Components
Pre-screening
- A physical examination by the patient’s regular attending physician or by one recommended by our staff.
- Consultation with one of our clinical psychologists to assess the severity of the eating disorder.
- Recommendations regarding individual treatment planning.
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Treatment Plan
Individualized treatment plans begin with a series of three group sessions per week. These three-hour sessions include:
 Group psychotherapy - Cognitive/behavioral therapy
- Psychosocial education
- Nutritional therapy
- Anger and stress management
- Body awareness
- Assertiveness
- Individual nutrition therapy is provided.
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Participants with dual diagnoses are encouraged to continue treatment with their individual outpatient therapists.
Discharge and Aftercare
- Includes consultation with referring physician, psychologist or counselor.
- On-going weekly, relapse prevention and support group.
Program Phases
Phase I
During this initial phase, which is approximately two months in length, participants attend three group sessions per week where they will be introduced to nutrition education, journal keeping, and the life skills we believe are essential to recovery from eating disorders. Additionally, they will begin to explore their hunger and fullness cues, the connection between their feelings and eating behavior, and will be given an opportunity to express their feelings and thoughts related to treatment and recovery.
Phase II
In this phase, participants attend two sessions per week with a focus on the application of the necessary life skills, development of their awareness of hunger and satiety levels, and an exploration of the connection between emotions and food through myth and metaphor (based on the concepts presented in Eating in the Light of the Moon). Additionally, they will explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to past and present experiences and how they are related to food issues.
Phase III
In preparation for discharge, participants will attend one session per week where they will work on fine-tuning the application of life skills, differentiating between physical and emotional hungers, and deepening their awareness of food and feeling connections. This phase includes further exploration of interpersonal relationship issues as related to recovery from disordered eating.
Transition
Prior to or upon completion of the program, participants are offered the opportunity to join a weekly transition group that will provide them with additional and continued support.