Understanding Eating Disorders ⎮ Treatment, Triggers, and Trauma - 454

EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy is highlighted as a promising treatment for trauma-related eating disorders. Mcayla Sarno explains that EMDR involves activating both the conscious and subconscious mind to address deeply buried trauma, which traditional therapies might not reach 1. She advises seeking EMDR therapists accredited by the institute to ensure quality treatment, as EMDR alone is not a standalone therapy 2. Sarno emphasizes the importance of combining EMDR with other therapeutic approaches, stating:

EMDR on its own is not a sole therapy.

--- Mcayla Sarno

This combination can effectively address the root causes of eating disorders, offering hope for recovery.

   

Therapy Approaches

Different therapeutic approaches are compared for their effectiveness in treating eating disorders. Mcayla Sarno shares her experience with inpatient treatment, noting that while DBT and CBT are commonly used, they often fail to address the deep-rooted issues causing eating disorders 3. She argues that deeper therapeutic approaches are necessary to tackle the underlying trauma and self-worth issues 4. Sarno reflects on her personal journey:

The very thing that was causing me to harm myself was the belief that I believed about myself in relation to what happened.

--- Mcayla Sarno

This insight underscores the need for therapies that go beyond behavioral adjustments to heal emotional wounds.