If Recovery Feels Unsafe Right Now: A Guided Moment for Eating Disorder Recovery Fear

This brief guided episode is designed for moments when eating disorder recovery feels unsafe, overwhelming, or frightening. It is meant to be listened to when fear spikes, urges intensify, or doubt about recovery takes over.

Rather than offering education or advice, this guided moment focuses on nervous system support. Dr. Marianne gently names why fear can surge when eating disorder behaviors loosen and why this response does not mean recovery is failing. The episode centers the experience of being in the middle of recovery, when the body is adjusting to change and searching for safety.

Listeners are invited to pause, slow down, and orient to the present moment without needing to make decisions, take action, or push through discomfort. This guided listen affirms that fear during recovery often reflects protection, not weakness, and that safety can come alongside change.

This episode can be replayed as often as needed. It is especially supportive for people in eating disorder recovery who experience panic, urgency, or nervous system overwhelm when behaviors begin to shift.

Content Caution

This episode discusses eating disorder recovery and fear responses. No weights, numbers, or specific behaviors are described. This is a gentle, non-instructional guided listen.

How to Use This Episode

This guided moment is best used during periods of heightened anxiety, uncertainty, or fear related to eating disorder recovery. Listeners may choose to listen while seated, lying down, or moving gently. There is no requirement to follow instructions or reach a particular outcome.

Who This Episode Is For

This episode is for adults in eating disorder recovery who feel unsafe when change begins, people experiencing recovery anxiety or fear of letting go, and anyone who needs nervous system support rather than information. It may also be helpful for clinicians and providers to share with clients during acute moments of distress.

About Dr. Marianne Miller

Dr. Marianne Miller is a licensed marriage and family therapist, eating disorder specialist, and host of the Dr. Marianne-Land podcast. Her work centers neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed, and liberation-focused approaches to eating disorder recovery. Dr. Marianne also offers a self-paced course on ARFID and selective eating designed to prioritize safety, autonomy, and nervous system care. Learn more at drmariannemiller.com.