There are multiple reasons for the development of eating disorders. These can include genetics, family, environment, low self esteem, difficulty expressing emotions, current mental state, internalized fatphobia and social media influences.
As a parent who supported her loved one in recovery from Anorexia Nervosa, and a coacher supporting other families, I can say that identifying the reason for the development of the illness is important. Discovering the source of the eating disorder serves as a key component in recovery. It is important, as it allows the caregiver to gain insight on what needs to change, and where the focus of improvement should be.
During recovery, a common mistake many caregivers make is solely focusing on weight restoration. How many times have you heard of individuals with eating disorder relapsing, having one admission after the other? How many times have you heard: “feed, feed, feed and the brain will heal itself”? If strictly reaching weight restoration was sufficient to recover, then individuals hitting their target weight would never relapse. This demonstrates an oversight in perception and a huge gap from what is really needed to recover, and sustain recovery.
Treatment can never focus only on the physical aspects, as it neglects the equilibrium between the soul, the mind and the body. You have to listen to the soul’s needs and desires, and get it aligned with the mind and the body.
If the hidden desires of the soul were so easy to reveal, wouldn’t everyone explore them? After all, understanding who the individual is and what their gifts and unique abilities are would be amazing, right? Everyone wants to know what is so amazing about them, where they can excel and be successful. In particular, for an individual suffering from an eating disorder, this can be their way out, their way to recover.
Here is where I come in: I offer an integrated practice of soul search and human design reading. After identifying the unique traits of your child, we will collaborate on a plan to help them achieve their goals. As they start living authentically, their complexity will reveal itself, and their innate wisdom and power will awaken. They will no longer feel constrained by society’s expectations about their body, and their fear of being overweight will diminish, leading to an increase in self-esteem and confidence.
Remember, the key is the alignment and equilibrium of the soul, the mind and the body. If one component is omitted, a relapse may be expected. Do the right thing and listen to the soul.