Relational or couples therapy is often considered a secondary add-on to the “medically necessary” work of individual treatment; it’s nice to have, but not exactly a pressing need. It’s even common for couples therapists to delay relational counseling until the partner with the condition has made significant progress in individual treatment. While it’s true that relationship counseling can never be a substitute for individual work, and that we’re each responsible for our own mental health journey, relationship counseling can provide vital benefits for mental health treatment.

There’s a common saying in eating disorder recovery: “Body image comes last.” Many ED survivors find they have a much easier time learning how to eat consistently and use new coping skills than learning to appreciate their bodies.