Eating Disorder Recovery: How Long Does It Take?
At Natural Food Therapy, we often get asked the question: “How long does eating disorder recovery take?“
The truth is that there is no fixed timeline when it comes to recovery. For some, it can take months and for others, it can be years. Either way, the healing process is an incredible journey of self-discovery that supports a happier and healthier future.
Some of the factors that can affect how long recovery could take for you include:
- Type of eating disorder: There are many different types of eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, orthorexia and OSFED. All eating disorders present differently and can affect how long recovery takes.
- Stage and severity of the eating disorder: The stage and severity of your eating disorder can affect how long it takes for you to recover. Research suggests early intervention can improve treatment outcomes. However, we know that recovery is always possible no matter how long you’ve been suffering.
- Type of treatment you can access: The type of treatment you receive can affect how long it takes to recover. Ultimately, support must be appropriate for the type, stage and severity of your eating disorder. It also needs to align with your individual needs, preferences and lifestyle.
Is It You, Or The Approach?
It is often suggested that poor or lengthy recovery outcomes are down to the individual “not being ready.” However, it’s important to challenge this notion when it comes to eating disorders. These disorders have a way of making us feel unprepared and convincing us that recovery is impossible.
So, can we honestly blame the person for not being ready to recover? The truth is, it’s not about readiness but finding the right approach and pace that works for you. Recovery should be motivating, engaging, and deeply aligned with who you are beyond the eating disorder. When the approach feels right, recovery becomes possible.
Maybe it was never about you not being ready.
There Is No Timeline
In eating disorder recovery, there is no predetermined timeline and no right or wrong way to heal. What truly matters is your commitment to the journey and the belief that recovery is possible.
It can be helpful to take away the pressures around having a timeframe for your recovery. Instead, focus on starting the journey and staying present through the process. This naturally opens up space for healing.
Remember, recovery is an active process that requires support. You don’t have to do this alone.
Our Approach: How Long Does Eating Disorder Recovery Take?
At Natural Food Therapy, we understand that eating disorder recovery is a personal journey. That’s why our approach is centred around meeting you where you are.
Working with us means you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with one dedicated specialist who deeply understands the nutritional, behavioural, and emotional aspects of recovery. Instead of a team of clinicians, we offer you consistent guidance and expertise from one multidisciplinary specialist. Someone who can be by your side every step of the way.
The length of our recovery programme is six months. This is not because we expect you to be fully recovered within that timeframe, but because we know that within this timeframe we can bring you to a place where you are ready to continue recovery independently. It’s about equipping you with the understanding, skills, and recovery tools for long-term success.
When you finish your 1:1 programme, you’ll have the opportunity to join our online recovery group for ongoing support with your dedicated specialist. A safe place to connect and share with a small intimate group of people who have been through the same process as you.
Explore our online private recovery programme here.
