Which of the following is a key focus for COTAs treating clients with eating disorders?

A key focus for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) treating clients with eating disorders involves identifying and enhancing a positive self-identity beyond the disorder. When individuals struggle with eating disorders, their sense of self can become heavily intertwined with their eating habits and body image. By helping clients develop a more robust and positive identity that is not solely based on their eating behaviors or physical appearance, COTAs support the client's overall mental well-being.

This approach emphasizes the importance of holistic treatment, which includes understanding that self-worth and identity encompass various facets of life, such as interests, values, and relationships, rather than just their relationship with food and body image. Encouraging clients to explore and strengthen aspects of themselves that are unrelated to their disorder can foster resilience and promote recovery.

Establishing a support network, meal planning, and monitoring physical health are certainly important aspects of treatment. However, these interventions primarily focus on immediate health and well-being or external factors rather than fostering a deep-seated change in self-perception and identity, which is crucial for long-term recovery from eating disorders.