Nutrition Therapy | Eating Disorders Treatment

Individualized nutrition therapy is provided to those participating in Shoreline’s Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program or on an outpatient basis.

Individuals participate in a one on one assessment with the nutrition therapist, a Registered Dietitian, to develop their individual food plan and goals.  Each week through scheduled follow-up visits, the individual and the Dietitian work through the challenges that are faced while on the path to recovery.

Nutritional Therapy includes separating food intake and weight-related behaviors from feelings and emotional issues, discussions of food restrictions and food behaviors, self-imposed food rules, and nutritional requirements for health.

Honest understanding of current food intake and emotional associations with foods is the first step in working with a dietitian. Often, food records are requested to assist in the process. This is for evaluation of current eating habits, but also to improve food choices to meet the minimal needs of the body. In our nutrition therapy, there is honesty and caring communication about eating which develops into a safe environment for recovery from eating disorders with the eventual letting go of maladaptive behaviors.

Nutritional therapy with the Registered Dietitian in the Eating Disorder Intensive Outpatient Program is not limited to one-on-on counseling. The Registered Dietitian becomes intricately involved in all clinical aspects of the individual’s program, including playing an integral role in the treatment team and it treatment-planning functions. Weekly nutrition groups, facilitated by the Registered Dietitian, are conducted in a way that all participants have the opportunity to explore and discuss their relationship with food. In addition, education classes provide the knowledge and skills necessary for individuals to begin nourishing instead of abusing their bodies with food or the restriction thereof.

Nutrition groups can include but are not limited to the following concepts:

These and many more topics will be discussed.