At The Willows at Red Oak
Recovery®, we offer an eating disorder treatment program as part of our comprehensive behavioral and mental health treatment services. We prioritize a holistic approach to address the underlying causes and behaviors of eating disorders rather than just focusing on weight or body image.
We understand the complexities of eating disorders and the impact they have on individuals and their families. That’s why we take a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, combining evidence-based therapies with experiential modalities to provide a well-rounded program that promotes lasting recovery. Contact us at 828.518.6941 today to learn how we can help you heal so you can thrive.
Understanding Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex and serious mental health conditions that can have devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities. They involve a wide range of behaviors related to food, weight, body image, and self-esteem. Some common types of eating disorders include:
- Anorexia nervosa: Characterized by extreme weight loss, restrictive eating, and a distorted body image.
- Bulimia nervosa: Involves binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise.
- Binge eating disorder: Frequent episodes of uncontrollable overeating without compensatory behaviors.
- Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED): Encompasses a variety of disordered eating patterns that do not fit into the other categories.
It’s important not to feel shame or guilt if you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder. These conditions are not just about food and weight, but rather, they are complex mental health issues that require professional treatment and support.
Women and Eating Disorders
While eating disorders know no gender boundaries, they disproportionately affect women. This could be due to societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards that can contribute to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors. Women face societal pressure to conform to certain body types, and this can lead to developing an unhealthy relationship with food and their bodies.
Identifying Signs and Symptoms
Eating disorders are not just about weight or food intake; they involve complex psychological, emotional, and physical factors. Some common signs and symptoms of eating disorders include:
- Distorted body image
- Obsessive thoughts about weight, food, or calories
- Significant changes in weight (loss or gain)
- Restricting food intake or binge-eating episodes
- Preoccupation with food or eating rituals
- Isolation from social activities involving food
- Excessive exercise
- Feeling guilty or ashamed after eating
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.
The Need for a Women’s Eating Disorder Treatment Center
Eating disorders often develop because women feel inadequate and insecure about their bodies. For decades, the media has been presenting women with unrealistic expectations surrounding weight and beauty. Due to this negative perception, some women develop unhealthy eating habits that cause them to neglect their diets and nutritional needs.
As part of our nutritional therapy program, women begin developing a healthy relationship with food. During their time in treatment, clients participate in nutritional education classes that teach them about healthy foods and how they nourish the body to help them develop the skills to make healthy and nutritious meals. Additionally, The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® works closely with a Registered Dietician and an eating disorder specialist.
For women who struggle with body image, The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® offers compassionate support as well as educational opportunities during residential eating disorder treatment. Our clinical staff members encourage women to address their concerns and also identify challenges they may face as their bodies begin to change.
Many times, women who have been dealing with eating disorders for a long period have a difficult time coping with these changes. Through approaches such as group therapy and individual cognitive-behavioral therapy, they’re able to learn to express any fears or worries they may be experiencing. They can also receive support from other women who have been through similar struggles.
Additional Addiction Treatment Services
Our eating disorder program in North Carolina is just one component of The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® comprehensive treatment services. We offer a wide range of clinically dynamic therapeutic processes and treatment modalities, including:
- Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders
- Trauma therapy
- A minimum of 25 hours per week of individual and group counseling
- Family therapy program
- Grief and loss counseling
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Yoga therapy
- Acupuncture
- Eco-Therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Various educational groups and workshops
We believe in a personalized and individualized approach to treatment, recognizing that each woman’s journey to recovery is unique. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for women to heal and grow so they can thrive in their lives.
Reach Out to The Willows to Begin Healing
The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® has helped many women overcome eating disorders and achieve their life goals. If you or someone you love is ready to start healing, contact us online or call 828.518.6941 today. Every woman deserves to live a healthy and fulfilling life, and we are here to support you on your journey.
