Alexis Sauls Ramos is a social worker who spent many years as a therapist in an out-patient treatment program for adolescents and young adults, and now works as the Eating Disorder Prevention Specialist at the Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association (BANA) in Windsor, Ontario.
“Beyond simply better access to treatment, access to treatment that honours who they are, their identities, their experience and their readiness. Evidence in treatment is essential, but so is honouring the person who is in front of you seeking help. I would like to think that we will see more people seeking treatment and feeling able to commit to treatment if they feel the space they are in does this,” she said.
Erin, an individual with lived experience, added that a wider range of services are needed: “Creating treatment that targets all stages of the illness from early intervention to specialized services for individuals with severe and enduring eating disorders.”
When we think of eating disorder services and treatment options, what comes to mind? It’s probably not painting or journaling. Yet these types of interventions can be just as useful (if not more!) to someone who is experiencing an eating disorder and struggling to see results with more traditional types of therapy.
Jenn Hicks is an internationally-recognized Nia movement instructor, trainer and personal trainer, as well as someone with lived experience. When asked about what would have the biggest impact, she said: “More funding for non-medical, arts-based services, like Sheena’s Place.”
A.P., another individual with lived experience, added that “having proper access to care as soon as we need it and want it” is a must.
