Monday, December 22, 2008

Center for Discovery Announcement

Discovery Practice Management, the parent company of Center for Discovery, is proud to announce the addition of Oceanaire, a Young Adult Residential Eating Disorder Program for women located in Palos Verdes, California.

Oceanaire is a spacious residential six-bed setting in a serene and confidential location on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Nestled on one of the greens of the Los Verdes Country Club Golf Course, Oceanaire offers ocean views in two bedrooms and a private patio off the other. The interior courtyard has a swimming pool, outdoor dining and a relaxation area and there is a nicely designed formal living and dinning room. The space at Oceanaire provides a tranquil setting for healing.

Discovery will bring the same quality of care and excellent service we have provided for over the past decade to the Oceanaire program.
We look forward to extending our services to young adult women and providing a setting for them where they can safely and effectively address their issues and begin their path to recovery.

For more information please contact the Regional Manager of Clinical Outreach in your area. We look forward to hosting an open house this Spring and providing site visits to the facility for those of you interested in seeing firsthand the services we will be providing.

Central Coast, Central Valley & Los Angeles
Southeast US
Christina Weiss, MA, MPHC
562-457-7373
christina.weiss@centerfordiscovery.com


Orange County, San Diego, Inland Empire & Nevada
Northeast US
Alexia Mowry, MA
562-881-9886
alexia.mowry@centerfordiscovery.com

Washington, Oregon and Alaska
Northwest US
Jenni Scharf
562-489-6111
jenni.scharf@centerfordiscovery.com

Northern California, Arizona & Texas
Southwest US
Elizabeth (Liz) Rock
562-298-2634
elizabeth.rock@centerfordiscovery.com

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Remuda Ranch Launches New Treatment Program for Women with Anxiety Disorders



Women More Likely Than Men to Develop an Anxiety Disorder

Phoenix, November 17, 2008 -- Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders (http://www.remudaranch.com), the nation's leading and largest inpatient treatment center for individuals suffering from eating disorders, has launched a new treatment program for women aged 18 and older with anxiety disorders. The inpatient program will treat women suffering from:
  • obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • panic disorder
  • specific phobia
  • social anxiety disorder
  • generalized anxiety disorder
  • anxiety disorder NOS (not otherwise specified)
  • OCD spectrum disorders, such as body dysmorphic disorder or trichotillomania
"Each year more than 23 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders," said Jennifer O'Connor, PhD, staff psychologist at Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders. "The likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder is 85 percent higher in women than in men. Today's hectic and stressful lifestyle may be contributing to a rise in anxiety disorders."

For many women, the effects of an anxiety disorder can be debilitating, preventing them from attending school, work or social activities on a daily basis. Too often, anxiety disorders are misunderstood or misdiagnosed. When left untreated, an anxiety disorder can quickly become incapacitating and may become too severe to be effectively treated on an outpatient basis. Unfortunately, most inpatient or residential psychiatric programs do not provide the type of highly specialized treatment interventions that will bring long-term relief for individuals with anxiety disorders.

Remuda's Anxiety Disorders Program (http://www.remudaranch.com/general/anxiety/index.php) provides highly specialized, scientifically valid and effective treatment to women suffering from debilitating anxiety disorders. The minimum stay is 60 days. This time in treatment is needed to stop negative behaviors, address critical issues and help patients and their families. All therapies occur within a cognitive behavioral framework and are based on Biblical Christianity. They include:
  • Exposure with response prevention therapy
  • Didactic presentations
  • Skills groups
  • Equine and canine therapy
  • Art therapy
  • Challenge course and recreation groups
  • Movement and relaxation therapy
  • Daily chapels, providing non-denominational Biblical teachings
  • Spiritual growth groups
Remuda's programs and ranch settings are different from the traditional, institutional format offered at hospitals and clinics. Remuda's programs offer a balanced, multi-disciplinary team approach that is designed to treat the whole person and meet her unique medical, nutritional, psychological, and spiritual needs. "Remuda's treatment programs have successfully treated women with eating disorders for nearly 20 years," adds O'Connor. "About 50 percent of women who suffer from an eating disorder also struggle with an underlying anxiety disorder. During the past two decades, Remuda has treated more than 6,000 eating disordered women and girls who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Remuda is committed to providing help, hope and healing to women suffering from debilitating anxiety."

About Remuda Programs for Eating Disorders Remuda Programs for Eating Disorders offers Christian inpatient and residential treatment for individuals of all faiths suffering from an eating disorder. Each patient is treated by a multi-disciplinary team including a Psychiatric and a Primary Care Provider, Registered Dietitian, Masters Level therapist, Psychologist and Registered Nurse. The professional staff equips each patient with the right tools to live a healthy, productive life.

For more information, call 1-800-445-1900 or visit www.remudaranch.com.
-------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Artists for Eating Disorder Awareness Event

MPress Records
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The New Arrivals Tour Presents: Artists For Eating Disorders Awareness
Los Angeles-Area Benefit To Feature Rising Independent Musicians:
Tiff Randol, Rachael Sage, Michelle Citrin and Christopher Dallman
plus special guests Quinn, David Eggar and Jamie Blake

LOS ANGELES, CA — "The New Arrivals Tour" features artists who have appeared on MPress Records' annual compilation series "New Arrivals". First launched in 2006, the series features established and rising independent artists, while raising funds for charity. Volume 3, which hit stores on October 28, includes a wealth of indie talent from around the globe; proceeds from Vol. 3 and the tour will benefit National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)*.
For Industry/Press Guest List Inquiries Contact Monica Hopman at ThinkPress:
monica@thinkpress.net
WHEN: November 12, 9pm-12am
WHERE: Room 5 (143 North LaBrea, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles , CA )
WEBSITE: www.room5lounge.com
TICKETS: $15*
*Proceeds benefit the National Eating Disorders Association.
View the e-card for this event

PROJECT LINKS:
http://www.newarrivalscd.com
www.myspace.com/newarrivalscd
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

National Eating Disorders Association

603 Stewart Street, Suite 803

Seattle, WA 98101

P: 206.382.3587 F: 206.829.8501

www.NationalEatingDisorders.org

Thank you to our generous Sustaining Sponsors for helping to make our programs and services possible—GOLD: Rader Programs and Remuda Ranch. TITANIUM: CRC Health Group. SILVER: The Eating Disorder Center at Rogers Memorial Hospital , McCallum Place and Pine Grove Women’s Center. COPPER: The Oliver-Pyatt Centers and The Renfrew Center .

_____________________

Saturday, November 01, 2008

As Economy Suffers, So Do Many with Eating Disorders

Remuda Ranch Reports Many Individuals with Eating Disorders Are Not Getting The Help They Need

As Economy Suffers, So Do Many with Eating Disorders

PHOENIX (October 30, 2008) ­As the current economy crisis deepens, many
individuals with eating disorders are worried about treatment and not
seeking the help they desperately require.

³The danger of not seeking help for an eating disorder can be very serious
because they can cause many medical complications, even death,² said David
Wall, PhD, director of psychological services at Remuda Ranch Programs for
Eating and Anxiety Disorders (http://www.remudaranch.com). ³Eating disorders
often take a turn for the worse due to increased personal and family stress.
As eating disorders intensify, they become more difficult to treat.²

It¹s clearly understandable that individuals and their families are
reluctant to seek treatment in times like these, but the delay in treatment
often makes things worse as the eating disorder may slip into a more severe
state.

Stress typically doesn¹t cause an eating disorder, but stress makes the
disorder much worse. Often people with eating disorders use their disorder
as their primary means of coping with stress. The stress causes the eating
disorder to intensify and as the eating disorder intensifies, it creates
more stress for the individual, in something of a vicious cycle where the
person¹s health can spiral rapidly downward.

The family, often the primary system of support for the eating disorder
patient, is also experiencing the stress and uncertainty of the current
economy and becomes less capable of providing support as their emotional
energy and resources are already stretched. This can further worsen the
eating disorders, since individuals with eating disorders are often very
sensitive to stress in the family and blame themselves for problems that are
occurring.

³An eating disorder is often a way for the individual to avoid other
problems in his or her life,² adds Wall. ³The focus on their body and food
becomes so intense it helps block other problems. In addition, the eating
disorder is often a way of maintaining control, when things are out of
control.²

Remuda recommends that individuals with eating disorders should not give up.
Often people assume they cannot afford treatment so they don¹t even try to
get the help they need. Various levels of providers, whether they are
inpatient, outpatient or day treatment, may be even more willing to work
with patients during the crisis. It¹s worth the effort to call several
healthcare providers, including Remuda Ranch, seeking some arrangement that
can be managed.

³I have seen some churches or a group of friends and family provide funds
for treatment,² adds Wall. ³Don¹t be embarrassed to seek help. There are
many resources out there like self help groups and community health
centers.²

About Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders
Remuda Ranch offers Christian inpatient and residential programs for
individuals of all faiths suffering from eating or anxiety disorders. Each
patient is treated by a multi-disciplinary team including a Psychiatric and
a Primary Care Provider, Registered Dietitian, Masters Level therapist,
Psychologist and Registered Nurse. The professional staff equips each
patient with the right tools to live a healthy, productive life. For more
information, call 1-800-445-1900 or visit www.remudaranch.com.

Sunday, October 05, 2008

Exciting News Release from the Eating Disorders Coalition!

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 3, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VICTORY IN PASSING MENTAL HEALTH PARITY!

The EDC applauds Congress for their commitment to eliminating discrimination in health care coverage against people suffering from mental disorders. After tireless negotiations between differing House and Senate versions, both chambers came together to pass mental health parity this year. This bill requires group health plans that currently offer coverage for mental health and substance-use disorders to provide those benefits in the same manner as benefits provided to all other medical and surgical procedures covered under the plan. It also prohibits group health plans from imposing discriminatory annual/lifetime dollar limits, copays and deductibles, or day and visit limits unless similar limitations or requirements are imposed for other medical and surgical benefits.

“Everyday we get calls from parents whose kids are on the verge of death due to an eating disorder yet they cannot get their health insurance companies to pay for this life saving treatment. This law will change that.” says Jeanine Cogan, EDC Policy Director. The EDC was part of a broad based coalition of organizations actively advocating for the strongest mental health parity bill that could pass Congress this year. EDC President Kitty Westin was invited to testify before Congress to help make the case for a strong mental health parity bill and she spent many days in Washington DC lobbying with fellow advocates including David Wellstone, son of the late Senator Paul Wellstone who first introduced parity legislation in 1996, Kitty states, “I am thrilled that we finally have a mental health parity bill that will close some of the loopholes in the earlier version. It was a long hard battle and we are proud that we played a key role in passing a bill that will help millions of people each year.”

There were two notable victories of this advocacy. First the parity bill extends coverage to out-of-network providers if that same coverage is available for physical illnesses. Thus, if out-of-network benefits are extended to medical and surgical benefits under the plan, out-of-network benefits are extended to mental health and addictive disorders in a manner that is no more restrictive than the application of the terms and conditions with respect to the medical or surgical benefits as well.

Second it ensures that stronger state parity laws already existing remain intact. Whereas this parity law is similar to the one passed in 1996 in terms of the definition of mental illnesses, the EDC hoped to strengthen that definition by explicitly requiring all mental illnesses in the DSM to be covered. This was one of the provisions which did not survive negotiations. As a next step, the EDC will continue to advocate for provisions that require coverage for eating disorders treatment.

As a compromise for conceding on the DSM, this bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to provide a report to Congress within three years of enactment of the bill on:

Specific coverage rates for all mental health and substance use disorder conditions;

Which diagnoses are most commonly covered or excluded;

Whether implementation of the Act has affected trends in coverage or exclusion of mental

health and substance use disorder conditions; and

The impact of covering or excluding specific diagnoses on participants’ and enrollees’ health,

their health care coverage and the cost of delivering care.

While plans will retain the right to manage the benefit as they see fit and determine the scope of coverage, plans will have to provide to plan participants and employers the terms and conditions of the medical necessity criteria used by the plan upon request.

--------------------------------------------------------

David Jaffe

Executive Director

Eating Disorders Coalition

www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org

202-543-9570

Monday, September 22, 2008

Nation's Leading Eating Disorder Treatment Center Launches New Program for Boys

Reddstone, A Remuda Program for Boys, Addresses Growing Need for Treating
Males and Eating Disorders

PHOENIX (September 22, 2008) ­ Remuda Programs for Eating Disorders,the nation's leading eating disorder treatment center,today announced it has opened Reddstone, a Remuda Program for Boys. The intensive, inpatient program will treat boys 17 and under who are struggling with anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorder. It will follow the Remuda Model of Treatment that is based on a bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework. The program doesn't just treat the disorder; it treats the entire patient andoffers them the best possible chance for complete and lasting recovery from eating disorders.

Research suggests that 1 in 4 pre-teen cases of anorexia are male. There
are thousands of males with eating disorders in our society. Historically,
it was thought that the ratio of boys to girls with eating disorders was
1:10, but it's actually closer to 1:6.

Over the past 10 years, the male body has come under much scrutiny, much
like the female body has for decades, said Sam Lample, assistant clinical
director for the Reddstone Program for Boys. Boys see images in the media
and are inundated with the message that they need to look that way or
they're inadequate.

Boys remain in treatment for 60 days ­ a minimum amount of time required for
eating disorder behaviors to stop and new skills to be acquired. Each boy
will have a team of professionals, who not only treat the eating disorder,
but address co-occurring issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse
or trauma.

Reaching out to boys is the next logical step for Remuda, adds Lample.
We have been asked for years if we treat boys and until now, we haven't.
Reddstone will use the proven Remuda Model of Treatment to reach an often
overlooked population.

Since 1990, Remuda has provided care to nearly 9,000 patients with eating
disorders. Ninety-five percent of Remuda's patients are in good recovery
one, five and ten years after leaving the program. They no longer have a
diagnosable eating disorder, their personal relationships have improved and
they're functioning more effectively in school and work.

About Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders
Remuda Ranch offers Christian inpatient and residential programs for
individuals of all faiths suffering from eating or anxiety disorders. Each
patient is treated by a multi-disciplinary team including a Psychiatric and
a Primary Care Provider, Registered Dietitian, Masters Level therapist,
Psychologist and Registered Nurse. The professional staff equips each
patient with the right tools to live a healthy, productive life. For more
information, call 1-800-445-1900 or visit www.remudaranch.com.

Monday, September 08, 2008

RD position available

Registered Dietitian

Shoreline Center for Eating Disorder Treatment, in Long Beach, CA, which offers a partial hospital / day treatment program, intensive outpatient program, Satori House an Extended Care Residential facility as well as individual outpatient services, is seeking a part-time (16 – 20 hrs) dietitian to join our multi-disciplinary treatment team dedicated to facilitating excellence in eating disorder treatment.

Responsibilities

As the Registered Dietitian for our facility, you will assess, plan, implement and evaluate the factors, which influence the nutritional status of patients. Then, using these factors develop individualized meal plans where appropriate. Daily responsibilities also include: participating in team assessments, supporting patients and staff with guidelines for meal preparations and outings, assisting patients with meal planning and proper portioning, developing and facilitating a nutrition groups including an ongoing intuitive eating group. Individual will also provide nutrition therapy for outpatient clients and all clients in Shoreline programming. Additional responsibilities will also include: menu planning and budgeting as well as supervision of diet techs. At Shoreline we adopt the philosophy of assisting our patients to understand and ultimately implement Intuitive Eating skills as they progress in their recovery.

Requirements

The right candidate will be registered with the American Dietetics Association, and have professional experience in eating disorder treatment. Knowledge of Intuitive Eating concepts necessary. Must also be flexible, compassionate while being able to maintain professional boundaries. Some evening hours required. This position is part-time 16-20 hour job.

For more information on our programs, please see www.shoreline-eatingdisorders.com

For immediate consideration, please send cover letter, resume and salary expectations to Rachel Levi, Clinical Director at:

Rachel@shoreline-eatingdisorders.com


Friday, September 05, 2008

Eating Disorders Coalition Action Alert

Friday, September 5, 2008

Eating Disorders Coalition Action Alert

Forwarded on behalf of the Eating Disorders Coalition

As you know the EDC has been on the ground in Washington DC working hard on behalf the all member organizations and the field to make sure access to care is more of a reality by finally passing a mental health parity bill this year. We are sending this out to see if in addition to adding the EDC name to this bill that urges Congress to pass parity in the next 3 weeks before the session is over – you want to add your specific organization’s name. If so we need you to email us at: djaffe@eatingdisorderscoalition.org and let us know by Monday 4 pm (EST). We apologize for the quick turn around required but that is often the way things happen here on the Hill.

Thanks in advance.

Text of Letter:

Dear Majority Leader Reid, Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi and Leader Boehner:

We are writing to express our support for the mental health and

addiction parity compromise developed by House and Senate negotiators.

We urge Congress to pass this important legislation before adjourning in

September.

Congress has taken a major step forward in developing this thoughtful

and balanced bipartisan legislation. We applaud the long, hard work

engaged in by you and your colleagues in approving and reconciling the

bipartisan House and Senate parity bills (H.R. 1424, S. 558). We urge

Congress to take the last, most important step by passing this

legislation.

Passage of the balanced and bipartisan mental health and addiction

parity legislation would represent the fruition of many years of work by

members of Congress, advocates, employer organizations and health plans

to build on the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996. This broad and

diverse coalition stands united in support of the parity compromise.

Now, Congress has the chance to reach the goal of enacting this

consensus legislation, before a new administration and a new Congress

take office, and broader health policy issues begin demanding

policymakers' time and attention.

We ask Congress to pass federal mental health and addiction parity

legislation now.

Sincerely,

[Cosigners as of Sept.3]

Aetna

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

American Academy of Neurology Professional Association

American Academy of Pediatrics

American Academy of Physician Assistants

American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

American Association of Children's Residential Centers

American Association of Pastoral Counselors

American Association of Practicing Psychiatrists

American Benefits Council

American Counseling Association

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

American Group Psychotherapy Association

American Hospital Association

American Jail Association

American Mental Health Counselors Association

American Music Therapy Association

American Nurses Association

American Psychiatric Association

American Psychiatric Nurses Association

American Psychological Association

American Psychotherapy Association

American Public Health Association

American Society of Addiction Medicine

America's Health Insurance Plans

Anxiety Disorders Association of America

Aspire of Western New York

Association for Ambulatory Behavioral Healthcare

Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness

Association for the Advancement of Psychology

Association of University Centers on Disabilities

Association to Benefit Children

Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

Betty Ford Center

Bradford Health Services

Center for Clinical Social Work/ABE

Child Welfare League of America

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Children's Hospital Boston

Clinical Social Work Association

Clinical Social Work Guild 49

Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America

CT Chapter National Alliance Methadone Advocates

Easter Seals

Eating Disorders Coalition

Epilepsy Foundation

Faces & Voices of Recovery

Families for Depression Awareness

Family Voices

Feeling Blue Suicide Prevention Council

General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church

Hazelden Foundation

Human Rights Campaign

Kids Project

Kristin Brooks Hope Center

Learning Disabilities Association of America

Light For Life Foundation International

Mental Health America

Missouri Recovery Network

National Alliance for Hispanic Health

National Alliance on Mental Illness

National Alliance to End Homelessness

National Association for Children of Alcoholics

National Association for Children's Behavioral Health

National Association for Rural Mental Health

National Association for the Dually Diagnosed

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders

National Association of Counties

National Association of County and City Health Officials

National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental

Disability Directors

National Association of Health Underwriters

National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems

National Association of School Psychologists

National Association of Social Workers

National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors

National Association of State Directors of Special Education

National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors

National Coalition for the Homeless

National Coalition of Mental Health Professionals and Consumers

National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare

National Council of Jewish Women

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence

National Council on Independent Living

National Disability Rights Network

National Down Syndrome Congress

National Down Syndrome Society

National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health

National Mental Health Awareness Campaign

National Partnership for Women & Families

National Research Center for Women & Families

National Respite Coalition

National Retail Federation

National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association

Northamerican Association of Masters in Psychology

Obsessive Compulsive Foundation

Presbyterian Church (USA) Washington Office

Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America

School Social Work Association of America

Society for Research in Child Development

Society of Professors of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance of Northern Virginia

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education

Suicide Prevention Action Network USA

The Center for Policy, Advocacy and Education of the Mental Health

Association of NYC

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

Therapeutic Communities of America

Tourette Syndrome Association

Union for Reform Judaism

Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations

United Church of Christ Mental Illness Network

United Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries

United Jewish Communities

US Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association

Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Agreement: When enacted the new federal parity law will-

* Completely end insurance discrimination against mental health

and substance use disorder benefits for over 113 million Americans,

requiring full parity coverage with physical health benefits.

* Extend to all aspects of plan coverage, including day/visit

limits, dollar limits, coinsurance, copayments, deductibles and

out-of-pocket maximums.

* Preserve strong state parity and consumer protection laws while

extending parity protection to 82 million more people who cannot be

protected by state laws.

* Ensure parity coverage for both in-network and out-of-network services.

Resources: Parity fact sheets and past organization signon letters may be viewed at www.mhlg.org/page18.html.

Jeanine Cogan, Ph.D., Policy Director
Eating Disorders Coalition

(202) 352-3208
www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org

Thursday, September 04, 2008


Please join us for two special

Alumni Events in
Houston, TX & Atlanta, GA!

Voices of Recovery
Hosted by: Jennifer Nardozzi, PsyD

Please join Jennifer Nardozzi, National Training Manager of The Renfrew Center Foundation, and fellow alumni for a special presentation featuring a Renfrew alum who will speak about her journey of recovery and how she made peace with her body and with herself. She will also discuss her love of dance and a recent service trip to Uganda, Africa. There will be a group discussion on the theme of making peace with ourselves and a Q&A will follow. Open to Renfrew Center alumni and those who have received treatment at other centers.

Date: Thursday, September 11, 2008

Time:
7:00pm - 8:30pm

Place: Houston Marriott Medical Center
6580 Fannin Street
Houston, TX 77030
713-796-0080

Jennifer Nardozzi, PsyD is a psychologist who specializes in treating women with eating disorders. She was formally Assistant Clinical Director of The Renfrew Center of Florida and is currently National Training Manager of The Renfrew Center Foundation. Dr. Nardozzi provides workshops and trainings on eating disorders and the mind-body-spirit connection in treatment. She has been featured in publications such as Elle and In Touch magazines, the Palm Beach Post and the Associated Press.

Making Peace with the Body You Have
Hosted by: Adrienne Ressler, MA, LMSW, CEDS

Please join Adrienne Ressler, Body Image Specialist and National Training Director of The Renfrew Center Foundation for a special alumni event. Making Peace with the Body You Have will offer attendees information on how to end their punishing pursuit of the perfect body and replace it with appreciation and gratitude. Find comfort and support from the group while listening to stories of hope and recovery. Open to Renfrew Center alumni and those who received treatment at other centers.


Date:
Thursday, September 25, 2008

Time:
7:00pm - 8:30pm

Place: W Atlanta Hotel
111 Perimeter Center West
Atlanta, GA 30346
770-396-6800

Adrienne Ressler, MA, LMSW, CEDS is a certified Eating Disorder Specialist and National Training Director of The Renfrew Center Foundation. Ms. Ressler is a fellow and President-Elect of IAEDP. She has appeared on the Today Show and Good Morning America. Her work has been published in the International Journal of Fertility and Women’s Medicine and Pulse, the International Spa Association Journal. She is co-author of “Reframing Body Image Identity” in Healing Through Relationship.

To RSVP for either event,
please contact Jenna Hoskinson at 1-800-RENFREW, ext. 3246.

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Washington DC Premiere - America The Beautiful

NOT JUST A MOVIE OPENING. IT’S A MOVEMENT.” Darryl Roberts

America the Beautiful:

How America's Obsession with Beauty Contributes to Eating Disorders

Washington DC Premiere - September 10, 2008

Hosted by the Eating Disorders Coalition

“America the Beautiful,” an independent film that is an indictment of our country’s beauty industry, has received high praise from reviewers and RAVE reviews from the eating disorder community. Roger Ebert declared it a "POWERFUL MESSAGE." To honor and spotlight the screening, and its myth-deflating message, EDC has scheduled a day of events to celebrate the Washington DC premiere of the film.

The EDC is in the forefront of creating legislation to educate the public about media’s impact on society, and how irresponsible media affects sufferers and their loved ones. The FREED Act, an EDC initiative, targets education in addition to research and treatment. We believe this film, and the conversation it is creating, is valuable and timely as we gather sponsors and support for this bill.

2:30-4:00
Congressional Briefing, United States Capitol Room H-137

Hosted by, Congressman Jim Ramstad (R-MN)

Speakers: Julie Holland, Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, Darryl Roberts, and Jenni Schaffer

Free

5:00pm-6:30pm

Reception with special guest filmmaker Darryl Roberts

720 7th Street NW, Suite 300

Price: $40 Junior Tickets, $70 Regular Tickets

Reception Tickets Include one movie ticket

7:00pm – 9:30pm

Screening: America The Beautiful followed by a Q & A with the filmmaker Darryl Roberts.

E Street Theater

555 E Street NW (10th and 11th)

Price: $15 online/$20 door

For more information, and to register for these events and buy movie tickets, visit www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Klarman Family Foundation Grants Program in Eating Disorders Research

Klarman Family Foundation Grants Program in Eating Disorders Research
Program Officer: Gay Lockwood 617-279-2240 ext. 702

The Klarman Family Foundation Grants Program in Eating Disorders Research was established in 2008 to expand the number of outstanding scientists whose research explores the basic biology of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and/or binge eating disorder. The long term goal is to accelerate progress in developing effective treatments for these disorders. Examples of funding areas include but are not limited to molecular genetic analysis of relevant neural circuit assembly and function; animal models created by genetically altering neural circuits; testing of new chemical entities that might be used in animal models as exploratory treatments; and brain imaging approaches that identify neurochemical pathways in patients with these disorders. Clinical psychotherapeutic studies, medication trials and research in the medical complications of eating disorders are currently outside the scope of this Program.

For the 2009 cycle, two-year awards of $400,000 ($200,000 per year inclusive of 10% indirect costs) and one-year pilot studies of up to $150,000 (inclusive of 10% indirect costs) will be made to investigators with a faculty appointment at a nonprofit academic, medical or research institution in the United States, Canada or Israel. Eligibility is not limited to those investigators currently working in eating disorders research.

The next application deadline for the Initial Proposal Application is November 20, 2008 for awards beginning on June 1, 2009. Applications will be accepted through an online submission process.

Begin a new application

https://www.GrantRequest.com/SID_738?SA=SNA&FID=35024

Continue an existing application

https://www.GrantRequest.com/SID_738?SA=AM

RFA

Application Guidelines and Instructions

Terms of the Award

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Reference Documents
Scientific Review Committee


Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Childhood Sexual Abuse, Trauma and Eating Disorders

Majority of Eating Disorder Patients Experience Childhood Sexual Abuse,
Trauma

PHOENIX, August 5 -- Remuda Programs for Eating Disorders, the nation's
leading eating disorder treatment center, reports that more than 50 percent
of its patients have experienced trauma in their lives. The trauma is
usually sexual, physical and emotional abuse.

"Forty-nine percent of our patients have experienced childhood sexual
abuse," said Amy Spahr, clinical director at Remuda Programs for Eating
Disorders. "This is about 20 percent higher than in the general population.
Additionally, in the last five years, 11 percent of adolescent and 20
percent of adult patients were diagnosed with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD)."

Research has shown that childhood sexual abuse increases binge-eating,
purging, restricting calories, body shame and body dissatisfaction. Eating
disorders become a way of helping victims cope with shame. They feel they
may need to modify their body in ways that reduce shame or distress. For
example, a woman suffering from trauma and an eating disorder may wish to
reduce her breast size in order to appear less feminine and therefore, less
appealing to men because of her past sexual abuse.

"At Remuda, we teach patients skills that assist them in achieving recovery
from their eating disorder while taking significant steps to work through
trauma issues," adds Spahr.

Many times, patients use trauma as an explanation for their continued need
to rely on eating disorder behaviors. The center's treatment model aims to
teach sufficient skills so the patient trauma issues are no longer so
intense. Once in recovery from the eating disorder, they can return as
needed to more in-depth trauma work without significant risk of an eating
disorder relapse.

"Trauma recovery work, combined with eating disorder recovery, can be
challenging and complicated," adds Spahr. "A patient who has been
victimized may often have difficulty building trust and acceptance. An
essential element that is necessary in assisting the patient in the trauma
work is providing an environment of support and acceptance."

About Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders
Remuda Ranch offers Christian inpatient and residential programs for women
and girls of all faiths suffering from eating or anxiety disorders. Each
patient is treated by a multi-disciplinary team including a Psychiatric and
a Primary Care Provider, Registered Dietitian, Masters Level therapist,
Psychologist and Registered Nurse. The professional staff equips each
patient with the right tools to live a healthy, productive life. For more
information, call 1-800-445-1900 or visit www.remudaranch.com.

Childhood Sexual Abuse, Trauma and Eating Disorders

Majority of Eating Disorder Patients Experience Childhood Sexual Abuse,
Trauma

PHOENIX, August 5 -- Remuda Programs for Eating Disorders, the nation's
leading eating disorder treatment center, reports that more than 50 percent
of its patients have experienced trauma in their lives. The trauma is
usually sexual, physical and emotional abuse.

"Forty-nine percent of our patients have experienced childhood sexual
abuse," said Amy Spahr, clinical director at Remuda Programs for Eating
Disorders. "This is about 20 percent higher than in the general population.
Additionally, in the last five years, 11 percent of adolescent and 20
percent of adult patients were diagnosed with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD)."

Research has shown that childhood sexual abuse increases binge-eating,
purging, restricting calories, body shame and body dissatisfaction. Eating
disorders become a way of helping victims cope with shame. They feel they
may need to modify their body in ways that reduce shame or distress. For
example, a woman suffering from trauma and an eating disorder may wish to
reduce her breast size in order to appear less feminine and therefore, less
appealing to men because of her past sexual abuse.

"At Remuda, we teach patients skills that assist them in achieving recovery
from their eating disorder while taking significant steps to work through
trauma issues," adds Spahr.

Many times, patients use trauma as an explanation for their continued need
to rely on eating disorder behaviors. The center's treatment model aims to
teach sufficient skills so the patient trauma issues are no longer so
intense. Once in recovery from the eating disorder, they can return as
needed to more in-depth trauma work without significant risk of an eating
disorder relapse.

"Trauma recovery work, combined with eating disorder recovery, can be
challenging and complicated," adds Spahr. "A patient who has been
victimized may often have difficulty building trust and acceptance. An
essential element that is necessary in assisting the patient in the trauma
work is providing an environment of support and acceptance."

About Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders
Remuda Ranch offers Christian inpatient and residential programs for women
and girls of all faiths suffering from eating or anxiety disorders. Each
patient is treated by a multi-disciplinary team including a Psychiatric and
a Primary Care Provider, Registered Dietitian, Masters Level therapist,
Psychologist and Registered Nurse. The professional staff equips each
patient with the right tools to live a healthy, productive life. For more
information, call 1-800-445-1900 or visit www.remudaranch.com.

Researchers at Columbia University Need Participants

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center are interested in learning why some girls develop Bulimia Nervosa. They are recruiting girls (13 to 21 years) who have a problem with binge eating and purging.


WHERE?

The study will take place at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive in Manhattan.


WHAT WILL HAPPEN?

Participation will require 4-5 hours of your time and include interviews, games and puzzles, and an MRI. The total compensation will be $100 per person. Options for treatment (free of charge) are also available. For more information please call the Eating Disorders Clinic at 212-543-5316.

Monday, August 04, 2008

Brilliant author, Aimee Liu, seeking letters of recovery for her new book

AED Advisory Board member and author, Aimee Liu, has generously offered to write a follow-up to her popular book Gaining: The Truth About Life After Eating Disorders as a fundraiser for the AED.

The follow-up book will feature letters from readers of Gaining, and others, who describe their experience recovering from eating disorders. The book will also include commentary provided by Aimee and by AED experts . The proceeds from this volume will be donated to the AED to fund key initiatives such as our student grant and clinician scholarship programs.


Aimee has collected hundreds of letters describing early and mid-stages of recovery. In order to portray a complete view of the recovery process, however, more letters are needed from recovered individuals or those well on their way to recovery. If you have patients or former patients who fit this description and who may want to contribute a letter to this book please ask them to write a letter addressing the following three points:

1. Where are you in your recovery process?
2. What helps you feel most engaged and alive, day to day? (Include leisure activities, relationships, insights, observations, beloved places, practices, meaningful work, spiritual or philosophical beliefs - you name it.)
3. Would you like Aimee to attribute the letter to your actual first name, or to a pseudonym?
4. How can we reach you if we have follow up questions?

Please send letters of recovery to gainingthetruth@gmail.com.

Must Be Submitted by September 1, 2008!