Have you recently enrolled in a program for residential eating disorder treatment? Or maybe you’re still trying to decide if a residential program is right for you? If so, you’re probably wondering what to expect your first time in residential eating disorder treatment.
We understand that taking the step to commit to residential treatment (or any treatment program) can feel scary and intimidating. That’s why here, we’re going to address common concerns and questions related to residential treatment, plus share with you what a typical day in the life of residential eating disorder treatment looks like so you know exactly what to expect.
Who is Residential Treatment For?
Before diving into the topic of what to expect your first time in residential eating disorder treatment, it’s important to first understand who residential treatment is (and is not) for. Keep in mind, eating disorders come in various levels of severity, and the road to recovery requires different levels of support. Because of this, there are different levels of ED care and treatment. These are the most common types of eating disorder treatment programs:
OUTPATIENT TREATMENT
This is the most flexible level of treatment for eating disorders, allowing the individual to still live at home and conduct their day-to-day life while receiving regular support and treatment. Outpatient treatment is typically for individuals who don’t have any medical problems and do not require monitoring. For example, if the individual can stick to a meal plan and isn’t malnourished or medically jeopardized, outpatient treatment may be an adequate approach. However, if the individual can’t stick to a meal plan, is medically compromised and at risk, or suffers from a co-occurring disorder like depression, a higher level of treatment may be necessary.
At ‘Ai Pono Eating Disorder Program, outpatient treatment is limited to 3 hours per day and is offered 3-4 days each week depending on the individuals’ needs. The program’s approach involves a mixture of psychotherapy, nutrition, and group education.
PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION TREATMENT
This level of treatment is for individuals who need more support than outpatient programs offer, but they still do not require 7 days a week, 24-hour care. Typically, partial hospitalization programs are ideal for patients who are making good progress in recovery (but still need daily support), and are ready to practice recovery outside of the controlled eating disorder treatment environment.
The ‘Ai Pono Partial Hospitalization Program offers a structured treatment environment 5-7 days a week. Individuals in the program will take part in group therapy sessions, counseling, have daily meal and snack support, and have the option to live either at home or in our adjacent island-style shared home facility.
RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT
This level of treatment is for individuals who will benefit from 24/7 support and require access to medical, nutritional, and therapeutic care. Residential treatment programs are staffed with a variety of highly trained specialists like doctors, psychiatrists, and dietitians who monitor the client and provide individual support. The ‘Ai Pono Residential Program is located on the beautiful island of Maui and provides a safe and supportive environment for recovery. Staffed with highly trained eating disorder experts, our residential program is the perfect setting for women struggling with an eating disorder to find complete and lasting healing.
Why Residential Treatment?
As stated above, residential treatment is for individuals who need the structure and support offered by a 24/7 treatment program. Since we know that eating disorders are complex mental illnesses with extreme physical symptoms and components, it typically takes a team of medical professionals working together to not only treat the ED symptoms but also support psychological healing and promote lasting recovery. At the ‘Ai Pono Residential Program, not only do clients receive medical monitoring and meal support, they have access to our highly-trained staff and professional treatment team.
THE ‘AI PONO RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT TEAM
The ‘Ai Pono Residential Treatment program is staffed with caring, empathetic eating disorder and medical professionals, all of whom are also trained to treat co-occurring disorders (like depression, substance abuse, and PTSD). Our team includes registered dietitians, psychiatrists, licensed therapists, art therapists, physicians, nutritionists, nursing assistants, and yoga instructors. Our team members are all trained in the ‘Ai Pono Treatment Approach and work together to provide individualized support and bring healing and hope to women with eating disorders.
What to Expect Your First Time in Residential Eating Disorder Treatment
Entering a residential treatment program for the first time can be anxiety-provoking for a number of reasons. Not only are you taking a big step to pursue recovery (which can at first feel scary), but you’re also leaving home and entering the new territory of a daily eating disorder treatment program. That’s why it’s so important to know exactly what to expect in eating disorder treatment so you can feel confident and prepared when you enter the program.
FIRST STEPS
When you first arrive at the ‘Ai Pono Residential Program, you are greeted by a friendly Admissions staff member who will show you around the center and help you complete any necessary steps to get you settled into the program. The number of patients in our program varies, but the maximum amount is eight. This ensures each one of our patients gets the support and care they need and gives the program a warm and intimate environment. Most likely you will share a room with another patient in the program, which we have found can be a helpful and supportive component in recovery since eating disorder struggles often lead to isolation.
During the first days of your stay, you will meet with our psychiatrist, physician, and other eating disorder and medical specialists to help develop a treatment approach that addresses your individual needs. Throughout your first few days at the ‘Ai Pono Residential Program, you will take part in daily process groups and therapy sessions, as well as enjoy time spent outdoors taking walks by the beach. During the first fews days of treatment, we encourage our residents to focus on the program and set aside everyday stressors and in order to settle in and get the most out of your stay. Family involvement is encouraged at the ‘Ai Pono Residential Program, and proposals for visits are reviewed by our clinical team and occur mostly on the weekends.
DAY-TO-DAY ROUTINE
The ‘Ai Pono Residential Treatment Program, like many other residential treatment programs, is structured and organized. Why? When people come into treatment, often, there is typically a lot of internal chaos and disorder. Having your day organized and structured ultimately reduces anxiety and allows those unpredictable moments and challenges to be more readily accepted and worked through. Although we know that daily routines and a certain level of structure supports recovery and helps promote both behavioral and psychological healing, that isn’t to say each and every moment in residential treatment is planned out for you or filled with therapy sessions. We make sure to include plenty of fresh air breaks each day, regular outings, fun and interactive activities, and daily electronic time.
Here’s what a typical day at ‘Ai Pono Residential Program looks like:
We begin the day with breakfast and a mindful walk. This is followed by “life skills” or “process” groups. After lunch, patients take part in “Food and Feelings” and “Body Awareness” groups, followed by individual therapy and personal time before dinner. The evenings are spent in specialized groups that may include things like inspirational films, art therapy, story circle, and discussion. Throughout the week, our schedule includes time for organized activities and outings as well as trips to the labs or shopping as needed.
COMPLETING RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT
The average length of stay in our residential program is between 45 and 60 days, but ultimately depends on the individual’s needs and recovery progress. We encourage each of our patients to take an active part in their treatment and discharge planning from the very beginning and move through the appropriate levels of care in order to get the most out of your treatment experience and greatly improve the chances for lasting and sustainable recovery.
Countless women in our residential program have fully recovered from their eating disorders and gone on to live fulfilled, happy lives and we are confident that the same is possible for you or your loved one. Take the first step today and talk to someone about residential treatment, or simply learn more about the recovery programs we offer. From intensive residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient programs, we are here to support women throughout all levels of the recovery process.
