Receiving treatment for an eating disorder can be challenging and requires hard work and honesty during therapy sessions. At Koru Spring we understand this and incorporate a variety of activities that are fun and engaging, as well as beneficial to your health and wellbeing, into our program. While eating disorder treatment components such as psychotherapy, nutrition education, and medical care are essential parts of treatment, recreational activities are also key to successful recovery. At Koru Spring we believe in a holistic and individualized treatment program designed to give you the best chance at long-term recovery. 

Recreational activities can range from playing games or journaling as part of your gratitude group, to experiential activities like cooking classes or art projects. These activities can help individuals with eating disorders gain insight into their behaviors and feelings, practice coping skills, and learn to engage in activities that bring them joy. 

 At Koru Spring we offer our residents a wide range of activities in our eating disorder treatment plan, including:

Located in Jacksonville, Florida, the warm weather provides us with ample time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Koru Spring’s open campus sits on several acres of manicured grounds, with walking paths and views of the lake throughout. Taking center stage is the walking labyrinth, shaded by live oaks, beautiful old growth trees native to the area. This labyrinth is the perfect place to reflect inwardly and meditate as you follow the ebbs and flows of the labyrinth’s path. 

Gratitude is known to have many positive impacts on health and wellbeing. Those who regularly practice gratitude often report being happier overall as well. Our Gratitude Groups are designed to help residents live more mindfully and find joy and peace in their day-to-day activities. 

During these outings, residents will practice eating offsite at a nearby restaurant or having a snack on the go. This is a great way for residents to practice eating foods that they may not normally eat as well as eating in social settings, all with the support of their therapist. 

These activities also encourage spontaneity around food and meal planning. 

Cooking experientials are an effective and important component of eating disorder treatment. These activities allow residents to practice making healthy food choices, learn how to prepare nutritious meals, practice mindful eating, and strengthen their relationship with food. 

“At Koru Spring, as residents progress in recovery, they will have the opportunity to participate in cooking experientials. Residents will enjoy offsite cooking classes with peers and staff, as well as a trained chef and a customized menu.” – says Masha Sardari MS, RD, LDN, Clinical Dietitian at Koru Spring. 

Residents will also learn about meal planning, plating balanced meals, and cooking-related skills. In these sessions, a chef will demonstrate food preparation techniques and residents will help prepare the meal by chopping, grating, mixing, sautéing, or baking parts of the dish. In the final stage of the cooking experience, residents will plate their own meal based on a demonstration by the chef and enjoy their chosen meal.  

A day in treatment can be very busy and full of activities. Knowing this, we have scheduled plenty of down-time in the evenings so that residents can use their phones, watch TV or movies, or play games or puzzles in the lounge. Residents can also catch up on reading or homework. Spa, hair, nail and massage treatments are also available for an additional fee.  

Recreational therapies, also known as experiential therapies, are a form of therapy that involves activities and interventions outside of the traditional “talk therapy” approach. Examples of recreational therapies include equine therapy, music therapy, and art therapy. These activities can help people with eating disorders gain insight into their own experiences, develop healthy coping skills, and build self-esteem. In addition to helping individuals build a community of peers, recreational therapies also provide individuals with a sense of purpose, mastery of new skills, and autonomy. Recreational therapies can provide an alternative way to express emotions. This is especially helpful for those that find talking about them can be difficult or intimidating. In this way, recreational therapies can help individuals better understand their emotions and behaviors, providing an outlet for healing. 

At Koru Spring we offer our residents a wide range of recreational activities in our eating disorder treatment plan, including:

Our equine-assisted therapy sessions are facilitated by EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) certified professionals for a safe and transformative experience. Because horses are known to respond to the emotions of those around them, equine therapy allows residents the opportunity to reflect on their emotions while working with the horses. Medical clearance is required before residents can participate in equine therapy. 

Music therapy can be used to address underlying feelings and help individuals process difficult emotions. Music therapy allows residents to express themselves through music. Our therapists guide residents through the process and help them understand how various types of music and songs impact them. This therapy allows you to become more comfortable with your feelings through lyrics, tempo, and rhythm.

In art therapy, residents create art that reflects their feelings and experiences related to their eating disorder. Some people find that expressing themselves is easier on canvas or paper than through verbal communication. Residents can use art therapy to explore their thoughts and find methods of preventing relapse. 

Restorative yoga is a great way to give your body what it needs to feel good, be strong and heal from an eating disorder. It is a form of movement that can be tailored to your needs and goals. Restorative yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation or relaxation to create inner peace, strength and balance in the body. During restorative yoga, you will learn to focus on your breath and to move deeper into each posture. Medical clearance is required for this activity.