PRAISE FOR LIFE BEYOND YOUR EATING DISORDER
“A truly inspirational read. Johanna’s book is packed with sophisticated but practical advice on how to recover from an eating disorder. Most important, she offers hope to those who are struggling with these lethal illnesses.”
—Craig Johnson, PhD
Director, Laureate Eating Disorders Program, Laureate Psychiatric Hospital Past President, National Eating Disorders Association
“Johanna brings us an inspiring personal account of how her struggles with eating disorders impacted her life. In detailing the trials and tribulations she faced during her journey from illness to health, she forges an alliance with readers who suffer from eating disorders, offering them hope and helping them to become more amenable to seeking treatment.”
—David B. Herzog, MD
Endowed Professor of Psychiatry in the Field of Eating Disorders, Harvard Medical School
Director, Harris Center for Education and Advocacy in Eating Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital
“Johanna’s warm, conversational tone invites the reader to join her as she openly shares her inner world, and the struggle and triumph of her recovery process. Compassionate, humane and wise, her inspirational story should not be missed. Life Beyond is a must-read for anyone, anywhere, along the journey of recovery from an eating disorder!”
—Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, MD, FAED, CEDS
Executive Director, Oliver-Pyatt Centers
“Finally a refreshing new voice speaks out about full recovery from eating disorders! I am proud to be on the same team as Johanna Kandel. If your life has been touched by an eating disorder in any way, you must read Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder.”
—Jenni Schaefer
Author, Life Without Ed and Goodbye Ed, Hello Me
“Johanna Kandel provides eating disorder sufferers the inspiration to believe in a future beyond recovery. Her exquisite use of metaphors, such as learning to use ‘all the crayons,’ ‘opening the middle drawer’ and the importance of ‘floaties,’ are so vivid that readers instantly understand what actions to take to move them into new spaces. She has indeed choreographed a dance of hope for all who read her book.”
—Susan Kleinman, MA, BC-DMT, NCC
Dance/Movement Therapist, The Renfrew Center of Florida
Past President, American Dance Therapy Association
“Whether you are struggling, in recovery, recovered or helping a family member or friend through this difficult time, this is an amazing resource for you. Johanna’s story gives each of us hope that not only can we recover from these illnesses, but each of us can help someone who may be struggling to find their way back to health and happiness.”
—Allison Kreiger Walsh
President and Founder, Helping Other People Eat (HOPE Inc.)
“Johanna has taken a brave step forward to reveal her journey through an eating disorder and recovery. Not only will her story shed light on this devastating disease, but her tireless work to make sure all people are aware of the effects of disordered eating is truly commendable. Being a recovered bulimic I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel and I salute Johanna for her tenacity to keep the switch on.”
—Kathy Kaehler
Trainer
Author,
Teenage Fitness
Ambassador, the Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness
“This book is an excellent navigational tool for the journey toward recovery from eating disorders. With fierce enthusiasm, numerous insights and boundless encouragement, Johanna carries the recovery torch high, illuminating pathways so others can find a life beyond their eating disorder.”
—Anita Johnston, PhD
Author, Eating in the Light of the Moon
Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder
Reclaim Yourself Regain your Health Recover for Good
Johanna S. Kandel
Founder and Executive Director, The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness
Foreword by Adrienne Ressler, MA, LMSW, National Training Director, The Renfrew Center Foundation
For all the amazing women in Monday Night Support Group.
You are my biggest inspirations.
Quand on veut, on peut. (When you want it, you can do it.)
—ROSALIE BELILTY, MY GRANDMOTHER
(MY HEALTHY VOICE)
Contents
Foreword by Adrienne Ressler, MA, LMSW
Preface: My Mission
Chapter One: Food Fight
Profile in Recovery: Allison’s Story
Chapter Two: Give Up the Guilt and Reclaim Your Power
Genetics—At Least Part of the Answer
Make That Information Work for You
Chapter Three: Learn to Use All the Crayons in Your Box
How Many Crayons Are in Your Box?
Getting Comfortable Takes Practice
Put In Your Application for Recovery
Sinkies and Floaties—What Pulls You Down and What Gets You Through?
Don’t Fall for the Bait and Switch
Chapter Four: Kicking Off the Other Shoe
Profile in Recovery: Jasmine’s Story
Chapter Five: From Recovering to Recovered—It’s a Process
How Long Can You Be Recovering?
Each Moment Is a New Opportunity
Why Does It Have to Be So Hard?