The Emily Program

New Season of “All Things COE”

2012-01-30T10:07:00.001-06:00

As a part of The Emily Program’s commitment to offering individualized support and treatment of eating disorders, we are constantly working to improve and expand upon the diverse resources and group therapy opportunities we offer to clients. With the coming of the new year, many of these groups are beginning new cycles of speakers, group activities, and information sessions.

All Things COE is a group therapy option for clients with Compulsive Overeating (COE) and Bing-Eating Disorder (BED) diagnoses. As an ongoing group, All Things COE has entered in to 2012 with a number of exciting new speakers on schedule.

Topics for Spring 2012

February 11 - Hoarding & Other Compulsive Behavior

March 10 - Family Support for COE/BED

April 14 - Diabetes Management

May 12 - Intimacy

June 9 - Body Image

All Things COE is designed to connect COE/BED clients with others at The Emily Program to provide additional support and education around issues that affect those with COE/BED and their loved ones. Emily Program clients who are a currently involved in treatment for COE and BED are invited to participate and join in these discussions!

All Things COE meets the second Saturday of each month, from 10:30am-12:00pm 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.

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

LiLu Interiors Wins Top Honor for Emily Program Design

2011-12-30T10:57:00.001-06:00

LiLu Interiors won the American Society of Interior Designers - Minnesota’s top honor for their design of The Emily Program’s new Adolescent & Family Services building.

LiLu Interiors' Lisa Peck, ASID, LuAnne Silvia, ASID and Christina Winter, Allied Member ASID were publically praised at the American Society of Interior Designers – Minnesota (ASID MN) Awards Gala this fall for successfully transforming the Children’s Home Society and Family Services building into the newest location of The Emily Program’s outpatient Adolescent and Family Services, and residential Anna Westin House-Adolescent residential program.

When The Emily Program acquired the existing, institutional St. Paul building, it presented a designer’s challenge with its brick walls and sharp angles. Working on a tight budget required the design team to use basic materials and furnishings creatively to form a nurturing, supportive environment for Emily Program clients, residents, and staff. LiLu Interior’s design allows the building to support the diverse daily activities of The Emily Program - everything from sleeping and studying, to participating in therapy sessions and preparing food. Designers employed a colorful concept that used bright, bold color blocks and large scale patterns to warm and coordinate the more institutional elements of the existing structure.

The Emily Program’s Adolescent and Family Services facility is truly a gem and helps bring families together throughout their eating disorder treatment and recovery.

Congratulations and thank you to LiLu Interiors!

Click here for more about the ASID MN Awards and to view the press release.

New Recovery App Released for iPhone and Android

2011-12-23T10:53:00.001-06:00

Jenna Tregarthen is an Australian that is just like one of millions worldwide that has a loved one struggling with an eating disorder. So, as a part of her PhD research, Jenna developed an app that helps individuals in both eating disorder treatment and recovery track their progress on their smart phones.

Recovery Record was released in partnership with Stanford University's Eating Disorder Clinic and allows users to log-in 24-hours a day, "check-in,” and keep a "mood, food, and thought" diary on their personal phones. By checking-in users answer questions about their general mood, the prevalence of urges, and their progress on meal plans. The app also allows users to set goals and work toward them via their daily log. By doing so, users can earn rewards – some of which come from Recovery Records donor partners like iTunes, who offers a free song download as a part of the reward program.

To broaden the support network available to Recovery Record users, the app is linked to an online forum that allows users to anonymously interface with one another and encourage each other's progress. To maintain privacy, each user is given a pseudonym that changes every few days and provides users with a safe space for support and recovery.

Providers can be a part of the Recovery Record community too. By electing to link-in with their clients, clinicians can help track trends and potential triggers in order to help clients succeed with their meal plans and find strength in recovery. Linking with individuals’ providers as a part of the Recovery Record forum is entirely optional, but offers another avenue of support for clients and their team.

Recovery Record is free and is now available for both Android and iPhone users.

To read the Australian news article that informed this post, click here.
To download the app, or for video demos and more information, visit Recovery Record's website at recoveryrecord.com

A Letter to Santa

2011-12-15T15:49:00.001-06:00

From Gürze Books, December 2011 e-Newsletter

Dear Santa,

I can't help noticing that you're one of the few larger people who doesn't let your weight get in the way. You seem to have a very positive attitude and you're always in a jolly mood. Just the sight of you makes people happy.

You toil all year at a job you love. You didn't say: "After I lose 50 pounds, I'll become Santa Claus and set up a toy shop!" You certainly haven't let your size stop you from hitching up that sleigh each year and traveling around the world!

You and your voluptuous Mrs. Claus have one of the better marriages going. You work as a team and appreciate one another for the qualities that contribute to an enduring marriage—trust, mutual respect, admiration, and sensuality. I hear that Mrs. Claus has a new lacy red teddy she plans to wear for you on Christmas night.

You are a wise and tolerant person. When you noticed that the other reindeer were making fun of Rudolph, you showed them all that what appeared to be a negative quality—a big, red nose—could be turned into something positive. People always focus on the negative aspects of being big. We never think there might be advantages. Sometimes it just depends on your perspective.

Mrs. Claus told me she has started cooking healthier meals, although she wouldn't think of asking you to give up your Christmas Eve cookies and milk. She also said she'd like both of you to get a little more exercise. She's having the elves make each of you a pair of walking shoes so you can take after-dinner walks around the North Pole.

You seem to have accepted yourself just as you are. Santa, I think we could all take a lesson from you.

P.S. Please don't forget my diamond earrings.

Gürze Books is a publishing company specializing in resources for eating disorder treatment, hope, and recovery since 1980.
http://www.bulimia.com/

Tips for the Holidays

2011-12-09T10:11:00.001-06:00

The holidays often involve family rituals and traditions where food has a central role, and can be a difficult time of year for those who struggle with their relationship to food and their bodies. The holidays also may be one of the few times that a family comes together each year, and 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 holiday celebrations.

Here are a few steps to help you prepare. Ask family and friends to help plan for “scenarios” in conversations and 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 have 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 and body concerns.
Enjoy your relationships with families and friends and feel gratitude for blessings received.

Social Support at Meals

Talk to family and friends about what is helpful and what isn't.
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.
Stay active with your therapy appointments or groups.
Discuss your anticipations of the holidays with your treatment team and/or supportive loved ones so that they can help you predict, prepare for, and get through any uncomfortable family interactions.
Talk with loved ones about important issues: decisions, victories, challenges, fears, concerns, dreams, special moments, spirituality, relationships, and your feelings about them.
Allow yourself to have fun rather than rigidly focusing on food or body thoughts.

General Tips

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.)
Get enough sleep and rest.
Don't forget about other ways of coping like yoga, deep breathing, relaxation imagery, journaling etc.
Choose to move in mindful and moderate ways. Take a peaceful leisure walk under the stars with a loved one.
Relax and enjoy down time.
Spend time with people who love and care about you.

On Taking Up Space in the World

2011-11-12T11:25:00.000-06:00

Many people experience physical changes in their bodies during the process of recovery. Your process may require weight restoration in order to get your body from a state of depletion back to health. Or, it may require you to accept your body where it’s at right now, and to let go of your desire to change your body shape and weight.

Regardless of whether you experience any physical changes in your body during recovery, there are definitely emotional changes that come with the process. One thing that I have noticed is fairly common is the process of reconciling ourselves with the space we take up in the world. Recovery requires us to accept that our bodies take up space, and we don’t get to choose our body’s shape and size. It already knows where it wants to be. But coming to terms with the physical space we take up in the world is only a piece of the puzzle. When I talk about reconciling with the space we occupy in the world, I mean it in every sense of the world: physically, emotionally, with our words and actions, and by getting our needs met.

Often times, when we wish our bodies were smaller, or wish that we could simply take up less physical space, there is an underlying desire to take up less space in some other aspect of our lives as well. For me, it was about wanting to have essentially zero needs. I felt like needing absolutely anything, whether it was emotional support, new clothes, gifts, or just time with someone, was too much. Yes, I wanted to be smaller in my body, but what I ultimately wanted was to have a smaller presence in the world. I didn’t want to speak too loudly, or to say anything that might offend someone else, because that would be claiming space in the world that I didn’t deserve. I didn’t want to have needs, and I didn’t allow myself to want.

Throughout my years of treatment, I’ve noticed that the desire to minimize the “space” we need or occupy is a pretty common theme among people with eating disorders. It manifests itself in different ways: we work ourselves to exhaustion at work because we are afraid to say no to a colleague’s request; we spend every waking minute caring for our children while leaving no space for “me” time; we constantly give our time and energy to others but never ask for that same care and attention when we need it. But the underlying current of thoughts is usually the same. I don’t deserve to take up space. Others deserve it more than me. How dare I express my wants and needs when others have less than I do?

My own recovery process has taught me that attempting to take up less space is a fruitless effort. Even more than that, it often ends up being counterproductive. The more I convinced myself that I needed nothing, or berated myself for being such a drain on others, the more I fell into the throes of my eating disorder and was able to give less. When my own needs are not met, I have less energy to give to others. When I take care of myself, and when I acknowledge the fact that I need sleep, food, love from myself and others, and time to myself, I have so much more energy to give to others. I am more emotionally and mentally present when I do give my time and energy to others, and I am able to give even more than I could if my own needs were not being met.

Beyond taking up space with physical and emotional needs, I’ve also discovered that it’s okay to let my personality take up space, too. I give myself the compassion and unconditional acceptance to be exactly who I am, to make mistakes and to learn from them. I am not superhuman, and expecting perfection from myself often leads me to hold others to high and unrealistic standards, too. When I give myself permission to be perfectly imperfect, and to have the freedom to be human, I often find that it rubs off on others. Contrary to what I thought would happen when I first started letting my personality take up space, I have found that giving myself “space to be me” actually makes even more space for others to do the same. It’s sort of an exponential thing: when we accept ourselves and honor the space we need and deserve, we make more room for others to do the same.

Taking up space is scary, don’t get me wrong. When I first started to accept that I needed to take up space, both physically and otherwise, it felt like I’d never stop expanding. I was terrified that not “reigning in” my body would lead me to become this uncontrollably large person who was overly needy and completely selfish. But every day, I continued to fulfill my needs, and now, over a year later, I haven’t exploded on the world. If fact, I’ve gotten only positive feedback. I’m vibrant with life and energy now, and I certainly do take up space. But I take up the space I need, and that is all.

So now I’ll pass the torch on to those of you who are just beginning your process of recovery, and your process of taking up space and meeting your needs. Perhaps you, too, will find that taking up space is more than okay, that it’s a beautiful thing. And perhaps you, too, will make more space for others to follow your lead. Accept and honor the space you take up in the world, and in so doing, you will accept and honor everyone else, perfectly imperfect, exactly as they are. We all take up space, we all have needs, but when we accept that fact, there is more than enough room for us all.

By: Maia Polson

Holiday Planning “Class” for TEP Clients

2011-11-08T15:19:00.001-06:00

The holiday season is tough to navigate for those who struggle with eating disorders. And we understand that some individuals want extra support during this trying season.

This year we are piloting a holiday planning class for Emily Program clients.

The class will provide additional support in preparation for the major holidays the end of the year brings along. Participants will walk away with information around basic portioning, meal planning help and answers to your holiday questions. We'll keep these classes to a manageable size of 10-20 people in order to offer the most help to each participant.

Maggie Vertalino, R.D., L.D. will lead each class at The Emily Program's St. Louis Park location. Attend the class that works best for your schedule: Tuesday, November 15 from 6:00-7:00 PM or Tuesday, December 13 from 6:00-7:00 PM.

The class will cost $5 per person and a snack/beverages will be provided (and optional). Participants must sign up at an Emily Program front desk (and pay) by Monday 11/14 and Monday 12/12 at noon.

A minimum of 10 registrations are needed for these classes to occur. Classes will be cancelled and participants refunded if we have low registration. We'll call those who registered if a cancellation does occur.

If you have questions about the holiday planning classes, please contact Maggie Vertalino at 651-645-5323 ext. 1412.

A note regarding the benefits of Love Your Body Week:

2011-10-17T11:03:00.000-05:00

I know you don’t know me, but I just wanted to say thank you for creating and organizing Love Your Body Week. First of all, I think it was a great idea and I love that The Emily Program was involved. I have had an eating disorder for a few years and I just started to get treatment a little over a year ago at The Emily Program. Needless to say, The Emily Program has basically saved my life. I think it’s so great that you want to create awareness about eating disorders on campus. Since this is an all girls campus, I’m sure a lot of eating disorders go on, but I feel like it was never really talked about here at St. Ben’s. Now, I feel like there is more awareness on campus about eating disorders which is great because it is something that effects so many people, especially college students. I definitely hope Love Your Body Week is something that continues on year after year since it is such a great way to promote healthy body image. I would love to even help next year. So anyways, I just wanted to say thank you. This week really helped me bridge the gap between my treatment world and my school world.

Read more about St. Ben’s Love Your Body Week.

Follow-up to "Maggie" post

2011-10-13T16:31:00.003-05:00

On Sept. 29 one of our community outreach coordinators posted thoughts about a new children's book coming out called "Maggie Goes on a Diet." (Read that post by clicking here.)

Recently, The Emily Program Foundation's Advocacy Group used their voices to educate the author of "Maggie Goes on a Diet" about the harm the book could cause. The Emily Program Foundation posted a blog outlining their advocacy efforts.

Click here to read The Emily Program Foundation's blog post.

It's an example of advocacy at its finest.

I Am A Whale & Proud of It!

2011-10-05T13:47:00.002-05:00

The below is from a FB post by Delphine Fieberg:

A while back, at the entrance of a gym, there was a picture of a very thin and beautiful woman. The caption was "This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?"

The story goes, a woman (of clothing size unknown) answered the following way:

"Dear people, whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, seals, curious humans), they are sexually active and raise their children with great tenderness.
They entertain like crazy with dolphins and eat lots of prawns. They swim all day and travel to fantastic places like Patagonia, the Barents Sea or the coral reefs of Polynesia. They sing incredibly well and sometimes even are on cds. They are impressive and dearly loved animals, which everyone defend and admires.

Mermaids do not exist.

But if they existed, they would line up to see a psychologist because of a problem of split personality: woman or fish?

They would have no sex life and could not bear children.

Yes, they would be lovely, but lonely and sad.

And, who wants a girl that smells like fish by his side?

Without a doubt, I'd rather be a whale.

At a time when the media tells us that only thin is beautiful, I prefer to eat ice cream with my kids, to have dinner with my husband, to eat and drink and have fun with my friends.

We women, we gain weight because we accumulate so much wisdom and knowledge that there isn't enough space in our heads, and it spreads all over our bodies.
We are not fat, we are greatly cultivated. Every time I see my curves in the mirror, I tell myself: "How amazing am I?!"

The model's name is Tara Lynn
— Found via Delphine Fieberg on facebook - unsure who original author is

What is wrong with this picture?

2011-09-29T16:40:00.005-05:00

Shawna Kelley, MA, our Seattle Community Outreach Coordinator, writes:

Last year my 7 year old niece came to her mother very upset because one of her friends had called her fat. They had been standing in a circle and one of the young girls looked at the other four girls in the group, pointed at each one and said “you are skinny, you are skinny, you are skinny and you are fat”, looking directly at my niece when she said the dreaded three letter word.

Her mother is the only woman I know that does NOT have any food or body image issues, so that type of conversation does not happen in her household. When her mother asked her what was wrong with being fat, my niece couldn’t come up with an answer. She just knew that “skinny” was good and “fat” was bad.

The question is, where did she learn that? Our beliefs about being fat vs. thin is embedded so deeply in our culture that it comes across in our every day lives often without our awareness. One place we often overlook for negative messages about food and body image is in children’s books. It is usually well hidden in the context of the story, Cinderella anyone?

However, in his new book, “Maggie Goes on a Diet” (due out in October), the front cover says it all. The synopsis from the author, Paul R. Kramer, says “Maggie has so much potential that has been hiding under her extra weight. This inspiring story is about a 14 year old who goes on a diet and is transformed from being overweight and insecure to a normal sized teen who becomes the school soccer star. Through time, exercise and hard work, Maggie becomes more and more confident and develops a positive self image.”

So what is wrong with this picture?

Let’s start with the cover of the book. It shows what is supposed to be an “overweight” Maggie, looking into a mirror, envisioning a thin Maggie wearing a special dress. The message sent by this image is that Maggie should not consider buying a dress that would flatter her figure at her current weight, but must lose weight in order to look good.

This reflects our society’s belief that you are not “good enough” for a pretty dress, a job, a life, unless you are thin. The ironic part is that for adolescents with food and body image issues, no matter what their weight, they see a much heavier person in the mirror. The exact opposite of what is happening on the cover of this book. Now to the story. There are so many things that scare me about the synopsis that I am afraid of what the book may say.

According to the LA Times, one of the passages reads:
“Losing weight was not only good for Maggie’ health,
Maggie was so much happier and was also very proud of herself”

And another one says:
“More and more people were beginning to know Maggie by name.
Playing soccer gave Maggie popularity and fame.”

Great results for Maggie, right? She loses the weight that makes her so insecure, her “real” self that was hidden by the weight comes out, she is suddenly popular and a talented athlete. All because she follows a sensible diet, exercises and becomes a normal size.

Wrong, in fact the author could not be more off the mark. Many of us have dieted to lose weight at some point. We have gotten the compliments and praise for losing the weight. We have fallen into the trap equating weight loss with happiness.

And what did ALL of us find out? It doesn’t work that way. Weight loss does not lead to happiness; it leads to a false sense of who we are as a person based on how we look. Mr. Kramer is trying to sell what society is already shoving down our children’s throats, that losing weight and being thin is the key to everything.

The words he uses are heavily laden with layers of meaning in our weight obsessed culture, like fat, thin, diet, normal, insecurity, health, and happiness. The target age group for book (according to Amazon, 4-8 years old) is simply not able to understand all of the nuances. Instead, like my 7 year old niece they will hear the basics. Fat is bad, thin is good, and popularity is only a diet away.

In other words, a series of lies.

The Emily Program leads state-wide Seminars on father involvement in children´s nutrition, activities, & overall health

2011-09-25T12:16:00.004-05:00

Join us for Weighing In: How Father Involvement Fosters more Active, Healthier Children, The 2011 Minnesota Fathers & Families Network (MFFN) Fall Seminar Series--presenting in 8 Minnesota communities in October & November.

Each of the day-long trainings will feature TEP’s fathering educator, Joe Kelly--an MFFN board member and author of 4 books on fathering issues.

Family and health professionals will learn strategies to help fathers use their place at the table to improve relationships with activity, food, eating, and self for their children, stepchildren and families.

The Emily Program is a major sponsor of the series, along with the Minnesota Department of Health, University of Minnesota Extension, McKnight Foundation, and several others.

Cost is $25.00 for MFFN members and $35.00 for non-members—and includes lunch. Call to register 763-473-7432.

Download the brochure here.

BEDA Launches First Annual National Weight Stigma Awareness Week, Sept 26-30

2011-09-23T09:17:00.001-05:00

An exciting new awareness campaign is on the horizon and being lead by the Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA)!

Following is the press release from BEDA

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
September 22, 2011
Contact: Chevese Turner
Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA)
855.855.2332

BEDA Launches First Annual National Weight Stigma Awareness Week
Severna Park, MD (September 21, 2011) - The Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) announced today that it will launch its first annual National Weight Stigma Awareness Week, September 26-30, 2011. The objectives of this event are to build awareness of what weight stigma is, the harmful effects weight stigma can have on people of all ages in all environments, and what can be done to stop it.

"Whether it is children being teased and bullied in school because of their weight, adults being discriminated against in the work place, or patients being shamed in a physician's office, weight stigma insidiously affects a variety of people." says Chevese Turner, CEO of the Binge Eating Disorder Association. "We want to raise awareness around weight stigma and how a focus on weight rather than health and placing a higher value on "thin" can, in fact, have a negative effect on the physical and mental health of a person-of-size-especially those who have or are predisposed to eating disorders."

As the "war on obesity" rages on and the $60 billion weight loss industry continues to grow, paradoxically, rates of obesity are not decreasing and eating disorders are rapidly increasing.

Afflicting more women than breast cancer, eating disorders have the highest rate of mortality of all mental illnesses. They are complex disorders triggered by environmental factors, and studies have shown weight stigma plays a significant role. Several studies conducted by The Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at Yale University have found that more frequent exposure to stigma was related to more attempts to cope with maladaptive eating practices and higher BMI.

"Weight stigmatization is widespread in our society and affects individuals in multiple domains of life, often on a daily basis," says Rebecca M. Puhl, Ph.D, Director of Research and Weight Stigma Initiatives at the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at Yale University. "We know from decades of research that children and adults are targets of weight stigmatization in educational institutions, employment settings, health care facilities, the media, and even from family members and friends.This has a devastating effect on people's quality of life, and leads to numerous consequences for emotional and physical health. Weight stigmatization is both a social injustice and a public health issue. We need to increase public awareness and societal efforts to address this problem. Otherwise, it will continue to create disparities, discrimination, and barriers to effective prevention and treatment for individuals affected by obesity."

The call to action for BEDA's first annual Weight Stigma Awareness Week is "Healing Myself First: Challenging Weight Stigma from the Inside Out."

BEDA encourages individuals to participate in several activities BEDA proposes as part of Weight Stigma Awareness Week, beginning with looking within to assess personal weight biases and becoming an advocate.

Turner says, "Let's begin by asking ourselves, 'Did I make fun of other kids when I was a child because they were overweight?' 'Do I look down on myself or others because of size? Do I exclude people based on body size? Do I contribute to 'fat talk,' such as, 'I need to lose 10 pounds,' or, 'You're too fat to wear that,' or, 'You look great! Did you lose weight?'"

A recent Journal of Pediatrics study found that children are bullied 63% more if they are overweight than for any other reason. Yet statutes do not include any language around size bullying. Individuals can write letters to members of congress in support of protecting overweight children from bullying.

For more information about BEDA's first annual Weight Stigma Awareness Week, visit www.bedaonline.com.

For more information about The Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, visit http://www.yaleruddcenter.org/.
________________________________________________________________

Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) is a national organization focusing on the need to increase prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for binge eating disorder. Through education, outreach and support, and resources, BEDA is committed to facilitating awareness, quality of care, and recovery for those who live and those who work with binge eating disorder. For more information, visit www.bedaonline.com.

Recovered vs. In Recovery: Either Way, I’m Living Authentically

2011-09-12T09:40:00.001-05:00

The debate over being “recovered” versus “in recovery” from an eating disorder is one that I have not participated in for quite some time. A year ago, I reached a point in my own recovery where I felt comfortable with describing myself as recovered. I also decided then that the only person I needed to define that word for was myself. The debate became irrelevant to me, since I believe that every person’s definition should be one that works for him or her, regardless of what other people might think.

For me, at that time, “recovered” seemed to fit. It meant that I was living my life in an authentic way. My eating disorder was a part of my past, not present. I didn’t need to put energy into saying “no” to the thoughts and behaviors on a daily basis. I finally had time to put my energy toward rediscovering my identity and speaking my own truth, not the eating disorder’s.

Recently, however, I went through an emotionally turbulent period of life, and it uprooted me from my solid foundation in recovery. Old thoughts and urges started creeping back in, and I found myself in a negative mindset I hadn’t experienced in a long time. The word “recovered” no longer felt right for me to use, so I changed my language. I am once again a woman “in recovery:” I make an active decision to say “no” to my eating disorder on a regular basis, and to say “yes” to my recovery and my life. I focus more intently on practicing self-care, surrounding myself with my support people, and cultivating a loving relationship with my authentic self—body, mind, and soul.

So, have I relapsed? Have I “failed” at being recovered? Have I taken a step backward in my journey? Certainly not! Having old thoughts and behaviors pop up along the way is normal in recovery. It is not a failure but a signal to me that I need more self-care and more reflection on what needs of mine are not being met. My eating disorder is something I once used to soothe myself in uncomfortable situations. Right now, it just takes more work to find other ways to cope with discomfort and stress.

Changing my language around my recovery temporarily does not mean the eating disorder has won. In fact, it means the very opposite; it means I am once again becoming more active against my eating disorder in order to protect my recovery, health, and overall happiness. And that’s what I think this whole recovery process is all about. No matter what stage of recovery I am in right now, I truly believe that moving toward my new beginning will ultimately lead beyond “recovered” and on to being simply me.

In the end, the language we all use to describe our journeys doesn’t matter, because being “recovered” is not the end goal. The “end goal” of recovery is to create a beginning for ourselves; to build a foundation from which we can nurture our authentic selves, discover who we are without our eating disorders, and step freely into the lives we create for ourselves.

By: Maia Polson

Nation's 1st Dietetic Internship in Eating Disorders Launches

2011-08-23T17:51:00.005-05:00

The nation’s first dietetic internship focused specifically on the treatment of eating disorders got underway on today in Saint Paul.

The University of Minnesota - The Emily Program Dietetic Internship (U of M TEP DI) is a collaborative between the U of M’s Department of Food Science and Nutrition and The Emily Program, a nationally renowned treatment program providing comprehensive, personalized treatment for eating disorders and related problems in the Twin Cities, Duluth, and Seattle, Washington.

For nine weeks, the 15 pioneering interns will be guided through the intricacies of eating disorders and the essential role of the Dietitian in successful treatment and recovery.

Lead Dietitian Lisa Diers, RD, LD, says, “We expect that this journey will be a challenging and rewarding one for each intern and for us. We’re proud to be in the forefront of preparing new dietitians for the growing field of eating disorders treatment—a field where dietitians play such a critical role.”

Graduates of the internship are eligible to take the Registration Examination established by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. The U of M TEP Dietetic Internship is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE), a specialized accrediting body of the American Dietetic Association, recognized by The Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education. This internship meets or exceeds all standards; recently updated and reviewed 2010.

Consistent with the missions of the University of Minnesota, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Science and Department of Food Science and Nutrition, the U of M TEP DI maintains a progressive and effective program which integrates didactic education, public service, and supervised practice to develop competent entry-level dietitians with the knowledge and skills necessary to satisfy and improve the food, health and nutritional needs of diverse communities in Minnesota and the nation.

Women of Color Group

2011-08-18T15:38:00.001-05:00

A new process group for women of color

This group is open to all clients who identify as a woman of color. In this group we will process beliefs, ideas, and cultural values around body image and disordered eating.

Date: Mondays beginning Oct. 3
Time: 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: St. Louis Park, 1660 Highway 100 S # 250 St. Louis Park, MN

Questions? Want to Join?
Please contact Hoinu at 651.645.5323 ext. 1403 or Angela at ext. 1434

Support The Emily Program Foundation through Yoga in September

2011-08-11T10:36:00.000-05:00

The Emily Program Foundation is partnering with Moksha Yoga, a new yoga studio in the Twin Cities, for their weekly Karma Yoga Class. Moksha Yoga is a group of independent hot yoga studios committed to ethical, compassionate and environmentally conscious living. They believe that the benefits of yoga are limitless and accessible to all. Moksha Yoga takes much of the yoga practice off the mat. Each month, the studio supports a different organization making a BIG difference in our community through Karma Class funds and studio events.

Moksha Yoga has chosen The Emily Program Foundation as their supported organization for the month of September.

Karma Classes will be held Fridays from 7:30 – 8:30 PM and the admission fee ($5.00 minimum) will be donated to The Emily Program Foundation. Karma Classes are 60 or 90 minute sessions of Moksha hot yoga. The class is suitable for all levels of yoga experience.

Moksha Yoga Studio is located at 3252b W Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55416

Your support is appreciated and we hope you’ll take a class (or two) this month/in September. You’ll be helping a great cause and reaping the benefits yoga provides.

Feel free to contact Moksha Yoga at 612-920-3004 or info@mokshayogaminneapolis.com with questions. For more information visit http://minneapolis.mokshayoga.ca/home/ .

Celebrate Body Positive Day!

2011-08-04T11:04:00.002-05:00

Our friends at New Moon Girls remind us to celebrate Body Positive Day on Sunday, August 7.

Staying positive when it comes to body image is difficult, especially when we are constantly bombarded with unrealistic images of what “beauty” means in the eye of the media. And the answer isn't as easy as telling ourselves and others not to listen to negative media messages.

For example, if you’re a parent, being outwardly positive about your own body mirrors how your kids see themselves. So the next time you wish the child in your life would just see herself for the truly beautiful girl you know she is, think about how you talk (and feel) about yourself.

Here are some ways you can celebrate Be Body Positive Day on Sunday:

Make an Inner Beauty Mirror
Do an activity with your family that makes you feel great inside and out!
Make a point to say what you love about yourselves out loud.
Stop negative body talk – you aren't only hurting yourself!
Have a conversation with your loved ones about why it is so important to make an effort when it comes to feeling good about themselves.

NEW! Career Exploration Skills Group

2011-08-03T14:11:00.001-05:00

An 8-week group for clients who want to address career concerns.

Our new Career Exploration Skills Group, is an 8-week group designed for Emily Program clients who are ready to discuss issues that address their career concerns. Clients who benefit from this group tend to be those who have addressed their Eating Disorder use and have maintained some level of stability. This group would greatly benefit individuals who want to start a career or make a career change as well as individuals who are currently unemployed and seeking assistance with career decision making.

This group will:

Use an interest inventory, personality assessment, and values exercise to increase self knowledge about how these aspects of self fit into your career choice.
Use career resources to learn about different careers, educational requirements, salaries, etc.
Have weekly assignments to keep clients on track with their career progress
Discuss how to navigate your career using insights you gained through your recovery process
Explore and process your career choices and whether those choices are the best fit for who you are now
Challenge eating disorder thoughts that get in the way of recovery and being passionate about career possibilities
Address fear of change and the unknown
Teach and assist with networking skills through role playing exercises

Questions? Want to join? Please speak with your individual therapist.

Book Reading of Just Tell Her To Stop by Becky Henry (with guest, Kathleen MacDonald)

2011-07-27T11:19:00.003-05:00

Common Good Books presents Becky Henry, author of Just Tell Her To Stop: Family Stories of Eating Disorders. (With guest speaker Kathleen MacDonald from the Eating Disorders Coalition)

Date: Monday, August 22, 2011

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: The Emily Program Foundation 2265 Como Avenue, Saint Paul MN 55108

Eating disorders are the most deadly of all mental illnesses. It is no surprise that the author panicked watching the daughter she knew "disappear" as the powerful bully took control. After extensive research, she finally got help to save her daughter's life.

When families feel frustrated, isolated and alone, (very common because the disease is often kept as a "family secret"), they need a respected resource to show there is help and people to talk to.

The tips at the end of each family's story are most insightful. No topic was left unturned insurance; treatment centers; extended family's response; age at onset; other addictions; fear and hopelessness; AND joy and successful recovery.

All aspects of a family living with a loved one are covered. Dads, moms and siblings speak. Who better to tell the stories than those living with, struggling to understand, and dealing with the day-to-day challenges that can be overwhelming. The message is: You are not alone-and there is HOPE.

----

Becky Henry is an author, speaker and family advocate offering workshops, individualized coaching and support groups for those who love someone with an eating disorder. She shares her parent's viewpoint on eating disorders with health professionals, educational institutions and other parents. Having traversed the complex medical and financial maze that accompanies eating disorders, in this book Becky shares her commitment to families who have one goal: To save their child's life.

Kathleen MacDonald suffered with a variety of “eating disorders” (anorexia, bulimia, exercise bulimia, dieting, disordered eating, and body image issues) for over 16 years of her life before she undertook her “Journey to Healthy”. Kathleen addresses the complex realities of eating disorders, encourages those suffering, or those who know someone suffering, to reach out for help. She offers hope for a life free from eating disordered thoughts and behaviors, freedom from body image issues, and she empowers those listening to change their lives.

For more information, visit commongoodbooks.com and emilyprogramfoundation.org

Dietetic Internship to Start this Fall at The Emily Program

2011-07-21T16:03:00.001-05:00

The University of Minnesota has accepted 15 interns for a 35-week (mid-August to mid-April), full-time, competency-based program providing more than 1300 hours of supervised learning. Nine of those weeks will be spent at The Emily Program working directly with our experienced staff. In a field where training to provide nutrition counseling to people who struggle with eating disorders is difficult to find, the introduction of a Dietetic Internship with a concentration in Eating Disorder Treatment is certainly exciting and innovative! It is the only Dietetic Internship Program in the country with an eating disorder emphasis.

The alliance between The Emily Program and the University of Minnesota will provide a strong clinical component as well as enhanced learning in other valuable arms of the Dietetics profession. These components include, but are not limited to:
•          Collaboration with other disciplines and community groups
•          Development and review of educational materials
•          Licensed catering kitchen to provide foodservice experiences
•          Public relations opportunities such as fundraising and mass media
•          Human resource and facility management experiences
•          Legislative processes and public policy initiatives
•          Development and measurement of outcomes for services
•          Participation in organizational change and planning for goal-setting processes

Eating disorders are a multi-faceted, complex issue. And, this program will provide future dietitians a valuable field experience, even if they choose not to enter the eating disorder treatment field. Interns will be able to draw on their experiences at The Emily Program to help them feel comfortable working with any future patient.

Carrie Peterson MS, RD, LD, CSSD, the Dietetic Internship Director at the U of M and Lisa Diers R.D., L.D., R.Y.T. with The Emily Program are leading this initiative. Diers says “The Emily Program is really excited to be part of this brand new internship and to increase the interns knowledge base and the skill set with regards to eating disorder treatment. What the interns learn during their internship will ultimately benefit any person struggling with an eating disorder who seeks out nutrition counseling and will work to educate the whole community.” It is truly a great opportunity for the 15 interns this year and all of those to follow.

Three (3) Yoga & Body Image Groups starting in August

2011-07-19T12:01:00.001-05:00

Each group is 8-weeks and open to clients of all bodies, shapes and experience levels
(no experience necessary)

These groups will:

Provide you a supportive and non-judgmental environment to explore your relationship with your body while practicing yoga
Present you with challenging and rewarding experiences
Allow you to deepen your connection to mind, body and breath

In St. Paul (Como location)

Wednesdays from 2 p.m. – 3:50 p.m. (August 17th – October 5th); facilitated by Lisa Diers, RD, LD, RYT and Stacy Saindon, MA, LMFT

Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. (August 19th – October 7th); facilitated by Lisa Diers, RD, LD, RYT and Tracy Williams, MSW, LICSW

A group intake for these 2 Como groups will be held Wednesday, August 10th from 2 p.m.–3 p.m. in the Como Yoga Room

In St. Louis Park

Mondays from 2 p.m. - 3:50 p.m. (August 15th –October 10th; no yoga on labor day); facilitated by Lisa Diers, RD, LD, RYT and Annie Heiderscheit, PhD, MT-BC, LMFT

A group intake will be held Monday, August 8th from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. in the SLP Yoga Room

Interested in participating in one of these groups?
Ask your individual therapist to complete the internal referral form.
Questions? Contact Lisa Diers at (651) 645-5323 ext. 1140.

What does the budget deal between Governor Dayton and the Republican Majority really mean?

2011-07-15T12:46:00.001-05:00

An update from Kitty Westin:

Besides opening State Parks, the racetrack, and road construction…

First, the good news is that this proposal includes putting more money on the table (through shifts and loans) in order to have lesser cuts to state government, including human services. The proposed deal will mean that the deepest cuts in services will be avoided; including cuts to mental health services. We are very grateful for this!

Information from the Governor's office: the proposed deal will:

Protect 140,000 Minnesotans from losing health care
Protect against long-term care cuts that would have forced 1,500 elderly and disabled people into more expensive nursing homes rather than home and community-based services.
Protect against drastic reduction in medical education and research funding.
Protect against cuts to mental health treatment funding that result in increased numbers of people with mental illness in our jails, emergency rooms and psychiatric hospitals.
Protect against a 50% cut to women’s primary health care services (family planning).
Protect substantial funding for Department of Health Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) which aims to help Minnesotans live longer, healthier lives by reducing the burden of chronic disease and reduce long term healthcare costs.

The details have not been worked out and legislators are working to finalize the deal. We expect that the special session will be called early next week and the bills will be signed soon after.

It has been a long and emotional time for advocates but your efforts have helped! The press, legislators and the governor have cited the cuts to mental health programs as key issues in the impasse which is a victory in itself. “It is not over until it’s over” so stay tuned - there may be reasons to contact your representative or Senator while they are in special session. Thank you for your advocacy efforts!

Kitty Westin

What the Body Is...and Isn't

2011-07-10T09:48:00.000-05:00

The Emily Program’s Joe Kelly writes:

Ever heard the notion that the body is the temple of the soul? My church taught that idea when we were young, as a way to encourage us to treat our bodies with respect.

Our teachers also taught us to treat our church building with respect. That’s no surprise—have you ever heard of a faith community that did not treat its place of worship with respect (whether an ornate temple; massive megachurch; or rickety structure hand-build with found materials)?

But, even as kids, no one ever told us that the Supreme Being we were worshiping was the same thing as the building where we worshiped. We’d be hard pressed to find a person of faith who thinks that the Spirit, Being, or Deity she calls Allah, the Creator, God, Buddha, or Yahweh is indistinguishable from the structure or location where she joins others to worship.

The same thing holds true for the relationship between our own spirits and our own bodies, whether ornate, massive, rickety, or any other shape.

The temple metaphor reminds me that my body carries my spirit, personality, and potential in the world.

My body also carries that spirit around in the world—my body is a vehicle. This miraculous vehicle has the ways and means (voice, mind, affection, caring, spirit, humor, determination, creativity, emotions, strength, physicality, etc.) that allow me to connect with and be useful to myself, other people, and things greater than myself.

My body is the vehicle for life and life purpose. I’m grateful for this vehicle and have good reason to treat it well. But while acknowledging what this vehicle is and can be, I find it equally important to remember those early lessons about both bodies and temples.

A place of worship can be a lovely vehicle to facilitate our journey toward deeper relationships with a Higher Power, one another, and our purpose in the world. But we don’t confuse the place of worship with the goal of worship.

In a similar way, while my body is my life’s vehicle, it is not my life’s road. It is not the journey. It is not the destination.

NEW FREE Group for Friends and Family

2011-07-08T11:03:00.001-05:00

FREE Understanding Eating Disorders, Treatment, and Recovery

The Emily Program knows that there is a lot to learn about eating disorders and the journey that lies ahead in regard to treatment and recovery. That is why we offer this service to people new to eating disorders. This service is free and open to anyone who wants to gain a basic understanding of eating disorders, treatment and recovery.

Before you can help your loved one and yourself, you’ll need to build a foundation of knowledge about eating disorders, the impact they have on families, and the language you’ll need to effectively communicate throughout the recovery process and beyond. You wouldn’t sail a boat without some training – this service will provide the information you need to untie the boat from the dock and set sail for the journey toward recovery. Our knowledgeable staff will provide answers to common questions and concerns of families and friends “new” to eating disorders, and you’ll leave with valuable resources.

Second Monday of each month

6:00 to 8:30pm

2265 Como Ave, St. Paul

No need to register; just drop in.