STEP® Program: Supplemental Treatment Based in Experiential and Exposure Programming

Bridging the Gap in Eating Disorder Recovery with Hands-On, Real-World Support

Navigating the journey of eating disorder recovery is rarely a straight path. For many, the transition from higher levels of care (like inpatient or residential treatment) back to daily life can feel daunting. Others may find traditional outpatient therapy isn’t quite enough to address the deeply ingrained patterns of their eating disorder, leaving them feeling stuck. At Van Dusen Nutrition, located in Needham, Massachusetts, we recognized this critical need and developed a truly innovative solution: the STEP® Program – Supplemental Treatment Based in Experiential and Exposure Programming.

What is the STEP Program? More Than Just an IOP

You might be familiar with the term “Intensive Outpatient Program” (IOP), which provides structured support without requiring an overnight stay. While the STEP Program offers the robust structure of an IOP, it goes a significant step further. STEP stands for Supplemental Treatment Based in Experiential and Exposure Programming, and these two core pillars are what make it uniquely effective for lasting recovery.

Unlike traditional programs that might primarily focus on talk therapy within a clinic setting, STEP embraces a hands-on, real-world approach. We believe that true, sustainable recovery happens when individuals can practice and apply their newly learned skills in the very environments where their eating disorder challenges arise.

The Power of Experiential and Exposure Programming

Imagine addressing your food fears not just by talking about them, but by doing. In the STEP Program, our experiential and exposure-based activities are carefully designed to help you confront challenges in a supportive, guided environment. This could include:

  • Supported meal outings to restaurants: Practicing ordering, mindful eating, and navigating social food situations.
  • Grocery shopping challenges: Building confidence in selecting foods and managing food anxiety in a real-world setting.
  • Cooking and meal preparation groups: Developing practical skills and comfort around food.
  • Mindful movement and body image exploration: Engaging in activities that foster a healthier relationship with your body beyond physical appearance.
  • Navigating social events: Learning to cope with triggers and maintain recovery-focused behaviors in real-life scenarios.

These aren’t just “field trips” – they are carefully constructed therapeutic interventions. By gradually exposing you to feared situations and providing immediate support and processing, the STEP Program helps you:

  • Reduce anxiety and fear around food, body, and social situations.
  • Build concrete coping skills that are directly applicable to your daily life.
  • Increase self-efficacy and confidence in your ability to maintain recovery.
  • Prevent relapse by bridging the gap between structured treatment and independent living.

Who Can Benefit from the STEP Program?

The STEP Program is ideal for individuals who:

  • Are transitioning from higher levels of care (inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization).
  • Require more support than traditional weekly outpatient sessions can offer.
  • Struggle with persistent food fears, body image distress, or eating disorder behaviors in real-world settings.
  • Are seeking a skills-based, practical approach to recovery.
  • Are committed to making significant, lasting changes in their relationship with food and body.

At Van Dusen Nutrition in Needham, MA, our dedicated team of eating disorder specialists understands the complexities of this journey. We offer the STEP Program at various intensity levels (STEP, STEP-IOP, STEP-IOP+) to meet diverse needs, ensuring each individual receives personalized care within a compassionate and empowering group setting.

Take the Next STEP Towards Lasting Recovery

If you or a loved one are seeking an intensive outpatient program for eating disorders that offers more than traditional talk therapy – a program that equips you with real-world skills for a life free from your eating disorder – we invite you to learn more about our unique STEP Program.

It’s time to bridge the gap and experience recovery that truly sticks.

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