Starting eating disorder treatment can feel overwhelming. Many people wonder what really happens in a treatment program, from meals to therapy to movement. That uncertainty can make taking the first step even harder. One of the most common questions we hear is, “What does a day in residential treatment actually look like?” At ‘Ai Pono, we want to lift the curtain and provide a transparent look at what a typical day looks like in treatment.
At any level of care, the structure is designed to provide both support and safety while also creating room for healing. By sharing what happens each day in our residential program, we hope to reduce fear, reduce stigma, and help you feel more prepared for the recovery journey.
A Supportive Start to the Day
Each morning at ‘Ai Pono begins with intention. After breakfast, clients join together for a mindful walk on the beach, a grounding practice that gently sets the tone for the day. Walking barefoot on the sand, listening to the ocean, and breathing deeply helps regulate the nervous system. Nature is not just a backdrop, it’s a therapeutic partner.
In addition to daily walks, ‘Ai Pono incorporates frequent outings into treatment. Clients often spend time in places like the ʻĪao Valley, a lush and sacred part of Maui that provides both beauty and perspective. These experiences “outside the four walls” remind clients that healing is not confined to a therapy room. It is about rediscovering life, joy, and connection beyond the eating disorder.
Meals and Nourishment
Because eating disorders often disrupt normal relationships with food, meals are a central part of each day in treatment. In ‘Ai Pono’s residential program, every meal is also an opportunity for real-time therapeutic support, with staff and dietitians available to help clients face food challenges as they arise. This structure allows clients to challenge food fears in a safe environment while also learning how to eat in a way that honors their body’s needs.
Meals are also a time of connection. Sitting down together encourages conversation and creates a sense of community. Over time, food becomes less about fear and more about nourishment, pleasure, and even joy.
To make food less intimidating and more engaging, ‘Ai Pono offers periodic cooking demonstrations. Clients may learn from a visiting sushi chef, participate in preparing simple recipes, or practice food exposure in ways that are interactive. These experiences are designed to empower clients and show them that food can once again be an enjoyable and creative part of life.
Therapy and Clinical Care
Structured, consistent therapy is at the heart of eating disorder treatment. At ‘Ai Pono, every client participates in:
- Individual therapy three times per week, using trauma-informed approaches that address the deeper roots of the eating disorder.
- Weekly sessions with a registered dietitian (RD) to create balanced meal plans, set nutrition goals, and work through food-related anxieties.
- Medical and medication management, ensuring that physical and emotional health are cared for in tandem.
- Trauma-certified art therapy, which provides a creative outlet for processing emotions and developing new coping skills.
This combination of therapies creates a comprehensive approach, addressing both the psychological and medical aspects of recovery. Because residential treatment provides an immersive setting, clients can engage in this full range of therapies without the disruptions of daily life, creating a stronger foundation for recovery.
Group Work and Community
Eating disorders thrive in secrecy and isolation, which is why group support is so essential. At ‘Ai Pono, clients participate in daily group sessions that focus on:
- Coping skills for managing urges and triggers.
- Body image healing, reframing the way clients see themselves.
Relapse prevention, building strategies to support long-term recovery. - Peer support, creating a community where clients realize they are not alone.
Group therapy often becomes one of the most powerful aspects of treatment, offering both accountability and connection. Many clients find that hearing from peers who share similar struggles makes the recovery process feel less isolating.
Movement and Mind-Body Practices
Many people arrive at treatment with a complicated history around exercise, shaped by years of mixed messages from culture, sports, or the eating disorder itself. Movement at ‘Ai Pono is centered on gentle practices that help clients reconnect with their bodies in safe and supportive ways. Yoga, stretching, and walks in nature encourage grounding, balance, and self-compassion, offering new ways to experience the body with care.
These practices allow clients to discover new ways of moving that feel restorative rather than compulsive. Movement becomes a tool for healing rather than harm.
Healing Beyond the Four Walls
One of the unique elements of ‘Ai Pono’s treatment model is the emphasis on healing in nature. Clients spend meaningful time outdoors, whether it’s a morning walk by the water, a trip into the mountains, or simply pausing to watch a sunset together.
These experiences are more than recreational outings. They are therapeutic moments that ground clients in the present, regulate emotions, and remind them of life’s beauty outside the eating disorder. Healing is not just about what happens in sessions; it’s about reconnecting with the world and imagining a life of freedom.
Taking the Next Step
So, what happens in a day of residential eating disorder treatment? At ‘Ai Pono, each day is a balance of structure and compassion: nourishing meals, therapy sessions, community support, mindful movement, and healing in nature. Together, these elements create a routine that fosters safety while also guiding clients toward freedom.
If you or someone you love is considering treatment, know that while taking the first step can feel daunting, you won’t be walking it alone. At ‘Ai Pono, our residential program offers immersive, comprehensive care, and for those who need a more flexible option, our Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is available statewide.
Reach out today to learn more about what recovery could look like for you. Healing is possible, and it starts with a single step.
