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Opening the Door: My Journey Through Anorexia to Full Recovery
Meredith is not good enough. She is always searching for something outside of herself to make her whole. She escapes into her obsession with body, weight, and shape. Her mind constantly races. Is her stomach flat enough? Everyone is looking at her, judging. She cannot eat for the rest of the day. Inside, she is empty. Meredith has suffered from anorexia since the age of thirteen, and at the age of thirty-five, she entered a partial hospitalization program. Now fully recovered, Meredith shares her honest, complicated, and at times heart-wrenching recovery journey to give hope to those who are suffering. If you have that little glimmer of hope underneath all the pain of your eating disorder, this book is for you. "Anorexia brings me down, controls me, suffocates me, consumes me. It zaps away any small piece of joy, or happiness or sense of worth. I have these rare occasions where I think There must be more. I want more. I deserve more. I have a brief surge of energy to conquer this disease and think that my whole life is going to change for the better and then seconds later I feel fat and disgusting and the anxiety within me is nearly impossible to tolerate. The disease wins . . ." but Meredith continues to fight and reaches full recovery. A brand-new chapter of her life begins.
342 pages, Paperback
Published July 26, 2022
8 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Meredith O'Brien
2 books3 followersMeredith O’Brien, LCSW is a licensed social worker, a certified intuitive eating counselor, a certified Carolyn Costin Institute eating disorder coach, and an author. With advanced training in dialectical behavior therapy, Meredith specializes in mental health services, more specifically the areas of depression, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, chronic suicidal ideation, self-harm, family conflict, emotional dysregulation, and life transitions.
For more than a decade, Meredith continues to utilize Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Oriented Therapy, and Mindfulness-based treatments in her practice. Her debut memoir, “Opening the Door: My Personal Journey with Anorexia Recovery” is set to be published July of 2022 from Koehler Books. The memoir describes her gut-wrenching journey of recovery from anorexia nervosa from a young girl to entering treatment at the age of thirty-five. Now fully recovered, her passion is to write and to help people with eating disorder recovery.
Meredith received her New Jersey License of Clinical Social Work in 2009. In 2018 she became a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. In 2020 she became a Carolyn Costin Certified Eating Disorder Coach. She then received a Master of Allied Health Studies from College of Mount Saint Vincent in 2000 and a Master of Social Work from Fordham University in 2006.
Meredith has been featured in Authority Magazine, Beverly Hills Magazine, The Two River Times, Community Magazine, Mirror-Miorror.org and is currently a contributing blogger at RecoveryFromAnorexia.com.
Meredith is fully recovered from her personal journey living with anoxemia, and her then black-and-white life. She now lives in color. When she is not working with her patients, you’ll find Meredith enjoying some of her favorite desserts, each night, including ice cream with chocolate sprinkles and biscotti. In her free time, you can find her playing with her beloved golden doodle, Mavi, watching medical dramas, and reading entire books in one sitting. Her beacons of hope are her four nephews.
For more than a decade, Meredith continues to utilize Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Oriented Therapy, and Mindfulness-based treatments in her practice. Her debut memoir, “Opening the Door: My Personal Journey with Anorexia Recovery” is set to be published July of 2022 from Koehler Books. The memoir describes her gut-wrenching journey of recovery from anorexia nervosa from a young girl to entering treatment at the age of thirty-five. Now fully recovered, her passion is to write and to help people with eating disorder recovery.
Meredith received her New Jersey License of Clinical Social Work in 2009. In 2018 she became a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. In 2020 she became a Carolyn Costin Certified Eating Disorder Coach. She then received a Master of Allied Health Studies from College of Mount Saint Vincent in 2000 and a Master of Social Work from Fordham University in 2006.
Meredith has been featured in Authority Magazine, Beverly Hills Magazine, The Two River Times, Community Magazine, Mirror-Miorror.org and is currently a contributing blogger at RecoveryFromAnorexia.com.
Meredith is fully recovered from her personal journey living with anoxemia, and her then black-and-white life. She now lives in color. When she is not working with her patients, you’ll find Meredith enjoying some of her favorite desserts, each night, including ice cream with chocolate sprinkles and biscotti. In her free time, you can find her playing with her beloved golden doodle, Mavi, watching medical dramas, and reading entire books in one sitting. Her beacons of hope are her four nephews.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 23, 2022
It took me years—decades even—to amass enough courage to talk about my battle with anorexia. I was too ashamed to admit how out of control I was and how hard it had been on my family. There was never a time, however, that I wasn’t aware that—while we might recognise many similarities—everyone’s experience of the eating disorder is unique. That said, all cases of anorexia are critical. I was reminded of this as I read Meredith O’Brien’s book, Opening the Door: My Journey Through Anorexia to Full Recovery.
The book examines Meredith’s childhood, revealing early triggers around issues of self-esteem, obsession, disassociation and body dysmorphia. By the age of thirteen, her eating disorder has taken control of her life. Meredith’s illness is so severe that she enters a partial hospitalisation program in her thirties. Even when it seems she’s recovering, the disease gets the better of her—until it doesn’t.
Opening the Door is a raw, honest account of the debilitating and destructive effects of anorexia. It’s not easy to describe how terrifying it is to realise that you—someone who celebrates self-discipline and control—are out of control. Meredith spares no detail in describing the depths of despair and humiliation, and elevated levels of anxiety, depression and hopelessness that go with the disease. She also illustrates how self-obsessed and irrational anorexia can make one.
If you want to understand what it’s like to be anorexic or you’re looking for hope as someone with the disease, Opening the Door is a powerful account of one woman’s journey from anguish and desperation to recovery. It’s not an easy read but it is potent, frank and inspiring.
(I read an advance copy of this book.)
The book examines Meredith’s childhood, revealing early triggers around issues of self-esteem, obsession, disassociation and body dysmorphia. By the age of thirteen, her eating disorder has taken control of her life. Meredith’s illness is so severe that she enters a partial hospitalisation program in her thirties. Even when it seems she’s recovering, the disease gets the better of her—until it doesn’t.
Opening the Door is a raw, honest account of the debilitating and destructive effects of anorexia. It’s not easy to describe how terrifying it is to realise that you—someone who celebrates self-discipline and control—are out of control. Meredith spares no detail in describing the depths of despair and humiliation, and elevated levels of anxiety, depression and hopelessness that go with the disease. She also illustrates how self-obsessed and irrational anorexia can make one.
If you want to understand what it’s like to be anorexic or you’re looking for hope as someone with the disease, Opening the Door is a powerful account of one woman’s journey from anguish and desperation to recovery. It’s not an easy read but it is potent, frank and inspiring.
(I read an advance copy of this book.)
August 6, 2022
“Full recovery is possible”. These words, written by Meredith O’Brien are not only powerful and hopeful but represent the culmination of many years of intense work that led her to a place of peace and appreciation for all that life offers. This memoir is a compelling and engaging journey from despair to triumph over her
life-threatening and life-robbing eating disorder. Any reader who has personally suffered or who has watched a loved-one suffer through the agony of an eating disorder will find a destination to land on in this book, where they will feel seen, understood, and be comforted by the knowledge that full recovery can be a dream that comes true.
Elyse Resch, co-author of Intuitive Eating
life-threatening and life-robbing eating disorder. Any reader who has personally suffered or who has watched a loved-one suffer through the agony of an eating disorder will find a destination to land on in this book, where they will feel seen, understood, and be comforted by the knowledge that full recovery can be a dream that comes true.
Elyse Resch, co-author of Intuitive Eating
August 6, 2022
You never know what someone is going through. I’ve heard that statement a thousand times and it’s true. We usually don’t understand it either. When you care about someone with an eating disorder, both apply.
Thank God for this book.
“Opening the Door” is moving and powerful. I am certain that Meredith O’Brien’s story will help someone suffering from an eating disorder. It will also benefit anyone who cares for someone with one. It’s honest, courageous and does not pull any punches.
As I said, you never know what someone is going through. Well, O’Brien tells us exactly what she was going through. What she was thinking. What she was feeling. And how the people in her life reacted as well. We also see the tools and skills that helped on her road to recovery. The insight is invaluable.
Life changing.
This book is a beacon of hope and inspiration for all afflicted or affected by an eating disorder. Recovery is possible.
Thank God for this book.
“Opening the Door” is moving and powerful. I am certain that Meredith O’Brien’s story will help someone suffering from an eating disorder. It will also benefit anyone who cares for someone with one. It’s honest, courageous and does not pull any punches.
As I said, you never know what someone is going through. Well, O’Brien tells us exactly what she was going through. What she was thinking. What she was feeling. And how the people in her life reacted as well. We also see the tools and skills that helped on her road to recovery. The insight is invaluable.
Life changing.
This book is a beacon of hope and inspiration for all afflicted or affected by an eating disorder. Recovery is possible.
January 14, 2023
I wrote this book to serve as inspiration to those that are suffering and in recovery from an eating disorder. It explores my early childhood with an eating disorder diagnosis and how I finally went into a formal eating disorder treatment center at age 35. Now fully recovered and helping others in their journey as a licensed clinical social worker and Carolyn Costin eating disorder coach, I’m honored to share my journey in the hopes of helping others in their recovery from Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, orthorexia, compulsive exercise and/or disordered eating.
January 11, 2025
"Opening the Door" is not just a memoir—it’s a lifeline for anyone who has struggled with an eating disorder, felt misunderstood, or wondered if true recovery is possible. Meredith E. O'Brien’s story is a raw and honest account of her decades-long battle with anorexia, yet it is also so much more: a testament to resilience, hope, and the transformative power of choosing life.
From the first page, I found myself captivated by her courage to share the unfiltered truth. Her words don’t shy away from the harsh realities of living with an eating disorder—the isolation, the shame, the relentless grip it holds—but they also offer an unparalleled authenticity that makes you feel seen. As someone who has faced my own battles, I felt an immediate connection to Meredith’s experiences. Her reflections felt deeply personal, resonating with my own journey, and they inspired me to embrace healing with renewed hope. This book reminded me that recovery isn’t just possible—it’s worth fighting for, even when the road feels impossibly long.
Meredith’s ability to address the underlying trauma fueling her eating disorder resonated deeply with me. She sheds light on how trauma shapes our inner narratives and coping mechanisms, while showing that healing is possible through self-awareness, support, and persistence. Her courage to confront these hidden wounds inspires readers to explore their own paths to recovery, no matter how daunting it may seem.
What makes this book truly stand out is Meredith’s ability to balance vulnerability with empowerment. She doesn’t sugarcoat the journey—it’s messy, nonlinear, and filled with setbacks—but she also shows how each step forward, no matter how small, builds toward a life of freedom and joy. Her writing is clear yet heartfelt, painting vivid pictures of her struggles and triumphs that linger long after the last page.
One of the most moving aspects of the memoir is how Meredith’s recovery extends beyond herself. Her words inspire you to look inward, challenge the narratives we tell ourselves about worth and control, and embrace the possibility of change. I found myself revisiting passages, feeling both comforted and motivated to take the next step. Her story is not just about overcoming anorexia—it’s about rediscovering the vibrant, unfiltered life that awaits on the other side.
If you’ve ever doubted that full recovery is possible, let this book be your proof. "Opening the Door" is a must-read for anyone touched by an eating disorder, whether personally or through a loved one. It’s also a powerful resource for those looking to understand these struggles with compassion and clarity. Meredith’s journey is a strong reminder that no matter how long or dark the road, healing and freedom are within reach.
This book left a lasting mark on my heart, inspiring me to continue my journey with renewed hope. Whether you’re searching for understanding, encouragement, or simply a connection to someone who truly gets it, "Opening the Door" will resonate deeply and inspire you to believe in the possibility of recovery.
From the first page, I found myself captivated by her courage to share the unfiltered truth. Her words don’t shy away from the harsh realities of living with an eating disorder—the isolation, the shame, the relentless grip it holds—but they also offer an unparalleled authenticity that makes you feel seen. As someone who has faced my own battles, I felt an immediate connection to Meredith’s experiences. Her reflections felt deeply personal, resonating with my own journey, and they inspired me to embrace healing with renewed hope. This book reminded me that recovery isn’t just possible—it’s worth fighting for, even when the road feels impossibly long.
Meredith’s ability to address the underlying trauma fueling her eating disorder resonated deeply with me. She sheds light on how trauma shapes our inner narratives and coping mechanisms, while showing that healing is possible through self-awareness, support, and persistence. Her courage to confront these hidden wounds inspires readers to explore their own paths to recovery, no matter how daunting it may seem.
What makes this book truly stand out is Meredith’s ability to balance vulnerability with empowerment. She doesn’t sugarcoat the journey—it’s messy, nonlinear, and filled with setbacks—but she also shows how each step forward, no matter how small, builds toward a life of freedom and joy. Her writing is clear yet heartfelt, painting vivid pictures of her struggles and triumphs that linger long after the last page.
One of the most moving aspects of the memoir is how Meredith’s recovery extends beyond herself. Her words inspire you to look inward, challenge the narratives we tell ourselves about worth and control, and embrace the possibility of change. I found myself revisiting passages, feeling both comforted and motivated to take the next step. Her story is not just about overcoming anorexia—it’s about rediscovering the vibrant, unfiltered life that awaits on the other side.
If you’ve ever doubted that full recovery is possible, let this book be your proof. "Opening the Door" is a must-read for anyone touched by an eating disorder, whether personally or through a loved one. It’s also a powerful resource for those looking to understand these struggles with compassion and clarity. Meredith’s journey is a strong reminder that no matter how long or dark the road, healing and freedom are within reach.
This book left a lasting mark on my heart, inspiring me to continue my journey with renewed hope. Whether you’re searching for understanding, encouragement, or simply a connection to someone who truly gets it, "Opening the Door" will resonate deeply and inspire you to believe in the possibility of recovery.
August 5, 2022
Meredith O'Brien has always been my hero. She has helped so many people, including me, to recover from the ugly diseases of mental health and eating disorders. Now, Meredith is bravely sharing her amazing story with everyone in her memoire "Opening the Door
My Journey through Anorexia to Full Recovery." I immediately related to the little girl with the bowl cut and the loud voice. I again related to the teenager who lost that voice and who had a hard time even wanting to live. I hope to one day relate to the woman Meredith O'Brien has fought to become. This book will open your eyes and reveal how Meredith has become the strong, healthy healer that she is today. In sharing her personal and sometimes painful story, she delivers hope and the promise that there is such a thing as a full recovery.
My Journey through Anorexia to Full Recovery." I immediately related to the little girl with the bowl cut and the loud voice. I again related to the teenager who lost that voice and who had a hard time even wanting to live. I hope to one day relate to the woman Meredith O'Brien has fought to become. This book will open your eyes and reveal how Meredith has become the strong, healthy healer that she is today. In sharing her personal and sometimes painful story, she delivers hope and the promise that there is such a thing as a full recovery.
August 13, 2022
“Opening the Door,” should be required reading in high schools. In it, Meredith O’Brien details her descent into the hell of anorexia and her against-all-odds journey back. Oddly, I met Meredith over two decades ago while she was in the midst of this living hell and had no idea what she was going through. On the outside, she was beautiful, smart and upbeat. Thus, I was shocked to learn that at that very time, she was battling a very powerful inner demon. And I’m sure she’s not alone. There are other young women grappling with the same foe for which this book could prove invaluable, as it offers a cold, frank view of what it’s like to escape wretchedness of hell.
Douglas Henderson Jr., Esq. Author of: Endeavor to Persevere: A Memoir on Jimmy Connors, Arthur Ashe, Tennis and Life.
Douglas Henderson Jr., Esq. Author of: Endeavor to Persevere: A Memoir on Jimmy Connors, Arthur Ashe, Tennis and Life.
September 12, 2022
An enthralling and captivating journey through the life of the author as she struggles with her eating disorder, childhood trauma, anxiety and depression. This book will bring HOPE to so many who may doubt that they can have a healthy, functioning life, free from their eating disorder. Ms. O'Brien has written a book that will truly touch many lives. Her raw honesty, and candid self-reflection will help others to connect and find common ways to acknowledge pain and find ways to heal.
I highly recommend this book, not only for those suffering from an eating disorder, but also for anyone who may be dealing with negative and sabotaging thoughts and low self-worth. Such an insightful and inspiring read!
I highly recommend this book, not only for those suffering from an eating disorder, but also for anyone who may be dealing with negative and sabotaging thoughts and low self-worth. Such an insightful and inspiring read!
August 18, 2024
Opening the Door is an incredibly moving story about the reality of eating disorders recovery. O'Brian shares her story in a way that helps the reader understand the complexity of the healing process. There are so many aha moments, when I shook my head in agreement, as O'Brian shared her triggers and the role her eating disorder played in trying to cope with emotional abuse and sexual assault. Dissociation is misunderstood and needs to be spoken about. I cannot wait to share this title with colleagues and clients, making their way through this crazy making journey. This book is filled with hope, insight and truth! Shari Botwin, LCSW and author of "Stolen Childhoods: Thriving After Abuse," and "Thriving After Trauma: Stories of Living and Healing."
July 29, 2022
Personally knowing Meredith, and reading her story, made this book even more eager for me to finish. I will say, I couldn’t put this book down! This story of hope, resilience, and determination will give anyone struggling in any area of their life some hope that they can make the changes in their own life. The biggest lesson to take away from this book is to know that asking for help is okay, and sometimes you will have to do it more than once. Also, you have to show up for yourself, and put the work in, because no one else can do it for you. A great book written by an even greater human being!
August 16, 2022
Meredith O’Brien’s writing brings the reader along through memories that help the reader truly have insight into her struggles. As a mother, sister, doctor and friend this book has given me a much better understanding of trauma and it’s associated harmful coping strategies. The dangers of dissociation are real and unfortunately very common. In this book the self destructive nature of disordered eating and the way it cuts off one’s ability to feel love is made very clear. I find this book hard to put down- cheering for Meredith to help herself through her trauma, start loving herself again and ultimately in reaching her full recovery.
September 18, 2025
I also started my eating disorder, Anorexia when I was a young dancer. It moved to Bulimia when I started cheering for the NFL. I have finally purged it all on the page to write about it. I fell upon Meredith's book since we share the same publisher and I wasn't able to put the book down.
THE WAR WITH MY BODY almost killed me.
It takes book's like Meredith's to see hope at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you.
THE WAR WITH MY BODY almost killed me.
It takes book's like Meredith's to see hope at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you.
February 8, 2026
Couldn’t put this book down, I deal with anorexia as well. And this book just opens Meredith life for all to see, and read, so proud of her achievement in writing this book and giving hope to all of us.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews