The Laurel Hill Inn Residential Treatment Program
The treatment program at Laurel Hill Inn focuses exclusively on adults suffering from eating disorders. The program is tailored specifically to meet the unique needs of this population.
For many persons afflicted with an eating disorder, the illness is so deeply entrenched that it takes a rigorous effort to alter the distorted thoughts and beliefs that are so firmly held. In many cases, in order for a person to progress to a more satisfying level of independent living, the structure, continuity and intensity of a residential treatment program may be necessary.
From the very first day of entry into the program at Laurel Hill Inn, skills are being developed that are transferable to the real world. Participants are actively involved in practicing the skills necessary to deal with the challenges their eating disorder will present when they return home.
We believe that people make change through knowledge and education. We help participants identify new ways of thinking about themselves and food. All of our groups emphasize developing and practicing more effective skills in real life situations. We help individuals think more positively about themselves and hope that this will, in turn, result in more positive interactions with others.
We offer behaviorally based groups to help participants learn to manage their emotions, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, and other life stressors. The groups emphasize cognitive and dialectical behavior therapy – these two treatment approaches have been shown to be effective with eating disorder patients. These groups help participants develop strategies and effective coping skills to deal with the emotions and stressors that often result in eating disordered behavior. There is a strong emphasis on practice and homework.
Another important component of our program is our experiential groups. These groups help participants achieve mastery with challenging activities such as menu planning, grocery shopping, dining out, and clothes shopping. We also have groups that address body image issues through the expressive arts and yoga.
In addition to the education and practice that occurs within the groups, clients are asked to practice new skills and behaviors with other clients, with supportive staff persons and, wherever possible, in real-life settings.
The eating disorder has often pushed aside the person's various interests and social activities. Helping participants to reconnect and develop these interests is a necessary part of the recovery process. In addition, most social activities have a component that involves challenging clients to manage their eating disorder behaviors. This allows clients of Laurel Hill Inn to practice appropriate eating and coping skills in various normal life situations. It can be fun to have popcorn at the movies or go out to dinner with friends!
