Eating Disorder Awareness Month Blog – Week 4: Building Your Recovery Network: Support Systems in Treatment and Beyond
Welcome to the fourth installment in our blog series honoring Eating Disorder Awareness Month. In this article, we will discuss building an eating disorder support system, and how having a nurturing eating disorder recovery network is instrumental in long term recovery success.
The Heart of ‘Ohana
In Hawaiian culture, the concept of ‘ohana – family – extends far beyond the traditional notion of parents and children. It encompasses an elaborate network of blood relations and an extended, intentional community bound together by love and deep connection.
‘Ohana is a cornerstone of Hawaiian life, representing a network of relationships where individuals are supported and valued. This network is not limited to immediate family but includes friends, neighbors, and community members who share a deep bond of love and mutual support.
In the context of eating disorder recovery, this expansive understanding of ‘ohana is crucial. Eating disorder behaviors often emerge in isolation, making the presence of a supportive network essential for healing.
The Essence of Laulima
Laulima is a cherished Hawaiian value that signifies many hands working together towards a common goal.
In the warm embrace of Hawaiian culture, the concept of laulima – working together in harmony – is a vital component in the philosophical approach to ‘Ai Pono’s eating disorder recovery treatment. Laulima is more than just cooperation; it embodies the spirit of collective effort and mutual support, essential for the journey to healing.
Creating a Robust Support System
‘Ai Pono’s eating disorder treatment philosophy is deeply rooted in the concepts of ‘ohana and laulima. Our program recognizes that recovery cannot occur in solitude. Instead, it requires a supportive, nurturing environment where trust and connection are prioritized.
The Clinical Team: Empathetic and Experienced
At the heart of ‘Ai Pono’s approach is a highly experienced and empathetic clinical team. These professionals are skilled in evidence-based treatment modalities and mindfulness-based psychotherapies, ensuring that you receive the highest standard of support.
Our clinical team provides individualized care, offering carefully crafted treatment plans that address your unique needs and challenges.
The Multidisciplinary Dietician Team: Expertise in Nutrition
Our multidisciplinary team of dietitians plays a crucial role in ‘Ai Pono’s recovery program. These experts possess deep clinical knowledge of the pathologies of eating disorders, combined with extensive expertise in human nutrition. They work with you to develop healthy eating habits and provide the nutritional support necessary for recovery.
By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of eating disorders, our dietician team will help you develop a nuanced understanding of the role food plays in the nourishment of not only your body, but also your mind and spirit.
The Importance of Family Involvement
Family involvement is a key element in ‘Ai Pono’s treatment philosophy. Recognizing that eating disorders affect not just the individual but the entire family, we understand the importance of family participation in the recovery process.
Through our free monthly Loved Ones Support Group, we open our arms to our broad network of family members and loved ones of current and previous patients. Deepening family connections, where safe and appropriate, is a highly beneficial component in recovery, helping to create a more comprehensive and durable healing environment.
Building Resilience for Long-Term Recovery
Recovery is not a journey you have to undertake alone. At ‘Ai Pono, you become part of a supportive community that understands and respects your process. Our clinicians and staff form a network of empathy and encouragement, providing a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
In this community, you’ll find others who have faced similar fears and challenges. You’ll share stories, offer and receive support, and celebrate each other’s progress. This sense of connection is a powerful antidote to the isolation that often accompanies eating disorders.
Aloha Aku, Aloha Mai
The Hawaiian phrase “aloha aku, aloha mai,” meaning “give love, receive love,” beautifully encapsulates the compassionate context essential for eating disorder recovery.
This profound concept highlights both the reciprocal and essential nature of love. Like respiration, where we breathe in the gift of oxygen from the life-giving flora surrounding us and exhale the carbon dioxide that fertilizes it, the ability to give and receive love strengthens our spirit, deepens our connection, and sustains our very lives.
Empowerment is at the heart of ‘Ai Pono’s philosophy. We believe that by embracing the spirit of “aloha aku, aloha mai,” you can rediscover your whole self and capacity for love.
When you’re ready to heal, we’re ready to help.
