Using Guided-Self Help as a treatment in eating disorder recovery.
Starting your eating disorder recovery can feel daunting. But there is an evidence-based approach that is effective for a range of eating disorders. Guided Self-help (GSH), can be a powerful approach to overcoming disordered eating. Especially when combined with the support of a registered dietitian.
GSH is a 7-session intervention, that involves a workbook for you to work through in your own time. Then 1-1 sessions with a specialist, where you unpack the learning and plan to make changes. This intervention is supported by scientific research. It has been found to be as or more effective than CBT for Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa. The NICE guidance recommends it as a first line intervention for Binge Eating Disorder. It can also be used to treat disordered eating that does not meet criteria for eating disorder diagnosis.
In this blog, we will explore the benefits of Guided self-help. Explaining the key components and shedding light on how it can support you to improve your relationship with food. I am a Specialist Eating Disorder Dietitian who delivers this intervention as part of my job.
Understanding Eating Disorders:
Eating disorders are complex conditions that affect both the mind and body. They involve distorted thoughts and behaviours related to food, weight, and body image. GSH aims to help you understand the nature of eating disorders, addressing not only the physical aspects but also the emotional and psychological components.
Understanding Your Relationship with Food:
Guided self-help helps you gain a deeper understanding of your relationship with food. With the support of a registered dietitian, you can explore your personal triggers, challenges, and patterns of disordered eating. You build your own ‘formulation’ of your eating problem. By recognising these factors, you can begin to develop a healthier and more balanced approach to nourishing your body.
Making Changes That Stick:
One of the benefits of guided self-help is that it empowers you to make sustainable changes.
Guided self-help focuses on creating a personalised and flexible plan that fits your unique needs and circumstances. When completing GSH coupled with support from a registered dietitian you can access expert nutrition guidance to help you establish realistic and achievable goals. It is a great option for individuals who have tried to make lots of changes in the past, but without much success.
Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms:
Guided self-help equips you with tools and strategies to cope with challenging emotions and situations without resorting to disordered eating behaviours. By exploring better ways to manage stress, anxiety, and other triggers, you can develop a collection of effective coping mechanisms that support your recovery journey.
Building Self-Esteem to Prevent Relapse:
Self-esteem plays a crucial role in preventing relapse and maintaining long-term recovery. Guided self-help emphasises the importance of self-care and self-compassion. With the support from your guide, you can then work on building positive self-esteem, practicing self-care activities, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community that reinforces your progress.
Conclusion:
Guided self-help offers a transformative approach to eating disorder recovery by combining expert guidance from a registered dietitian with self-empowerment and understanding. By understanding your relationship with food and making sustainable changes, you can embark on a journey towards lasting recovery. GSH equips you with the tools and knowledge to heal your mind, nourish your body, and reclaim your life. With this new approach, you have the potential to embrace a healthier relationship with food, foster a positive body image, and establish self-care practices that will support your well-being for years to come.
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We are here to help
If you feel that you would benefit from Guided Self Help, then we are here to support you. We are a team of specialist dietitians in mental health and eating disorders. We would love to support you to be your best and healthiest version, and to meet your personal goals. Send us a message here. Or find out more about us here.
Blog written by Sophie
Sophie is a Specialist Eating Disorder Dietitian passionate about delivering great quality care and advocating for her clients. She is naturally curious and driven for continued learning both within the profession and outside of it. Sophie founded Mental Health Dietitians in 2024 to be able to work in a way that is value-aligned and makes a difference to the individuals in her care, as well as the wider profession. She currently supports international clients 1-1 in her online clinic.
