How the Program Works
When a woman arrives at our center, a unique program will be created for her.
Due to the extremely negative impact eating disorders have had on our client’s lives, The Victorian House is designed so our female clients live in a safe haven in Newport Beach while they experience a highly supervised treatment program. The treatment program includes access to a wide variety of consulting medical experts including:
- psychiatrists
- psychologists
- marriage and family therapists
- nurses
- addictionologists
"Stepping Down" The Level of Care
There are four levels of care offered by our treatment facility. This gradual "step down" system acknowledges each woman's needs and recognizes that change is an individual process. By embracing core values of honesty, integrity, and accountability, each client is encouraged towards taking responsibility for their recovery. Progression through the phases lies within the insight achieved and willingness of the client to fully engage in their treatment.
The treatment team monitors each client carefully and supports their efforts towards change. Our ultimate goal is that each client develops the necessary life skills to support long term recovery
"My stay at the Victorian House was the greatest gift I have ever received. Thank you for saving my life and connecting me to my true self. I can now see the radiance of my existence and the beauty that surrounds me. My recovery is a daily practice of connecting to the light within myself by practicing the spiritual tools of the 12 step program." - K.K.
First 30 Days
This is the introduction and orientation phase where the woman gets to know her case manager, dietitian, therapist and other staff members. We refer to the first week to two weeks as the ‘tucking in’ stage where contact with family and the outside world will be limited or prohibited.
After an initial physician and psychiatrist visit, the clinical staff will use nutritional and bio-psycho-social assessments to form the foundation for the client’s treatment plan.
Clients begin work on cognitive behavioral homework assignments to help them gain insight and awareness into their behaviors. Family members will receive weekly updates on their loved ones progress.
During this stage an individualized approach is developed by the treatment team based on the client’s presenting issues. A variety of activities will be incorporated into the woman's schedule including:
| Therapeutic Processes | Groups | Life Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Group Therapy |
Lectures | Medication Management |
| Individual Therapy |
Twelve-Step Groups | Menu Planning |
| Family Counseling | Assertion Training | Daily Food Intake Recording |
| Art Therapy | Dual Diagnosis Groups | Supported Meal Preparation |
| Monitored Meals | Spiritual Growth Groups | Restaurant Outings |
| Body Image Therapy | Relationship Groups | Life Skills and Goal Setting |
| Music Therapy | Nutritional Education and Counseling | Anger management |
| Dialectical Behavioral Therapy | Relapse Prevention | |
| EMDR | ||
| Registered Dietitian Therapy |
||
| Cognitive Behavioral Therapy |
"I am grateful for my experience at The Victorian, as it introduced me the local 12-step support community and social network and provided me with a renewed spirituality. I also gained confidence in myself and my career potential. I now look forward to everything that awaits me ahead. Now when I smile, my joy comes from a real place!" - T.H.
The treatment team together with the client will design a structured
schedule to include additional therapeutic processes and activities based on the woman's issues and progress.
Second 30 Days
The Second 30 Days of the primary program will see a continuance of the first 30 days and the woman's treatment program will evolve based on how her treatment is going and how she is responding to the various activities. Follow this link for a sample treatment schedule.
Family members will be invited to actively participate in their loved ones recovery and encouraged to attend our Family Program, therapeutic family dinners, and family therapy sessions.
Some women who are interested in pursuing a Christian based recovery program start to participate in Celebrate Recovery which is a 12-Step support group program that is based on the Christian bible.
The Patrice House - "Sober Living Environment"
Clients transfer to our transitional living program, The Patrice House for continued development of a strong foundation towards their long-term recovery. Within an environment with reduced monitoring, the women are encouraged to continue to work on coping and life skills. Women receive a food card towards their weekly supermarket visit with our Diet Technician. The Case Manager develops a weekly schedule collaboratively with woman emphasizing accountability and honesty.
The woman may obtain a "get-well job," volunteer work, or even return to school while living at The Patrice House. The women who live at the house may bring their own transportation to treatment at this time. The goal of this stage is to support clients towards living a more fulfilled life, with emphasis placed on the development of support networks to help them through challenging times.
Some women choose to continue their education by participating in the T.E.A.C.H. College Program. This program provides a very structured residential setting and transportation to and from classes at local colleges. An academic adviser is provided for transcript assistance, monitored study sessions, and academic tutoring.
"I believe in treatment if you want it. I believe in The Victorians' theories. I believe in God, and I believe in support. And I didn't truly believe in hope until after I went to the Victorian House. I share with you my story because I will do anything I can do to give back what has been so graciously given to me. Thank you for hearing my story." - J.V.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment
This level is highly individualized depending on the woman's needs. The woman will be living either at home or in a "sober living environment" and visit the Victorian for a day treatment program. The outpatient program is designed for women who are progressing in their recovery (usually around four to six months of successful abstinence) and want to continue their independence while maintaining some structure.
Read more about our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for Eating Disorders.
Many women who build a new life free of eating disorders at The Victorian continue their treatment program by participating in other "tracks" offered by our greater network of treatment centers that are also located in Orange County, CA.
You are Not Alone
We applaud you for being courageous enough to investigate treatment and we want you to know that millions of women and their families suffer from an eating disorder. You are not alone and healing is not impossible. The best step to take is to pick up the phone and call a treatment facility for eating disorders like the Victorian today.
