Table 5.

Themes and subthemes

Theme	Subthemes
Theme 1: Collaborative Care Supports Recovery	Active Involvement in Treatment Temporarily Handing Over Responsibility
Theme 2: A Safe and Terrifying Environment	A Bubble that was Hard to Replicate A Punitive, Distressing Environment
Theme 3: Negotiating Identity	Separating the Self and the ED Beginning to Want Something Different
Theme 4: Supporting Mind and Body	Weight Restoration and Dietary Change Psychological Awareness and Understanding
Theme 5: The Need for Specialist Support	Genuine Care, Alliance and Trust Skilled and Well Resourced Multidisciplinary Care
Theme 6: The Value of Close Others	Peer Support and Comparison Carer Support and Understanding Moving from Loneliness to Connection