Healing Blog
Dec 13, 2011
What we can learn from celebrity eating disorders
Whether it’s a public relations campaign or taking recovery and paying it forward there are some things we can learn from celebrity eating disorders.
- Actress Demi Lovatto speaks about her eating disorder
Lately it seems as if celebrity eating disorder press releases have been coming out by the dozens. Here is a list of just a few who have confirmed that they have struggled with disordered eating:
· Ashley Simpson
· Calista Flockhart
· Candace Cameron Bure
· Demi Lovatto
· Diane Keaton
· Elton John
· Jamie-Lynn Sigler
· Jane Fonda
· Jessica Alba
· Mary Kate Olsen
· Nicole Richie
· Paula Abdul
· Portia De Rossi
· Tracey Gold
· Victoria Beckham
Some might assume that the most fatal mental disease has become the latest Hollywood publicist marketing strategy. Whether or not celebrities are exposing their struggle for profit or recovery there are some very positive things we can learn from their courage to come forward and share.
Awareness - One thing I’m really impressed with is how so many of these starlet’s have stated that they wanted others to know that they are not alone and to get help themselves. Today, over 1/3 of American women struggle with disordered eating in the forms of anorexia, bulimia and compulsive overeating. Talking about this still taboo topic brings awareness to those currently in an eating disorder, just simply saying the disease “eating disorder” can vastly help the public have more awareness and recognize the disease before it progresses or turns into death.
Boldness – Personally, I share my recovery story on a very public format. Through speaking engagements, workshops, press and blogging. I can confirm that it isn’t always easy to admit on a public forum that I have struggled with body image, confidence and concerns about my looks. There are times that it provokes anxiety in me. But, then I am confronted with the fact that “if I don’t come forward who else will? Who else will help others find recovery?” It’s this question that helps me be bold and share my story. I believe celebrity’s are using their platform of fans and media attention to be bold with their story to help others in recovery. For that, I am completely grateful to them.
Owning It – There is a point in recovery we all come to that either progresses us ahead or keeps us stagnant and that is the dilemma of owning it. I have yet to meet a person who struggles with an eating disorder who is excited to vocalize the pressure they feel to keep in perfect physical appearance and that this disease took over their lives. However, there is something powerful in simply admitting on a daily basis that this is our struggle and for better or for worse we are working on our recovery. It’s in this act of owning it that our own recovery escalates and we are able to not only grow ourselves, but help others grown in their recovery as well.
I’m incredibly impressed and thankful for the many celebrity’s who have come forward to share their recovery story. I hope to see many more in 2012 and in turn see recovery happen for so many others.
Happy Recovery!
Irvina
Dec 06, 2011
20 Things to do instead of your eating disorder
This may sound like a funny post, but some of us have had eating disorders for so long we just don’t know what to do with ourselves besides starve, binge, purge and repeat. The idea of asking yourself “what do I want to do?” is daunting. Which is why the Victorian Recovery Blog is here to help!
When I share about eating disorders with people who haven’t
experienced them I wish that I could build empathy for the fact that this addiction takes over your entire life. A
person with an eating disorder is so enthralled in it that they lose touch with
reality, forgetting the things they love and enjoy. When I was working at the
Victorian it was especially difficult to help the women remember the things
they loved, due to depression playing a part in the disease. I often encouraged
the women to make a list of 20 things they could do instead of starving, binging and purging. Their lists
were always beautiful variations, showing each women’s gifts and talents.
Today, the Victorian blog brings you some creative, fun and healthy ideas for your own recovery. Feel free to tweak some of these ideas to better suit your gifting.
1.) Beach walks - If you’re blessed enough to be in Newport Beach like us, the beach is a great place to go for a mellow walk. Take in some vitamin D and enjoying the beautiful ocean
2.) Bike Rides – We love our boardwalk in Newport Beach! Bike rides down the peninsula are the best! Whether with friends or not a bike ride always gets endorphins flowing!
3.) Blogging –Whether it’s commenting on someone else’s creative blog or starting your own, eating disordered women are known to very creative and quick witted writers!
4.) Bubble Bath’s – Fill up the tub, light some candles and soak up some self care surrounded by bubbles!
5.) Calling friends – Sometimes just checking in to ask a friend“How are you?” Can completely change their day. Many of us have friends who are also struggling with an eating disorder. Giving a random call just to say hello can help someone tremendously.
6.) Coffee Dates – The Newport locals love Alta Coffee which is just a block down from the Victorian. Bring a book or a friend to a coffee shop and soak in the joyful energy of others caffeine affecianados! Pick the right coffee shop and enjoy some art too!
7.) Crocheting + Knitting – Such a thearapeutic, rhythmic skill! Make scarves and blankets for the ones you love while you watch your favorite chick flicks!
8.) Dog Walking – Who doesn’t love pups? Ask your friends that work if you can help them out by walking their pup during the day while their at work!
9.) Gardening – What woman doesn’t love flowers?! Enjoy flowers every day by staring your own little flower garden! Seeds, dirt, water and a little internet research and you’re green thumb will start to ripen!
10.) Hiking – I am always in gratitude whenever I am on a hike. Realizing that I am blessed to be healthy enough to use my body to enjoy the beauty of nature is an incredible feeling. Take some friends with you and make it a day trip!
11.) Kayaking – Take a friend with you to enjoy the fun! Locally we have the Newport Aquatic Center for all nautical needs!
12.) Jewelry Making – Whether it’s beads or jewels, you can build such an appreciation for jewelry once you try to make it!
13.) Journaling – So therapeutic.
14.) Recovery Meetings - I have never left a 12 Step meeting without feeling better than when I entered the room. Meetings are a place of growth and reflection for us all.
15.) Movie Days – Get some movies and don’t forget your Snuggie and head on over to the couch!
16.) Painting – Whether it’s your bedroom walls, a canvas or your nails, painting is a very cathartic action that gives the painter a calming feeling.
17.) Photography – Cannon, Nikon, Toy camera or disposable, capture the world through your new eyes in recovery.
18.) Reading - Save some buckaroo’s and check out your local library!
19.) Volunteering – Find a local non-profit that interests you and volunteer with them
20.) Writing - Share your sassy, classy and poignant observations in print
Nov 29, 2011
Christmas Gifts for Women Recovering from Eating Disorders
Looking to buy a gift for a woman in eating disorder recovery that is meaningful, yet not cliche or tacky (or full of pink glitter)? We got you covered! Read on...
For those who have a family member with an eating disorder you know that just talking about ‘thee’ eating disorder can be challenging. Never the less, trying to purchase a gift for someone in recovery can be a tight rope of difficulty. Therefore your favorite eating disorder recovery blog is here to help!
While working as Support Staff I found it inspiring how many women wanted to wear T-Shirts, bracelet’s and even get tatoos’s symbolizing their eating disorder recovery. The very disease that they once hid under lock, key and piles of lies was now a badge of honor to share their own struggle and hope with others. What better way to celebrate that honor than to give a gift that ‘gives back to eating disorder recovery’?!?!
I have compiled a list of some very artsy, cool and legit products that either a.) Stand for eating disorder recover and/ or b.) Donate a portion of the proceeds of the gift to eating disorder prevention or recovery. Check out the goods here!
Happy Recovery (and Holiday Shopping!)
Irvina
This top is part
of the My Body ROCKS Collection.
$5 is donated to
benefit eating disorder awareness.
This is one very sweet T-Shirt for eating disorder prevention! For one thing, It's a reversible image that the person wearing can see when looking in the mirror. The words 'Rewrite Beautiful' are across the front reminding the person wearing it that it is up to each and everyone of us to 'Rewrite' what we call 'Beautiful'. American Apparel, gray T-Shirt benefits eating disorder prevention through Street Art Workshops held by the non-profit Rewrite Beautiful.
Dragonflies symbolize strength, courage, happiness and moving past self-created illusions and so much more! If you would like to honor someone you know that battles a disease/disorder or would like to display a beautiful, meaningful and yet discreet badge of your courage and strength, this necklace is for you! Because this Necklace features a Dragonfly, 10% of the purchase price will be donated to NEDA to support and honor Eating Disorder Recovery and Awareness.
This is a hemp macrame bracelet made to show awareness of eating disorders. Whether you are suffering, recovering, recovered or know someone who has, this is a great piece for you. It is made from hemp string and decorated with a metal dragonfly charm and purple and red glass beads. Red symbolizes anorexia and purple symbolizes bulimia. The dragonfly represents both.
Our blue awareness bracelet features 3 brilliant strands of bright blue lapis lazuli, freshwater pearls, and silver plated beads. Bracelet measures approx 7" and has an adjustable clasp. Silver plated awareness charm measures 1/2" from top to bottom.
Our blue awareness bracelet features a caged 6mm cobalt blue fiber optic cat's eye bead and silver plated charm (measures 12x23mm). The charm is stamped with your choice of 'Hope', 'Faith', or 'Believe' on both sides. Silver plated double link chain, each link is 9x6mm. Adjustable clasp (silver lobster claw) can extend bracelet to 8". Please specify which charm you would like at checkout, 'Hope', 'Faith', or 'Believe'.
I was approached by an amazing, smart, kind, beautiful girl named Nikki to create a lip conditioner inspired by a very serious epidemic that she is facing. The complete story & idea was written & inspired by Nikki & her loving dog named Javo (they are in the artwork). Please, see below... 'Princess Nikki & Her Hero Javo the Dog'
Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess who could only see ugliness and fat when she looked in the mirror even though she was thin. She would lock herself in the highest castle tower and obsess over how thick every part of her body was. She would cry every night. Then one day, a stray dog came to the tower base and whined and whined until she came down. The dog gave her big sloppy kisses and told her she was the most beautiful girl in the world and that she should eat because he would be very lonely if she were gone. They became the best of friends, helping each other along in the journey of life and never leaving one another's side. (an edited version of this story appears on the lip conditioner label)
She Decided She was Worth it, Magnet
I can't think of a better lift-yourself-up, confidence-boosting, you-go-girl saying than this one. I want to scream it from the rooftops to myself when I'm feeling crappoo. "You're worth it!" Not worth it like buying a car I can't afford, or spending money on stuff I don't need (ewww, like jewelry?), but worth loving myself. Worth knowing that I'm okay, I'm doing my best and Im' not such a bad person, anyway! That kind of worth it!
Made to order “Perfect” scale. You pick the colors for glass, bottom and leg finishes. See pictures for option examples from past works. The listing price is the base price. The final price for your special order scale, will depend on the completed mosaic.
Keep the message going that beauty is found in your actions! Creative + Kind + Strong = Beautiful!
See you in 2012!
Nov 22, 2011
Finding gratitude in eating disorder recovery
This Thanksgiving, the Victorian displays an “Attitude of 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
Nov 17, 2011
Thanksgiving Day Eating Disorder Support !
Question: How in the world do you get through Thanksgiving Day when you have a gnarly eating disorder? Answer: You attend Thanksgiving Day of Gratitude in the Park!
Thanksgiving Day of Gratitude in the Park
9am to 10am
Heller Park – 257 E. 16th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Here the women share their recovery, strength and hope all while being in the beautiful surroundings of Heller Park! Join these strong women in recovery this Thanksgiving, November 24th. *Don’t forget to bring a chair or a blanket to sit on and a jacket to keep warm! See you in the park!
Happy Recovery!
Irvina
Nov 08, 2011
The Victorians Top 15 FAVORITE eating disorder recovery books!
The chilly fall air is finally settling into Southern California today! The cool 65 degrees has us ready to bundle up on the couches and pull out some of our favorite eating disorder recovery books! Take a look at the books we love!
Whether you’re a Victorian client, parent or still on the journey to find your own eating disorder recovery, you must know that knowledge is power in combating this disease. In honor of the fall weather that is rolling into Southern California we thought we would give you a list of some of our favorite eating disorder recovery books. These books are treasures and have been included in Victorian book clubs, meetings and some are the foundation of our recovery program. Many of the authors are highly accomplished and respected professionals in the eating disorder field. Please take a look at the list and head on over to your local Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com to pick one (or a few) up!
Happy Recovery,
Irvina
50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food
By: Psy.D Susan Albers
Anorexics & Bulimics Anonymous: Fellowship & Stories
By: Faith Farthing
Brave
Girl Eating: A Family's Struggle with Anorexia
By: Harriet Brown
Breaking
Free from Emotional Eating
By: Geneen Roth
Eating in the Light of the Moon: How Women Can
Transform Their Relationship with Food Through Myths, Metaphors, and
Storytelling
By: Anita Johns PhD
Gaining
– The Truth About Life After an Eating Disorder
By: Aimee Liu
Goodbye
Ed, Hello Me: Recover from Your Eating Disorder and Fall in Love with Life
By: Jenni Shaefer
Life
Doesn’t Begin 5 pounds from Now
By: Jessica Weiner
Life
without ED
By: Jenni Shaefer
Starved
– Mercy for Eating Disorders
By: Nancy Alcorn
The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous
By: Overeaters Anonymous
The
Eating Disorder Source Book
By: Carolyn Costin
Thin
By: Grace Bowman
Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia
By: Marya Hornbacher
Why Weight? A Guide to Ending Compulsive Eating
By: Geneen Roth
Nov 03, 2011
International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP) Winter Fundraiser!
IAEDP of Orange County Winter Fundraiser – December 3rd 2011
It seems like we say it all the time, but Southern California truly is the best place to be for eating disorder recovery. Not only are the most renown eating disorder therapists and doctors based out of So Cal, but the dozens of treatment facilities and support groups far out number any other place in the world.
Back in 1985, a few eating disorder professionals gathered and founded the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP.) Today IAEDP is well recognized for its excellence in providing first-quality education and high-level training standards to an international multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions, who treat the full spectrum of eating disorder issue.
IAEDP has grown to develop regions in Los Angeles, San Diego, New York City and beyond. I have attended the Orange County region meetings and I can attest that the most noted professionals and leaders in the eating disorder field gather in this group. Kindly, IAEDP would like to invite you to their Winter Fundraising Event. Whether you are a professional, a student, a parent or a survivor wanting to know more about preventing and treating eating disorders this would be a great event to attend and network with others.
SAVE THE DATE!
DECEMBER 3RD 2011
IAEDP WINTER FUNDRAISING EVENT
“CASINO NIGHT”
AT THE CHERYL BURKE DANCE STUDIO
LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA
RSVP to RaeEllen Ellis at (626) 696-9019 or by email at ociaedp@gmail.com
Hope to see you there!
Happy Recovery,
Irvina
Oct 24, 2011
Eating Disorders in Children rises 119%
Hospitalizations for eating disorders in children under the age of 12 have risen 119% between 1996 and 2011. What are we to do?
- Greenie Marie via www.etsy.com
The News Herald serving Northern Ohio posted an article today with jaw dropping statistics of the rise in eating disorders among children.
“Nationally, hospitalizations for eating disorders have increased with staggering speed. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found a 119 percent increase, between 1999-2006, in hospitalizations for children younger than 12.”
The article goes onto speculate “Have eating disorders really risen in the past 10 years or are we just more aware now and able to properly diagnose?” It is hard to say and I’m not an analyst so I can’t help you there. What I can help you with is preventing eating disorders. Like any addiction, eating disorders have a genetic component making one more susceptible to developing one, yet environment and family dynamics play a large role. We often discuss this with concerned Victorian clients who report their siblings or children showing signs of a developing eating disorder.
In response I have put together some of my own tactics to use with raising a child in order to prevent an eating disorder. Everyone should remember S-M-I-L-E, SMILE!
S – Speak Slowly
From birth through their teenage years children are learning how to be people by modeling and watching their parents and care givers. If they see their parents complaining about their weight, their wrinkles or overly concerned about the way look in some jeans they are going to complain and hold concern over the same things. Speak slowly before you voice your insecurity’s and also get to know the people who are caring for your children. Do they speak obsessively about their appearance? Asking a potential nanny “How do you feel about your own body image?” Is not an outrageous question these days.
M – Movies
No, the Disney princesses are not to blame for eating disorders, but an over consumption of them may contribute greatly to a girls values. In therapy many eating disorder clients refer to “wanting to be saved out of their eating disorder” and “Waiting for that someone who will make it all better.” When a child is still molding their values the images they see have a lasting impact. Therefore it is very important to show movies and films of strong, independent heroines some of my favorites are Anne of Green Gables or Little Women.
I – Individual
Whether it’s a boy or a girl each kid wants to know that they are special for something. Girls get praised for being “cute” and “beautiful” therefore they try to embody this constantly for praise. Boys get praised for being “Strong” and “tough” therefore they try to embody this constantly. There isn’t anything wrong with being beautiful or strong, but it’s the over emphasis that drives addiction. The children feed of the praise for their self esteem. Considering that beauty and strength are external the praise is very fickle and doesn’t help the child develop a strong sense of self. What does help a child is praise for their individuality such as, “Wow! You are such a good artists!” Or “Wow! You are such a good friend!” or “Wow! You are so smart!” or “Wow! You are so kind!” Every kid is good at something, it’s up to you to show them their individuality which in the long run will make them a confident adult, not an insecure one constantly looking for external affirmation.
L – Like
Again children mimic what we say, making it equally important for us to verbalize what we “Like” about other people. If we show children through our conversations that “I LIKE your new hair!” or “I LIKE your new car” or “I LIKE your new dress” or “I LIKE your new house” Children will also learn to like these things as well. We need to show children that we “LIKE how well Mrs. Simmons loves on her animals.” Or “I really LIKE how Mr. Sanchez donates his dental services to kids who don’t have a dentist.” When kids hear this dialogue they will try to fit the mold of your ‘LIKING’.
E – Excitement
A lot of times children develop an over concern with their looks and body, by parents excitement. Does this sound familiar, “Wow! You look so beautiful!” or “Wow! You look so handsome!” There is nothing wrong with this, but try to show the same about of excitement around their creativity, kindness and strength. Children need to know that their value lies not simply in their external appearance, but in how they are each uniquely made.
I hope these tips helped anyone currently worried about the children in their lives developing eating disorders. Check back at The Victorian Recovery Blog next week for more news, research and tips on eating disorders!
Happy Recovery,
Irvina
*Note: Irvina Kanarek is not a counselor, mother or psychologist. Her tactics are from her experience working in an eating disorder treatment center, as a nanny and art teacher .
Oct 18, 2011
What is the real solution to eating disorders?
The Victorian offers many forms of spiritual, mental and physical eating disorder recovery. But, what really lasts?
Model Katie Halchishick started an online firestorm last week as she became a human diagram of what she would have to go through to get the 'perfect' Barbie body via plastic surgery. In the latest issue of O Magazine, Posing for photographer Matthew Rolston, her glamorous, Marilyn Monroe-type features are surgically outlined according to Barbie's proportions. Several eating disorder treatment centers, non-profits and prevention groups posted the article online. Many commenters applauded Halchischick and the attention she was bringing to the ludicrousness of Barbie’s figure being marketed to young girls. Though I think Halchishick’s picture is quite a conversation starter I wonder how that image will help anyone who is actively struggling with an eating disorder? When you are in the middle of the throws of an eating disorder it takes a team of counselors, support staff, clinicians, dietitians and doctor’s to help bring the client back to rationalized thinking and a healthy body weight.
I thought it might be helpful for some readers to understand that Halchishick’s image is great for preventative purposes, but eating disorder treatment is a whole different ball game. Here is a sample of Victorian classes around body image:
Body Image Group
This group is led by a professional counselor. The subject of body image, media, family dynamics, hopes, dreams and fears is the focus. Developing a connection to body parts and their functions is central to this group.
Feelings Group
This group is led by a Victorian Support Staff member. Held after every meal , the clients are encouraged to share how they feel after eating a meal. How they liked the meal and how they rate their emotions afterward. The purpose of this group is to allow the clients to identify any emotions the food is triggering them to think/feel.
Spirituality Group
The group is led by a professional counselor. The group encourages the clients to build a connection to a higher power. It is proven that a connection to a higher power helps clients attain eating disorder recovery faster and longer.
Psycho Drama & Play
This group is led by a professional counselor. The client’s are encouraged to act out their emotions around their eating disorder. This method helps them to authentically get in touch with their pain and communicate it to a group of supportive individuals advocating for their recovery.
Art Therapy
This group is led by a professional Art Therapist. The clients are given new projects each week, either unmasking their hidden emotions of pain and anger through the art or revealing who they truly want to become. Art Therapy is one of the most beloved counseling groups we hold at The Victorian.
This is just a sample of some of the treatment offered at The Victorian. If you are currently struggling with an eating disorder we suggest you seen help immediately.
Happy Recovery,
Irvina
Oct 10, 2011
National Eating Disorder Association throws charity benefit in Los Angeles, CA.
Support the work of the National Eating Disorder Association by attending a charity benefit in nearby Los Angeles!
The National Eating Disorder Association, based out of New York, New York exists to advocate for research, treatment and prevention of eating disorders. This Saturday, October 15, 2011 N.E.D.A. will be holding a charity benefit at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, featuring a screening of Ides of March, starring George Clooney and Ryan Gosling.
To purchase tickets, please visit the following link:
http://neda.nationaleatingdisorders.org/site/Calendar/716403283?view=Detail&id=100481
Happy Recovery!
Irvina
Oct 04, 2011
The F.R.E.E.D. Act (Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders) Lobby’s in Washington D.C.
The F.R.E.E.D. Act lobbies this week for better insurance coverage, education, studies and awareness on eating disorders.
If you have ever sought professional help for your eating disorder you know how difficult it can be to get your health insurance to cover it. The reason for this is that many health insurers do not acknowledge eating disorders as a mental illness. This is of course ludicrous considering the studies that have been done proving that eating disorders are indeed an addiction much like alcoholism and drugs (which are covered by health care providers for intensive in patient treatment.) Due to this dismissal of eating disorders as a mental illness, many of those struggling with eating disorders never receive treatment; leaving their disease to get worse which results in fatality.
Thankfully a group of eating disorder professionals, therapists, survivors and legislators have gathered together and formed the F.R.E.E.D. Act which is advocating for the government to take a look at eating disorders in the following ways:
Summary of the FREED Act (H.R. 1193)
The EDC worked with Members of Congress to conceptualize and draft the Federal Response
to Eliminate Eating Disorders (the FREED Act), which is a comprehensive bill on eating disorders addressing research, treatment, education and prevention. The bill addresses the
following:
Research Initiatives
• Know the numbers through a national data base and other initiatives. Determine the prevalence, incidence, and correlates of all eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and eating disorder not otherwise specified).
• Know the death rates. Determine the morbidity and mortality rates associated with all eating disorders and provide a public report of this data annually.
• Know the costs or “economic burden” of eating disorders. Undertake the necessary investigations to conduct an economic analysis of the costs of eating disorders in the United States, including years of productive life lost, missed days of work, reduced work productivity, costs of medical/psychiatric treatment, prescriptions medications, hospitalizations, costs of medical and psychiatric comorbidities, (cost to family, cost to society) etc.
For all Health Professionals.
Train and healed days of work, reduced work productivity, costs of medical/psychiatric treatment, prescriptions medications, hospitalizations, costs of medical and psychiatric comorbidities, (cost to family, cost to society) etc.
• Establish Centers of Excellence. Develop an integrated system of Centers of Excellence for eating disorders, which will provide training opportunities for research, fund research programs, and coordinate the development of a research infrastructure nationwide. Access to Adequate and Appropriate Treatment.
• All Americans with eating disorders deserve access to care. Any insurer that provides health coverage for physical illness must provide coverage for eating disorders.
• Care according to universally accepted criteria. Insurers are to follow standards of care as written in the Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients with Eating Disorders by the American Psychiatric Association. The treatment setting must be appropriate to the patient’s needs and clinical presentation. Decisions regarding the treatment setting must include individual variables such as age, sex, ability to manage severity or comorbidity, family involvement, and staff expertise and training.
• Eating Disorders are complex conditions and require comprehensive treatment approaches. All treatment modalities should be covered, including but not limited to family, individual and group therapies, nutrition counseling, psychopharmacology, body Image therapy, and medical treatment.
Education & Prevention Initiatives
• Study mandatory BMI reporting in school. Determine the outcome of measuring BMI in schools and reporting the results to parents (including measuring eating disorders symptoms, and incidence of teasing or bullying based on body size).
• Grant Program of the Education and Training for all Health Professionals. Train health professionals, to identify, prevent, appropriately treat and address the complications of eating disorders (using a team approach).
• Grant Program for the Education and Training for School/Higher Education Professionals. Train education professionals in evidence-based education programs about eating disorders, education professionals include teachers, professors, school nurses, school aides, community liaisons, cooks, dieticians, social workers, counselors, coaches, athletic departments, and other.
• Educating the public through Public Service Announcements (PSA's). Use PSAs to educate the public on types and the seriousness of (prevalence, comorbidities, health consequences –both physical and mental) eating disorders, how to obtain help, discrimination and bullying based on mental illness, body size, and the effects of media on self esteem and body image.
• Bring eating disorders into already existing obesity initiatives. Federally funded campaigns to fight obesity should also address eating disorders. Federal studies should include eating disorder related questions.
The lobbying starts on Tuesdsay, October 4th in Washington D.C. We wish all the advocates success and blessings in getting the F.R.E.E.D. Act heard! If you would like to know more about getting involved with the F.R.E.E.D. act please check out the following link:
http://www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org/LobbyDayOctober2011.htm
Happy Recovery!
Irvina
Sep 27, 2011
Sponsoring women with eating disorders
Once we have gained eating disorder recovery we are asked to Sponsor other women through their own recovery, but where do we start with Sponsoring?
The last step, the 12th Step is to “Carry on the message of Overeater Anonymous ” which means sponsoring another women in her eating disorder recovery. The struggle in sponsoring is that as people who struggle with addictions we have a hard time establishing boundaries. That’s why it’s important to establish a healthy Sponsor/Sponsee relationship in the beginning by asking your Sponsee to show you their level of commitment. A lot of sponsors say, “If a Sponsee can’t take simple direction in the beginning, they aren’t ready to be sponsored.” Here are some ideas of homework assignments for your sponsee’s to see if they can take your simple direction and do these assignments. These assignments also help you to gather information about your sponsee so you can be a better Sponsor.
What do you want from a Sponsor?
Ask your Sponsee to make a list of 10 things they want from a Sponsor, for example:
1.1. Return’s my phone calls within 24 hours
2.2. Eats meals with me
3.3. Hangs out with me
4.4. Works steps with me
5.5. …..
Once they have created this list you can go over it with them. You can say, “I am a very busy person, I can’t promise to return your call in 24 hours, but I can do 48 hours.” Or, “I would love to hang out with you, but I like to keep my Sponsor/Sponsee relationships professional, I have found I can’t be ‘friends’ with my Sponsees because it makes things confusing.” This list helps to keep everyone on the same page as far as expectations from one another.
Big Book, The Doctor’s Opinion
In the Big Book there is a chapter called the “The Doctor’s Opinion” which states why alcoholism is truly an addiction. In Overeaters Anonymous we too believe that Overeating is an addiction. Having our sponsee’s read this chapter and truly grasp that their eating disorder is a disease helps them surrender their disease to their higher power as well as help with their willingness to work with a sponsor and take direction.
Want Ad for God
In the 12 Steps we discover a “God of our own understanding.” Many of us have grown up with judging, critical, mean and demanding God. In the 12 Steps we are encouraged to imagine a God that we would like to have a relationship with. A God we could feel safe sharing our hopes, dreams, fears, successes and struggles with.
Having our Sponsees create this “Want Ad” as if they lost their God and needed to find him/her/it, what would the characteristics they would be known by? Have your Sponsee created this Want Ad and share it with you. This Want Ad will help you as you work with your Sponsee when they struggle with their life’s direction. You can ask them, “What would your God say to that?”
Check-in
How often would you like your Sponsee to check-in with you? My sponsor asks that I call her at least 5 days a week and tell her how I am feeling, 5 things I am grateful for and 1 thing I am doing for someone else’s recovery today. Some Sponsor’s ask that their Sponsee’s check-in like this so the Sponsee can learn to commit to something and know that their life is accountable to someone else. Checking-in also helps a Sponsor knows what’s going on in the Sponsee’s life and can help manage life and issues as they come up, not just when something huge comes up. If check-ins aren’t regular Sponsee’s can slip back into old patterns. Check-ins are good things!
Steps
This is the main reason why people get Sponsors, to walk them through the 12 Steps of Overeaters Anonymous or Anorexics & Bulimics Anonymous. Meeting at a coffee shop or in the privacy of someone’s home the Sponsor and Sponsee are able to discuss these steps and how to apply them to the sponsee’s life.
Abstinence
Eventually the Sponsor and Sponsee should establish what the Sponsee’s abstinence looks like. Does the sponsee want to eat 3 meals and 3 snacks a day? 3 meals a day? Or is a wide abstinence of no binging and no starving? Everyone is free to choose an abstinence that works for them and their recovery, but both the Sponsor and Sponsee need to be on the same page of what that abstinence is so that the Sponsor can keep the Sponsee accountable for it.
Abstinence Date
There is a saying that goes, “You pick a date and you stick to it!” A Sponsor needs to know when their Sponsees Abstinence Date is so they can keep the Sponsee accountable to that date, cheer them on in accumulating more days of abstinence and also work appropriately with the Sponsee. A Sponsor works differently with a Sponsee who has 6 months of abstinence verses one who have 6 years of abstinence.
Whether you apply some or all of these tools to your Sponsoring program, I hope you know what a service you are doing to eating disorder recovery. Thank you for dedicating your time to the recovery of others and helping to restore our society to the healthy, prosperous, beautiful place it was intended to be.
Happy Recovery,
Irvina
Sep 22, 2011
Men and eating disorders
Contrary to popular belief eating disorders occur in boys and men and are just as deadly.
One of the most common misconceptions about eating disorders is that they only effect women. On the contrary eating disorders, in the forms of anorexia and bulimia effect 1 million men in the USA and 68.3 million men age 20 and older are overweight or obese due to compulsive overeating.
The Victorian has holds open meetings of Overeaters Anonymous to the public. Both women and men alike have attended regularly for support (*The Victorian also offers closed meetings for women.) Men with eating disorders suffer from the same mental disorders and addictions that women suffer from. The Victorian believes eating disorders are an addiction and treat them as such. If a man is experiencing an eating disorder he may have the genetic disposition to an addiction like alcoholism, an eating disorder, drug addiction, gambling, sex addiction etc…
To find out more information about the meetings held at The Victorian please call (949) 279-1632 and to find meetings just for men please visit the website for Overeaters Anonymous at: www.oa.org
Happy Recovery,
Irvina
Sep 12, 2011
Rewrite Beautiful visits The Victorian and Sober Living by the Sea
Rewrite Beautiful, a non-profit with a mission to prevent eating disorders visited The Victorian and Sober Living by the Sea this past weekend. Together they rewrote what they defined as ‘beauty’ and created some Street Art that will be shared with the public. Check out the workshop!
The women of The Victorian and Sober Living by The Sea got the opportunity to do a Street Art Workshop with Rewrite Beautiful this past Saturday. The goal of the workshop was to creatively change how the women see beauty in themselves. The workshop was kicked off with Rewrite Beautiful, Creative Director and Founder (and former Victorian Support Staff) Irvina Kanarek (me!) who shared what Rewrite Beautiful’s mission is and why prevention is so important to her. (*From my experience working at The Victorian and seeing the gruesome toll eating disorders take on people I want to be apart of prevention.)
Then Janna, a woman in eating disorder recovery shared her own story and what the Rewrite Beautiful mission means to her. The meeting was then transitioned into a creative workshop. Sunny, an Art Professor at the Art Institute of San Bernardino led the women through a creative experience called, Mind Mapping.
Here the women learned how one thought can rapidly turn into another. The mind mapping was then transitioned to 3, 3 x 6 foot wooden panels where the women explored their thoughts and emotions around: Beauty, Recovery and Victory. I guess we could call this “Beauty Mapping”.
Each time someone wrote out their opinions on Beauty, Recovery and Victory they ended with a foot print to symbolize the journey we are all on trying to attain these things. The next person who built on the previous persons though added another foot print to the existing foot print making one pair of heart shaped foot prints symbolizing the journey we all embark on together.
After the mapping the women read aloud what the others had written about the subjects. Their statements were powerful and a sense of struggle, pain, seeking and at times triumph was felt.
Then the panels were flipped around allowing the women to creatively draw, paint and spray paint any visions they received from the workshop.
The workshop ended with each women being given a Rewrite Beautiful bracelet with our vision printed on it: “Creative + Kind + Strong = Beautiful”. The hope is that these women remember that their participation in this workshop was beautiful actions on their part. They took the time to be creative, kind and strong in order to change their mindset on beauty and hopefully their opinions about themselves will rub off on their friends and family.
Thank you to all of the Rewrite Beautiful volunteers for visiting The Victorian and Sober Living by the Sea! You rocked it!
Sep 05, 2011
NEW! Eating Disorder Recovery meetings in Orange County
With multiple eating disorder recovery meetings a day, Orange County is renown for it’s thriving eating disorder recovery community. Today we add even MORE meetings to the growing list of support. Check out the latest and greatest meetings that fit your busy schedule of recovery!
The below meetings are the latest and greatest eating disorder recovery meetings in Orange County. We have attended them all and can vouch they are awesome! Check them out!
Monday – 7 PM to 8 PM
@ The Victorian – 509 29th Street, Newport Beach, CA 92663
This meeting focuses on Anorexics and Bulimic recovery. A speaker shares her experience, strength and hope for 15 minutes and then the meeting is open for response and sharing.
Contact Elyse R. for more info: (714) 316 - 3073
Tuesday – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
@ The Grange - 2144 Thurin Ave Costa Mesa, CA 92627
This meeting is open to everyone struggling with food. A step or tradition from the The 12 Steps & 12 Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous is read and then the meeting is open for response and sharing.
Contact CT T. for more info: (949) 294-1496
Thursday – 7 AM to 8 AM
@ The Costa Mesa Alano Club- 2040 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Open to everyone struggling with food issues. This one hour meeting includes 5 minutes of meditation and then the meeting is open for sharing .
Contact Sarah L. for more info: (310) 388-7716
Saturday – 9 AM to 10 AM
@ The Costa Mesa Alano Club – 2040 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
This meeting is open to everyone struggling with food. A reading from the book, For Today of Overeaters Anonymous is read and then the meeting is open for response and sharing.
Contact CT T. for more info: (949) 294-1496
These meetings truly are where the eating disorder recovery is at! I hope to see you all there soon!
Happy Recovery!
Irvina
Aug 30, 2011
Eating Disorder prevention is on the rise
Eating Disorder prevention is on the rise, see how you can be apart of the prevention!
The more insurance claims, doctors visits and treatment facility enrollments for eating disorders, the more awareness, research and PREVENTION spreads. The Victorian is in the business of treating eating disorders, but we also have an urge to prevent them. Eating Disorder prevention is on the rise. Some of the most noted preventative and awareness campaigns are:
Dove True Beauty – Dove skincare has launched it’s own campaign to reveal the onslaught of self deprecating ads that women are bombarded with on a daily basis in our culture. They seek to reveal that True Beauty is being exactly who you are, flaws and all. They have also invested in teaching young girls about True Beauty through their True Beauty campaign taught by mothers and teachers in schools. Their True Beauty curriculum can be found on their website.
Rewrite Beautiful – Promotes eating disorder awareness through Street Art Workshops. Rewrite Beautiful teaches that beauty isn’t found in your aestehetics but, in women’s actions of Creativity, Kindness and Strenght. Rewrite Beautiful will actually be visiting The Victorian and Sober Living By the Sea on Saturday, September 10th. Find out more about Rewrite Beautiful on their website or search "Rewrite Beautiful" on Facebook.
The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) - Hosts several walk-a-thons every year in and out of the USA to promote eating disorder awareness. The money raised goes to eating disorder research.
The New York Times- Noted for last years photo- documentary called, Patient Voices which chronicled the lives of those living with eating disorders. Currently in a journalism series directed at adolescent health, they created a curriculum to teach Jr.High and High School students about Body Dysmorphia and Eating Disorders. A curriculum is offered on their website.
Prevention and treatment combat eating disorders on both ends of the stick! Please research the above groups and organizations and see where you can lend a preventative hand to the mix!
Happy Recovery!
Irvina
Aug 22, 2011
Why does an Anorexic go to Overeaters Anonymous?
Many of The Victorian clients are taken to eating disorder recovery groups including Overeaters Anonymous. Many ask, “What is an Anorexic or Bulimic going to get out of an Overeaters Anonymous meeting?” …. More than you think. Read on…
Many clients of The Victorian question why they attend so many meeting of Overeaters Anonymous during the week. For several reasons we will explain here:
1.1.) Food Issues –
Though some may not admit it. Many Anorexics and Bulimics also struggle with Compulsive Overeating at some point. Once starvation and purging take their toll, the body becomes ravenous. Many binge and compulsively eat at one time or another. As well, those with food issues, whether they be anorexia, bulimia or compulsive overeating tend to have the same anxieties, negative cognition's, fears and mental illnesses. In fact, there are more similarities between all the disorders than there are differences. The beauty of Overeaters Anonymous is “The only requirement for membership is a willingness to stop compulsively overeating.” Everyone there is struggling with some kind of food addiction and coping with this disease on a daily basis. The amount of wisdom and support at these meetings are priceless.
2.1.) Anorexic and Bulimic Focus –
Overeaters Anonymous offers several types of meetings. Some are for :
- Newcomers – Those new to recovery and the 12 Step Process
- 100 Pounders – Those who have lost 100 pounds or more
- Maintainers – Those who have 5 years or more of recovery and are ‘maintaining’ it
- Book Study’s – These meetings focus on reading the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of OA
- Anorexic and Bulimic focus – Gathering those who have Anorexic and Bulimic tendancies
The women visit a variety of these meetings depending on the needs of The Victorian clients at the time.
3.2.) Recovery in Orange County, CA –
Orange County has some of the BEST eating disorder recovery support in the WORLD. Some clients have even relocated to Orange County post-recovery simply for the support at these meetings. These meetings gather women with years of recovery, integrity and wisdom. The exposure to these meetings and these strong women is what has given many Victorian clients lasting eating disorder recovery.
4.3.) The 12 Steps –
The 12 Steps are discussed and practiced in these meetings. The 12 Steps are where the women learn about honesty, integrity, respect, discipline and their own character defects they need to work on.
5.
4.) Sponsorship –
At Overeaters Anonymous the women find a ‘Sponsor’ someone who will lead them through the 12 Steps of recovery and support them on their eating disorder recovery journey. This person is available for *phone calls, lunch meetings, walks and constant support.
*Note: Availability varies depending on the sponsor.
I hope we cleared up some of your Overeaters Anonymous questions today! We are proud of the program we have at The Victorian and are incredibly proud to have Overeaters Anonymous apart of it. If you have any further questions feel free to ask below and I will answer.
Happy Recovery!
Irvina
Aug 15, 2011
Eating disorder myths
There are many myths in the eating disorder world about what causes eating disorders, what eating disorders look like and how to treat them. Today The Victorian hopes to dispel some of these myths.
Eating disorder myths are hard to fight since many uninformed doctors, therapists and magazines give out false information. The Victorian prides itself with having doctors, therapists, counselors and support staff members who are constantly being exposed to the newest research from the eating disorder field. Today we will try to shine some light on the most common myths.
Myth #1. “Eating disorders stem from vanity, media and culture.”
False. Eating disorders are TRIGGERED by vanity, m
edia and culture, but it is actually a genetic disease. Much like alcoholism or depression which has been found to be genetic, those with eating disorders have the genetic chemistry to develop an eating disorder more so than others. Whether or not this genetic disease develops into a full blown eating disorder has to do with family dynamics, values and life experience. This is why some people end up in eating disorder treatment and others don’t but say, “I can tell I could definitely develop an eating disorder if I’m not careful. Therefore I have to check in with myself and my emotions before I do or don’t eat a meal.”
Myth #2. “Eating disorders are anorexia and bulimia.”
False. Eating disorders are not only anorexia and bulimia, but are also compulsive overeating and obesity. Compulsive overeating (which causes obesity) is triggered from the same part of the brain that anorexia and bulimia is. As well, many anorexics, bulimics and compulsive overeaters cycle in and out of each disease. My own eating disorder started with anorexia. I finally was so mal nourished that I would starve and then binge, but I was ashamed so I would purge the food. Then my restricting got so bad that when I did have food I couldn’t control myself and just started binging and then back to anorexia. This is why Overeaters Anonymous welcomes “all people struggling with food.” Everyone at those meetings has the same thinking and struggles around food.
Myth #3. “90 days of eating disorder treatment and rehab will fix an eating disorder.”
False. Eating disorder treatment and rehab introduce the client to new behaviors, thinking and coping skills in order to manage their eating disorder. At The Victorian we tell our clients that they will “Forever be in recovery.” Much like an individual with cancer or diabetes, one must always watch their actions, behaviors and diet in order to maintain recovery. Life changes like moving, marriage, children or job changes can trigger a relapse. This is why it is vital that someone in eating disorder recovery has a strong network of other eating disorder survivors and perhaps a therapist to help them cope with big life changes.
Myth #4. “You’re only anorexic if you fall under 90 lbs.”
False. A misconception by many eating disorder sufferers and doctors is that people need to “look” malnourished or weigh in in the “double digits.” Though some may fall into one or both of these categories, anorexia is defined as the “deprivation of food.” Whether or not someone has the bone structure or weight that shows the cookie cutter anorexic depends on their own body. If you know you restrict food or suspect someone does, you need to offer them help and support as soon as possible. One of the deadly things about eating disorders is that they convince the sufferer that they don’t have a disease at all.
Myth #5. “Only young teenage girls develop eating disorders.”
False. It is within the teenage years that people tend to EXPERIMENT more often with eating disorders, but eating disorders affect many demographics and both genders. Women are 10 times more likely to develop an eating disorder than men, however there are more than 1 million men in the USA suffering from eating disorders (and 9 million women.) Many professional athletes develop eating disorders due to intense workouts and training that cause them to binge and then deprive. Women and men have been known to develop eating disorders at mid life in their 40’s and some develop them as young as 8 years old. If you have the disease and get triggered by your environment your pretty much lined up to take a hit of this disease.
We hope that this blog erased some of the inaccurate information you have been given. Check back next week for the latest eating disorder news, research and support!
Happy Recovery!
Irvina
Aug 03, 2011
The Victorian sponsors non-profit, Rewrite Beautiful Art Show
The Victorian of Newport Beach sponsored the non-profit, Rewrite Beautiful’s 1st Annual Art Show to prevent eating disorders and spread awareness.
The Victorian of Newport Beach is proud to be a leader in eating disorder treatment. The best counselors, therapist, art therapist, dietitians and support staff have put The Victorian on the map for outstanding treatment and recovery. Now, The Victorian is leading the way in eating disorder prevention. Last Saturday night The Victorian was a proud sponsor of the Rewrite Beautiful 1st Annual Art Show TELEIOS. The Art Show was a fundraiser for the non-profit to continue their Street Art Workshops that change how girls see beauty in themselves and prevent eating disorders. All of the art work for the show was created with the Rewrite Beautiful vision in mind, “Beauty in women is found in ACTIONS of Creativity, Kindness and Strength.” Check out some of the art from the evening:
Gallery attendants were invited to 'Rewrite Beautiful' for themselves.... Check out some of their work....
A Poet Nomad Ali, Correy Adam's Rabble Family Band and Moonsville Collective put some awesome tunes through the gallery....
Rewrite Beautiful will be coming to The Victorian and Sober Living by the Sea in early September to do a Street Art Workshop with our women. Check back soon for pictures from the workshop.
We hope it inspires you to know that there are artists, musicians, women, men, children and strangers off the street who are passionate about preventing eating disorders. You have a ton of people rooting for your recovery. We hope you join us at The Victorian get recovery for yourself and pass that recovery on and prevent eating disorders from happening to someone else.
Happy Recovery,
Irvina
Jul 25, 2011
Orange County, Eating Disorder Recovery Groups
A detailed list of the best eating disorder recovery meetings in Southern California!
Southern California is
renown for its warm weather, gorgeous beaches and access to everything the from
Farmers Markets to mountain snow. One thing hidden from the tourists eye is the
strong community of eating disorder survivors. Every day of the week there is a
meeting in Orange County filled with women who have lived through a horrific
eating disorder and are willing to share their experience, strength and hope
with those who are looking for relief from this disease themselves.This community of women is so large,
tight knit and welcoming that many past clients have decided to move to Orange County
after exiting treatment, simply because there is no other eating disorder
recovery community quite like the one here in Orange
County. Therefore we have compiled a list of
some of our favorite eating disorder recovery meeting in Orange County
to share with you. Before we do there are a few things you should know:
1.) All meetings are FREE. You can donate a few dollars if you like, but there are no dues for attending.
2.) All meetings are anonymous. All meeting attendees know that what is said in the meeting, stays in the meeting.
3.) Give it a chance, all meetings are different. Attend a few before you decide that recovery meetings are/aren’t for you. Many meetings focus on different aspects of the disease. i.e. Anorexia. Give each meeting a chance even if you don’t relate at first.
Support groups
Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders offers these free support groups:
Monday, 10 am – 11:30 am
St. John's Episcopal Church
183 E. Bay St., Costa Mesa
Contact- 714-557-1308
Monday, 7 pm – 8 pm
The Victorian
505 29th Street,
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Contact – 949-279-1632
Monday, 7:30 pm - 9 pm
307 Third St., Suite 205,
Huntington Beach, CA
Contact: 562-884-6827
Tuesdays, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Patient support group
1201 Dove Street, #585
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Sovereign Health Eating Disorder Program offers these groups
Tuesdays, 7:00 pm -8:00pm
209 Avenida Fabricante, Suite 100, San Clemente
Contact: 949-369-1300
Wednesdays 7:00 pm -8:15 pm
Fountain Plaza (call for directions and to get buzzed in)
23461 South Pointe Drive, Suite 190, Laguna Hills
Contact: 949-498-5018
Overeaters Anonymous offers these groups:
Tuesdays, 7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Bulimia/anorexia meeting
St. John's Episcopal Church
183 E. Bay St., Costa Mesa
Contact: 562-221-1705
Tuesdays, 5:30 pm-6:30 pm
The Grange
Everyone dealing with food issues is welcome
2144 Thurin Ave Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Contact: 949-294-1496
Wednesdays, 5:45 pm –6:45 pm
Anorexics, bulimics & overeaters, open to women only
Her Place
23181 Verdugo Drive, Suite 104A, Laguna Hills
Contact: 949-296-5340
Thursdays, 6 pm-7 pm
Family/friends support group
Rebecca's House, Chase Bank on the seventh floor
23861 El Toro Road, Lake Forest
800-711-2062 or rebeccashouse.org
Fridays 10 am – 11:30 am
St. John's Episcopal Church
183 E. Bay St., Costa Mesa
Contact- 714-557-1308
Faith-based group:
Every Monday, 7 pm – 9 pm
ROCKHARBOR Church- The Refuge
3080 Airway, Suite 100
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Contact: refuge@rockharbor.org
Every other Wednesday, 7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Saddleback Church
1 Saddleback Parkway, Room 304
Lake Forest, CA
Contact: 949-609-8392
Happy Recovery!
Irvina
