Welcome

This is one person’s story; everyone will have unique experiences on their own path to recovery and beyond. Some stories may mention eating disorder behaviors or symptom use. Please use your own discretion. And speak with your therapist when needed.

By Jamie Forman, a former Emily Program client, and woman in recovery

I don’t get excited about my birthday because of the parties and presents (although I can’t complain about those in the slightest :)). I get excited because, for me, another birthday marks another year of life; another year of strength and passion and commitment to being clean and sober from everything that I fought against for so long.

By Cami Applequist, a former client in recovery

Twenty-two years ago I was a 22-year-old high achieving college student who had already studied overseas three times for a total of two and a half years and was fluent in a second language. I worked thirty hours a week and attended college classes full time while maintaining good grades. I managed to keep a large circle of friends well entertained and my nuclear and extended family happy by participating in family events at least ninety percent of the time. I was on the road to a job in marketing and advertising; to a dream life of red suits, nice cars, high pay and what I thought at the time would be happiness.

By Michelle, an Emily Program client

Welcome to my first blog post. My name is Michelle and I’ve been coming to the Emily program for almost 10 years for help in dealing with compulsive overeating, depression, and anxiety. When first asked about doing this blog I hesitated. I didn’t think I had anything special to say. But as I thought about it, I realized I have 3 good reasons for doing this:

1. I have been through a lot but I’m not unique. All of us are dealing with similar things and I think many of you will be able to relate to some of my experiences. Treatment and therapy can be hard, but knowing you are not alone definitely makes it easier. I also promise to try and incorporate some humor –so be on the lookout for it. You may have to look closely…:)
2. Doing this on a regular basis will help me reflect and think about my own recovery. It’s easy to get bogged down in my latest problems. This will help me think about things differently and from a different perspective.
3. The Emily Program has literally saved my life and I want to give back. In the last few years there have been a couple of times when the pain got too big, the hope got too small and I just got too tired of fighting. I am still here today because of the connections I have made with counselors & friends at the Emily Program.

So enjoy the reading each month. Feel free to send in comments or questions and I’ll do my best to respond.

By Sarah Hrudka, Outreach Specialist at The Emily Program

I remember the terror and anxiety that ran through my veins prior to confronting my friends about their eating disorder(s), because I was so unsure of how they might react. But I once heard the quote, albeit a bit cheesy perhaps, that “I would rather have a mad friend than a dead friend.” Not that I had enough power as a single human to save their life and well-being per se, but instead holding steadfast to the notion that I had enough of a voice to help, because I would rather say “I tried” instead of “I should’ve.”

By Krista Kubiak Crotty, CEDS, LMFT, PsyD, and The Emily Program – Spokane Site Manager

Last June we excitedly opened the doors to The Emily Program – Spokane. On the first day, we gathered in the entryway of the building and walked into the office together. One team. United by a passion for helping individuals recover from eating disorders. One year ago there were 8 staff, 6 clinical and 2 administrative. Today there are 22. Still united, and more passionate than ever to help individuals find recovery.

We are excited to announce that Cleveland Center for Eating Disorders has partnered with The Emily Program. One of the most exciting outcomes of this partnership will be the opening of a 16-bed residential treatment center for adult males and females in early 2015.

The Emily Program South Sound location will offer comprehensive outpatient services to people of all ages and genders, including:

• Eating Disorder Assessments
• Individual, Group, & Family Therapy
• Medical & Psychiatric Services
• Nutritional Counseling
• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Partial Hospitalization Program

By Sarah Hrudka, The Emily Program Outreach Specialist

It’s no secret that in the vessel of body image and eating disorders, media, and therefore society is a prominent influence. Often, we only see its effects from the scope of our own city or region, but my recent trip to Boston has flagrantly reminded me that these issues bare no mind to any one region. Moreover, when we are not educating and creating awareness, the result is wayward behavior on behalf of something that people simply cannot grasp, but that is where ‘power of the masses’ can come in to alleviate the chatter.