Can you be a nutritionist while recovering from an eating disorder?

Or should I ask a different question. Is it true that you cannot help others until you help yourself? And is it even the same?

Managing your own health, body AND mind has to be a lifelong process. It’s a never-ending story, a journey. And each journey has its challenges.  

Everybody faces challenges. Even nutritionists.

A lot of people (myself included) got into nutrition BECAUSE OF the disordered eating. And there is nothing wrong with that.

It allows us to use our own unique experience to  provide empathy people need. It is rare to find professionals who are truly passionate about their job. This relation to the issue is what makes us honest and our contribution extraordinary. 

You can’t learn everything just by watching others. Without being in your clients shoes it might be difficult to get a full picture. That is why psychotherapists need therapy themselves. 

It helps a lot to have that special experience as you can empathise with the people you’re working with. 

However, it’s important to be aware of your own issues. There’re will be certain topics that may trigger you. Simply put, you have to know how to manage it well enough to not get in the way of helping others. 

It’s natural to understand people with similar issues, people like us. So, if you feel like nutrition is something for you, and you are ready to overcome obstacles, go for it!