For many people, one of the greatest barriers to seeking treatment isn’t simply recognizing symptoms. It’s recognizing themselves in the conversation. When eating disorders are consistently portrayed as affecting only one type of person, others may question whether they belong in treatment or whether their struggles are “serious enough.” This July, as we celebrate BIPOC Mental Health Month, we want to help every person believe that recovery is possible for them and that treatment is designed with them in mind.
When Stereotypes Don’t Reflect All Experiences
Longstanding stereotypes of the “typical” eating disorder patient influence not only how someone sees themselves but also how others, including providers, see them. In the media, eating disorders are often portrayed in thin, affluent, White women. Even health messaging and advertisements can reinforce this narrow representation by featuring people who fit the same stereotype.
When individuals don’t see themselves reflected in common narratives about eating disorders, it can be harder to understand that their own experiences may be cause for concern. They may believe eating disorders don’t happen to people like them, minimize symptoms because they don’t seem severe enough, or assume that treatment is intended for someone else. As a result, individuals who fall outside the stereotypical image of an eating disorder patient often delay seeking professional support.
Research reinforces the consequences of these disparities. Although eating disorders affect individuals across all racial and ethnic groups, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals are less likely to receive diagnosis or treatment despite similar prevalence rates.1 These findings highlight an important reality: experiencing an eating disorder and accessing appropriate support are not always equally likely.
No matter someone’s age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic background, or body size, everyone deserves to have their concerns taken seriously. Individuals do not have to look a certain way or reach a specific level of severity before asking for help.
Making Space for Every Recovery Story
Once an individual enters treatment, feeling seen, heard, and respected as a whole person is essential to building trust. They should be able to share their experiences without fear of judgment or assumptions about who they are, what their eating disorder looks like, or what recovery should mean for them. Every healing journey is shaped by personal identity, relationships, and culture, but no individual can be reduced to a single part of their story.
At Alsana, this individualized approach is reflected in our Recovery Story clinical framework. Rather than fitting clients into a predetermined narrative, the framework recognizes each individual as the narrator and main character of their own story. It provides a shared language and consistent parameters that help clients, families, treatment teams, and outpatient providers understand where an individual is in their recovery journey and how to support them as they move forward.
For many clients, the eating disorder has competed for control of the narrative, influencing how they see themselves and what they believe is possible for their lives. Through each chapter of the Recovery Story, clients have opportunities to reconnect with their authentic voice, deepen their understanding of themselves, and build a life that feels more rooted, engaged, and whole-hearted.
Why Representation Matters Throughout Recovery
Recovery should never ask someone to leave parts of themselves behind. Treatment must make room for the experiences, relationships, and values that shape each individual’s life, including family traditions around food, cultural celebrations, faith and spirituality, community connections, language, and personal values. Individualized care means understanding how these factors may influence a person’s relationship with food, body image, identity, and healing rather than expecting everyone to recover in the same way.
Representation plays a critical role in creating that sense of belonging. It does not mean every patient needs a provider, peer, or recovery story that perfectly mirrors their own background or experiences. Instead, individuals should encounter enough diversity throughout treatment to recognize that recovery is possible for people with different bodies, identities, cultures, ages, abilities, and life experiences.
Research also underscores the importance of strong therapeutic relationships throughout eating disorder treatment. A systematic review examining therapeutic alliance in anorexia nervosa treatment found an association between the strength of the patient-provider relationship and treatment outcomes.2 Creating an environment where individuals feel respected, understood, and actively involved in their care can help enhance these relationships and create more opportunities for meaningful engagement in recovery.
That representation should extend beyond awareness campaigns or a single month on the calendar. It should be reflected in treatment materials and educational resources, the recovery stories that are shared, the voices and experiences represented in support groups, and the professionals who make up clinical and leadership teams. When individuals consistently see a narrow picture of who experiences eating disorders or what recovery looks like, some may continue to question whether they belong in treatment or whether healing is truly possible for them.
Inclusive, individualized care creates space for patients to bring more of themselves into the recovery process. When treatment environments foster a sense of belonging and reinforce that every individual is worthy of healing, providers can build stronger therapeutic relationships and develop treatment plans that reflect each person’s needs, goals, and lived experiences.
Ultimately, representation matters because people need to be able to imagine themselves in recovery. Expanding whose experiences are seen, heard, and valued can help more individuals recognize that there is no single way to heal and that recovery has room for them, too.
Recovery Is Stronger When Everyone Feels They Belong
We know this work is never finished. Creating more inclusive eating disorder care requires ongoing curiosity, self-reflection, and a willingness to grow. At Alsana, we are committed to continually learning from our patients, families, staff, and communities so we can strengthen our programs and better support the individuals we serve. By investing in a diverse team and fostering environments grounded in mutual respect and thoughtful engagement, we strive to create spaces where every person feels safe, valued, and empowered to heal.
Recovery becomes more accessible when people see themselves reflected in treatment, education, and conversations surrounding eating disorders. If you are struggling or supporting a loved one through their own challenges, know that eating disorder recovery is possible and that Soul Hearted, individualized support is available.
Visit our website to learn more about our programs or to schedule an assessment for yourself or a loved one.
References
- Marques, L., Alegría, M., Becker, A. E., Chen, C. N., Fang, A., Chosak, A., & Diniz, J. B. (2011). “Comparative Prevalence, Correlates of Impairment, and Service Utilization for Eating Disorders Across U.S. Ethnic Groups: Implications for Reducing Ethnic Disparities in Health Care Access for Eating Disorders.” International Journal of Eating Disorders, 44(5), 412–420.
- Werz J, Voderholzer U, Tuschen-Caffier B. Alliance matters: but how much? A systematic review on therapeutic alliance and outcome in patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Eat Weight Disord. 2022 May;27(4):1279-1295. doi: 10.1007/s40519-021-01281-7. Epub 2021 Aug 10. PMID: 34374966; PMCID: PMC9079014.
