Normally one feels validated and supported in a clearly defined loss, such as a death. Families and those suffering with an eating disorder experience recurring ambiguous loss, over time, without sufficient emotional support. Ambiguous loss is defined as an emotional presence but a physical absence (leaving without a goodbye) or a physical presence but an emotional absence (goodbye without leaving). When a patient is fully engaged in an eating disorder, they often times leave their other roles and obligations unattended. At times, they actually leave their families to get treatment. The patient and each family member feel these losses and can become frozen with grief in this process. Melissa’s presentation offers six steps for healing and hope for those experiencing a sense of loss due to an eating disorder. The principles can also be applied to aging, substance abuse, and other general psychological issues.