BY THEIR SIDE:
A RESOURCE FOR CARETAKERS AND LOVED ONES FACING AN EATING DISORDER

When someone you love is in the throes of an eating disorder, it can be difficult to believe recovery is possible. By Their Side was written to bring help and hope to those fighting alongside a loved one in the struggle against this heartbreaking illness. Providing first-hand testimony, scientific expertise, resources, and actionable guidance, the book serves as a lifeline for both the individual coping with the disease and those struggling to give them the right support.

By Their Side was created by cultivating the diverse stories of families, friends, doctors, therapists, caregivers, and recovered eating disorder advocates who chose to offer their deeply personal experiences with one powerful voice. Publishing as the Lara Lyn Bell collective, the team behind the book speaks together to emphasize the insidious, cross-cultural impact of this life-or-death issue. As a result of their united anonymity, By Their Side is the reader’s story mirrored as they connect with the shared challenges, successes, and perspectives on their journey to healing.

WORKING BY THEIR SIDE:
A GUIDED JOURNAL FOR CARETAKERS OF LOVED ONES FACING AN EATING DISORDER

Designed to help readers fully understand and utilize the guidance offered in By Their Side, the companion workbook is a hands-on tool for recovery. The Lara Lyn Bell team knows that journaling can be an intensely healing experience, and they crafted Working By Their Side in concert with the book, creating sections for reflection that correlate with each chapter and providing space for observations and questions. Working By Their Side fosters meaningful discovery through prompts that encourage openness and honesty, and the workbook’s educational components prepare readers to fully engage in treatment, giving them a healthy head start in therapy that can put them years ahead in the process.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK & WORKBOOK

"By Their Side is a moving and much-needed book, because it speaks directly to the caregivers, friends, and families of those battling an eating disorder. Having a support network that understands the core issues and complexities plays a significant - yet often overlooked – role in lasting recovery, and Lara Lyn Bell’s strong voice offers guidance and solidarity throughout the journey."
— KIRSTEN HAGLUND | Global Business Development & Digital Director for Eating Disorder Hope; Miss America 2008; Political Analyst/Host for Fox, MSNBC, and CNN; Community Relations Specialist for Timberline Knolls

"Sharing their stories in one powerful voice as Lara Lyn Bell, the contributors to By Their Side stand united as an ally for anyone battling an eating disorder. By speaking together, these recovered advocates, families, friends, and professionals turned their most humbling challenges into a source of healing, and they are a poignant reminder that together is always stronger than alone."
– BRIAN CUBAN | Best-Selling Author, Attorney, Eating Disorder Recovery Advocate

"A great read for caregivers of loved ones with an eating disorder. Families and parents supporting their children with eating disorders are some of the strongest people that I know. Parents and families can be incredible allies to their children in recovery."
– JENNIFER ROLLIN, MSW, LCSW-C | Eating Disorder Therapist; Founder of The Eating Disorder Center; Chairwoman of Project Heal’s National Network of Eating Disorder Treatment Providers

"Having worked with many of the courageous contributors to this book, there is no doubt their collective knowledge will be an invaluable education for caregivers as they work to help their loved one heal. Enabling caregivers with the necessary coping skills, self-awareness tools, and self-care resources is critical, and the combination of the book and workbook empowers them to be fully engaged in the recovery process."
– MELODY MOORE, Ph.D, E-RYT | Licensed Clinical Psychologist; Founder of Embody Love Movement Foundation; Author and Speaker

"The incredibly honest stories in By Their Side offer more than perspective; they offer a roadmap to equip readers to better support loved ones recovering from eating disorders. Having devoted my career to helping others rebuild a healthy body image and a healthy relationship with food that is built on inner trust, I believe the diverse, yet universally familiar, experiences shared in this book are a vital resource for those fighting the shame, secrecy, and stigma that is often at the heart of their struggle."
– ELYSE RESCH, MS, RDN, CEDRD-S, Fiaedp, FADA, FAND | Originator and Coauthor of Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works, third edition; Author of The Intuitive Eating Workbook for Teens

"Eating Disorder Hope is a huge fan of By Their Side. This is an essential companion for caregivers supporting loved ones dealing with eating disorders. Our precious, and often overwhelmed, caregivers will find many useful tips, resources, and comfort in this wonderful book and workbook."
– JACQUELYN EKERN, MS, LPC | President of Eating Disorder Hope & Addiction Hope