KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- REbeL, an Overland Park-based organization offering a student-led education and prevention program designed to address eating and body image concerns in schools, has named Amy Sullivan, registered dietitian and professional outreach representative at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, to its newly formed board.

"Amy is an incredible asset to our board," said Laura Eickman PsyD, founder of REbeL. "Her background as a registered dietitian, her many years of working with individuals with disordered eating and her position at Timberline Knolls definitely will help us grow as a non-profit organization.  She is highly respected professionally and her added energy and enthusiasm will help REbeL in many ways."

REbeL encourages students to REbeL against: making appearance more important than health; conformity; peer pressure; the "diet" mentality; and our society's unrealistic standards of beauty and physical attractiveness.

"We want to make students aware of and informed about these issues," adds Dr. Eickman. "Students need to be critical consumers of the media and of diet and appearance-related products. They can act as real agents of change in their schools and communities."

REbeL's goal is to have students become educators and leaders by sharing these important messages with their peers in ways that "speak" to them.

The newly formed board at REbeL will help guide the growth of the organization as it expands from Blue Valley Northwest High School into additional schools in the area. REbeL is in the process of becoming a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization.

"As a member of the board, my goal is to continue to grow REbeL's program and positively impact increasing numbers of students and community members," said Amy Sullivan RD, professional outreach representative at Timberline Knolls.  "As someone who has worked in the treatment of eating disorders for many years, I know first-hand the devastation these disorders can cause in one's life."

About Timberline Knolls:

Timberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for women and adolescent girls (ages 12 – 65+) with eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, mood and co-occurring disorders.  Located in suburban Chicago, residents receive excellent clinical care from a highly trained professional staff on a picturesque 43-acre wooded campus.  Women and families seeking Christian treatment can opt for specialized Christian-based therapy.  For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611.

About REbeL:

REbeL's message is one of self-esteem, self-respect, and acceptance.  It has the ability to impact many problems facing today's young people including bullying, self-harming behaviors, depression, eating disorders and body image problems.  REbeL is funded entirely through donations. For more information, please visit http://www.rebelks.com.

Contact: Mary Anne Morrow
mmorrow@timberlineknolls.com
Tel: 602-359-6989

SOURCE Timberline Knolls

RELATED LINKS
http://www.timberlineknolls.com
http://www.rebelks.com

REMUDA RANCH EATING DISORDER TREATMENT FACILITY
CONTRACTS WITH BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF ARIZONA

MEDIA CONTACT:
Christa Graff
Graff Public Relations, LLC
435.640.7921
christa@graffpr.com                                                                                                                                                                   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wickenburg, AZ (October 4, 2011) – Remuda Ranch, the nation’s leading treatment center for women and girls who struggle with eating and anxiety disorders, is pleased to announce a new agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. The contract is effective May 15, 2011 for inpatient and partial (PHP). Covered healthcare services received at Remuda Ranch by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona members will now be made available at the in-network level of benefits.

Remuda Ranch is dedicated to working with its patients to understand their benefits, regardless of the carrier, and will continue to expand its network with other insurance providers.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, provides health insurance products, networks or services to more than 1.2 million people who will now have the option to receive treatment at Remuda Ranch at the in-network level of benefits. The new agreement also allows Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona members to receive covered services at Remuda Ranch at the in-network level of benefits (please note HMO members have different benefits); providing millions more women and girls with more affordable access to Remuda Ranch’s custom approach to eating disorder treatment and recovery.

“Women and girls come to us suffering from the daily struggle of living with the lifelong illness of an eating disorder,” said Brian Beutin, CEO of Remuda Ranch. “Sadly, many of them have not received the treatment they deserve because of the financial burden of recovery. We are so thrilled to contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and provide more individuals with a network option for treatment.”

Located in the Sonoran desert of Arizona, Remuda Ranch has provided treatment for over 10,000 women and girls with eating and anxiety disorders.  For more than 20 years, the ranch has provided individualized treatment by a multi-disciplined team of psychiatrists, primary care providers, registered dietitians, therapists, psychologists and registered nurses that are dedicated to providing assistance and support 24 hours a day. The new contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona will allow more patients to access Remuda Ranch’s same high quality programs with lower out-of-pocket costs.

“We’ve been able to treat over ten thousand patients with eating disorders by using a patient-centered, individualized, team approach that works,” said Dr. Yong Lee, M.D., Medical Director of Remuda Ranch. “This new agreement allows greater access for many more women and girls, that struggle with eating disorders, that otherwise might have been limited by the financial barriers of using out-of-network healthcare services.  I welcome the new patients that can now access the care, experience and expertise that we are known for.”

For more information on Remuda Ranch and its affordable treatment plans, please call 800-445-1900 or visit www.remudaranch.com.

About Remuda Ranch Treatment Programs
Since 1990, Remuda Ranch has offered individualized treatment programs for more than 10,000 women and girls who have struggled with eating and anxiety disorders, OCD and binge eating. The multi-disciplined treatment team at Remuda Ranch offers four levels of care, including inpatient, residential, independent living (day treatment) and partial hospitalization. The Remuda Ranch team equips each woman with the right tools to discover confidence, strength and health through biological, psychological and social therapies. Remuda Ranch incorporates experiential therapies, such as art, challenge courses and equine therapy, in conjunction with individual and group therapy. Remuda Ranch is a Joint Commissioned accredited psychiatric hospital specializing in Eating and Anxiety Disorders. Remuda Ranch is a division of Haven Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.  For more information on Remuda Ranch, please call 800-445-1900 or visit www.remudaranch.com.

CHICAGO, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Eating a healthy diet today can be challenging for many people, given the vast food choices available in our country and  the often contradictory information found online and in the media. Certain individuals in pursuit of health, can become lost in the maze of nutrition and inadvertently turn their desire for healthy eating into an eating disorder called "orthorexia nervosa."  

"The severity of orthorexia nervosa mirrors the severity of other eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia," said Juliet Zuercher, registered dietitian and nutrition coordinator at Timberline Knolls. "Since orthorexia nervosa is not a recognized diagnosis in the DSM-IV, it's important to identify and understand the nuances of the disorder in order to treat the problem as effectively as possible."

Orthorexia nervosa was coined in the past decade by Dr. Stephen Bratman in his book titled Health Food Junkies, Orthorexia Nervosa: Overcoming the Obsession with Healthful Eating.  Zuercher believes the prevalence of this eating disorder has escalated with the advent of organic foods, increased awareness of the benefits of sustainable agriculture and "going green" in popular culture.

"I believe our culture continues to be utterly confused about how to eat," adds Zuercher. "Some vulnerable individuals cling to this 'eating religion' for purity sake, but it can take a dangerous turn."  

Orthorexia nervosa is treated much the same as anorexia nervosa with some key differences.  These include: acknowledging the motivation behind the behavior, understanding the desire for purity and righteousness, and helping the individual to identify the unintended consequences of their radical eating. Orthorexia nervosa is rarely about body image, but sometimes it's viewed as a welcome side effect.  After proper weight restoration is achieved, allowing ample time to explore new ways of eating and suggesting healthy, mindful types of activity that can be productive is recommended.

Zuercher reports some common signs of orthorexia nervosa include:

• Dramatic weight loss (more than 10 lbs. a month)
• Changes in mood and personality
• Isolation
• Spending long periods of time acquiring, preparing and eating food in very particular ways
• Hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin, cracked lips, poor skin color
• Irregular sleep patterns
• Loss of job, relationships
• Shirking responsibilities
• Memory loss, distraction

About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center:

Timberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for women and adolescent girls (ages 12 – 65+) with eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, mood and co-occurring disorders.  Located in suburban Chicago, residents receive excellent clinical care from a highly trained professional staff on a picturesque 43-acre wooded campus.  Women and families seeking Christian treatment can opt for specialized Christian-based therapy.  For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611.

Contact: Mary Anne Morrow
mmorrow@timberlineknolls.com
Tel: 602-359-6989

CHICAGO, Sept. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Timberline Knolls and Belmont Center for Comprehensive Treatment are hosting a complimentary half-day conference on trauma, eating disorders and addiction, 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 in Philadelphia.  Nationally renowned experts include Kim Dennis, M.D., medical director at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, and Susan Merle Gordon, Ph.D., clinical program manager of the Mood & Eating Disorders Unit at Belmont Center for Comprehensive Treatment.

"The conference will raise awareness of the common and deadly combinations of eating disorders that co-occur with substance abuse and trauma," said Dr. Dennis of Timberline Knolls.  "Women with eating disorders or substance abuse don't fully recover unless the underlying trauma is identified and healed. "

Dr. Dennis, a board certified psychiatrist who specializes in treating women and girls with eating disorders, addictions and co-occurring disorders, will discuss "Treating Trauma Beneath Eating Disorders."  Dr. Gordon, a licensed psychologist and published author in academic and clinical journals, will present on the topic of "Hidden Population: Co-Occurrence of Substance Use and Eating Disorders."

"The conference also will give therapists and other health care providers basic tools on how to identify and address these hidden issues with their clients and patients," said Dr. Gordon of Belmont Center for Comprehensive Treatment. "Our hospital offers a full range of services for males and females from adolescence through adulthood who suffer from eating disorders, including inpatient, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs."  

Three CEs will be available for counselors, social workers and psychologists.  The event, provided at no cost, is open to the public, but is geared toward behavioral and mental health professionals as continuing education.  It will be held at Belmont Center for Comprehensive Treatment, Silberman Auditorium, 4200 Monument Road in Philadelphia, Pa., 19131.

To register for the event please go to:  http://events.linkedin.com/CEU-Hidden-Connections-Eating-Disorders/pub/739039

About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

Timberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for eating disorders and substance abuse, with or without trauma, a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Expert treatment staff offers a nurturing environment of recovery for women and girls (ages 12 – 65+) on a wooded 43-acre campus in suburban Chicago. Women and families seeking Christian treatment have the option of working with a dedicated Christian therapist. For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611.

About Belmont Behavioral Health

Belmont Center for Comprehensive Treatment is the anchor hospital for Belmont Behavioral Health, the largest behavioral health system in the Philadelphia region, which is part of Albert Einstein Healthcare Network. Belmont Behavioral Health offers a wide array of programs and services for children, adolescents, adults and older adults, ranging from emergency evaluation and triage to inpatient, outpatient and community-based services.

Contact: Mary Anne Morrow
Timberline Knolls
mmorrow@timberlineknolls.com
Tel: 602-359-6989
or
Judy Horwitz
horwitzj@einstein.edu
Tel: 215-456-6767

CHICAGO, Aug. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate National Recovery Month in September, Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center is hosting a free Webinar titled "Recovery: Breaking Through the Isolation of Addiction", 7 – 8 p.m. CDT on September 1, 2011.

"Addiction is a treatable illness and individuals can fully recover from it one day at a time for the rest of their lives," said Dr. Kim Dennis, host of the Webinar and medical director at Timberline Knolls. "People in recovery need help on a daily basis. As humans, we need to be connected to others in order to live a full life that's free from the physical, social, emotional and spiritual death that results from addiction."

The Webinar, hosted in conjunction with dailystrength.org, will give attendees advice on increasing chances for lifelong recovery.  Many individuals with co-occurring disorders will use their addictions to cope with or medicate their depression, eating disorder, bipolar disorder, or trauma.  If the co-occurring disorders are not identified and treated, the chances of long-term recovery diminishes dramatically.

"The identification and treatment of co-occurring disorders is critical for recovery," adds Dr. Dennis.  "Going to 12-step meetings, getting a sponsor and working the steps are also equally important components to recovery."

Addiction is a progressive, chronic and potentially fatal disease.  Recovery entails coming out of the isolation which characterizes addiction.  Isolation can weaken our spiritual, emotional and social selves.  The Webinar is in line with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration's (SAMHSA) message that recovery is possible and tangible steps can be taken to lead a new and abundant life.

For more information or to RSVP for the Webinar, please go to http://www.timberlineknolls.org/addiction-recovery-month-webinar-registration/

About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center:

Timberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for eating disorders and substance abuse, with or without trauma, a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Expert treatment staff offers a nurturing environment of recovery for women and girls (ages 12 – 65+) on a wooded 43-acre campus in suburban Chicago. Women and families seeking Christian treatment have the option of working with a dedicated Christian therapist. For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611.

About DailyStrength:

DailyStrength is one of the largest online health support group communities on the Internet, with over 500 support groups in areas like depression, PTSD, addiction, loneliness, relationships, bereavement, and more. Share and learn from the experience of other members who are going through the same challenges, and talk to people who understand what it's like. Active discussion boards, journaling, photo sharing, private messaging, and supportive online Hugs are just a few of the features you'll find at DailyStrength. Membership is free, and your privacy is protected—join today.

Contact:
Mary Anne Morrow
mmorrow@timberlineknolls.com
Tel: 602-359-6989

Integrated Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders is Key to Saving Lives of Women with Addiction

Chicago – August 8, 2011 – Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center reports people suffering from addiction rarely, if ever, have just substance abuse or addiction issues.  Most addicts have trauma histories, many have mood and/or anxiety disorders, and up to 50 percent of women with substance abuse disorder have co-occurring eating disorders.

The mortality rate increases significantly when binge-purge behavior and substance abuse are present. Amy Winehouse’s struggles with substance abuse received extensive media attention, and to a lesser extent her reports of an eating disorder have been publicized.  Tragically, she very well may have died from the effects of this deadly combination.”

 Dr. Dennis reports that an integrated treatment approach is imperative for all residents at Timberline Knolls. Many treatment centers use different treatment approaches for eating disorders than they would for chemical dependency, and yet another approach for a mood disorder.  Residents in the grip of an eating disorder, substance abuse and depression have compromised mental function to begin with, and trying to engage them in various treatment strategies yields poorer outcomes than integrated treatment approaches.

“Our treatment philosophy is to keep things simple and engage residents with one approach that will deeply impact their acute symptoms and also their long-term lives,” adds Dr. Dennis.  “The approach becomes a blueprint for living and having a sustainable and abundant life.”

Timberline Knolls uses a special integrated 12-step approach in conjunction with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).  This therapeutic combination saves lives by treating both the eating disorder and chemical dependency or other co-occurring disorder. 

“Our default position is that any woman that comes to Timberline Knolls for treatment for substance abuse has other addictions as well. Those can include an eating disorder, self-harm, trauma and other addictions such as sex, shopping or relationship,” said Dr. Dennis.

Dr. Dennis also states research shows that early and adequate intervention yields the best long-term outcomes for women with addiction. 

“The longer a person is in the disease, the more difficult it is to impact the profound personality, cognitive, social and spiritual changes needed for lifelong recovery,” adds Dr. Dennis.

 About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

Timberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for eating disorders and substance abuse, with or without trauma, a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Expert treatment staff offers a nurturing environment of recovery for women and girls (ages 12 – 65+) on a wooded 43-acre campus in suburban Chicago. Women and families seeking Christian treatment have the option of working with a dedicated Christian therapist. For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611.

Art Therapy at Timberline Knolls Helps to Restore Women Struggling with Trauma, Eating Disorders, Addiction and More

CHICAGO, July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center and the Lemont Center for the Arts are hosting a special exhibit featuring the artwork of Timberline Knolls' residents and staff.  The art exhibit, titled "Honesty," will be open for public viewing at the Lemont Center for the Arts from July 30 to September 25, 2011.  The theme of "honesty" is vital to residents at Timberline Knolls since it is the first step in the 12-step recovery process.

"Our residents use art therapy to heal their bodies, mind and soul," said Melissa Rocchi MAAT, LCPC, ATR, program development coordinator and manager of expressive therapies at Timberline Knolls. "Art therapy is a highly effective therapeutic process that allows self-expression, management of behaviors, resolution of conflicts and problems while reducing stress and increasing self-awareness and self-esteem. We're excited to be able to display the artwork to the public."

The Lemont Center for the Arts serves as the Art & Culture Commission headquarters and provides classes and workshops to all residents of Lemont and the surrounding area. The Center also presents exhibits by local artists and art groups.

"The Art & Culture Commission is pleased to include in its inaugural year the 'Honesty' exhibit from Timberline Knolls," said Mona Parry, chairperson at the Art & Culture Commission and artistic director of the Lemont Center for the Arts.  "It's one of six exhibits at the Lemont Center for the Arts since its grand opening in September 2010."

Timberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for women and girls located in Lemont.  It offers treatment for eating disorders and substance abuse, with or without trauma, a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Many residents use art therapy to give up control over secrets and focus on thoughts without judgment. It helps them to be honest about what they are feeling and going through at that moment in time.

The Lemont Center for the Arts is located at 1243 State Street, Unit 101 in Lemont. Hours for the Center are: Friday noon to 4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Timberline Knolls will host a special artists' reception for invited guests from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, September 8.  

Nationally recognized songwriter, recording artist and ordained minister, Todd Warren will perform several songs about honesty at the artists' reception.  As the spirituality coordinator at Timberline Knolls, Warren uses his music to help residents express and celebrate their spirituality. He facilitates group sessions and performs campus-wide concerts to encourage residents toward a restored relationship with a Power greater than themselves.

About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

Timberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for eating disorders and substance abuse, with or without trauma, a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Expert treatment staff offers a nurturing environment of recovery for women and girls (ages 12 to 65+) on a wooded 43-acre campus in suburban Chicago. Women and families seeking Christian treatment have the option of working with a dedicated Christian therapist. For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611.

Contact:
Mary Anne Morrow
Timberline Knolls
mmorrow@timberlineknolls.com
Tel: 602-359-6989

Study Supports Timberline Knolls' Stance That Anorexia is Deadly

CHICAGO, July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center is in the business of saving lives, because they've known for years what a recent study reported in the July issue of Archives of General Psychiatry supports: individuals who have eating disorders have an elevated mortality rate, especially those with anorexia nervosa. This is an important study, but Timberline Knolls stresses that it may not go far enough.  

"I think it's always important to have studies which validate and quantify what we have seen and known for decades clinically," said Kimberly Dennis, M.D., Medical Director at Timberline Knolls, a residential treatment center for women who suffer from eating disorders and substance abuse, with or without trauma or a co-occurring disorder. "But this type of research needs to be expanded to include bulimia and especially EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified), which is by far the most common and least likely to be treated of the eating disorders. My guess is that it is just as deadly as anorexia, just over a much longer period of time."

In the United States, as many as 10 million females and one million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, and millions more are struggling with binge eating disorder, according to the National Eating Disorder Association, which makes this study all the more relevant and critical.

"The deadliness of eating disorders can never be overemphasized, since so many people, professionals and lay people alike, are in denial about the morbidity and mortality associated with eating disorders," said Dr. Dennis.

Dr. Dennis and Timberline Knolls have long been advocates at the government level, fighting for the passage of bills to support eating disorder parity, and hope studies like this help in this arena, holding insurance companies accountable for paying for the amount and length of services needed to save lives from these deadly diseases. Recovery is possible, and help is available, when these diseases are taken seriously and recognized as fatal.  

About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

Timberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for eating disorders and substance abuse, with or without trauma, a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder.

SOURCE Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

Christian Recording Artist Helps Those Struggling with Eating Disorders

  At Remuda Ranch, Josh Miles Leads Christian Music and Chapels While Recording His First CD

Contact: Dena Cabrera, Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders, 602-818-9900, dena.cabrera@remudaranch.com

PHOENIX, July 5, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Josh Miles has served as the Chapel Supervisor at Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders for the past three years. Through Gospel-centered messages and worship, Miles helps to point patients to Jesus and the grace and redemption He offers. His authentic and heartfelt worship style helps patients change their focus from the eating disorder to the loving God who created them. "In addition to leading chapels, I am able to walk alongside patients through one on one sessions as God begins to redeem their stories," said Miles.

While leading chapels, Miles was inspired by the patients to begin writing songs. "I have seen more evidence of Jesus being close to the broken-hearted there than I ever have in all of my years attending church," Miles added. In July of 2010, he traveled to Nashville to record six songs with producer, Jeremy Casella. "Stand[by]," Miles' first CD was released in September, and is available on iTunes and Amazon.

As Miles continues to help patients in their recovery journeys, they will undoubtedly inspire more song writing of music that will ultimately inspire and encourage them. One former patient said, "Josh's passion, zeal, and self-effacing manner kindled a spark within me which led to a desire for a deeper relationship with the Lord."

About Remuda Ranch Treatment Programs
Remuda Ranch offers inpatient and residential programs for individuals suffering from eating disorders or obsessive compulsive disorder.  Each patient is treated by a multi-disciplinary team including a psychiatric and a primary care provider, registered dietitian, master's level therapist, psychologist and registered nurses. 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.

About Josh Miles, Christian Recording Artist
Josh Miles is the Chapel Supervisor at Remuda Ranch Treatment. He has led worship for more than five years, and his mission is to see all people come together, using their gifts to impact what's important to Jesus: the least of these. His music can be found on iTunes and Amazon. 

Expert Supports Screening Pregnant Women for Eating Disorders and Trauma. Study Illustrates the Multi-Generational Nature of the Disease.

CHICAGO, June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In a recent study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, one-third of women surveyed who were being treated for pregnancy related-depression reported a history of eating disorders. Many also reported physical or sexual abuse.  Kimberly Dennis, M.D., medical director at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, says the study illustrates that eating disorders often devastate multiple generations.

"The eating disorders we treat in women at Timberline Knolls are very much family diseases, many times multi-generational," said Dr. Dennis. "A substantial proportion of our adolescent and adult women with eating disorders have mothers with full blown or subclinical eating disorders themselves. And most of these mothers have never received treatment."

Because one out of every ten pregnant women suffers from pregnancy-related depression, the potential negative impact and costs of these mental health issues are far-reaching. "This is an important study, and it's urgent that the healthcare community takes steps to address this serious problem," Dr. Dennis said. "Pregnancy is an especially critical time to intervene with women who suffer from eating disorders and trauma, since there is something bigger than themselves at stake. What many women would not do for themselves – specifically, seek treatment – they will do if necessary to take care of and protect their unborn child."

Understanding the warning signs and treating patients early on is vital when dealing with pregnancy-related depression. Mental health screening tools, including questions about eating disorders and abuse, should be incorporated into routine prenatal care so preventive measures can be taken. "We need to intervene, because when we don't it is passed on in one way, shape or form to the next generation," said Dr. Dennis. "It is not unheard of for us to treat multiple women with eating disorders and trauma from the same family at Timberline Knolls."

About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

Timberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for eating disorders and substance abuse, with or without trauma, a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Expert treatment staff offers a nurturing environment of recovery for women and girls (ages 12 and older) on a wooded 43-acre campus in suburban Chicago. For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center or call us at 877.257.9611.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                                                  Contacts:  Danielle Bickelmann
Susie Lomelino
Michael Burns & Associates
dbickelmann@mbapr.com
slomelino@mbapr.com

TK Academy Wins School of Excellence Award for Second Consecutive Year
The school on campus at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center receives highest honor among private special education

CHICAGO (May 19, 2011) – For the second year in a row, Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, a leading private residential treatment center for eating disorders and substance abuse, with or without trauma, a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder, has been honored with the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) School of Excellence award for its on campus school, TK Academy. TK Academy has its own separate building, teachers and classrooms, and operates as a traditional educational center rather than a tutor-based program found at most treatment facilities.
The School of Excellence award is the group’s highest level of recognition and is presented to private, special education schools that meet rigorous professional criteria and have demonstrated exceptional dedication, commitment and achievement in the field of special education. The academic program at TK Academy is an integral part of the life-long recovery process at Timberline Knolls and sets it apart from the other adolescent treatment programs. Very few qualified licensed private schools in Illinois were bestowed this honor for the 2011-2012 school year, making TK Academy’s selection even more outstanding.
“The education delivered through TK Academy is just as important to a resident’s recovery as the clinical component,” said Carrie Finazzo, M.Ed, C.A.S, and Principal at TK Academy. “Receiving this award two years in a row is a testament to the hard work and dedication ensuring that the highest level of academic excellence and personal well-being is available to every resident at Timberline Knolls.”
Through a comprehensive, integrated approach that includes primary and group therapy, Timberline Knolls addresses residents’ clinical needs while continuing to ensure academic growth. Residents attend classes that encourage their success in curricula consistent with the Illinois State Department of Education.
TK Academy provides students the opportunity for three hours a day of educational and therapeutic services, allowing them to receive individualized, results-oriented educational support, and allowing a continuation of classes while seeking treatment.

About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center
Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center is a leading private residential treatment center for eating disorders, alcoholism, drug addiction and mood disorders, with or without trauma, a dual diagnosis or a co-occurring disorder. Expert treatment staff offers a nurturing environment of recovery for women and girls (ages 12 and older) on a wooded 43-acre campus in suburban Chicago. Women and families seeking Christian treatment have the option of working with a dedicated Christian therapist. For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, visit www.timberlineknolls.comor call us at 877.257.9611.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                                                  Media Contacts:

 Danielle Bickelmann
Susie Lomelino
Michael Burns & Associates
                                                                                                                        dbickelmann@mbapr.com                                                              slomelino@mbapr.com

Bipolar Disorder, a Serious Psychiatric Disorder,

Often Misdiagnosed By Professionals

and Unrecognized by Loved Ones

CHICAGO (May 12, 2011) – Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depressive disorder or manic depression, is a psychiatric disorder that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. It is a serious mental illness requiring specialized treatment, but the problem, according to Kimberly Dennis, M.D., medical director at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, is that bipolar disorder often gets misdiagnosed by professionals and is unrecognized by loved ones.
“Bipolar disorder commonly co-occurs with other illnesses and addictions, making it hard to diagnose without a thorough diagnostic workup that includes looking at substance/drug abuse and use, and an evaluation for possible early life trauma – both of which can produce symptoms that look like bipolar disorder,” said Dr. Dennis. “Many times, residents come to Timberline Knolls with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, but once evaluated are properly diagnosed with a drug abuse problem, which looks similar to bipolar disorder when an individual is going through stages of intoxication and withdrawal. Additionally, the diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be missed by professionals who think the patient is just suffering from substance abuse or dependence.”
Not only do professionals miss the diagnosis, but loved ones and family members many times do not recognize the real problem – either because they do not know what bipolar disorder is, or because they are focused on something else, such as a co-occurring drug abuse problem.
Signs of bipolar disorder in its manic state include:

• extended periods of feeling overly happy or outgoing
• extremely irritable mood, agitation, or jumpiness
• being easily distracted
• little to no sleep for several days in a row without feeling tired
• having an unrealistic belief in one's abilities
• behaving impulsively
• suicide attempts

Signs of bipolar disorder in its depressive state include:

• isolation from friends and family
• loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• feeling tired or slowed down
• having problems concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
• abuse of alcohol and drugs, especially cocaine
• dependence on sleeping pills

A correct diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and ensuring the appropriate treatment is offered, is critical for those who face and treat bipolar disorder and co-occurring disorders. People with this illness can achieve long-term physical, emotional and spiritual recovery. Dr. Dennis encourages everyone to remember this is a disease, and the individual did not choose to have the disease. Sufferers can choose to get treatment and recover. Help is available and manageability is possible when someone is connected to the right support system and specialized treatment is sought.

About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center
Timberline Knolls is one of the leading private residential treatment centers for substance abuse, eating disorders, and severe depression, with or without a co-occurring disorder, dual diagnosis, self injury or trauma. Expert treatment staff offers a nurturing environment of recovery for women and girls (ages 12 and older) on a 43-acre campus in suburban Chicago. Women and families seeking Christian addiction treatment have the option of working with a dedicated Christian therapist. For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611.

PHOENIX, April 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Millions of Americans have tried dieting and have ultimately failed. Diets don't work because they are unsustainable and bring about feelings of guilt. In order to increase awareness of the pitfalls of dieting, Remuda Ranch, the nation's leading eating disorders treatment center, celebrates International No Diet Day on May 6, 2011.

"Every day we see the devastating consequences of eating disorders that started innocently with a diet," said Dena Cabrera, PsyD, director of educational outreach at Remuda Ranch.  "Diets don't work. The $50 billion diet industry confirms this truth.  We have seen firsthand not only the medical compromise brought on by a quest to lose weight, but also the mental health issues that individuals suffer because of diets."

Research shows that 89 percent of women want to lose weight and 60 percent are on a diet at any given time.  Men of all ages are also affected by our weight conscious society and are subject to the thin images projected by many media outlets.

"An innocent quest to lose extra weight by dieting can result in anxiety, depression and low self esteem," adds Cabrera.  "Because people often engage in drastic behaviors to diet, many times personalities are altered, energy is compromised and health is neglected."

Cabrera reports real changes needed for success are all about improving lifestyle habits in ways that will last. This means making gradual changes toward active living, moderation, balance and variety in eating, relieving stress and letting weight come off as a result of changed habits. The weight will stay off because of lifestyle changes and one's metabolism will support the change.

"As a society, we need to embrace diverse shapes and sizes in all individuals," said Cabrera. "We currently have a narrow definition of beauty and health. By using these idealized standards of beauty we are missing out on a majority of people who are beautiful, healthy and well.  Other parameters besides weight, shape and size need to be used to define health and beauty."

About Remuda Ranch Treatment Programs

Remuda Ranch offers inpatient and residential programs for individuals with eating disorders, OCD and related issues.  Each patient is treated by a multi-disciplinary team including a psychiatric and a primary care provider, registered dietitian, master's 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                                                              Media Contacts:  Danielle Bickelmann
Susie Lomelino
Michael Burns & Associates
214-521-8596       dbickelmann@mbapr.com
slomelino@mbapr.com

New National Study Gives Parents an Urgent Topic for Discussion

CHICAGO (March 10, 2011) – A government study has found that more than half a million teens have had an eating disorder, most commonly in the form of binge eating disorder and bulimia, and that most of the time these go untreated. How can we change this downward trend before it gets more out of control? Kimberly Dennis, M.D., medical director at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, says it’s critical for parents to talk to their kids about eating disorders as early as possible, and be open to the possibility their kids (or they) may have an unhealthy relationship with food.
“Parents don’t want to believe their child might have a fatal disease, especially when in a lot of cases the teen is still doing well in school and even excelling in sports. And when they suspect a problem, parents a lot of times think it’s ‘just a phase’ and are in denial it needs to be addressed,” said Dr. Dennis. “In addition to the critical need for parents to talk to their kids, is the need for all ‘first responders’ in a teen’s life to be aware of this growing problem. Pediatricians, primary care doctors, school nurses, teachers and coaches need to be educated as well, and not afraid to talk to teens about these issues; because early detection and treatment is critical to ensure a full and healthy life for these teens.”
According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Web site, “Over one-half of teenage girls and nearly one-third of teenage boys use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, fasting, smoking cigarettes, vomiting, and taking laxatives.”
“More programs need to be developed to go into schools to not only speak to the students, but also to the school nurses, teachers and coaches. And parents need to get involved and be educated on the seriousness of these diseases,” said Dr. Dennis. She also encourages parents to listen to their gut and look for changes in behavior, including kids not eating with the family, frequent trips to the bathroom immediately after meals, changes in diet, and consumption of a large, unhealthy amount of food in one sitting.  
“More of these studies are needed to get our heads around the scope of the problem. I believe that eating disorders are far more widespread than anyone realizes,” said Dr. Dennis. “But recovery is possible when the right help is utilized and those most closely involved with these teens help them to get the help they so desperately need.”

About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center
Timberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for eating disorders and substance abuse, with or without trauma, a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Expert treatment staff offers a nurturing environment of recovery for women and girls (ages 12 and older) on a wooded 43-acre campus in suburban Chicago. Women and families seeking Christian treatment have the option of working with a dedicated Christian therapist. For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611.

Feb 3, 2011 – For immediate release

Oconomowoc – Rogers Memorial Hospital is sponsoring several special events in recognition of National Eating Eating Disorders Awareness week 2011, Feb. 20-26.

Doctor Theodore E. Weltzin, Medical Director of Eating Disorders Services at Rogers, will be part of a discussion panel following a free performance of the eating disorders Musical "Normal: In Schools" in Madison on Sunday, Feb. 20. The show is being held at The University of Wisconsin's Memorial Union and starts at 7 p.m.

NORMAL in Schools is a national nonprofit that teaches about the effect of eating disorders, the therapeutic impact of the arts and self-esteem, body image and family communication. Rogers is a lead sponsor for the NORMAL in Schools' Inside Out Gala held Saturday, Feb. 26 from 5:30 to 11 p.m. at Turner Hall in Milwaukee.

Weltzin will also speak as part of a half-day seminar on eating disorders at Iowa State University on Feb. 24. Finally, Rogers is sponsoring a performance of "Beauty Undressed" featuring Shannon Cutts at the Marquette University's Alumni Memorial Union at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 23. Shannon Cutts is an internationally-known advocate for the value mentoring adds to the eating disorders recovery process.

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a sponsored by the National Eating Disorders Association and aims to ultimately prevent eating disorders and body image issues while reducing the stigma surrounding eating disorders and improving access to treatment. Find out more at nationaleatingdisorders.org

Rogers Memorial Hospital is a leading provider of eating disorders treatment, with five locations in Wisconsin. Information about Rogers' eating disorders programs are online at RogersEatingDisorders.org.

Rogers Memorial is a not-for-profit behavioral health care provider for children, teens and adults. The hospital is nationally recognized for its residential treatment centers including the Eating Disorder Center, the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Center, the Child Center and the Child and Adolescent Center. Rogers Memorial also provides residential treatment services for chemical dependency at the Herrington Recovery Center. Inpatient and partial hospitalization services are also available. Rogers Memorial is licensed as a psychiatric hospital by the State of Wisconsin and accredited by The Joint Commission. It offers treatment programs at five Wisconsin locations: Oconomowoc, Milwaukee, Madison, Kenosha and Brown Deer. To learn more, call 800-767-4411 or visit www.rogershospital.org.

This release can be downloaded by visiting www.rogershospital.org/media.

If you'd like more information on this topic, or to schedule an interview, please contact Gabe Wollenburg at 262- 646-1389 or gwollenburg@rogershospital.org.

Timberline Knolls Partners with Screening for Mental Health

Timberline Knolls Partners With National Organization Screening for Mental Health to Provide Eating Disorder Screenings on College Campuses

CHICAGO, Jan. 20, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- In an initiative to increase student understanding about eating disorders and help absorb the extra demand placed on college counselors, Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center has teamed with Screening for Mental Health (SMH) and founder Doug Jacobs, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical and also president and CEO of SMH, to become a major national supporter of the organization's on-campus screening program, CollegeResponse.

The Timberline Knolls/CollegeResponse partnership plans to increase the number of college students obtaining screenings for eating disorders, either in person or online through the CollegeResponse website. This partnership coincides with National Eating Disorders Awareness Week taking place February 20-26. The National Eating Disorders Screening Program (NEDSP), developed by SMH, is typically utilized by colleges and universities around this time. The NEDSP educates and screens students for eating disorders and connects those at-risk with local resources.

Eating disorders among college students are a serious health concern. With consequences ranging from chronic health problems to death, many who suffer from eating disorders will often do their best to conceal them. "College is a time when eating disorders present themselves," said Dr. Dennis. "While the start of college is usually a memorable event for many young people, for others, it can be a stressful period that triggers a dangerous battle with an eating disorder, making this work, spearheaded by SMH, all the more critical and necessary to educate and ultimately save lives."

Screening for Mental Health (SMH) programs—provided both in-person and online—educate, raise awareness, and screen individuals for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, alcohol use disorders, and suicide. Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, located near Chicago, is a leading private residential treatment center for eating disorders, alcoholism, drug addiction and mood disorders, with or without trauma, a dual diagnosis or a co-occurring disorder.

Rogers Foundation raises $146,000 at annual gala

John C. Kasdorf given 5th Annual Spirit of Giving award

Oconomowoc- The Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation raised over $146,000 at its annual gala while honoring a local philanthropist.

More than 250 people attended the annual event, this year held Oct. 16 at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee.

John C. Kasdorf, of Hartland, received the foundation's 5th Annual Spirit of Giving Award. This award was established by the foundation to recognize and honor individuals who have distinguished themselves through their support of Rogers and have inspired others to do the same.

Kasdorf was a driving force behind the development of Rogers' spiritual care program, which currently serves about 3,100 patients per year.

"As a successful business man with a giving heart, John's advice, counsel and financial support continue to be a sustaining resource at Rogers," said Marion Heinz, Immediate Past Director of the Foundation.

All of the money raised at the 2010 gala is donated directly to patient care. The Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation cultivates awareness of the hospital's mission and builds long-term relationships for philanthropic support. For more information about Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation and the 2010 Celebrate the Light Gala, go to rogersmemorialfoundation.org.

The Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation raises philanthropic support to ensure the future of the hospital as it provides effective treatment for those suffering from mental illness.

About Rogers Memorial Hospital:

Rogers Memorial is a not-for-profit behavioral health care provider for children, teens and adults. The hospital is nationally recognized for its residential treatment centers including the Eating Disorder Center, the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Center, the Child Center and the Child and Adolescent Center. Rogers Memorial also provides residential treatment services for chemical dependency at the Herrington Recovery Center. Inpatient and partial hospitalization services are also available. Rogers Memorial is licensed as a psychiatric hospital by the State of Wisconsin and accredited by The Joint Commission. It offers treatment programs at five Wisconsin locations: Oconomowoc, Milwaukee, Madison, Kenosha and Brown Deer. To learn more, call 800-767-4411.

Weight Bullying in Childhood Could Trigger Eating Disorders Later in Life

At Remuda Ranch, Many Patients Report a Trigger to Their Eating Disorder was Being Teased or Bullied About Weight

PHOENIX, Nov. 11, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Bullying about weight is not uncommon. Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders reports when children are teased about their weight, they are more reluctant to exercise or engage in physical activity.

"We know that weight bullying happens to a lot of children," said Dena Cabrera, PsyD, psychologist and director of educational outreach at Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders. "Bullying can perpetuate the cycle of lack of exercise as well as using food as a source of comfort."

Children who are bullied about their weight, especially in their preteen years, are highly susceptible to developing negative self image, and poor body dissatisfaction, which can last into adulthood.

"Bullying is abuse," adds Cabrera. "Many kids feel unsafe in school and unsafe in their own bodies. 'Weightism' is the last form of socially acceptable prejudice. We hear so many negative comments around us and in the media about people's sizes and shapes, and it's often commented on without any sensitivity or regard."

Dr. Cabrera says there's a lot that we can do to stop bullying about weight. Parents play a key role in creating a home environment that fosters healthful eating and physical activity.

Dr. Cabrera's suggestions to parents include:

• Recognize the signs of bullying about weight
• Create a healthy home environment
• Take a "zero tolerance" stand in the home with family members
• Teach social and assertive skills
• Build resilience and self esteem
• Get support from teachers, school administrators and counselors
• Get support from the law

About Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders

Remuda Ranch offers inpatient and residential programs for individuals 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, master's level therapist, psychologist and registered nurses. 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.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Dena Cabrera

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=93919

SOURCE Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders

http://www.remudaranch.com

Special PG-13 Screening Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Nation's Leading Eating and Anxiety Disorders Treatment Center, Remuda Ranch

RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Is America obsessed with beauty? This controversial question is thoroughly explored, exposed and dissected in the compelling documentary produced by filmmaker Darryl Roberts.  

It's an especially relevant and crucial question in today's world as body image and self-image issues have become a critical issue affecting women and girls nationwide.

Since 1990 Remuda Ranch has treated more than 10,000 patients; as a part of this celebration, a special screening of "America the Beautiful" is coming to Richmond for one night only. The screening is set for Friday, November 12 at Virginia Commonwealth University, Harris Hall Auditorium, 1015 Floyd Avenue, Richmond, Virginia.  To attend, please RSVP at http://www.remudaranch.com/EventDetails.aspx?eventid=50.

Special guest, Miss America 2008 Kirsten Haglund, will be in attendance and will participate in a special panel discussion after the screening. Kirsten's powerful platform for the Miss America pageant was eating disorders awareness. Darryl Roberts, the film's producer and director will be at the event and will participate in the panel discussion after the screening. The event is hosted by Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders, an inpatient and residential treatment center for women and girls with eating and anxiety disorders, and To Write Love on Her Arms, a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. The screening is open to the public. Space is limited.

About Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders

Remuda Ranch offers 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, master's 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.

About To Write Love on Her Arms

To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. Since 2006 we've responded to over 150,000 messages from more than 100 countries and invested over $700,000 directly to treatment and recovery. TWLOHA's founder Jamie Tworkowski has been a guest on CBS Sunday Morning, MSNBC, CNN.com, NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams and MTV. TWLOHA had a 6-page feature in Rolling Stone Magazine along with articles in Paste, Seventeen, Teen Vogue, Alternative Press and more. TWLOHA won the mtvU Woodie Award in the "Good Woodie" category against artists such as Alicia Keys and Wyclef Jean and won a full-page ad in USA TODAY for their America Wants twitter campaign.  For more information, visit www.TWLOHA.com.

About America the Beautiful

In almost 40,000 media messages a year, youthful Americans are being told that, unless they look like supermodels and rock stars, they're not good enough for anyone to love. It's a message that too many people are buying.

The hope of achieving these 'ideals' has consumers purchasing cosmetics, toiletries, fashion and plastic surgeries at increasingly dramatic rates. Has the 'American Dream' changed so much that it can only be achieved once we can perfectly emulate the super thin and sexy images of the ones we admire so much on the big screen and in pictures?

Filmmaker Darryl Roberts takes the audience on a two-year journey to examine America's obsession -- physical perfection. In "America the Beautiful," we learn secrets, confessions, and strikingly harsh realities as Roberts unearths the origins and deadly risks of our nation's quest for physical perfection.  View the trailer at www.americathebeautifuldoc.com.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Dena Cabrera

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=93919

SOURCE Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders

RELATED LINKS
http://www.remudaranch.com
http://www.twloha.com
http://americathebeautifuldoc.com

Going Back to School Met with Mixed Emotions

CHICAGO, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Millions of students at all grade levels, from elementary to high school to college, will head back to school – and many times this is met with mixed emotions. Not because the "summer fun" has ended, but because school adds new pressures into the mix, with many kids focusing on trying to be popular, and some just to even fit in.

Many times these pressures can manifest physically, with young men and women trying to be an ideal body size and weight, just like they see in the people they idolize in magazines and movies. Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, a leader in treatment for eating disorders, wants to educate students and parents about potential problems and let them know assistance is available.

As many as 10 million females and one million males are fighting a life and death battle with anorexia nervosa or bulimia and another 25 million are fighting a binge eating disorder, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. And because of this, body image and eating disorders are growing concerns in schools around the country.

"This is an especially critical time to be aware of potential problems and watch for warning signs," says Kimberly Dennis, M.D., medical director at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center. "During this time when schedules change drastically with the start of school, and new pressures are added into the mix, children and young adults can be more susceptible to body image issues and concerns."

Warning signs that there could be a potential problem in a loved one include:  

• refusal to eat
• difficulty concentrating
• denial of hunger
• obsession with body size and shape coupled with low self esteem
• skipping meals and making excuses for not eating
• eating only a few certain foods considered safe, usually those low in fat and calories

Recognizing these signs and symptoms in a loved one can be a critical first step in working to improve body image distortions. Through early intervention, treatment and therapy, a positive body image can be restored and a life free from the obsession of reaching an "ideal" body size and shape can be achieved.

About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

Timberline Knolls is one of the leading private residential treatment centers for eating disorders, substance abuse, and trauma, with or without a dual diagnosis, co-occurring disorder or addiction. Expert treatment staff offers a nurturing environment of recovery for women and girls (ages 12 and older) on a 43-acre campus in suburban Chicago. Women and families seeking Christian treatment have the option of working with a dedicated Christian therapist. For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611.

SOURCE Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

Remuda Ranch Reports Cutting Is Prevalent in Eating Disorder Patients

PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - 08/25/10) - Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders reports in the past five years, self-injury, particularly cutting oneself, is becoming more prevalent among eating disorder patients.

"Approximately 40 to 50 percent of our patients have either reported a history of self-injury or are presently engaging in these behaviors," said Dena Cabrera, PsyD, psychologist and national speaker at Remuda Ranch. "This number seems to be consistent for the past five years. Studies have shown that adolescents engaging in self-injury behavior were more likely to have an eating disorder."

Cutting may be increasing in our culture because young women today are struggling with identity issues and dealing with challenging problems. They feel they have to go to extremes to show others that they are suffering. Often, they are suffering from depression. In a visual culture, cutting may be a voice to get needs met. Self-injury may represent that struggle visually while physiologically and emotionally numbing the pain.

Based on studies and direct patient reports, Dr. Cabrera lists the following as additional reasons for self-injury:

• Stimulation: Escaping dissociative experience through an intentional gesture to feel one's body, thereby using self-injury as a self-grounding technique.
• Emotional Release: Self-imposed when feeling guilt, shame, weakness, anger or punishment.
• Relaxation: A pleasure response to the warmth of the blood and to the physical sensation of pain.
• Distraction: Inducing dissociation or a trance-like state to avoid attending to an emotional trigger, issue, subject or suicidal thoughts.
• Social Attention: Obtaining self-affirmation by showing oneself and others one's strength and achieving protection through the response of others.
• Alteration: Altering one's body to make it unattractive to others through scarring.

At Remuda Ranch, Dialectical Behavior Therapy is used to teach patients skills to replace the self-harm behavior whether that behavior is an eating disorder, cutting, or both.

"We provide structure to the patient's environment to motivate, reinforce and individualize appropriate skills needed for recovery," adds Dr. Cabrera. "We also help remove negative behaviors as well as establish plans in case of relapse."

"If someone you know is practicing self-injury it's important to get help immediately," said Dr. Cabrera. "Cutting is not like biting your nails, it can be very dangerous. Further, it perpetuates low self worth and esteem. It becomes a vicious cycle."

About Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders

Remuda Ranch offers 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, master's 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.

Contact:
Mary Anne Morrow
Blossom Communications Inc.
Email Contact
Tel: 602-332-9026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:  Danielle Bickelmann
Susie Lomelino
Michael Burns & Associates
214-521-8596 dbickelmann@mbapr.com
slomelino@mbapr.com

Mommy Not Always Dearest During Treatment For Eating Disorders

CHICAGO (July 22, 2010) – One underlying cause that surprises many women during treatment for an eating disorder is the relationship an adolescent girl has with her mother, according to Catherine Weigel Foy, a family therapist at Timberline Knolls, a leading eating disorder treatment center for women.

Young girls suffering with eating disorders often think the physical aspects of their disease call for the most healing, but in most all instances, girls have to recognize the psychological and emotional damage caused by anorexia or bulimia, too. It's during this process that they often uncover unexpected root causes of their disease.

"The mother-daughter relationship can be a complicated one. While relationships with friends and husbands begin in adolescence and adulthood, a mother's love begins before a child is born, and can create an unrealistic expectation that the connection between mothers and daughters will be as strong and free from limitations in adulthood as it was in early infancy," said Weigel Foy, LCSW, LMFT.

A clinical lecturer at Northwestern University, where she is affiliated with both the Family Institute and the Department of Psychology, Weigel Foy endorses an introspective look at this unique relationship and believes temporary distance from family members allows many adolescent and teenage girls to feel safe exploring the mother-daughter relationship in ways they haven't been able to during prior treatment for anorexia or bulimia. Weigel Foy and her colleagues at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center work together to foster a nurturing environment that helps teen girls gain a realistic view of their relationship with their mothers. In turn, the girl and her mother are better equipped to support each other on their path to recovery.

Exploring relations with her mother in a residential setting also equips a young woman to place the relationship in a healthier social context. "In reality, an individual's needs and fears are often informed by society's needs and fears, making this one of the most maligned of all human relationships. By identifying societal myths commonly found in these relationships, mothers and daughters can begin to build a stronger foundation – and one of recovery for those suffering from eating disorders and substance abuse," said Weigel Foy, who also serves on the consulting editorial board for the Journal of Feminist Family Therapy.

Weigel Foy identifies several "perfect mother" myths that can create unrealistic standards for behavior that often strain the relationship and trigger feelings of shame:

• the measure of a perfect mother is a perfect daughter
• constant nurturing comes naturally to all mothers
• mothers are born knowing how to raise children
• mothers and good daughters don't get angry

These ideas contribute to mother-blaming when mothers don't match the myth and can create distance between mothers and daughters. In the same way, there are "bad mother" myths that can lead mothers and daughters to feel like they are walking a tightrope where too much or too little love will push them over the edge. Damaging assumptions include:

• mothers are inferior to fathers as authority figures
• only experts know how to raise children
• mothers and daughters are bottomless pits of neediness
• mother-daughter closeness is unhealthy
• assertion of a woman's power is dangerous or unseemly

The impact of beliefs like these can keep a teenage girl from seeking support from her mother when she needs it, or from accepting her mother's efforts to build a normal, healthy bond that will help her through adolescence.

Relationship myths can be particularly perilous for young girls who are struggling with body image issues, says Weigel Foy. Given that a mother is often the first person to recognize signs and symptoms of an eating disorder, any reluctance to address her concerns in an open and honest way can impact her daughter's chances of avoiding long term medical complications.

Through residential treatment and therapy this relationship can be explored and these young girls can come to better understand its affect on their diseases – and in turn help build a foundation for lifelong recovery.

About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

Timberline Knolls is one of the leading residential treatment centers for eating disorders, alcoholism and substance abuse, with or without trauma, a dual diagnosis or cooccurring disorder. Expert treatment staff offers a nurturing environment of recovery for women and girls (ages 12 and older) on a wooded 43-acre campus in suburban Chicago. Women and families seeking Christian treatment have the option of working with a dedicated Christian therapist. For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611