Today, there are so many different approaches to recovery and treatment for eating disorder sufferers that it can be baffling as to what is best to choose. The current financial climate combined with the high cost of intensive inpatient or daypatient treatment means there needs to be more affordable alternatives available.
One increasingly popular tool utilised for those seeking recovery from eating disorder is mentoring.
The five key areas below will be examined to offer a brief overview of this useful approach.
- What is mentoring?
- role of the mentor
- role of the mentee
- benefits for recovery
- MentorCONNECT
What is Mentoring?
Mentoring is basically a means of one individual providing support, guidance and encouragement to another individual. The concept of mentoring goes back as far as biblical times when Jesus chose his disciples to train, teach and guide. A mentor could be perhaps a teacher, coach, counselor, friend or older/experienced, respected person. Essentially mentoring requires a trusting, honest relationship where both the mentor and mentee have respect for each other.
Role of the Mentor in Eating Disorder Treatment
The role of the mentor may often depend on which organisation, religious belief or connection they have emerged from. For example a mentor or "sponsor" within a 12-step program such as Overeaters Anonymous or Eating Disorders Anonymous will have to adhere to much more structured boundaries than perhaps a mentor within a church or education setting.
Mentors ideally should have experience of the condition affecting their mentee, be in strong recovery and be prepared to set aside regular time to work together. The mentor must set clear, healthy boundaries and provide consistent, positive, regular feedback.
Role of the Mentee In Eating Disorder Recovery
The role of the mentee is to follow the guidelines and boundaries set out by their mentor and be as open and honest as possible about their concerns and situation in order to best be helped. Throughout the mentoring process it is crucial that the mentee maintains personal responsibility for their own recovery and works at his or her own pace.
Benefits of Mentoring for Eating Disorder Recovery
Mentoring provides many benefits to those seeking/in recovery and the relationship can certainly positively impact both sides. The key benefit is having someone impartial, non-judgmental and experienced to confide in. The mentee can thus feel safe to open up as they know their mentor has experienced similar problems and emotions. Recover tools, skills, motivation and encouragement can be shared and discussed.
MentorCONNECT - Helping Sufferers of Anorexia and Bulimia Achieve Recovery
MentorCONNECT is a community where mentors and mentees can meet and experience the value of mentoring. Founder Shannon Cutts recovered from a 15-year battle with an eating disorder and her book Beating Ana provides extensive information about mentoring and how relationships can truly serve as a replacement for eating disorders.
Mentoring: Conclusion
It is fair to say that regardless of stage of recovery, anyone can truly benefit from being involved with mentoring, whether that be as a mentor or mentee. Mentoring is likely to become an increasingly popular and accessible part of eating disorder treatment as fewer insurance policies will now fund intensive treatment.
Mentees ideally go on to become mentors themselves and so the awareness, experiences and skills of recovery can be passed on.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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