDIT™ eating disorder training and certification for clinicians, coaches and mentors worldwide.
BECOME EDIT™ CERTIFIED – ATTEND ONLINE EVENTS – MEET WITH DR. DORIE – 303-494-1975