Depending upon each person’s unique strengths, needs, and goals, their eating disorder treatment at The Refuge may include the following: individual, group, and family therapy; art and equine therapy; psychiatric support and medication management; round-the-clock nursing care; nutritional counseling and education; supported shopping trips, meal preparation, and dining; 12-Step education and support; eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (
EMDR
); and additional services as necessary.
Anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, orthorexia, and other forms of disordered eating are serious illnesses that can have devastating outcomes. When eating disorders are accompanied by other mental health concerns, the challenge can become significantly more complex. Unfortunately, many people who struggle with eating disorders are also living with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other effects of untreated trauma. In clinical terms, trauma refers to the psychological impact of life-threatening events, such as physical attacks, sexual assault, emotional abuse, military combat, acts of terrorism, automobile accidents, or natural disasters. Without proper care, people who are struggling with PTSD or other forms of untreated trauma may engage in a variety of self-defeating behaviors, including disordered eating, in an attempt to cope with or distance themselves from their emotional pain. The good news about this sad reality is that eating disorders, PTSD, and trauma are treatable. When a person who is living with these challenges receives comprehensive, personalized care, they can achieve and maintain long-term recovery.