Family Involvement
Expectation or Reality:
“My child should be grateful for treatment, so they won’t resist meals or therapy.”
Expectation! ED behaviors often serve a protective function for the patient. Compassion and consistency are key in responding to resistance.
Myth or Fact:
I will not need to supplement when I get home or I'm on pass.
Myth! Nutrition is a continued need!
Myth or Fact: “RTC treatment will make me feel better right away.”
Myth!
Treatment challenges the eating disorder, which may increase distress before it brings relief. That’s a normal part of the process.
Myth or Fact: Once I leave residential, I'll be fully recovered
Myth!
Continued care in PHP, IOP, and outpatient helps maintain and build on the foundation established at RTC.
Myth or Fact: “Recovery means I’ll never struggle with body image again.”
Myth!: It’s normal to have body distress even after behavioral changes. Skills like self-compassion and body neutrality help long term.
Myth or Fact: Families always know the right things to say
Myth! What's "right" might be different for each person, on each day! We have to communicate!
Expectation or Reality:
“If I finish my meals at RTC, my eating disorder thoughts will disappear.”
Expectation!
Reality: Behavioral progress often comes before cognitive and emotional recovery.
Psychoeducation: ED thoughts can persist even as physical health improves. Therapy helps challenge those thoughts over time.
Myth or Fact: “Therapists will tell me exactly what to do to recover.”
Myth!
Therapists guide and support, but patients must practice skills, reflect, and take ownership of their healing.
Myth or Fact: I'll be able to handle everything on my own after I discharge.
Myth!
Recovery isn’t about independence from support — it’s about using the right support tools when challenges arise.
Myth vs Fact: “Friends will fully understand my eating disorder after I explain it.”
Myth! Educating others is helpful, but what matters most is being understood by your support team and family.
Myth vs Fact: “Once I go home, I’ll be able to follow my meal plan perfectly.”
Myth! Triggers, social pressures, and lack of structure may make it more difficult. Patients and families should expect challenges and have a plan to navigate them.
Myth or Fact!
“Eating foods I avoided before treatment will cure my eating disorder.”
Myth! Food exposure is just one part of recovery!
Emotional regulation, body image work, and family involvement are also needed to address the root of the eating disorder.
Myth vs Fact:
“If I relapse after discharge, it means treatment didn’t work.”
Myth!
Many individuals experience slips; having a plan and support system makes a difference.
Myth vs Fact: Everything goes back to normal right after treatment!
Myth! Recovery is a new normal!
Myth or Fact: “Recovery is only about food.”
Myth!
Recovery includes identity work, emotional growth, relational healing, and building values outside of ED.
Myth vs Fact: “My child will take full responsibility for their recovery after RTC.”
Myth! Families play a key role in reinforcing recovery behaviors and maintaining structure at home.
Myth or Fact: I'll move past all my fear foods while in residential treatment
Myth! Recovery is an ongoing process with ups and downs!
Myth Vs Fact:
“We won’t need a relapse prevention plan if treatment was successful.”
Myth!
Relapse prevention isn’t about expecting failure — it’s about building confidence and safety nets for tough moments.
Myth vs Fact:
“Discharge means I don’t need as much support anymore.”
Myth:
Reality: Most patients need more support during the transition home.
· Psychoeducation: Support systems like outpatient therapy, family check-ins, and nutrition follow-ups are critical to maintaining progress.