• Be patient – eating disorders can be long-term problems
• Be aware that an eating disorder is an attempted solution to a problem
• Convey your concerns about the person’s health and function, and avoid focusing on he person’s weight or body size.
• Speak of your own experience or witnessing of warning signs
• Don’t be surprised if the reaction is one of denial or hostility
• Don’t lay blame
• Don’t dwell on food-related discussions
• Try to empathize—just sharing one’s hurt and pain and not feeling judged is therapeutic
• Don’t make promises that you won’t “tell” if you feel her or his health is in danger
• Don’t allow the person’s problems to interfere with your normal functioning
• Let her or him know about the ways you may be able to help by providing literature about eating disorders or the names of therapists or nutritionists
• Keep loving and believing in that person
• Get support for yourself

Adapted from Shelia Reindle and M. Susanne Repetto

Cara Engle, LAPC – cengle @growcounseling.com