The Emily Program

Walk-in Counseling Now Available in St. Paul

2013-05-07T11:54:00.001-05:00

Over the past several months, The Emily Program St. Louis Park office has offered walk-in counseling and referral services to our adult clients. We now offer this same service to adult clients at our St. Paul location, 2265 Como Ave.

Service Overview:

The Walk-in Counseling & Referral team is made up of a group of therapists who are experienced in the treatment of eating disorders and crisis intervention. Walk-in counseling is not intended to take the place of individual therapy. Instead, it is a service offered to help clients in emergency situations through support, feedback, and referral to services outside The Emily Program that will promote stabilization.

Walk-in services can be utilized when a client experiences an increase in the severity of depression, anxiety, suicidal/homicidal thoughts, and eating disorder symptoms. Situational stressors can also be a reason for using walk-in services (example: a conflict at work, loss of a loved one, domestic violence, or consequences of chemical abuse).

The St. Paul walk-in hours are:

Monday: 11 AM-12 PM
Tuesday: 1-2 PM
Thursday: 10-11 AM
Friday: 10-11 AM

Counseling sessions are 30 minutes in length. Clients are advised to arrive 30 minutes before walk-in hours to complete a Needs Assessment.

Depending on the number of clients in need of services, there may be a wait time to see a walk-in counselor.

Summer Groups Begin June 3

2013-05-02T16:10:00.001-05:00

It’s time to start thinking about your summer outpatient
group opportunities. The summer group catalog is now available on The Emily Program’s website and will soon be available at front desks of our Twin Cities locations!

The summer catalog includes descriptions of all of our ongoing outpatient groups and a number of new groups being offered during summer quarter.

For clients who participate in intensive programs at our St. Louis Park office, this season also brings a pilot program that let’s you choose various groups to attend during your program day.

Some of the new outpatient therapy groups that are open to all clients, include:

Intro to Therapy: This is a 4 week group designed for clients who are
new to The Emily Program. It will be led by a therapist and a dietician. This group is considered an “orientation” for new clients. Staff will introduce clients to basic treatment terminology and the “language” of The Emily Program. Clients will learn about TEP’s approach to treatment in terms of both therapy and nutrition. They will be introduced to meal plans and the exchange system and psychoeducation about eating disorders. In addition, they will learn about levels of care and groups offered at each site. Clients will also have the opportunity to process and gain support from others’ who share their experience of being new to treatment.

DBT Skills Training: In this group participants learn core skills to increase abilities for managing distressing situations without relying on symptoms. DBT targets struggles with extreme emotions/moods, impulsiveness,interpersonal chaos, and confusion about self and identity. Prospective group members are asked to commit to six months of participation in the group, and may continue for up to one year. Participants are required to regularly meet with their individual therapist, in addition to being part of DBT. Open to males and females 21 and older.

Assertiveness & Self Esteem Skills: This group introduce strategies and skills to help clients address thoughts and behaviors that lead to challenges with assertiveness and
self‐esteem. Group will help clients to examine how their eating disorder impacts their self-esteem as well as help to identify other contributors to low self-esteem. As clients with low self-esteem often have problems with assertiveness, clients will learn skills to become more effective in the way that they communicate with others. They will learn the difference between assertive and aggressive communication, identify their style of communication, and practice their new skills in a safe setting.

Emotion Regulation: In this group participants will learn skills to provide coping methods for handling intense emotional experiences and their causes. DBT skills for emotion regulation include: Identifying and labeling emotions, identifying obstacles to changing emotions,reducing vulnerability to “emotion mind”,
increasing positive emotional events, increasing mindfulness to current emotions, taking opposite action, applying distress tolerance techniques.

Interested in any of these groups? Please speak with your individual therapist. Your provider can answer any questions you have about groups, and help you choose one that is a good fit for you and where you are on your path to recovery. Your provider is also your resource for enrolling in group programs.

The summer quarter begins on June 3, 2013. For more information and to view a complete list of all our outpatient eating disorder support groups offered at the Twin Cities locations, visit our website and download the Summer 2013 Group Catalog.

Community Event: Exploring Eating Disorder & Recovery Addiction

2013-04-02T13:34:00.001-05:00

Mark your calendars for June 20th at 7 PM. Cindy Solberg, MA, LPC, LADC is a therapist at The Emily Program. She will discuss the topic: Eating Disorder and Recovery Addiction at The Recovery Church.

Date: Thursday, June 20
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Recovery Church, 253 State Street, St. Paul, MN 55107

Most people are usually very surprised to learn that eating disorders have little to do with food. Especially when one considers that many people who suffer from eating disorders actually have an unhealthy obsession with food. Eating disorders and addiction often come hand in hand as well. This session will provide a basic level of understanding of the multidimensional nature of eating disorder and addiction recovery. It will also discuss how someone might learn to have a non-addictive relationship with food.

Thank you to The Recovery Church and Minnesota Recovery Connection for hosting this event.

Intensive Treatment Lodging at Hillside

2013-03-19T17:25:00.001-05:00

In January we introduced Hillside Lodging, a 4 bedroom lodging option located in St. Paul, MN for female clients in Intensive Day Program or Intensive Outpatient Programs. We are thrilled to be able to offer a convenient and peaceful lodging option for out-of-area clients.

Take a photo tour of the warm and welcoming interior of the house.

Relax and unwind in this sunny room.

Come home to a bright welcoming living room and dining room.

Curl up to your favorite book in this cozy corner of the house.

Our single bedrooms allow you to have privacy and a place to relax and reflect.

If you are interested in Intensive Programs and Hillside Lodging, or have any questions please contact our Lodging Manager, Erin at (651) 315-3302.

Spring Group Catalog Now Available!

2013-02-12T10:07:00.001-06:00

Spring is nearly here. That means it’s time to start thinking about the March outpatient
group opportunities. The spring group catalog is now available on The Emily Program’s website and at the front desks of our Twin Cities locations!
The spring catalog includes descriptions of all of our ongoing outpatient groups and a number of new groups being offered during spring quarter, including:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E)
CBT-E is a cutting edge treatment that focuses on how over-evaluating your weight and shape can lead to eating disorder symptoms. Clients will create an individualized model of the factors that have been keeping the eating disorder stuck in place. This group provides tools and techniques to help clients understand how their specific eating disorder symptoms function as well as how they can intervene and change their behaviors. Clients can expect to make progress in normalizing eating patterns, decreasing symptom use, and developing effective strategies for regulating mood changes.

Cooking Group
This group provides basic cooking and meal planning skills to clients who want to explore their relationship with cooking and food preparation. This group is open to adults. No previous cooking experience is needed. Clients will not be eating a full snack or meal in this group, but will be encouraged to sample what they have prepared. The recipes and skills learned can be tailored to cooking for one person, two people, or a larger family.

Healing Through WritingWriting can play a valuable role in recovery and healing from many kinds of pain and loss. Writing one’s story provides perspective and helps clients arrive at a clearer understanding of how to process difficult experiences. Using books as guides, participants use various forms of writing to support one another and discuss what helps keep writing flowing. Writing background or experience is not necessary.

Yoga and Body Image: Level 2This group is for clients who are in the mid to later stages of their recovery journey, who have been actively working on body image, and/or who have been in Yoga and Body Image for a significant amount of time and are ready for “the next level.” The group will utilize a combination of yoga postures (asana) and verbal processing in order to emphasize how one’s body feels, to explore the relationship to one’s body, and to understand personal and societal messages sent/received about one’s body. This practice will provide opportunities to improve body image, awareness, and acceptance both on and off the yoga mat. Participation in Yoga and Body Image level one is recommended, but not required.

Interested in any of these groups? Please speak with your individual therapist. Your provider can answer any questions you have have about groups and help you choose one that is a good fit for you and where you are on your path to recovery. Your provider is also your resource for enrolling in group programs.

The spring quarter begins on March 1, 2013. For more information and to view a complete list of quarterly, open-enrollment, and free groups offered at the Twin Cities locations, visit our website and download the Spring 2013 Group Catalog.

Top 5 Eating Disorder Recovery Tips for the New Year

2013-01-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

By: Kate Kaczor, Dietetic Intern

1. Think of where you want to be next year and recognize the progress that has been made from the year before. The New Year is a good time for reflection. Thinking about where you’d like your life to be can help you make active steps for achieving it. Don’t forget to praise yourself for all you have accomplished in the last year! This can help motivate you with your current goals.

2. Ignore diet resolutions. Some of the most prominent New Year’s resolutions deal with dieting and weight loss—they are also some of the most abandoned. Don’t let all of the post-holiday diet talk negatively impact your recovery. Remember that the over-whelming majority of diets fail and that with the help of your dietitian and the rest of your treatment team you are on the right path to a healthy body.

3. Don’t postpone. It is easy to say you will start tomorrow. Your ED may tell you that it’s okay to follow your disordered eating behaviors today—you’ll begin your recovery meal plan tomorrow. Too often, however, this leads to more and more days with ED in control. Decide to take the control back today. Making small, realistic goals can help you stay focused.

4. Don’t expect a miracle. With all the fireworks, confetti, and balloons, the New Year gives off a false impression that something magical is happening. Just because 2013 has arrived doesn’t mean things will suddenly be different. Only your continued efforts will help you reach your goals.

5. Continue with your team. The New Year can bring about a great deal of change. Change can be just what is needed to get your recovery headed in the right direction, but it can also be an opportunity for ED to sneak in. By staying in continuous communication with your team and attending all appointments you can help ensure that your recovery path is headed in a positive direction.

Introducing Hillside:Intensive Treatment Lodging

2013-01-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

At The Emily Program we believe that treatment should be accessible and that recovery happens when individuals are able to practice recovery skills in real-life situations. Beginning in January, Hillside Lodging will open for adult female clients who come to our Minneapolis-St. Paul locations for outpatient intensive eating disorder treatment.

Nestled in a safe neighborhood, Hillside Lodging is a fully furnished, four bedroom home located within minutes of our offices, public transportation, restaurants, and retail shops. This non-clinical lodging option offers intensive program clients private space with all the conveniences of home.

For more information or to refer a client, please contact our Lodging Manager, Erin at (651) 315-3302.

This Winter Brings More Groups for COE/BED Clients

2012-12-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

Have you checked out the latest group catalog? We are now offering more outpatient groups specifically for clients working toward recovery from COE/BED. Here are just a few:

Overcoming Barriers to Movement
Wednesdays, 8:00-9:30 AM in St. Louis Park (5354 Parkdale Dr.)
Led by: Jennie Laskow, MA, LPCC & Jocey Mathern, RD, LD
This group will offer psychoeducation, process therapy and an exercise component. The group will provide a safe place to identify, explore, and overcome barriers (emotional, physical, logistical) to exercise. It will be co-facilitated by a therapist and a personal trainer/dietitian. Group members will be encouraged to explore/receive support around thoughts and feelings that arise in the process of bringing movement into their eating disorder recovery process. The physical movement will include the three components of exercise: cardiovascular, flexibility, and resistance.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for BED
Tuesdays, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM in St. Louis Park (5354 Parkdale Dr.)
Led by: Randi Born, MA, LMFT & Brandie Sundquist, MA, LMFT
For BED clients whose primary focus in treatment is decreasing symptom use. This group uses mindfulness and emotional support to assist clients in developing healthy ways to cope with BED symptoms. It is helpful for clients who struggle with emotional eating triggered by negative emotions.

Exploring Lifestyle Choices for Weight Loss
Mondays, 1:00-2:30 PM in St. Paul (2265 Como Ave)
Led by: Rebekah Brandvold, MA, LMFT & Kim Wood, RD, LD
For clients experiencing stability with symptom use and interested in exploring weight loss dynamics. This group will utilize CBT and nutrition information to develop a lifestyle plan geared toward weight loss while remaining sensitive to triggers for eating disorder thinking. Clients will be active in developing their own plan that fits their life and needs.

COE Recovery 101
Tuesdays, 12:30-2:00 PM in St. Paul (2265 Como Ave)
Led by: Kat Bernhoft, MSW, LICSW & Ryan Sorensen, PsyD, Post-Doc
This group is for COE clients new to The Emily Program. Clients will learn about The Emily Program, compulsive overeating, binge eating disorder, and the recovery process. This group will focus on education, learning recovery skills, and social support. This group will run every quarter, and clients may join the group at any time. Clients will be discharged after completing all 12 topics.

Compulsive Overeating Support Group
Mondays, 3:30-5:00 PM in Duluth (26 East Superior St.)
Led by: Priscilla McRoberts, LICSW
This group provides tools and support through process therapy and is a safe place to address eating, activity and general emotional growth as clients work toward a healthy relationship with food.

Compulsive Overeating Recovery Group

Tuesdays, 4:30-6:00 PM in Seattle, WA (1700 Westlake Avenue North)

Led by: Jenny Hermanson, LMFT & Joan Krakowiak, LICSW
This is a group for adults who struggle with binge eating and/or compulsive overeating. Participants will identify how food and body concerns affect relationships and daily life, develop skills and tools to cope with disordered eating and explore concepts of intuitive and mindful eating.

Click here to view all of the available groups coming up.

Interested in any of these groups? Please speak with your individual therapist. Your provider can answer any questions you have about groups. They can help you choose one that is a good fit for you and where you are on your path to recovery. Your provider is also your resource for enrolling in outpatient groups.

Tips for the Holidays

2012-11-21T08:00:00.000-06:00

The holidays often involve family rituals and traditions where food has a central role. The holidays also may be one of the few times that a family comes together each year. Planning ahead can help people with eating disorders (and their loved ones) manage these challenges and enjoy conversation and good times with friends and family during the holidays.

Here are a few steps to help you prepare.

Ask family and friends to help you plan for scenarios with meal planning. Consider how, when, and where meals and snacks will be served and what you need to do to follow your meal plan for the day.
It's okay to ask for something you need. Talk ahead of time to family and friends about what is helpful and what isn't before, during, and after eating.
Develop a plan for support after the gathering. Know where your support people are and how you'll know when it's time to connect with them.

At a Party or Gathering:

Try to sit or stand near supportive people.
Try to eat mindfully and savor these tasty holiday foods.
Continue to follow your meal plan for the entire day.
Eat at an appropriate pace.
Consider keeping a comfort item such as an affirmation card, a picture, or a journal with you throughout the day.
Talk with loved ones about things unrelated to food, body concerns, and the eating disorder.
Enjoy your relationships with family and friends and feel gratitude for blessings received.

Social Support:

Choose someone to call if you are struggling with eating disorder behaviors, negative thoughts, or difficult emotions. Call them ahead of time and let them know of your concerns, needs, and that you may call them during the day.
Consider asking a loved one to be your "reality check" with food, reminding you of portions, pacing, or your meal plan.

General Tips:

Get enough sleep and rest.
Don't forget about other coping mechanisms (yoga, deep breathing, relaxation imagery, journaling, etc.).
Choose to move in mindful and moderate ways. This might be a good time for a peaceful leisure walk under the stars with a loved one.
Spend time with people who love and care about you.
Challenge yourself to find activities that don't focus on food (craft fairs, holiday light displays, concerts, charity events, ice skating, snowball fights, making a snow sculpture, etc.). These will help you relax and better enjoy this time of year.
Discuss your anticipations of the holidays with your treatment team and supportive loved ones so that they can help you predict, prepare for, and get through any uncomfortable family interactions without self destructive coping attempts.
Talk with loved ones about important issues: decisions, victories, challenges, fears, concerns, dreams, special moments, spirituality, relationships, and your feelings about them. Allow important themes to be present and allow yourself to have fun (rather than rigidly focusing on food or body thoughts).

Winter Group Catalog Now Available!

2012-11-02T10:05:00.000-05:00

Fall is upon us, and it is time to start thinking about outpatient group opportunities for next season. The Winter Group Catalog is now available on The Emily Program’s website and will be available at the front desks of our Twin Cities locations next week!
The Winter catalog includes descriptions of all of our ongoing outpatient groups as well as a number of new groups for the Winter quarter, including:

Exploring Lifestyle Choices for Weight Loss
Mondays, 1:00-2:30 PM in St. Paul (2265 Como Ave)
Led by: Rebekah Brandvold MA, LMFT & Kim Wood RD, LD
For clients experiencing stability with symptom use and interested in exploring weight loss dynamics. This group will utilize CBT and nutrition information to develop a lifestyle plan geared toward weight loss while remaining sensitive to triggers for eating disorder thinking. Clients will be active in developing their own plan that fits their life and needs.

COE Recovery 101
Tuesdays, 12:30-2:00 PM in St. Paul (2265 Como Ave)
Led by: Kat Bernhoft, MSW, LICSW & Ryan Sorensen, PsyD, Post-Doc
This group is for COE clients new to The Emily Program. Clients will learn about The Emily Program, compulsive overeating, binge eating disorder, and the recovery process. This group will focus on education, learning recovery skills, and social support. This group will run every quarter, and clients may join the group at any time. Clients will be discharged after completing all 12 topics.

Social Anxiety Group
Thursdays, 6:00-7:00 PM in St. Paul (2265 Como Ave)
Led by: Diane Rubright MA, MEd, PsyD, LP
This group is for individuals who experience physical sensations associated with social anxiety, are hesitant to be in group settings, or have difficulty initiating or maintaining a conversation. This group helps clients who want to create more social ease in their lives. Participants will have the opportunity to explore their anxiety and actively practice being in social situations in a safe, welcoming environment with others who struggle with the same uneasiness.

Eating in the Light of the Moon Group
Mondays, 1:00-2:00 PM in St. Louis Park (5354 Parkdale Drive)
Led by: Anna Vogel LMFT & Angie Sovak Post-Doc
Based on the book by Anita Johnston that weaves multicultural myths, legends, and simple folktales to free women from disordered eating by discovering metaphors hidden in their own life stories. This group is open to women with all diagnoses and will discuss and process one chapter per week.

Interested in any of these groups? Please speak with your individual therapist. Your provider can answer any questions you have have about groups and help you choose one that is a good fit for you and where you are on your path to recovery. Your provider is also your resource for enrolling in group programs.

The Winter Quarter begins on December 1, 2012. For more information and to view a complete list of quarterly, open-enrollment, and free groups offered at the Twin Cities locations, visit our website and download the Winter 2012 Group Catalog.

Duluth and Seattle, We Want Your Feedback!

2012-08-31T12:30:00.001-05:00

Each year our clients have the opportunity to share their thoughts and recommendations with The Emily Program. Throughout the summer we have conducted location specific Client Satisfaction Surveys in St. Louis Park/Burnsville and St. Paul/Stillwater. Collecting feedback in this way helps us continue to develop programming and enhance client experience at each of our locations.

This month, we are hosting a Client Satisfaction Survey for clients of our Duluth and Seattle offices. Clients who participate have the opportunity to enter a drawing for a $20 Amazon gift card!

To take the survey, visit one of the links below.

Getting Ready For Fall With New Outpatient Groups

2012-08-24T09:39:00.001-05:00

Recovery is not always an easy process and for many, participating in group therapies can be a great way to connect with others and find friendship on the path to recovery. Our groups provide support and understanding, in a safe and non-judgmental environment, which is why we are so excited to be offering a number of new opportunities for the fall. Take a look at a few of the new adult group programs that will be available this September:

Christian Group II
Fridays, 10:30 AM-12:00 PM in St. Paul (2265 Como Ave)
Led by: Rebekah Brandvold, MA, LMFT
This group helps clients who identify as Christian, utilize their faith in their recovery process. It focuses on increasing connection to spirituality and to grace for one’s self. This group utilizes a twelve week, Finding Balance with Food workbook.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Enhanced (CBT-E)
Mondays, 8:00-9:30 PM in St. Louis Park
Led by: Helene Keery,PhD, LP, Jennie Laskow, MA, LPCC, & Stephanie Burcusa, PhD, LP
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Enhanced (CBT-E) is a cutting edge treatment designed for clients with all eating disorder diagnoses. CBT-E focuses on how over-evaluating your weight and shape can lead to eating disorder symptoms. Clients will create an individualized model of the factors that have been keeping the eating disorder stuck in place. Group will provide tools and techniques to help clients understand how their specific eating disorder symptoms function as well as how they can intervene and change their behaviors. Clients can expect to make progress in normalizing eating patterns, decreasing symptom use, and developing effective strategies for regulating mood changes.

Healing Through Writing
Thursdays, 3:30-5:00 PM in St. Paul (2265)
Led by: Kyan Bodden, MSW, LICSW & Nancy Dawn Van Beest, MS, LMFT
Writing can play a valuable role in recovery and healing from many kinds of pain and loss. Writing one’s story can provide perspective and help clients arrive at a clearer understanding of how to process difficult experiences. Clients in this group use various forms of writing to support one another and discuss what helps keep writing flowing. Open to clients with any diagnosis. Writing background or experience is not necessary.

For full descriptions of ongoing and new groups for the fall, please refer to the Fall Group Catalog, available online or at the Front Desk of your Emily Program location in the Twin Cities. Have questions about a group or want to join? Speak with your individual therapist. Your providers can offer insight into which groups may be a good fit for you at this time and are your resource for enrolling group programs.

New Adolescent & Young Adult Groups for Fall

2012-08-17T10:25:00.001-05:00

With a number of exciting new outpatient group offerings this fall, client’s have the opportunity to find a group that supports them as individuals as they work towards recovery. In addition to adult groups, The Emily Program also has a number of new adolescent groups running this fall.

A/B Young Adult and College Age
Tuesdays, 6:00-7:30 PM in St. Paul (2230 Como Ave)
Led by: Christy Zender, MSW, LICSW
This group is an open process and support group that addresses struggles with anorexia/bulimia in a safe, non-judgmental setting. Discussion includes common challenges and ways to cope. Together we build skills that aim to repair relationships, decrease isolation, and help you re-engage yourself in life. For clients ages 18-25.

COE – Young Adult
Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00 PM in St. Paul (2265 Como Ave)
Led by: Ryan Dean, PhD, LP
A group for clients ages 18-30 years old, which offers support for those who are working toward a healthy relationship with food. This group provides tools and peer support through process therapy and creates a safe place to address eating, activity, and emotional growth.

COE – Adolescent
Thursdays, 5:00-6:00 PM in St. Paul (2265 Como Ave)
Led by: Ryan Dean, PhD, LP & Heather Libbey, PhD, LP
A group for clients ages 15-18 years old, which offers support for those who are working toward a healthy relationship with food. This group provides tools and peer support through process therapy and creates a safe place to address eating, activity, and emotional growth. Includes a family component—a parent, guardian, or family member must commit to participating in some of the group’s meetings.

‘All Things COE’ for the Fall Season

2012-08-09T09:27:00.001-05:00

All Things COE is a group therapy option for clients at The Emily Program with Compulsive Overeating (COE) and Binge-Eating Disorder (BED) diagnoses. This ongoing group is designed to connect COE/BED clients with others and provide additional support and education around topics that affect those with COE/BED and their loved ones.

As the days begin to shorten and we move closer to the New Year, All Things COE evolves with the holiday season, providing targeted support through a time that can be difficult for many. Emily Program clients who are a currently involved in treatment are invited to participate and join in these discussions!

Topics for Fall 2012

September 8 – Spirituality

October 13 – Body Image

November 10 – Holiday Survival

December 8 – Holiday Celebration

All Things COE meets the second Saturday of each month, from 10:30 am-12:00 pm at the 2265 Como Avenue, Saint Paul location. For more information about All Things COE, or if you are interested in attending this thoughtful and informative group, contact your individual therapist.

Interested in learning more about other outpatient groups offered at The Emily Program?Check out our group catalog online, or give us a call at 651-645-5323

Fall Yoga Groups

2012-08-03T11:14:00.001-05:00

Intakes will be held with month at The Emily Program’s St Paul and St Louis Park offices for five new Yoga & Body Image groups that will be held this fall.

In many instances eating disorders and body image issues are intimately linked. For many people who have an eating disorder, anxiety, worry, and pre-occupation with body image are also a part of their struggle. Recognizing this link and working on one’s body image can play a critical role in recovery from an eating disorder.

As a part of a holistic approach to treatment, yoga is a simple and direct way to re-frame body image worry and obsession and focus on the positive things our bodies do, whether they are everyday activities or joyful, healing ways of movement.

At The Emily Program, Yoga & Body Image groups help clients focus on how their bodies feel and move versus how they look. Yoga instructors adapt exercises to any body shape and any experience level. They also provide process time as a part of each group session.

The Emily Program will have five new Yoga & Body Image groups for the Fall Quarter. Meeting times are listed below. Previous experience is not necessary to participate in one of these weekly groups.

Intakes will begin the week of August 13, contact your individual therapist for more information or to register.

Yoga & Body Image
St. Paul (2265 Como Ave)
Meets: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00 PM
When: September 5-November 7
Intake: Wednesday, August 15; 3:45-4:30 PM
-or-
Meets: Fridays, 9:30-11:00 AM
When: September 7-November 9
Intake: Friday, August 17; 8:45-9:30 AM

St. Louis Park
Meets: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00 PM
When: September 5-November 7
Intake: Wednesday, August 15; 5:45-6:30 PM

Yoga & Body Image for COE/BED
St. Paul (2265 Como Ave)
Meets: Thursdays, 5:30-7:00 PM
When: September 6-November 8
Intake: Thursday, August 16; 4:45-5:30 PM

St. Louis Park
Meets: Thursdays, 10:30 AM-12:00 PM
When: September 6-November 8
Intake: Thursday, August 16; 11:45 AM-12:30 PM

Interesting in learning more about other outpatient groups offered at The Emily Program?
Check out our group catalog online, or give us a call at 651-645-5323

Fall Group Catalog Now Available!

2012-07-31T09:47:00.001-05:00

Summer may be in full swing but its never to early to start thinking about outpatient group opportunities for next season. The Fall Group Catalog is now available on The Emily Program’s website and will available at the front desks of our Twin Cities locations next week!

The fall catalog includes descriptions of all of our ongoing outpatient groups as well as a number of new groups this fall, including:

Exploring Spirit and Healing
Wednesdays, 4:00-5:30 PM in St. Louis Park (5354 Parkdale Drive)
Led by: Helene Keery,PhD, LP & Kari Fedje Rasmus, M.Div
Spirituality is a term that describes each person’s way of discovering meaning in their life experiences. It’s about the things going on inside us - how we make sense of life and what makes each of us unique. Spirituality may or may not include the influence of a particular faith group or spiritual tradition. We welcome clients who are curious and open to growing their own sense of spirit and are respectful of diverse expressions of faith. This group explores and processes spiritual themes such as compassion for self and others, forgiveness and restoration, worthiness, courage, connection, and living with mystery and hope. Clients will learn about how they define spirituality, how it fits into their identity and recovery process, and explore the integration of their own spirituality into their recovery process and daily life.

Pathways to Recovery
Wednesday, 12:30-2:00 PM in St. Paul (2265 Como Ave)
Led by: Kat Bernhoft, MSW, LICSW & Ryan Sorensen, PsyD, Post-Doc
This group is skill and strengths-based and is intended to provide structure, support and encouragement to individuals as they develop their own personal path to mental health recovery. Clients with ED diagnoses, as well as other primary mental health issues, will find this group particularly helpful as we explore recovery in the broadest sense. This group focuses on helping clients discover what recovery means to them by providing education and the space to practice skills related to the recovery process. Exploring one’s own path to recovery can improve quality of life in relationships, leisure activities, day-to-day life, and in individuals’ sense of wellness and spirituality. Participation in this group includes weekly activities from the Pathways to Recovery workbook.

Adoptee Group
Tuesdays, 4:00-5:30 PM in St. Paul (2265 Como Ave)
Led by: Kandee Kubat Timmerman, MSW, LICSW
For adult clients ages 18 and older, this group offers support, understanding, and tools for clients who are struggling with an eating disorder and also have the unique emotional experience of being an adoptee. Group provides clients with a safe place to explore attachment and relationships with themselves, others, and how it relates to body image and other emotional issues. Topics also include self-care and learning emotional skills and resources to help clients find more peace and joy.

The Fall Quarter begins on September 1, 2012. For more information and to view a complete list of quarterly, open-enrollment, and free groups offered at the Twin Cities locations, visit our website and download the Fall 2012 Group Catalog.

Hello, How May I Direct Your Call?

2012-06-27T11:42:00.001-05:00

For the convenience of our clients, The Emily Program has added a new member to our scheduling staff - a live phone operator. It is our goal to provide the best service and support to our clients. We believe exceptional service starts with having a real-time conversation with staff upon calling The Emily Program.

Our Operator will help to better facilitate the flow of phone traffic coming into our office. We expect that most calls will be picked up by the operator, however, as this is a new process clients may occasionally reach our automated system if all lines are busy. We ask that clients and their families have patience as we work to get this new service up and running.

Have comments or feedback about the new operator role or your experience at The Emily Program? Please visit our website's online feedback form. We value your thoughts and suggestions!

Summer Yoga Groups

2012-06-05T14:17:00.001-05:00

Five new Yoga & Body Image groups will begin this month in The Emily Program’s
St Paul and St Louis Park offices.

The Emily Program will have five new Yoga & Body Image groups starting this month. Meeting times are listed below. Previous experience is not necessary to participate in one of these weekly groups.

For more information or to register for a summer yoga group, contact your individual therapist.

Yoga & Body Image
St. Paul (2265 Como Ave)
Meets: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00 PM
When: June 20-August 29
Intake: Wednesday, June 13; 4:30-5:30 PM
-or-
Meets: Fridays, 9:30-11:00 AM
When: June 22-August 31
Intake: Wednesday, June 13; 4:30-5:30 PM

St. Louis Park
Meets: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00 PM
When: June 20-August 29
Intake: Wednesday, June 13; 4:30-5:30 PM

Yoga & Body Image for COE/BED
St. Paul (2265 Como Ave)
Meets: Thursdays, 5:30-7:00 PM
When: June 21-August 30
Intake: Thursday, June 14; 5:30-6:30 PM

St. Louis Park
Meets: Thursdays, 10:30 AM-12:00 PM
When: June 21-August 30
Intake: No current openings

Interesting in learning more about other outpatient groups offered at The Emily Program?
Check out our group catalog online, or give us a call at 651-645-5323

Parity Field Hearing Coming to St. Paul, July 16

2012-06-01T12:28:00.001-05:00

In 2008, Congress passed the The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equality Act (MHPAEA) which requires health insurance companies to provide the same coverage for the treatment of mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders as is covered for physical health problems – including reasonable co-pays and deductibles. This bill was signed into law by former president George W. Bush. Now, almost four years later, progress on the implementation of the bill has slowed.

Recently, co-authors of MHPAEA and former Congressmen Jim Ramstad and Patrick Kennedy have partnered with politicians, employers, insurance companies, and other healthcare providers to form the Parity Implementation Coalition with the goal to ensure that MHPAEA is fully enforced. In March of this year Former Representatives Ramstad and Kennedy announced the launch of a “Patriots for Parity” tour beginning in the summer of 2012. This tour sets up a series of field hearings across the country over the next year, with hopes of gaining awareness and support for what Kennedy is calling a “civil rights issue.”

Enforcement of the MHPAEA directly affects Emily Program clients and others in the community struggling with mental illness and addiction. The Emily Program Foundation is proud to help host the Parity Implementation Coalition for a field hearing in St. Paul on July 16. Please come out to show your support and help make moves toward the enforcement of equal health coverage for mental illness and substance abuse disorders!

Mental Health Parity Field Hearing
When: Monday, July 16
Time: 6:30-8:30 PM
Where: Minnesota Recovery Connection
253 State Street, St. Paul

For more information visit www.parityispersonal.org or follow @ParityCoalition on Twitter.

New Group Therapy Schedule at TEP

2012-05-17T08:41:00.001-05:00

The Emily Program is excited to announce the launch of a new outpatient group therapy schedule beginning June 1.

As of June 1, 2012 our outpatient group offerings will fall into one of three "categories":

Open Enrollment Groups - Open Enrollment groups are considered central to the treatment of eating disorders and are offered year around, with no specific start or end date. Clients are able to join open enrollment groups at any time.

Quarterly Groups - Quarterly groups are special interest groups (like yoga, art therapy,etc.) that run an average of 8-12 weeks. These groups will be offered quarterly, with start dates on June 1, September 1, December 1, and March 1.

FREE Groups - Free groups are open to all The Emily Program clients, families, friends, and the greater community. These groups run throughout the year and are free. No registration is required, drop-ins are welcome.

These changes will provide clarity in which groups are offered during the year and allow clients to more effectively plan groups into their schedules.

We believe that group therapy can be an incredibly important part of an individual's recovery from an eating disorder and hope the new group therapy schedule can make participation in group a little bit easier.

Group Catalogs for the Summer 2012 quarter are now available at the front desk of each location and available for download at emilyprogram.com

‘All Things COE’ for the Summer Season

2012-05-14T13:52:00.001-05:00

All Things COE is an group therapy option for clients at The Emily Program with Compulsive Overeating (COE) and Bing-Eating Disorder (BED) diagnoses. This ongoing group is designed to connect COE/BED clients with others and provide additional support and education around topics that affect those with COE/BED and their loved ones.

Topics rotate monthly, Emily Program clients who are a currently involved in treatment are invited to participate and join in these discussions!

Topics for Summer 2012

June 9 – The Physical Activity Dilemma

July 14 – Leisure and Recreation

August 11 - Using CBT Chain Analysis to Interrupt Difficult Eating Patterns

September 8 – Spirituality

All Things COE meets the second Saturday of each month, from 10:30 am-12:00 pm at the 2265 Como Avenue, Saint Paul location. For more information about All Things COE, or if you are interested in attending this thoughtful and informative group, contact your individual therapist.

Interested in learning more about other outpatient groups offered at The Emily Program?
Check out our group catalog online, or give us a call at 651-645-5323

2012 Client Satisfaction Surveys

2012-04-27T12:08:00.001-05:00

It's time once again for the annual Emily Program Client Satisfaction Survey and we want your feedback!

Each year clients have the opportunity to share their thoughts and recommendations with The Emily Program. This year we will have four, location specific, Client Satisfaction Surveys in St. Louis Park/Burnsville, St. Paul/Stillwater, Duluth, and Seattle. Collecting location specific feedback will help us continue to develop programming and enhance client experience.

Clients who participate also have the opportunity to enter a drawing for one of a number of gift cards and/or an Amazon Kindle!

Keep an eye out for the survey in your location:

St. Louis Park/Burnsville, MN
Survey complete!
Please contact us with any questions.

St. Paul/Stillwater, MN
The St. Paul/Stillwater survey runs Monday, May 14 – Friday, June 22.
If you are a client who participates in a group or sees an individual provider in one of our St. Paul offices (both adult and adolescent locations) or in Stillwater, please take a moment to complete a survey by following this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/STPAU2012

Duluth, MN
The Duluth Client Satisfaction Survey will begin in June.
More information to come!

Seattle, WA
The Seattle Client Satisfaction Survey will also begin in June.
More information to come!

Please note, if you participate in a group or see a provider(s) at multiple locations, please be sure to complete a survey for each office where you receive services. Surveys will ask specific questions about your treatment team in St. Paul, St. Louis Park, etc.

Thank you for your participation!

National Lobby Day for the FREED Act

2012-04-13T09:44:00.001-05:00

The Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) bi-annual National Lobby Day will be on April 24, 2012 in Washington DC. Twice a year professionals and advocates in the eating disorder field travel to Washington DC to talk with Members of Congress. Their objectives are to increase the awareness of the presence of eating disorders in the United States, bolster funding for research and to change the way people with eating disorders have access care.

More specifically, EDC Lobby Day supports the Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders (FREED Act) - the first comprehensive eating disorder bill that will promote research, improve access to treatment and prevention/education programs. The FREED Act was first introduced to Congress by former Rhode Island Representative Patrick Kennedy and Minnesota Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar in 2010. The bill has received bi-partisan supports since its introduction. This year’s Lobby Day will focus on generating support and co-sponsorship of the bill with representatives in both the US Senate and House of Representatives.

Under the FREED Act, insurers that provide health coverage for physical illness will also be required to provide coverage for eating disorders. The FREED Act would also address eating disorders in schools and sponsor programs to train educators on effective eating disorders screening, detection, prevention and appropriate methods of assistance; educate the public through Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on eating disorders as well as discrimination and bullying based on mental illness, body size, and the effects of media on self-esteem and body image; and help to better understand the origination of eating disorders and effective treatments through research and provide training opportunities for new researchers.
For more information about the FREED Act and its impacts on eating disorder research, treatment, and education, visit the Eating Disorder Coalition (EDC) blog.

How can you get involved?
Contact your representatives and encourage them to support the FREED Act.

To find out who your US Representative is, visit http://www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org/letter-writing-campaign.htm

To find out who your Senator is , visit http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

You can also join the EDC’s letter writing campaign by visiting http://www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org/letter-writing-campaign.htm

Seattle Office to Begin Partial Hospitalization Program

2012-04-06T10:22:00.001-05:00

Our Seattle office is celebrating its one year anniversary this year! Along with this exciting anniversary The Emily Program in Seattle is working hard to expand the services offered to our clients in the Northwest by start a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP).

More commonly known in our Minnesota offices as Intensive Day Programming (IDP), this higher level of outpatient care offers more structure and intensive support for clients stepping up from lower levels of care. Our Partial Hospitalization Program is also designed to meet the needs of clients who are transitioning down from residential or inpatient care.

The Emily Program's Seattle office will begin offering PHP in spring 2012 and is currently conducting intakes for the program.

Seattle PHP will meet:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 11:30 AM-7:00 PM
Wednesday 12:00-7:30 PM
Friday 8:15 AM-3:00 PM

For more information, please contact our Seattle office at (206) 283-2220.

From Recovery to Liberation

2012-03-30T12:23:00.001-05:00

Join us in Seattle on April 26th for an evening with Jenni Schaefer, author of goodbye ed, hello me.”

Jenni is an internationally recognized author, speaker, and singer/songwriter, whose work has helped change the face of recovery from eating disorders. She is a consultant with Center for Change and a member of the Ambassador Council of the National Eating Disorders Association. Her work has also been featured in Cosmopolitan, the Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, and Woman’s World.

Jenni Schaefer: “From Recovery to Liberation”
When: Thursday, April 26th
Time: Doors Open 6:00 PM; Event Begins 6:30 PM
Where: Seattle Pacific University
            Upper Gwinn Commons Area
            3310 Sixth Avenue W
            Seattle, WA 98119

This event is FREE and open to the public, a book signing is scheduled to follow the event.

Jenni Schaefer: “From Recovery to Liberation” is sponsored by Center for Change and The Emily Program