Healthy Living
According to the National Alliance for Eating Disorders and the National Eating Disorders Association, 30 million people in the United States struggle with eating disorders. Sarabeth Bozeman, MA, ALC with Still Waters Counseling and Education Center explains that “eating disorders are different than just unhealthy eating habits in that they are characterized by a persistent disturbance of eating or eating-related behavior that results in the altered consumption or absorption of food and that significantly impairs physical health or psychosocial functioning.” Bozeman is passionate about helping clients find hope and healing from eating disorders since she struggled with an eating disorder beginning at the age of 14. 
Treating Eating Disorders. “Eating disorder treatment options will vary based on your geographic location, insurance coverage, the type of eating disorder, the level of care needed, and many other factors,” Bozeman shares adding that she believes the best psychological treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy “which involves self-monitoring of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to the eating disorder.” Where does faith come in? “I’ve found that implementing Biblical truths and wisdom often provides deeper restoration by offering perspective and truth to those experiencing preoccupations with food, dissatisfaction with one’s body shape or weight, disordered thinking, distorted body image, or those paralyzed with an obsessive fear of weight gain,” Bozeman says. If the client struggling with an eating disorder indicates interest in incorporating faith in their counseling, Bozeman often shares her favorite Bible verses for this topic including Matthew 6:5, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, and 1 Timothy 4:4-5.
Power of Therapy. “I was inspired to pursue a career in counseling through the journey of recognizing my spiritual gift as well as God placing the desire in my heart, which I wholly believe is to be a listening ear and gentle spirit to those seeking support in a time of need or on their own journey of self-discovery and growth,” Bozeman says. As a mental health counselor, she works with individuals ages 10 and up. She has experience treating clients with relationship issues, suicidal ideations, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, stress, and more. Bozeman’s faith impacts how she interacts with her clients. “When providing Christian counseling, Biblical truth is integrated with other evidence-based modalities, and prayer is used as an intervention,” Bozeman explains. To anyone considering seeking counseling for an eating disorder or other struggles, she encourages them to know that “healing is open and available to you whenever you are ready.” To learn more about Still Waters Counseling and Education Center, visit www.mystillwaters.org, email [email protected], or call 205-825-1423. Click here to read more about eating disorders, trading shame for joy, and the Creator’s perspective.
-Melissa Armstrong
Watch the video below to learn more about identifying eating disorders, the treatments available, and more.
