Using text messaging in the treatment of eating disorders.

New technologies for communicating with patients can open up new treatment possibilities. This article describes the use of mobile phone text messaging as a therapeutic intervention in the treatment of eating disorders. In text messaging a person can conceal themselves and--very significantly in the context of eating disorders--the body does not show. The exchange does not have to be instantaneous and is not face to face. This article outlines the use of mobile phone texting, alongside therapy and other nursing interventions, as an effective tool to help clients communicate their thoughts and feelings in a safer and freer way.