Coming Back To Myself: A Compassionate Guide To Understanding and Healing From an Eating Disorder

If you’re searching for an eating disorder recovery book that truly understands what you’re going through, you’re not alone, and healing is possible. You deserve a life not at war with what’s on your plate or what your body looks like. You deserve the freedom to simply live.

Coming Back to Myself is a compassionate, clinically informed guide for individuals navigating eating disorder recovery, as well as for loved ones and professionals seeking deeper understanding.

Written by a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and recovered clinician, this book blends evidence-based education with lived experience in a way that is both grounding and deeply human.

Rather than offering a quick fix, this book explores what it actually feels like to live inside the mind of an eating disorder, shedding light on mechanisms like fear, identity, control, and hope, while gently guiding you toward a life where food and body image no longer define your worth.

Designed to be both read and revisited, this book serves as an educational resource and a relatable companion that can support you alongside therapy, treatment, or personal reflection.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Honest reflections that mirror eating disorder inner dialogue
• Eating disorder–specific education explained with clarity and compassion
• Insight for loved ones and professionals supporting recovery
• Simple, intentional exercises to help you take the next step, without pressure to have everything figured out

Recovery doesn’t require perfection. It requires presence, support, and the willingness to keep choosing yourself... one step at a time.

You deserve a life that feels bigger than your eating disorder.
You deserve to find your freedom.
You deserve to come back to yourself.

This book is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment. Readers are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified health professionals regarding eating disorders and mental health concerns.

Maria Ortiz is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Keiser University. She is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, having undergone additional training, education, supervision, experience, and examination requirements to earn this designation. She primarily works with individuals with eating disorders and body image concerns, but also has experience working with presenting problems including addictions, OCD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and sport-related concerns. Maria uses an integrative approach to therapy, and derives her work from a Health At Every Size perspective. Maria's authentic and genuine approach to counseling helps her clients to feel as though they can be their truest selves as well. She is caring, invested, and passionate about her work, which provides a unique space of safety and encouragement. Maria is published in the Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy Bulletin, and is a leading voice in the eating disorders community. She can often be found providing lectures, educational trainings, and keynote speaking engagements to neighboring community members, as well as across the country. Maria also has experience working in rehabilitation for a dual diagnosis inpatient/residential facility, giving her experience in a variety of therapeutic settings.