Welcome
There’s Help. There’s Hope! The Emily Program is a warm and welcoming place where individuals and their families can find comprehensive treatment for eating disorders and related issues. This blog is a place for us to share the latest happenings at The Emily Program, as well as helpful tidbits from the broader eating disorder community. Subscribe via RSS to receive automatic updates. We want to hear your story. Email us (blog@emilyprogram.com) and ask how you can become a contributor!
Episode 21: Eating Disorders and the Holidays with Kezia Reeder
Episode description:
Kezia Reeder is a former Emily Program client and staff member, as well as a continual advocate for eating disorder recovery. In this episode of Peace Meal, she joins host Dr. Jillian Lampert to describe her holidays with an eating disorder. Kezia’s insight is valuable not just for those currently struggling, but also for parents and others supporting loved ones who are.
For those who celebrate, the holidays can be a hard time for individuals with eating disorders. Not only do Western holidays often center on food, but they also often bring stressors related to seeing people for the first time in a while. This year, as collective anxiety surrounding COVID-19, vaccinations, and variants lingers, the holidays may be especially challenging. Reflecting on holidays past with an eating disorder, our guest Kezia says she struggled at first without any outside support. She hid her disorder from family and friends, suffering in silence amid food- and body-related conversations and a lack of routine around meals. During her recovery, Kezia explains that she used trial and error to navigate the holidays successfully. The more present she was in treatment, she says, the more present she could be outside of it. With the help of her treatment team, she learned how to enlist family support—a key element to her recovery—develop a meal plan, and approach holiday food as just food.
Support for Families
You always have our support
It’s vital to have a strong support system when undergoing eating disorder treatment. Our free community events are places where you can connect with other individuals and families going through similar experiences. Join us to learn about eating disorders, share stories, and find hope for recovery.
Virtual Support Groups
The National Alliance for Eating Disorders offers free virtual support groups led by licensed eating disorder clinicians. Among them are weekly Pro-Recovery Support Groups for adults affected by an eating disorder and Friends & Family Support Groups for loved ones.
- Pro-Recovery Support Groups:
- Tuesdays, 4pm PT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET
- Thursdays, 4pm PT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET
- Saturdays, 8am PT, 10am CT, 11am ET
- LGBTQ+ Pro-Recovery Support Group: Wednesdays, 4pm PT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET
- Friends & Family Support Group: Thursdays, 4pm PT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET
Learn more and register on The Alliance’s website.
- Pro-Recovery Support Groups:
Recovery Nights
Hear speakers share their personal stories of dedication and perseverance on the road to recovery from eating disorders. Speakers include Emily Program staff, former clients, and community members. These community-based discussions around recovery are led by Emily Program clinicians.
Recovery Night is free and open to the public; anyone is invited to attend, including clients, support people, and the community. We know healing is not an easy journey but you can find hope here. Find the Recovery Night schedule below.
MINNESOTA
St. Paul – Como (6:30pm CT):
2265 Como Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108Upcoming dates: None currently scheduled
St. Paul Adolescent & Young Adult – Toogood (6pm CT):
2230 Como Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108Upcoming dates: None currently scheduled
WASHINGTON
Seattle (6–7:30pm PT):
1700 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 700
Seattle, WA 98109Please note that on nights a Recovery Night speaker cannot be secured, an Emily Program Expert Series Q&A will be hosted.
Upcoming dates:
April 19th: Join us via Zoom
Share your recovery story
Your experience on the path to recovery can inspire others and affirm that there is hope. If you are willing to share your recovery story in a genuine and honest way, please contact us. We’d love to hear from you!
Seattle, WA
Kristen Myers
1-888-364-5977 ext. 1806ED 101: Understanding Eating Disorders, Treatment, and Recovery
We know how overwhelming an eating disorder diagnosis can be for families and friends. The terminology. The process. The uncertainties. Share an evening with us to learn about eating disorders, our personalized treatment programs, and the path to recovery. Our knowledgeable staff at The Emily Program answer common concerns of families and friends facing eating disorder issues for the first time. You’ll leave with valuable resources and a better understanding of this serious mental health issue. We recommend family and friends who are new to eating disorders attend this session at least once before joining a Friends and Family Session for a better experience in the group.
Virtual Event: Eating Disorders 101, Hosted by Madeleine Manders, Therapist at our Seattle outpatient location: 2nd Thursday of the month, 6–7pm PT, 8-9pm CT, 9-10pm ET.
Upcoming dates: Feb 9, Mar 9, Apr 13, May 11, Jun 8, Jul 13, Aug 10, Sep 14, Oct 12, Nov 9, Dec 14. Join us via Zoom.
Friends and Family Sessions
The Emily Program offers free evening Friends and Family Sessions open to the public. No need to register; just drop in. (Please note: This group is intended for family and friends providing support to loved ones with an eating disorder. If you are a client or potential client, please attend our ED 101 or Recovery Night events if you would like to learn more.)
Virtual Event: Friends and Family Session, Hosted by Kylie Kirkwood, MSW, LSWAIC, Program Therapist at our Seattle outpatient location: 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 6–7pm PT, 8-9pm CT, 9-10pm ET.
Upcoming dates: Feb 2, Mar 2, Apr 6, May 4, Jun 1, Jul 6, Aug 3, Sep 7, Oct 5, Nov 2, Dec 7.Join us via Zoom
And: Feb 16, Mar 16, Apr 20, May 18, Jun 15, Jul 20, Aug 17, Sep 21, Oct 19, Nov 16, Dec 21. Join us via Zoom
“Ask an Expert” Live
Join us on social media for “Ask an Expert” live. Dr. Jillian Lampert answers common questions about eating disorders, treatment, and recovery from our social media followers.
Ask an Expert Instagram live: Friday, March 24th, 10:00am PT, 12:00pm CT, 1:00pm ET.
Share your story
There’s Help. There’s Hope! The Emily Program is a warm and welcoming place where individuals and their families can find comprehensive treatment for eating disorders and related issues. We want to hear your story. Email us (blog@emilyprogram.com) and ask how you can become a contributor to our blog or podcast.
Get Help
Get help. Find hope.
Please provide contact information below and we will connect with you within one business day. You also may call us directly at 1-888-364-5977. If this is an emergency, do not use this form. Call 911 or your nearest hospital.
Get Help for your Child
Get Help for a Friend
Three Ways To Help A Friend With An Eating Disorder
Take our Eating Disorder Assessment Quiz
Our Eating Disorder Assessment Quiz takes just a few minutes. It’s a simple tool that helps you to see whether you should be concerned. Take the quiz.
Talk with your friend
Your friend’s health is more important than keeping secrets or shying away from talking to their family. Share your concerns. Be prepared to provide examples of behaviors that alerted you to the problem. And offer the next step—tell your friend to call us at 1-888-364-5977 or show your friend our website to start the journey to healthy living.
Learn more about eating disorders
We invite family and friends to attend our support nights so you can learn how to play an important role in your friend’s recovery.
For Families
Eating disorders affect families
When someone you care about struggles with food, the symptoms of the eating disorder touch everyone in the family. The perplexing behaviors can bring frustration, fear, and heartache. We know. Since 1993, The Emily Program has worked closely with families, friends, and other loved ones to help them cope with the consequences of eating disorders. Contact us at 1-888-364-5977 or fill out this form.
When your child struggles with an eating disorder
Our approach
Parents and families take an active role in the recovery journey. At The Emily Program, we use the proven Maudsley Method, also known as Family-Based Treatment (FBT), in our personalized treatment programs for children, adolescents, and young adults with eating disorders.
Care that is right for your child
We offer a full continuum of care, including outpatient, intensive outpatient/partial hospitalization, and residential treatment, all of which provide daily therapeutic meals and snacks, therapy sessions, and time for schoolwork.
You always have our support
After you complete your intake appointment at The Emily Program, you’ll have access to the Office Manager at your programming site who will be your primary resource and support for all care needs and questions.
Recommended Links
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Resources for Families
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Support for Families
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Get Help
Resources for Families
Resources for families
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Family Guide To Recovery
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Family-Based Treatment Guide
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Sibling’s Guide to Family-Based Treatment
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What To Do When You Think Someone May Have An Eating Disorder
The Emily Program Outcomes Infographic
The Emily Program Outcomes Infographic
NEDA Parent Toolkit
NEDA Parent Toolkit
WithAll’s A Simple Guide for What to Say
WithAll’s A Simple Guide for What to Say
STRIPED Report: Social and Economic Cost of Eating Disorders in the United States of America
STRIPED Report: Social and Economic Cost of Eating Disorders in the United States of America
Calculation of Expected Body Weight in Adolescents with Eating Disorders
Calculation of Expected Body Weight in Adolescents with Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders and Adolescents
Eating Disorders and Adolescents
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Survive FBT
Survive FBT
Author: Maria Ganci
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Overcoming Binge Eating
Overcoming Binge Eating
Author: Christopher Fairburn
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When Your Teen Has A Eating Disorder
When Your Teen Has A Eating Disorder
Author: Lauren Muhlheim
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How To Nourish Your Child Through An Eating Disorder
How To Nourish Your Child Through An Eating Disorder
Author(s): Casey Crosbie and Wendy Sterling
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Autism And Eating Disorders In Teens
Autism And Eating Disorders In Teens
Author(s): Fiona Fisher Bullivant and Sharleen Woods
Spotting Eating Disorder in Kids
Spotting Eating Disorder in Kids
How do I Talk to my Children About Body Image?
How do I Talk to my Children About Body Image?
I Think My Wife is Relapsing. What Can I Do to Help?
I Think My Wife is Relapsing. What Can I Do to Help?
F.E.A.S.T
F.E.A.S.T
F.E.A.S.T. is an international organization of and for parents and caregivers to help loved ones recover from eating disorders by providing information and mutual support, promoting evidence-based treatment, and advocating for research and education to reduce the suffering associated with eating disorders.
Maudsley Parents
Maudsley Parents
This website is a nonprofit organization for parents trying to help their children heal from anorexia and bulimia through the use of the Maudsley (FBT) approach. This site is a great resource for learning about Maudsley concepts, processing some of your experiences and providing you with a link to other Maudsley resources.
Eating Disorders Coalition
Eating Disorders Coalition
www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org
This website is a compilation of professional organizations that are dedicated to research, policy and action in order to advocate on a federal level for people with eating disorders and their families.
NEDA
NEDA
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
An organization dedicated to education, resources, and support to those affected by eating disorders and has a wide variety of eating disorder resources and educational handouts.
Virtual Support Groups
The National Alliance for Eating Disorders offers free virtual support groups led by licensed eating disorder clinicians. Among them are weekly Pro-Recovery Support Groups for adults affected by an eating disorder and Friends & Family Support Groups for loved ones.
- Pro-Recovery Support Groups:
- Tuesdays, 4pm PT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET
- Thursdays, 4pm PT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET
- Saturdays, 8am PT, 10am CT, 11am ET
- LGBTQ+ Pro-Recovery Support Group: Wednesdays, 4pm PT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET
- Friends & Family Support Group: Thursdays, 4pm PT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET
Learn more and register on The Alliance’s website.
- Pro-Recovery Support Groups:
Recovery Nights
Hear speakers share their personal stories of dedication and perseverance on the road to recovery from eating disorders. Speakers include Emily Program staff, former clients, and community members. These community-based discussions around recovery are led by Emily Program clinicians.
Recovery Night is free and open to the public; anyone is invited to attend, including clients, support people, and the community. We know healing is not an easy journey but you can find hope here. Find the Recovery Night schedule below.
MINNESOTA
St. Paul – Como (6:30pm CT):
2265 Como Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108Upcoming dates: None currently scheduled
St. Paul Adolescent & Young Adult – Toogood (6pm CT):
2230 Como Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108Upcoming dates: None currently scheduled
WASHINGTON
Seattle (6–7:30pm PT):
1700 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 700
Seattle, WA 98109Please note that on nights a Recovery Night speaker cannot be secured, an Emily Program Expert Series Q&A will be hosted.
Upcoming dates:
April 19th: Join us via Zoom
Share your recovery story
Your experience on the path to recovery can inspire others and affirm that there is hope. If you are willing to share your recovery story in a genuine and honest way, please contact us. We’d love to hear from you!
Seattle, WA
Kristen Myers
1-888-364-5977 ext. 1806ED 101: Understanding Eating Disorders, Treatment, and Recovery
We know how overwhelming an eating disorder diagnosis can be for families and friends. The terminology. The process. The uncertainties. Share an evening with us to learn about eating disorders, our personalized treatment programs, and the path to recovery. Our knowledgeable staff at The Emily Program answer common concerns of families and friends facing eating disorder issues for the first time. You’ll leave with valuable resources and a better understanding of this serious mental health issue. We recommend family and friends who are new to eating disorders attend this session at least once before joining a Friends and Family Session for a better experience in the group.
Virtual Event: Eating Disorders 101, Hosted by Madeleine Manders, Therapist at our Seattle outpatient location: 2nd Thursday of the month, 6–7pm PT, 8-9pm CT, 9-10pm ET.
Upcoming dates: Feb 9, Mar 9, Apr 13, May 11, Jun 8, Jul 13, Aug 10, Sep 14, Oct 12, Nov 9, Dec 14. Join us via Zoom.
Friends and Family Sessions
The Emily Program offers free evening Friends and Family Sessions open to the public. No need to register; just drop in. (Please note: This group is intended for family and friends providing support to loved ones with an eating disorder. If you are a client or potential client, please attend our ED 101 or Recovery Night events if you would like to learn more.)
Virtual Event: Friends and Family Session, Hosted by Kylie Kirkwood, MSW, LSWAIC, Program Therapist at our Seattle outpatient location: 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 6–7pm PT, 8-9pm CT, 9-10pm ET.
Upcoming dates: Feb 2, Mar 2, Apr 6, May 4, Jun 1, Jul 6, Aug 3, Sep 7, Oct 5, Nov 2, Dec 7.Join us via Zoom
And: Feb 16, Mar 16, Apr 20, May 18, Jun 15, Jul 20, Aug 17, Sep 21, Oct 19, Nov 16, Dec 21. Join us via Zoom
“Ask an Expert” Live
Join us on social media for “Ask an Expert” live. Dr. Jillian Lampert answers common questions about eating disorders, treatment, and recovery from our social media followers.
Ask an Expert Instagram live: Friday, March 24th, 10:00am PT, 12:00pm CT, 1:00pm ET.
Share your story
There’s Help. There’s Hope! The Emily Program is a warm and welcoming place where individuals and their families can find comprehensive treatment for eating disorders and related issues. We want to hear your story. Email us (blog@emilyprogram.com) and ask how you can become a contributor to our blog or podcast.
Organizations
Organizations
F.E.A.S.T
F.E.A.S.T. is an international organization of and for parents and caregivers to help loved ones recover from eating disorders by providing information and mutual support, promoting evidence-based treatment, and advocating for research and education to reduce the suffering associated with eating disorders.
Maudsley Parents
This website is a nonprofit organization for parents trying to help their children heal from anorexia and bulimia through the use of the Maudsley (FBT) approach. This site is a great resource for learning about Maudsley concepts, processing some of your experiences and providing you with a link to other Maudsley resources.
Eating Disorders Coalition
www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org
This website is a compilation of professional organizations that are dedicated to research, policy and action in order to advocate on a federal level for people with eating disorders and their families.
NEDA
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
An organization dedicated to education, resources, and support to those affected by eating disorders and has a wide variety of eating disorder resources and educational handouts.
The Emily Program is a University of Minnesota Medical School Affiliate
