Personal disclosure by a psychotherapist is a controversial issue. I thought deeply about revealing my personal history as I wrote Healing Your Hungry Heart: recovering from your eating disorder.

The major guidance and influence came from the words of wisdom from my great and much loved mentor, psychoanalyst Lars Lofgren, M.D.  He said,

“Revealing aspects of your life and struggles can place a burden on your patient.  Reveal personal information only if it serves your patient and benefits them in their healing.”

What do you reach for when you are bewildered, sad, weary, feeling alone, not sure about your direction or feeling weak? What are your standbys that take care of you and bring you sturdiness or clarity or energy to stride into your life? Do you have recovery standbys?

I have several fall back proven winners.   They are meditation or mindfulness exercises, journal writing, books, healthy meals [protein, vegetables, fruit, water, grains], adequate rest, walking my dog, dancing and.....swimming.

Fundamental to eating disorder recovery is the ability to say, "No." Saying, "No," draws a boundary.

 Eating disorder interview questions teach me about what can be in the minds of people who don't have eating disorders and wonder about them.