Peer Support and Beyond: The Role of Lived Experience in a New Era of Eating Disorder Treatment

When valued and recognized for the insights gained through direct lived experience, people in eating disorder recovery and their caregivers can improve treatment outcomes. From direct care delivery—in the form of peer support—to roles in leadership, program development, and research, individuals with lived experience can positively impact patient well-being, treatment outcomes, and the field as a whole. Peer supporters can inspire hope, build connections, share diverse experiences, and disseminate clinical insight and skills through a lived experience lens. These tools and the value of expertise by experience can lead to further clinical innovation when integrated into program development, research, and leadership roles in the eating disorder field. As rates of eating disorders continue to rise, it is more important than ever to integrate the voices of lived experience to enhance and strengthen existing treatment—and help create new approaches that could transform the healing process for countless individuals.