We’ve talked a bunch about some techniques and tools to help you navigate some of your eating disorder and there’s so much more to learn! I thought it would be helpful to give you my list of books by women I consider to be Eating Disorder Recovery Gurus. Their influence on treatment for eating disorders has been unparalleled. Here’s my list – I hope you find some peace through reading these books:
1. Life Without ED by Jenni Schaefer
Jenni is in recovery from an eating disorder and this book explains how she did it. Jenni took a simple enough concept and turned it into phenomena that the majority of people touched by an eating disorder now know how to use. She and her therapist used a Gestalt therapy technique to have Jenni imagine her eating disorder, which she named ED, sitting in the chair in front of her during therapy. Her therapist instructed her to talk to ED and engage with him. She did this and came to realize that ED was just like an abusive partner – putting her down, berating her, demanding she follows his rule. This book describes the process by which Jenni separated herself from, and eventually divorced ED. It is beyond useful and wonderfully inspired. It’s an easy read and can be used in groups, individually and of course, you can read it on your own. It’s a perfect place to start your recovery journey.
Anita Johnston is an ethereal visionary in this field. This book taps into the archetypal idea of the feminine and how the eating disorder betrays that and distorts what it means to be a woman. She uses metaphor and archetypal fairy-tale stories to explain the spiritual aspects of the eating disorder and guides her readers on how to heal. This is a beautiful, delicate, strong piece of work that will change how you view your body forever. It is a must read for all Warrior Women looking to heal from eating disorders.
3. 8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder by Carolyn Costin and Gwen Schubert Grabb
Here is another giant in the field of eating disorder recovery. Carolyn Costin recovered herself and then went on to create Monte Nido Treatment Centers based on her 8 Keys that she identifies in this book. Another easy to read and a well-inspired piece of work.
Geneen Roth is an excellent story teller. I’ve listened to her audio books which she narrates and I found myself laughing, hard, often! She comes from the other side of the eating disorder coin. She talks about being over-weight and binging and then the diets and the restriction in such a way that most people can relate to – even if you’ve never struggled with an eating disorder. She’s the one who will explain how and why being in recovery from an eating disorder is NOT the end of the world and it should not make you fat. She uses mindfulness, humor, and real-life experiences to help her clients, readers and anyone listening to slow down and take notice of what they are putting in their mouth and why. She has helped countless people to put an end to over-eating, restriction and body hatred. Here are some of her books:
Linda Bacon does a great job at explaining a lot of the science behind weight and body. She comes more from a clinical perspective and is the author for you if you have a political bone to pick with our culture’s way of dealing with diets, weight, and body. She speaks many important truths and helps you to understand how we got to be this way as a society. Here are a few of her books:
To learn more information on anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder or other eating disorders, go here. I hope you’ve found this article helpful. If you need any further help, please feel free to contact me at 610.314.8402