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Stages of recovery

Before committing to the healing process, it’s perfectly natural to want to understand what the road ahead looks like. We know that the route to recovery is by no means linear, with many patients moving back and forth between different stages in ways that are unique to them and their experience.

We have outlined the general progression from the start of the recovery process to its end. You may not experience each stage in sequence, but the following structure can help you understand how our treatment plans support overall progression and what outcomes await on the other side.

1. Precontemplation: No motivation to seek help

At the very beginning of the process, an individual may show very limited recognition of the problem. They may perceive their eating behaviours as necessary, protective, or nothing out of the ordinary, having no motivation to change as a result.

2. Contemplation: Considering change

As an individual begins to suspect that something isn’t right about their behaviour, they might experience a mixture of feelings. They typically consider that their current eating habits may need to change, but feel restrained by fear of letting go of their coping mechanisms.

3. Preparation: Getting ready for recovery

Recognising their need for help, an individual will typically start to open up to the idea of seeking treatment. Still tentative, they might take small steps towards support structures, exploring the available recovery options.

4. Active recovery: Taking action

Having found a suitable treatment option, engagement with recovery methods begins. An individual might begin working with ABBI Clinic’s specialist team to restore regular eating habits or to develop healthier coping strategies for their underlying thoughts and feelings.

5. Maintenance: Building stability

With treatment underway, an individual typically looks to build on the progress they’ve made and establish consistent routines they can rely on post-treatment. These new habits will look to eliminate reliance on eating disorder behaviours with the support of the ABBI Clinic team.

6. Relapse: setbacks are normal

At any point in the recovery process, an individual may temporarily return to their old behaviours or thoughts. These relapses can be triggered by stress or external life events. Rather than spelling failures, these setbacks provide opportunities to learn and re-engage with support.

7. Recovery: Living beyond an eating disorder

Supportive eating disorder treatment provides an individual with the knowledge, perspective, and techniques to establish a healthier relationship with food and their body. Unhealthy thought patterns will hopefully exert less influence over behaviour, and greater focus will be placed on living life, nurturing relationships, and building towards the future.

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Patient reviews

ABBI Clinic were very helpful in my recovery from my eating disorder. They offered meal support as well as group therapy, a dietitian, and weekly individual sessions. They helped me create a meal plan that was suited to my dietary requirements as well as a maintenance plan for continuing recovery after my discharge.

The staff are amazing and supportive. They’ve helped me to see through a variety of techniques regarding wellbeing, nutrition, and dietary advice that being well is possible. I’m now armed with tools and techniques to use when things get tough, and life does throw curve balls, but I can cope with life, being a well me, just as I am.

I never thought I’d ever beat my ED that’s been torturing me for 30 years. Thank you, ABBI Clinic, not only for giving me hope when I thought nobody could help but also for being the first place that’s helped me to actually get well. Not just physically but mentally as well. I’ve finally addressed the root cause of the issue, and that’s been imperative in helping me to see life without my ED and how good it can be.

ABBI Clinic have been nothing short of incredible in supporting me with my recovery journey. The staff at ABBI Clinic make every effort to ensure that your journey is personalised by getting to know each individual person, and it shows in their care and support. A special mention to Kate, whom I cannot thank enough for always giving her undivided attention and showing week in and week out that she genuinely cares to support you in recovery.

Very quick and clear communication throughout.

ABBI Clinic was a very positive experience for me. I felt I was understood & not judged. I was given some very useful tools to help me cope with my eating disorder.

abbi clinic is a great day care service, it's very tailored to your own needs because everyone's eating disorder is so different even if your diagnosis is the same. it helped not only give me the tools to stay out of hospital but also gave me the motivation to be able to believe in myself that i could.

The staff there are brilliant. They make you feel comfortable and welcome. The setting is great, as its private, warm and had all the facilities you need.

I had my initial screening with Dr Shama and she was calm, professional, and non-judgmental, which made it easier to open up. Dr Shama was extremely thoughtful about this and has contacted the NHS provider for my screening notes so I did not have to go through the emotional distress again.

The Clinic have been excellent. They are extremely attentive, very quick to respond to queries and have been really kind and sensitive at all times to help me.

Excellent service. After contacting the clinic about my concerns about having an eating disorder I was seen for an initial consultation within a week.

I recently completed a treatment at the ABBI Clinic for B.E.D., and I cannot recommend it highly enough. From the start, the staff were incredibly compassionate, friendly, and supportive, making a daunting process feel safe and manageable. The time spent with the others going through similar experiences was invaluable – helpful, encouraging, and a real source of connection. I felt truly supported every step of the way, and I’m deeply grateful for the care I received.

Everyone is different

When it comes to eating disorder treatment outcomes and patient statistics, it can be easy to compare, judge, and feel pressure to recover quickly and successfully. At ABBI, we devise personalised treatment programmes because we know that every individual is different, progressing at their own pace.

Experiences of eating disorders can vary, so there is no single speed or journey of recovery that applies to everyone. The healing process is non-linear, and your journey will be different from those of others. No matter what course your recovery takes, we’re always there to remind you that success stories come in a variety of forms. Your journey is unique, so take it one day at a time.

Understanding relapse

The healing process isn’t always perfect. Relapse is a very normal part of the recovery process, and at ABBI, we provide everyone with the tools to navigate challenges and overcome setbacks. Expanding access to intensive Day Care and Outpatient treatment programmes is the key to reducing relapse and offering long-term support. If you have experienced relapse, ABBI Clinic is here to help you heal.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have more questions about the outcomes of eating disorder treatment at ABBI Clinic? Find answers to our most commonly asked questions here, or reach out to get in touch with a member of our expert team.

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Is it possible to completely recover from an eating disorder?

Yes, with appropriate eating disorder treatment, support, and ongoing care, it is possible to recover from an eating disorder. At ABBI Clinic, we seek to support you every step of the way with a tailored route to recovery, helping you heal in the way that best suits you.

How will ABBI Clinic support me after treatment?

We are always striving to offer new ways to provide aftercare for those who come to us for their eating disorder treatment. We can help you create a maintenance plan to continue making progress following your discharge, and we make ourselves available for you to reach out to should you need support at any point in your recovery journey.

When will I be discharged from ABBI Clinic?

Everyone’s healing process is different, so there is no set point at which you will be discharged from our services. At the appropriate stage of your recovery, a discharge meeting will be held to discuss the best course of action, taking into account your wishes and needs at every step.