Table 3.

The patient’s views on experiential knowledge.

Topic/question emergent themes	N and (%)
Does experiential knowledge (from having had an eating disorder)have advantages in therapy?
Yes	N = 198 (97%)
No	N = 7 (3%)
What kind of advantages?
Patient feels recognized and heard (high therapist empathy)	N = 169 (82%)
Patient feels safe (equality, acceptance)	N = 69 (34%)
Therapist has enhanced knowledge and insight in eating disorder	N = 54 (26%)
Therapist is accessible (authentic, honest, open)	N = 40 (20%)
Patient feels increased sense of hope	N = 35 (17%)
Does experiential knowledge (from having had an eating disorder)have disadvantages in therapy?
Yes	N = 23 (11%)
No	N = 183 (89%)
What kind of disadvantages?
Making a negative comparison with the therapist	N = 5 (2%)
Not keeping enough distance	N = 4 (2%)
Do you have the idea that the therapy has a positive effecton the recovery of your eating disorder?
Yes	N = 199 (93%)
No	N = 8 (7%)

Note: Percentages are rounded to the nearest percent.