Finding gratitude in eating disorder recovery

You might imagine that in the midst of the exhausting fight to beat an eating disorder one doesn’t have a lot to be thankful for. Rather they are devastated at the circumstances of their disease and the outcome of their life altogether. A struggle for anyone, eating disorder or not is to have an “attitude of gratitude” even in life’s most challenging moments.

Having worked at the Victorian – eating disorder treatment center, I can say it is two things:

1.1.)     A challenging place to work.

2.2.)    A rewarding place to work.

The amount of dedication, intellect and love that is exuded from the staff at the Victorian is quite extraordinary. This Thanksgiving I would like to take a moment to thank those inside the Victorian home for making eating disorder recovery possible in our world.

Clinical Director – Michelle Smith, LVN

Michelle is one of the best Clinical Director’s the Victorian has ever seen. She is personable, intelligent, poised and down to earth. Known to personally pick up clients from the airport and welcome them  to The Victorian, Michelle goes above and beyond to make sure that not only the Victorian clients feel valued, but also that her staff is valued and cared for as well. We are so thankful for Michelle being the leader of the Victorian. She has taken eating disorder recovery to a whole new level that is admired in the field.

Program Manager – Andrea Brokaw

Andrea has brought Neurofeedback into the Victorian this year. Within the first few days at the Victorian the clients get their brainwaves scanned for the purpose of participating in Neurofeedback. This process has made the women better able to understand their emotions and their eating disorder. Andrea innovative and creative therapy has been a blessing to the Victorian.

Case Managers – Joi Prendiville,  Katie Rose Wingert and Susan Bailey

These women have the privilege of working one-on-one with the clients to map out their recovery. Helping the women set goals and achieve them takes tons of mental and physical strength. These women add so much to the recovery of women by being their confidants, cheerleaders and coaches. The Victroian simply would be non-existent without these women.

Nurse – Becky Gordon

Many eating disorder clients are in need of meds to assist them in their recovery. Becky helps the clients find the meds that are appropriate for them. Her professional demeanor and support make her a stand out.

Dietician – Dawn Navarez

Dawn helps the clients reach their recovery goals around food. Dawn is not only the Victorian dietician, but also holds nutrition groups with the women, educating them on food, vitamins and metabolism. Dawn is known to not only be a Dietician, but also a trusted confidant.

Art Therapy - Robin Lamoure, CADAC, MA, ATR

Women with eating disorders are known to sway heavily on the creative side and Robin takes advantage of that interest by holding amazing Art Therapy  sessions. Sessions are always inventive, creative and thought provoking around recovery. Robin creates a safe, non-intrusive way for women to process their emotions good/bad on an inventive level.

Intern  - Jennifer DeVore, MFTi

Eventually the baton will be passed to another generation of healers who passionately care about eating disorder recovery. The Victorian is so thankful for the interest of so many psychology majors, nursing students and new dieticians who want to contribute to our field. Their dedicated work with the Victorian clients will be rewarded in the recovery that happens in the years to come.  

The Victorian Clients

The thing we are daily grateful for is the brave Victorian clients willing to confront their eating disorder. We are humbled by the strength they have to go step into the unknown and discover the women they are without their eating disorder. The willingness of these women constantly amazes us. We are so honored to work alongside them and are incredibly grateful that we get to witness their transformations into confident, strong, successful women they are proud of.

I hope that if you are struggling with an eating disorder this Thanksgiving you would find some gratitude in the vast amount of people in the eating disorder recovery field willing to help you. On behalf of our very thankful Victorian team, we would like to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving and a Happy Recovery!

Irvina