The Benefits of In-Home Care for Eating Disorders

In today's fast-paced world, finding effective solutions for eating disorders is crucial. Aside from the obvious reason that it’s convenient, in-home therapy and in-home nutrition support can be a transformative recovery experience. After working with people with eating disorders for 20 years, I have seen several clients ping pong back and forth between treatment and home and struggle. So many think they’ve failed for returning to treatment but often it’s because they haven’t addressed triggers in the home environment and although those triggers may not go away (like the pantry or bathroom), working with a therapist in your space can help you learn better coping. One of the benefits of Covid was virtual therapy and seeing some in-vivo experiences of clients, whether it be a cuddle with a dog or lighting a favorite candle. To work with you in your space helps address all of the personal idiosyncrasies as they arise.

There are so many steps to preparing meals and being with you every step helps ensure there is time to complete it and process before, during and after the meal. So many of my clients think they should just “be able to do it like everyone else” but the truth is, it’s not easy and it’s not uncommon, as wild as this may sound, that we forget how to eat. We are so bombarded with “diets” for that very reason as they prey on this idea and try to “teach us” how to eat. This may not be the first time you’ve heard this but, diets don’t work. I love how Dr. Ralph Carson, a genius registered dietician with a doctorate in nutrition, put it during an ED conference I attended a few years ago, that  if you put all the diets together do you know what they would recommend you eat? A bit of everything! Diets are just a form of restrictive eating and one of the biggest precursors to developing an eating disorder. To help with eating, we don’t need diets, we need therapeutic support from people who understand eating disorders and that is why if I am working with a client in their home with their eating, I require them to work with an eating disorder informed nutrition therapist. This ensures that my client is getting adequate nutrition, incorporating challenging meals/food items, and working towards food freedom and intuitive eating.

Understanding the Importance of In-Home Care

1. Personalized Environment
   When you work with a therapist in your own space, it allows you to address personal idiosyncrasies as they arise. The triggers that may not go away, such as the pantry or bathroom, can be dealt with effectively within the comfort of your home. This personalized approach enables better coping strategies tailored to your unique circumstances.
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2. Meal Preparation Support
   Preparing meals is a multi-step process that requires time and attention. Many individuals with eating disorders feel the pressure to conform and "eat like everyone else." However, the truth is that eating isn't always easy, and it's not uncommon to forget how to do it properly. The constant bombardment of diets only exacerbates this issue. Diets are often a form of restrictive eating, which can be a precursor to developing an eating disorder. In-home care provides the necessary therapeutic support to break free from these restrictive patterns and embrace intuitive eating.
   
   

The of the In-Home Eating Disorder Therapist

3. Creating a Safe Space
   Inviting someone into your home, even a therapist, can be overwhelming. In-home therapists understand that perfection is not the goal. They are there to support you, even when things feel stressful. It's essential to acknowledge that the eating disorder is the one being exposed and judged, not you as a person. Naming these feelings can be helpful in the therapeutic process.
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4. Collaboration with Nutrition Therapist
   In-home therapists often collaborate with nutrition therapists to ensure a holistic approach to your recovery. They stay in close communication with your nutritionist to understand your meal plan, goals, and food challenges. They can also assist with tasks like online grocery shopping, food prep, and weekly meal planning. For the most challenging meals, the therapist can be there with you, even eating the same meal, if it's helpful.
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5. Involving Supportive People
   In-between meals with your therapist, other family members or friends can join you for a meal or offer support through video calls. This can create a positive and encouraging environment that promotes your recovery.

How to Identify if In-Home Care Is Right for You

1. Evaluating Your Options
   ‍If you're wondering whether in-home therapy and nutrition support are suitable for you, it's essential to consider what you've tried in the past. If previous methods haven't worked, in-home care could be a valuable alternative. You can also include a family member or friend in sessions to make the process more comfortable.
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2. Flexible Plans
   In-home care offers flexibility with different packages to choose from. The Silver package includes one in-home meal and one in-home therapy session for $300. The Bronze package offers two in-home meals and one in-home therapy session for $500. The Gold package provides two in-home meals and two in-home therapy sessions for $700. These plans can be customized to meet your specific needs.

Conclusion

In-home care for eating disorders provides a personalized and supportive environment for individuals on their path to recovery. It addresses triggers in the home environment, offers meal preparation support, and fosters collaboration between therapists and nutritionists. If traditional methods haven't been effective for you, in-home care could be the solution you've been looking for. It's time to prioritize your well-being and embrace a more compassionate approach to recovery.

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