A review of different eating disorder recovery workbooks and their approaches.
We have a running joke here:
“If the combined weight of your eating disorder recovery books weigh as much as a human being, you might want to consider professional treatment.”
The clients bust up laughing at this because so many of them have tried relentlessly to cure themselves of their disease; with the help of Barnes and Noble and Amazon.
Today I’m going to be summarizing a few different books and workbooks that I have personally reviewed. I’ll give you my honest opinion of them. If you’re
interested be sure to check them out!
H.E.A.L. – Healthy Eating Abundant Living
By: Allie Marie Smith and Judy Wardell Halliday
A recent study showed that 91% of women surveyed on a college campus had attempted to control their weight through dieting. 22% dieted “often” or “always.” The non-profit, Wonderfully Made has created the H.E.A.L. Workbook to help young women on college campuses find eating disorder recovery. The non-profit and workbook are Christian based. The workbook references bible
verses and most notable the verse in Psalm 139, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” The most noted element of the book is its ability to bring college aged girls together for support of each others eating disorder recovery. The use of Christian principles to address eating disordered behavior is also a great tool for that distinct people group. However, the workbook is
largely based on Christians who deeply want recovery.
You Are More Than What You Weigh + Workbook
By Sharon Norfleet Sward, LPC
Written by a licensed professional counselor, this book is a comprehensive guide through what eating disorders are, identifying the emotions that go with them
and creating a plan of action to change behaviors. The workbook is a great companion to the book with exercises and worksheets to help one on their journey to positive self-evaluation. As well as great insight into how and why certain behaviors accompany certain eating disorders and not others.
You’re Designed To Shine
By:Christina DiMari
This leaders workbook and student workbook is designed for girls in a Christian setting. Perhaps a part of a weekly Bible group or attending summer camp. The
narrative parallels metaphors about the ocean. The teachings are revolved around how how each girl is a priceless creation made by God. This is a preventative
and restorative book for “Girls from 8 to 88.” There is a great deal of discussion about body image, however, no direct discussion around eating
disorders.
I hope one of these books spark your interest. If not, you may want to search the term “eating disorder recovery books” into Amazon.com