What Does Good Recovery Effort Look Like?

A lot of effort and research has been focussed on designing treatments that offer effective help to those needing treatment from an eating disorder. Gone are the days from the 1980’s and 1990’s where treatment options were limited, and clients were left frustrated by clinicians’ lack of understanding and input into treatment.

However, any therapeutic plan needs the input from both the helper and the one being helped. Last week we discussed three principles necessary for successful recovery. But today’s post will focus more on the overall mindset and input that will be required from you, the client, during your recovery. This input and focus will be important during your recovery, whether you’re receiving formal psychological help or not.

There are four core aspects that ensure good and consistent recovery efforts.

1. Have a Recovery Plan, and Buy Into it

The foundation of successful recovery lies in a comprehensive and personalised recovery plan that takes your specifics into account. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists emphasises the importance of structured plans in eating disorders recovery, highlighting how adherence can significantly impact outcomes.

Typically, a good recovery plan includes nutritional goals, as well as a strong focus on personal development (including self-esteem). It’s crucial to actively participate in the creation of this plan. This means acknowledging your needs, desires and fears. By investing emotionally into your own recovery you’re more likely to stay committed and engaged.

Remember, the goal is not merely compliance, but genuine belief in the process. At your lowest emotional points, when you feel demotivated, the thought of recovery can feel quite unattainable. But with a structured plan with small, achievable goals that help you focus on getting through each day, this can help keep you become more focused. Each small victory with a step achieved, like enjoying a meal with friends or practicing self-compassion when you really need it, can propel you forward.

Whether it’s yourself creating the plan, or a professional team that help you create some formal plan – it’s important that you agree and buy into it. If you don’t agree and buy into what you’re trying to aim for, then this can cause internal conflict in your feelings and thoughts, something which your eating disorder will certainly try to take advantage of. It can become very frustrating when your recovery goals call you to one direction, whilst your feelings and thoughts encourage something different – ultimately setting you up for relapse.

Although stated simply, the above statement is certainly not always easy. Don’t be scared to admit to yourself if you have some ambiguity towards the individual therapy or support group in the treatment plan. Being honest with yourself sets you up in a better way to start processing such ambiguity, and perhaps discuss this with your therapist and loved ones. Try to become as focussed as possible on what you want for your future, how your recovery plan can help get you there, and then aligning yourself with this plan as best possible.

2. Keep it Simple and Focussed

The journey of recovery can be overwhelming, filled with emotions and challenges that might seem insurmountable. Thus, simplicity is key.

Focus on small, manageable goals rather than overwhelming yourself with the bigger picture. Instead of aiming to “recover” in its entirety, focus on daily achievements. For example, focus on the simple goal of eating three meals, or engaging in a single social activity. These goals should be manageable goals that stretch you, but don’t necessarily set you up for failure and cause you to fail.

3. Stick to The Plan, and Stop Diverting From it

As with most goals in life, consistency is key. The same applies to recovery. Just as a ship needs a steady course to reach its destination, so too does your recovery need direction. This doesn’t mean that setbacks won’t happen; they are part of the process. What’s important is how you respond to them, and to get back on the recovery course. Keep sticking to this plan, and only change or divert from it after careful consideration (and discussing it with your treatment team).

Ideally, focusing on one step at a time (refer to point #2), you should master that step before taking the next step. Realistically this is not always possible, as recovery sometimes requires you to focus on multiple things at once. However, as best possible, try to stick to what you recovery plan is trying to help you achieve. Just because that step might be difficult, that does not then imply you should focus on something else that’s less difficult. Diverting from your plan does not serve you well, and can create the risk of never really mastering anything well, but rather jumping around and essentially avoiding the efforts to achieve a specific recovery step.

4. Trust the Process (and Your Treatment Team)

Many clients can question recovery itself, and by extension their treatment team and the recovery plan. It’s quite understandable that they would want their own input into what recovery goals to focus on, what milestones to achieve, and other important aspects of their treatment. However, it’s also important to acknowledge to yourself that your judgement may be heavily influenced by an eating disorder that has done a good job of destabilising your life.

Realistically, this eating disorder won’t just go down without a fight. It will encourage you to question things to a fine degree, even questioning the team’s motivations and whether they have your best intentions at heart. I’ve had many discussions with clients on this matter, having to remind them that my intentions are to help them, and how they need to trust in the recovery process. The more they question it, the less they will buy into it, and the less they will trust the process.

To some extent, recovery will ask of you to submit some level of control and choice – not because you are undeserving of free will and choice, but to recognise that your eating disorder really influences you to make choices that aren’t in the best interest of your health and happiness. I try to remind clients numerous times of what we’re trying to work towards – someone who is happy in themselves, and does not need to live by strict “rules or standards” just to feel worthy. These are honourable goals to work towards, and you should trust that your recovery process and goals will help you achieve these things.

Recovery is a journey, not a destination. It often involves trial and error, requiring patience and trust in the treatment process. Your healthcare team—doctors, therapists, nutritionists—are your allies. They bring expertise and experience that can guide you through this challenging time. Engaging in open communication with your team is crucial. Share your thoughts, concerns, and progress. Trust their recommendations, even when it feels uncomfortable. Embracing this uncertainty is part of the healing process.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Recovery

Good recovery is not just about food; it encompasses physical, emotional, and social well-being. By having a structured recovery plan, focusing on simplicity, remaining consistent, and trusting your treatment team, you can pave the way for a healthier, more fulfilling life. Remember, recovery is a personal journey, and it’s okay to seek help along the way.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. Explore more resources and information on our website Reverence Recovery, where you’ll find a knowledge and support tailored for individuals navigating this challenging path.