“From tears at the table to trusting the process — a former client opens up about her courageous journey through recovery at Imani“.

Though summer, the sky is grey and moody. But grey days don’t depress me anymore. I’m journaling at my favourite restaurant, waiting for the latte and toastie I ordered. I never imagined I would be able to say “favourite restaurant, latte, and toastie” in the same sentence — let alone be genuinely looking forward to it. These were once impossibilities. Now, as I sit here, I’m suddenly overwhelmed with gratitude. The dreams I once held onto have become my reality. And with newfound hope, perhaps they will one day become memories of a life fully lived.

My mind wanders back to the beginning of my recovery journey. I remember the day my therapist suggested I go to Imani Treatment Centre in Cape Town, South Africa. I was terrified. I’d been to several treatment facilities before, each one leaving me feeling more broken and hopeless. My eating disorder felt insurmountable. I was emotionally drained, physically depleted, and my family had reached their limit. The idea of flying across the world to another facility was daunting — but I had run out of options. On that flight to Cape Town, my body ached, my mind screamed, and the thought of death honestly felt easier than the idea of more treatment.

And yet, at the airport, I was met with a gentle embrace. A Recovery Assistant from Imani welcomed me with warmth and quiet reassurance. Her kindness brought me to tears. I was still frightened — but for the first time in a long time, I felt a flicker of hope.

From the moment I arrived at Imani, I felt seen. The staff were more than just professionals — they truly understood. With their knowledge, compassion, and consistency, I began to feel safe. The tranquil surroundings of Cape Town — the mountains, the sea, the stillness — created a backdrop that mirrored what I was starting to find within.

Those first few days were overwhelming. The structure of the program was a radical shift from the world I had lived in, where I tightly controlled every meal and routine. Imani’s integrated approach combined individual counselling, group therapy, nutritional guidance, and creative expression. In my first therapy session, to my surprise, I found myself speaking honestly — a rare thing. The team gently encouraged me to explore the deeper roots of my eating disorder, and for the first time, I was willing to look.

Mealtimes were some of the hardest moments. Every bite brought up anxiety and tears. I cried all the way through my first meal — but I wasn’t alone. Others at the table understood, and that sense of connection began to crack open my fear.

I was also introduced to the 12 Step Program — a worldwide framework supporting recovery from addiction and compulsion. At first, I didn’t see how it applied to an eating disorder, but I soon discovered it to be a vital part of my healing and my new way of living.

Imani’s unique 4 Phase System also became central to my recovery.
In Phase 1, decisions were made for me, so I could focus entirely on stabilising physically and emotionally. My meals were carefully planned by professional dieticians, and I was held in a space where rest and reconnection could begin.

To move to Phase 2, I needed a sponsor — someone who had walked this path before. I still speak to her weekly. She became and remains a pillar in my recovery. When my counsellor announced to the community that I was moving to Phase 2, it was the first time in years I felt a sense of achievement. This phase brought with it more responsibility and choice. Slowly, I was reclaiming my autonomy.

Phase 3 took longer. There were still tough days, but I now had a glimpse of what life could be like without my eating disorder. And I wanted that life. I was motivated and determined.

In Phase 4, I practiced living in the real world again — taking supervised outings, making food-related decisions with more freedom, all while knowing there was a safety net to return to.

Over time, trust in the process grew. I began participating more actively in group sessions, opening up, listening, connecting. I heard parts of myself in other people’s stories. My view of food shifted — it became less about fear and more about nourishment, even joy.

When my time at Imani came to a close, I left with a healthier body, a clearer mind, and a stronger spirit. Recovery isn’t a fixed destination — it’s an ongoing path — but Imani gave me the foundation to walk it with confidence.

Today, I cherish my relationship with food and my body. I know life will still throw curveballs, but I’m no longer afraid. I’ve learned to ask for help. My self-worth is rebuilding slowly, stitch by stitch, like a blanket knit with love and care. My time at Imani wasn’t just about getting better — it was about coming home to myself.

My toastie arrives. The cheese smells incredible. I take a sip of my latte and feel the sun kiss my cheeks.
“I can do this,” I say to myself.
And in the back of my mind, I hear the voices of my Imani sisters, of the fellowship, of the women who walked beside me:
“Yes, you can.”

My phone rings. It’s my sponsee — she’s struggling. I answer, hold her close in my heart, and remember the healing embrace of those who held me.
We walk this road together now. For the first time in my life, I don’t feel alone.

“Your story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible. Thank you for your strength and generosity in sharing it.”