BOOK REVIEWS: Spiritual Approaches in the Treatment of Women With Eating Disorders
Reviewed by Laura Simpson, RN
Reprinted from Eating Disorders Recovery Today
Summer 2007 Volume 5, Number 3
©2007 Gürze Books
 Spiritual Approaches in the Treatment of Women With Eating Disorders Authors: P. Scott Richards, Randy K. Hardman, and Michael E. Berrett |
This book is a text for mental health clinicians as well as those enduring an eating disorder. It is intended for those who find value and meaning in incorporating spiritual and/or religious beliefs into the recovery process. Spiritual themes and practice can offer both the clinician and the individual an ever present and secure "lifeline" and an inner sense of knowing that a higher and greater source than ourselves exists regardless of how defeated we may feel.
The authors reflect on the multitudes of women they have treated with eating disorders. They indicate that "these experiences have convinced us that religious and spiritual issues are often significant in both the etiology and the recovery from eating disorders." Most interestingly is the association of becoming more pure and virtuous while suffering from anorexia nervosa, while there is evidence that those with bulimia nervosa have less religious and spiritual reverence. Regardless of the clinical diagnosis, the authors relate that "Spiritual discussions and interventions can greatly help women with eating disorders reconnect with themselves, with others, and with their God in healing in life changing ways."
Noteworthy is an exceptional model called "The Spiritual Hierarchy of Needs." In the style of a pyramid, the themes of "Survival, Passion/Meaning in Life, Power and Control Over Your Life, Acceptance, Compassion, and Unity" are incorporated in an assignment to be explored in depth by patient and her clinician.
This book also shares messages of hope about how faith and spirituality can assist in recovery. Most evident in the text is the critical significance and value that spirituality lends to the treatment and recovery of women with eating disorders.
