A woman seeking therapy for disordered eating discovered her struggles were a symptom of coercive control by her ex-partner, leading to a profound journey of healing and self-discovery.
The article recounts the therapeutic journey of Ali, who initially sought help for disordered eating, including restrictive eating and excessive exercise. Through cognitive behavioural therapy, her therapist uncovered that Ali's food-related issues and self-perception were deeply intertwined with her relationship with her ex-partner. He was a 'gym junkie' who meticulously controlled her diet, encouraged specific body ideals, and gradually extended his control to her social life, finances, appearance, and even coerced her sexually. This pattern was identified as coercive control, a realization that significantly stabilized Ali's eating, revealing her eating disorder as a symptom of the trauma she endured. Therapy then focused on educating Ali about coercive control, using CBT models to help her understand how her ex's manipulation bypassed her instincts and distorted her self-beliefs. The process also involved adapting techniques from cognitive processing therapy for PTSD to address her 'stuck points' and build a framework for healthy relationships. Additionally, her anxiety, which predated the relationship but worsened significantly, was addressed with cognitive behavioural approaches, including challenging negative beliefs and conducting behavioural experiments. Ali's recovery, though non-linear, empowered her to stop self-blame, gain body confidence, and prioritize her own well-being over external validation.
