If you are struggling with an eating disorder as well as a past trauma experience, what could you expect when addressing that trauma in treatment? First, you should understand that no matter which type of trauma therapy you and your clinical team decide is best suited for you, you would notice that it gets worse before it gets better. By this, I refer to the fact that since you are working on processing a traumatic life event, it is very normal to experience the same emotions you felt during that time which then increases your defense mechanisms. Oftentimes, people will try to avoid trauma therapy because it is emotionally very difficult and can create heightened physical discomfort. However, in order to heal the wounds, you will need to work through the trauma and not around it. A quote that I like regarding this process is, “The only way out is through.”
There are many benefits to completing trauma therapy while in a residential eating disorder treatment program such as The Meadows Ranch. First, because it is difficult to process trauma, which could increase emotional instability and eating disorder thoughts and behaviors, it is imperative to have round-the-clock supervision. The caring staff at The Meadows Ranch are by your side 24/7 to provide support and keep you on track with your recovery. Additionally, so often when you only work on one issue at a time, the other issue heightens and vice versa. Therefore, working on your trauma and eating disorder concurrently at a specialized treatment center like The Meadows Ranch will build a strong foundation for lasting recovery.
How We Can Help
At The Meadows Ranch, we work to meet the needs of the individual patient. Our goal is for patients to process the traumas and recognize the impact on their lives, which may manifest in any number of ways including, but not limited to, eating disorder behaviors. We see patients as complex individuals with common needs of nurturance and respect. Our staff strives to support each patient in learning to live in peace with others, with food, and with themselves. We find that a solid foundation in recovery is possible using the multitude of resources made available to those who seek treatment at The Meadows Ranch.
For more information, please call us at 866.390.5100.
Edle Aasland LPC, Program Director, The Meadows Ranch