Dear you~ If you’re reading this, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. My journey at Montecatini began over 2 years ago. There’s a part of me that wants to share all the specifics of my eating disorder to justify that I needed treatment; however, I have learned that my illness was enough, is enough, … Read More
I have struggled with an eating disorder from the age of 5, body dysmorphia from the age of 9, and self-harm beginning at the age of 12. I have had several suicide attempts with the last attempt in June of 2015. I was diagnosed with Major Clinical Depression and received much needed treatment and care … Read More
It was the day before this post and picture above when my precious pastor, amazing mentor and sweet friend Amy hugged me tight in the Chattanooga Airport and said, “I love you. God loves you. I am so proud of you for doing this. You are braver than you know.” – it’s not often in … Read More
I consider myself a learner. I love uncovering and discovering new theories and concepts that challenge me. I love questioning authority and the systems around me. So I knew that when I went to treatment, I probably wouldn’t be the most compliant patient. The underlying concepts of recovery give us so much to question. “Recovery” … Read More
I get most of my healing through the ocean these days, but grew up in Northern Arizona and used the desert canyons and mountains as healing from a very young age. ED’s been around since I was about 10. I have a history of trauma that started really early on and I’m not sure exactly … Read More
Don’t know what to wear to the holiday gathering? Is everything uncomfortable? You’re not alone. Feeling anxiety and frustration about your family giving you the “how are you doing” look and head tilt? You’re not alone. Overcome with worry about food and calories? You’re not alone. Filling your plate and acting like everything is okay (but not even … Read More
When people ask what I do, I typically say that I work at an eating disorder treatment center, and I try to create more awareness about eating disorders in our community. Depending on who I’m talking to, the person might hear “eating disorder” and get uncomfortable, wanting to change the subject. There is still a … Read More
There are beautiful examples in the world all around us of people who have turned experiences of great loss and extreme struggle into a meaningful and powerful message. Psychiatrist and holocaust survivor Victor Frankl believed that the primary motivation of a person is to discover meaning in life. Meaning can be discovered both in suffering … Read More
Feminist therapy offers the idea that much of what we call mental illness may actually be demonstrations of social disease and symbolic responses to sex and gender roles. Many disorders in women (including eating disorders) can be seen as a predictable responses to the long term preferential treatment of men. Additionally, eating disorders like anorexia … Read More
I have struggled with an eating disorder from the age of 5, body dysmorphia from the age of 9, and self-harm beginning at the age of 12. I have had several suicide attempts with the last attempt in June of 2015. I was diagnosed with Major Clinical Depression and received much needed treatment and care … Read More
