I found this really interesting because I never thought I’d be sitting here, reflecting on my journey with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as it relates to eating disorders. For a long time, I viewed my relationship with food through a haze of shame and confusion. I’m sure many of you can relate to that feeling of being trapped in a cycle of guilt and restriction.
When I first started CBT, I was skeptical. I mean, how could sitting in a room and talking about my thoughts change the way I approached food? But what I quickly discovered was that CBT isn’t just about food; it’s about understanding the thoughts and behaviors that drive those choices. It’s like peeling back layers of an onion, revealing the core issues that I didn’t even realize were impacting my life.
One of the key elements of CBT for me was identifying the negative thought patterns I was stuck in. For instance, I often caught myself thinking that I had to be perfect with my eating habits—if I slipped up, I would spiral into a deep sense of failure. CBT helped me challenge those thoughts. I learned to ask myself, “Is this thought really true?” and “What evidence do I have to support this?” It sounds simple, but it took practice.
Another aspect that really struck me was the idea of behavioral experiments. Instead of just talking about my feelings, I was encouraged to test my beliefs in real situations. For example, I tried having an ice cream cone—something I would have previously avoided at all costs. The exercise was enlightening. I realized that I could enjoy a treat without it triggering a total meltdown or a week of strict dieting afterward. It was liberating to see that food isn’t a moral issue; it’s just that—food.
I won’t lie; there have been tough days. It’s a journey filled with ups and downs. Some weeks I feel like I’m making great strides, while others remind me just how ingrained those old habits can be. But here’s the thing: the continued support from my therapist and the techniques I’ve learned have made all the difference. I’m learning to be kinder to myself through this process, which I think is one of the most vital lessons I’ve taken away from CBT.
Reflecting on this, I’m curious—has anyone else found similar breakthroughs in therapy, whether it’s with eating disorders or other areas of mental health? I’d love to hear your stories and insights. It’s always comforting to know we’re not alone in this journey!