The Eating Disorder Center treatment team uses a number of therapy components to help residents deal with the psychological issues that
brought them to our program. These therapies take place mostly in a group setting, where individuals get feedback not only from the
therapist but from their peers as well. From their first day at the center residents are expected - with the help and support of staff and
peers - to take ownership over their recovery process and challenge themselves throughout treatment. According to the goals and
objectives of their individualized treatment plan, residents participate in the following components:
Group Therapy
Each week residents have about ten hours of group therapy led by a master's prepared therapist. Group sessions are designed to
challenge cognitive distortions, identify and express feelings, and help residents gain healthy coping strategies to avoid relapse. The
number of group participants is based on the current population of residents at the center. In general, group sizes range from three to
eleven residents. Residents are placed in the group that is most appropriate to their age and life experiences; however, the male
program has a make-up of both adolescent and adult males (the composition varies based on the program's census, and variable age
range and separate group experiences are provided if clinically indicated).
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is provided once weekly, at minimum, with the primary therapist and is tailored to each specific resident's needs.
The resident has an active role in developing his/her treatment goals and objectives. Treatment progress is monitored by the treatment
team; with appropriate consent, the primary therapist also updates the resident's outpatient therapist.
Family Therapy
Realizing that eating disorders affect everyone, the family is considered an important part of the resident's recovery. Generally, family
sessions are provided once weekly. During these sessions the resident's eating disorder is explored within the context of the family's
communication patterns, value and belief system, rules, roles and expectations.
Pharmacotherapy
Rogers Memorial Hospital has four full-time psychiatrists who specialize in the treatment of eating disorders. Initially, one of these
psychiatrists will meet with the resident to complete a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, which includes history, diagnosis and
treatment recommendations. Then the physician will meet once or twice weekly with the resident to monitor medications and review
medical status; during these sessions, the psychiatrist also challenges the resident's cognitive distortions related to the eating disorder.
These sessions are typically billed separately and may be increased if necessary.
Nutrition Therapy
With the guidance of a registered dietitian, residents learn about nutritional health and meal planning. Dietitians meet with residents
individually at least once weekly (or as clinically indicated) and provide group therapy once weekly. In addition, dietitians coordinate
grocery shopping outings, cooking groups, meal and snack challenges, and meal outings throughout the month.
Art Therapy
Led by a master's level art therapist, art therapy groups are offered two to three times per week. Through creative expression using
such mediums as sculpting, painting and drawing, residents examine the role their eating disorder plays in their life and challenge
their physical and emotional body image distortions.
Recreation Therapy
Residents participate in recreation therapy groups two to three times per week to increase their positive coping skills, to develop trust,
self-esteem and confidence, and to learn how to incorporate physical fitness into their lifestyle. With both indoor and outdoor ropes
and challenge course facilities, residents explore their communication, cooperation and problem solving skills within a noncompetitive,
adventure-based setting. According to their treatment plan, residents may also participate in aerobic and/or weight room
activities.
Yoga and Relaxation Therapy
Residents learn how to use guided imagery, relaxation and grounding techniques in a group setting two to three times per week to
develop a set of skills they can use to deal more effectively with their anxiety and triggers.
Substance Abuse Counseling
A certified substance abuse counselor is on staff to provide assessment, treatment recommendations and therapy to residents
struggling with substance use or abuse. A group therapy session is offered once weekly for residents who would benefit clinically.
Goals/Check-In Group
Led by residential counselors, residents meet nightly as a group to identify realistic and achievable goals for the next day and talk
about their progress for the current day.
One-to-One Support
Residential counselors are available 24 hours a day to provide assistance and support to residents. They are available to address
treatment compliance, problem solving, feelings identification and other issues that are part of each resident's treatment plan.
Daily Living Responsibilities
Residents have the responsibility of maintaining their bedrooms, washing their personal laundry, and jointly being responsible for care
of their living areas. Practicing these independent living skills on a daily basis helps create a sense of belonging to the residential
community.
Community Outings and Therapeutic Passes
Throughout their treatment stay residents have opportunities to apply what they have learned to "real life" settings. Residents are
challenged to go on community outings and take therapeutic passes so they may practice strategies that reduce their anxiety and ease
their transition back into the community. For those who are nutritionally or medically compromised, participation in physical activities
will be limited until they are strong enough to participate safely.
Please note: This outline is a general overview of the treatment components offered to residents of the Eating Disorder Center at Rogers
Memorial Hospital. Each resident has an individualized treatment plan which may include extra services and/or support based on the
resident's needs.
State and local leaders were introduced to Rogers Memorial Hospital’s newest residential treatment centers on Friday, Feb. 29.
Education
Education is an important part of our mission as a leader in the field of mental health. As we constantly explore ways to make our treatment methods even more effective, we believe that sharing our advances through continuing education workshops and seminars helps to strengthen the mental health community.
