What does it really mean to be fully recovered from an eating disorder?

For decades, the conversation has been clouded by vague definitions, conflicting philosophies, and the fear that “recovery” might not even be possible. In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Carolyn Costin, a renowned therapist, author, and pioneer in the eating disorder field, to dig into what recovery actually looks like, why she believes full recovery is possible, and how to strengthen the “healthy self” rather than fight against the eating disorder voice.

Carolyn Costin MA, MEd., MFT, CEDS, FAED, is a world renowned, highly sought-after eating disorder clinician, author, and international speaker. Recovered from anorexia in her twenties, as a young therapist Carolyn recognized her calling after successfully treating her first eating disorder client. Carolyn was first to publicly take the position that people with eating disorders can become fully recovered.

Tweetable Quotes

“When you are recovered, you will not compromise your health or betray your soul to look a certain way, wear a certain size, or reach a certain number on the scale.” - Carolyn Costin

“We are not born with an eating disorder. We were born with this core healthy soul self in there.” - Carolyn Costin

“Instead of getting rid of the eating disorder self, I help strengthen people’s healthy self.” - Carolyn Costin

“When someone has had an eating disorder, I want to be cautious for a while, but I know so many people now being in this for so long who are recovered and shit’s happened in their life… and not slipped back.” - Carolyn Costin

“I don’t weigh myself. It’s like a feminist statement.” - Carolyn Costin

“We have to be careful… but my experience is people who are recovered actually navigate it better because we’ve already been through all that and it’s like we have a bit of a shield up for it.” - Carolyn Costin

Resources

Visit Carolyn’s website - www.CarolynCostinInstitute.com

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