Holistic Recovery - What to Expect from Dietetic Intervention
In eating disorder recovery, a holistic approach to treatment is often recommended. At The London Centre, we believe that recovery is most effective when multiple aspects of health are addressed, including both the mind and body. This is why psychology and dietetics often work hand-in-hand in the recovery journey.
Why Combine Psychology and Dietetics?
Eating disorders are complex conditions that affect both physical and emotional well-being. A holistic approach considers all dimensions of health, recognising that nutritional rehabilitation alone is not enough—emotional, psychological, and behavioural aspects must also be addressed.
Key Benefits of Combining Psychology and Dietetics:
Comprehensive Support: By integrating psychological therapy and dietetic guidance, we ensure you receive full-spectrum care, addressing the root causes of disordered eating and fostering both emotional and physical healing. While an Eating Disorder Psychologist is trained to incorporate aspects of dietetics into their sessions, and an Eating Disorder Dietitian can offer psychological support, separating these two approaches means that each professional can fully focus on their area of expertise during your sessions. This division of care allows for more in-depth exploration of both the psychological and nutritional components of recovery, offering more comprehensive support for your journey.
Addressing Emotional Triggers: Psychology helps identify and manage the underlying emotions, stressors, or trauma that may contribute to disordered eating patterns; helping you process and understand your illness. Meanwhile, dietetics provides the practical tools to nourish the body and restore nutritional balance in the here and now; focusing on practical, nutritional guidance as well as challenging beliefs and behaviours around food and mealtimes.
Building a Healthier Relationship with Food: A dietitian helps you restore balance in your eating habits as well as focussing on unique nutritional needs especially where there are health complications or specific dietary considerations like allergies. Psychological support can help you reframe unhealthy thoughts or beliefs around food, body image, and self-worth.
Collaborative Care: Our team of psychologists and dietitians work closely together to ensure that your care plan is tailored to your unique needs and is adaptable as you progress through recovery.
What to expect from a Dietetic Assessment
A dietetic assessment is the first step in your nutritional rehabilitation journey. It is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a specialist dietitian to understand your unique nutritional needs, health status, and relationship with food. In the context of eating disorder treatment, this assessment is essential to create a tailored plan that addresses both physical and emotional aspects of recovery.
Key Areas Covered During a Dietetic Assessment:
Nutritional Intake: A detailed review of your current eating habits, including meal patterns, portion sizes, and nutrient intake.
Medical and Dietary History: Gathering important information about your medical background, previous eating habits, weight changes, and any history of food-related issues.
Eating Behaviours: Understanding any behaviours that may be impacting your relationship with food, such as restrictive eating, bingeing, purging, or emotional eating.
Physical Health: Assessing key health indicators, including weight, energy levels, gastrointestinal health, hormonal function and any complications related to disordered eating.
Psychosocial Factors: Exploring the emotional and psychological influences on your eating behaviours, including stress, anxiety, and self-perception around food.
What to Expect During Follow-up Consultations?
During your initial consultation with a specialist dietitian, you can expect a compassionate and non-judgmental environment where your concerns and goals are the focus. The session usually lasts around 50 to 60 minutes and includes a thorough discussion of the following:
1. Personalised Conversation
Your dietitian will take the time to listen and understand your current struggles, thoughts, and beliefs around food. During this conversation the dietitian will provide a safe space to express your concerns, fears, and goals without judgement.
2. Detailed Nutritional Evaluation
The dietitian will assess your current eating patterns, weight history, and overall nutritional status. This evaluation helps identify any nutritional deficiencies, eating behaviours, or patterns that may need to be addressed.
3. Goal Setting
Based on the assessment, your dietitian will help you set realistic and achievable goals tailored to your unique needs. Whether it's restoring physical health, managing eating behaviours, or supporting emotional well-being, the goals are always set with your recovery in mind.
4. Developing a Plan
Your dietitian will begin working collaboratively with you on creating a personalised meal plan that addresses the physical and emotional aspects of eating. This plan is flexible and will be regularly reviewed and adjusted as your recovery progresses.
5. Emotional and Behavioural Support
As part of the consultation, your dietitian may also address emotional and behavioural aspects related to food, such as managing triggers, overcoming food fears, and challenging unhelpful beliefs around body image or eating.
Frequency
Following your initial dietetic assessment, regular follow-up sessions (ranging from weekly to every 6 weeks) will be scheduled based on your needs. These sessions allow for ongoing support, review of progress, and adjustments to your meal plan and goals as you continue on your recovery journey.
Take the Next Step
Seeking treatment at a leading centre like The London Centre can provide essential support for holistic recovery. If you are ready to begin your journey towards recovery, contact us today to book an assessment with one of our specialist clinicians.