4 Ways a Recovery Coach Can Help You
Almost 30 million Americans suffer from an eating disorder, though recovery statistics are somewhat unclear. Follow-ups conducted a few years and even a decade after treatment for the disorder/s in question showed that recovery rates were just under 50%. However, follow-ups completed after 22 years found that most participants had overcome their disorder.
If nothing else, this illustrates a few critical points. Overcoming issues like anorexia and bulimia is a lifelong struggle. It also proves there's hope, and it's never too late to recover.
If you need help, a recovery coach is a great resource to consult. I'll discuss what a recovery coach can do for you in this article.
What is a Recovery Coach
A recovery coach is a form of life coach that deals explicitly with mental health issues. Most of their business comes from alcoholics and other addicts, but they're also qualified to treat anorexia, bulimia, and related conditions.
They serve as both an advisor and a cheerleader, helping you get back to a healthy lifestyle and providing the emotional support you need.
1. Discussing Plans
One of the first steps of recovery coaching is to help the client come up with a plan. In my experience, making a plan and carrying it out are two entirely different things, and the latter is often much more difficult.
Hiring a recovery coach can help turn the vague outline of a plan into something a bit more concrete.
2. Monitoring Progress
A recovery coach's primary job is to hold their client accountable. The ultimate goal is recovery, but that's nearly impossible without a decent support network.
The coach provides a big part of that network and will check in with the client regularly and monitor their progress. When looking into recovery coach options, choose one who makes regular contact.
3. Finding Resources
Quitting cold turkey doesn't usually work, so I recommend finding the right programs to help you out. Remember that the programs for treating eating disorders differ a bit from other mental health programs.
The treatments are similar, with therapy and medication being a few cornerstones. However, the treatment also includes medical checkups and classes on healthy eating.
However, other options may help with your recovery. One such technique is Reiki therapy. This form of Japanese medicine dates back to the early 1900s, and it's one of a few services I offer, along with coaching.
4. Keep You Healthy Long-Term
Studies have shown that some eating disorders respond better to early treatment. The 22-year study I cited earlier recorded higher success rates among those with anorexia.
These programs work because coaches tailor the program to your life, making it easier to develop effective habits and thought processes that work against the negative thoughts that feed your disorder.
How a Recovery Coach Can Help You
Getting over an eating disorder can be tough, but you don't have to go it alone. A recovery coach can provide the advice and support needed to make the process easier.
You can learn more about recovery coaching on my site. You can also look into my programs if you need a recovery coach.