An Eating Disorder Therapist’s Favorite Recovery Books
March 14, 2025 | By Carissa Hannum
This is a repost of our blog originally posted in 2024.
Understanding Eating Disorders Through Books
When a client is newly diagnosed with an eating disorder—whether anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), or a combination of these symptoms—understanding their experience can be overwhelming. In addition to attending therapy, many clients find reading helpful for gaining insight into their eating disorder and understanding its purpose in their lives.
Below are some of my favorite books that I have recommended over the years. These books are excellent for individuals beginning their eating disorder recovery journey and looking to increase their knowledge about symptoms, treatment options, complications, and the recovery process. Each book offers a unique perspective, making them accessible to different individuals. If you’re unsure whether these books are appropriate for you at this stage of your treatment, consult your therapist or another treating professional.
Intuitive Eating and The Intuitive Eating Workbook: Ten Principles for Nourishing a Healthy Relationship with Food By Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch
Source- Amazon.com,
Written in both book and workbook formats, Intuitive Eating helps readers understand nutritional expectations during eating disorder recovery. The authors emphasize an anti-diet, non-diet approach to treating eating disorders. One of the major environmental factors contributing to eating disorders—including anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa—is the pervasive nature of diet culture. Our society is inundated with fad diets, ideal body types, and restrictive ideas of what is considered "healthy" and "unhealthy."
These books help clients examine their relationship with food, diet culture, and weight stigma. The goal of intuitive eating is to unlearn restrictive beliefs and adopt an "all foods fit" mentality while healing from an eating disorder. Readers learn to approach their bodies with kindness, explore how food can provide satisfaction instead of control, and develop a joyful relationship with movement and exercise.
Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders by Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani
Source- Amazon.com
The symptoms of eating disorders—including anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa, and other disordered eating patterns—can be complex. While they may appear to be solely about food, therapy often reveals that they are linked to emotional regulation, self-esteem, trauma, and other psychological needs. Because these illnesses serve deep emotional purposes, they can be difficult for clients to let go of. Additionally, many individuals struggle with feeling "sick enough" to justify treatment.
Dr. Gaudiani’s book outlines the medical complications of eating disorders in a way that is accessible to clients, families, and supporters. She discusses both measurable and immeasurable complications, emphasizing that all eating disorder symptoms deserve attention, regardless of body size, gender, or background. This book is particularly valuable for families and medical professionals who may not be well-versed in eating disorder treatment and management. Sick Enough takes a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach, advocating for comprehensive medical care for all individuals experiencing eating disorder symptoms.
Eating in the Light of the Moon by Anita Johnston, PhD
As a clinician, I love Eating in the Light of the Moon because of its use of metaphor and storytelling to inspire recovery. This book is particularly helpful for women struggling with disordered eating, especially those who have learned to suppress their needs due to childhood experiences, such as being parentified by authority figures.
Dr. Johnston explains that eating disorders are not just about food but about fulfilling unmet emotional and psychological needs. She helps readers recognize how their eating disorder may be a response to a lack of nourishment in other areas of life—such as safety, emotional support, or self-expression. Through engaging narratives, she provides valuable skills for recovery, including assertiveness, body trust, and emotional regulation.
Source- Amazon.com
Source- Amazon.com
For those who enjoy memoirs, Life Without Ed offers a relatable perspective on eating disorder recovery. Jenni Schaefer shares her journey of overcoming an eating disorder by conceptualizing it as an abusive relationship—an approach that resonates with many individuals. This book focuses on developing a personal identity outside of the eating disorder and fostering meaningful connections.
Schaefer also explores key themes such as perfectionism, trauma, body image distortions, and the impact of eating disorders on daily life. Her candid storytelling and motivational insights provide hope and encouragement to those seeking recovery.
As she states: “Recovery can be a reality. When I thought I was getting worse, on the inside, I was healing. Never quit.”
Jenni has also authored Goodbye Ed, Hello Me and co-authored Almost Anorexic, both of which further explore eating disorder recovery.
Source- Amazon.com
Carolyn Costin has written extensively about eating disorders, and The Eating Disorders Sourcebook is a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of these illnesses. This book provides an overview of the causes of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other eating disorders. Costin dispels common myths, explores the adaptive functions of eating disorders, and provides guidelines for families and support systems.
The book also breaks down treatment options, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, including:
Medical assessment
Nutritional therapy
Individual and family therapy
Group therapy
Psychiatric intervention
Higher levels of care when needed
For those looking for hands-on guidance, Costin has also written 8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder, available in both book and workbook formats
Loving Someone with an Eating Disorder: Understanding, Supporting, and Connecting with Your Partner by Dr. Dana Harron
Source- Amazon.com
One of my favorite books to recommend to loved ones of those experiencing eating disorders is Loving Someone with an Eating Disorder, written by Monarch Wellness & Psychotherapy’s founder, Dr. Dana Harron. This book helps romantic partners understand eating disorders, navigate misconceptions, and develop deeper intimacy and trust within their relationship.
Dr. Harron offers practical guidance on managing eating disorder-specific challenges, such as meal planning, intimacy, and parenting, while emphasizing the importance of self-care and boundaries for partners. This is an essential read for those seeking to support a loved one while maintaining their own mental well-being.
More Eating Disorder Resources
Eating disorder recovery is a journey, and having the right resources can make a significant difference. Whether you’re looking for personal guidance, medical insights, or support for a loved one, these books offer valuable knowledge and inspiration. If you need additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist or medical professional specializing in eating disorders.
For more of my book recommendations, check out my blog post, Essential Books for Parents & Caregivers of Teens with Eating Disorders, Three Books I’m Enjoying as a Friendship Heights/DC Trauma Therapist, and Therapist-Recommended Books & Body Positivity Influencers for Body Image and Self-Worth (coming in April).
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