What an Eating Disorder Recovery Coach Actually Does

As an eating disorder recovery coach who has fully recovered from an eating disorder, my role is to accompany clients in everyday situations and assist them when the eating disorder voice gets loud in their heads. My support extends to practical, real-life scenarios such as grocery shopping, cooking meals at home, eating at restaurants, challenging fear foods, buying new clothes, attending dance or yoga classes, or participating in any social event where they feel too self-conscious to engage. These are all scenarios where therapists usually don’t accompany clients.

My focus is on strengthening the healthy part of clients until it can fulfill the role their eating disorder currently plays. This involves challenging and changing disordered thoughts and behaviors, teaching healthy coping skills and self-care practices, improving body image, and healing their relationship with food and movement.

Additionally, I help clients set realistic goals and support them through the ups and downs of their motivation. My aim is to be part of their support network until they learn how to reach out to other people effectively and how to reach within themselves, recognizing that the most important resource they have is themselves. Clients can reach out to me between sessions by calling or texting, e.g., when they are taking on a challenge or when they feel the urge to engage in a behavior. This can be a game changer when helping clients stop a behavior.

I am also a good role model for clients, giving them hope as someone who has been there, done that, and come out the other end.

Since I am not a licensed therapist, I am not equipped to diagnose clients, address the root causes of an eating disorder, or treat underlying mental health issues. However, I can help clients navigate how their past experiences impact their present behavior. While therapists address the deeper psychological issues and root causes, my work is more hands-on and focused on the practical application of recovery strategies in everyday life. Our roles are complementary; they enhance each other and contribute to the client's overall recovery and well-being in different ways.

Want to work with an ED recovery coach?

Book a free, hour-long discovery call and start your recovery journey today.