Client Quote # 86: separation of value

When people are further along in their recovery, I notice there is usually a more distinct shift in how they perceive ED triggers. It is understandably difficult when our loved ones make provoking comments, and coaching caregivers on how to support their loved one with ED is part of my job. However, I noticed clients themselves also hold a lot of power in shifting how triggers affect them 👐🏼

The more they work on recovery, the more they’re able to separate their values from others. The more they’re able to see through people’s projections rather than confuse someone else’s inner struggles as their own. This client was able to make the distinction that when her mom makes a comment, it has more to do with her mother’s own conditioning of women’s worth than her own. The process included a lot of valid anger and grief, but as time went on, compassion for her mom started to seep through 👩🏻‍❤️‍👩🏻

As long as she can validate herself, that was what mattered.