ONNECT ONSC RENFREW

HOPE, HELP & HEALING

IN THIS ISSUE

2 Our Collective Voice

3 Inspirational Quotes

4 Alumni Reunion –

June 3rd

5 New Site

6 Voices of Recovery

WORKING TOGETHER TO ADVANCE THE EDUCATION, PREVENTION, RESEARCH AND TREATMENT OF EATING DISORDERSS P R I N G 2 0 1 7

RENFREW CONNECTIONS STAFF

Hannah Beaver, LCSWAlumni Coordinator

Alecia Connlain Director of Marketing

Jenna McCormick PR Coordinator

It is with great honor and excitement that I introduce myself... My name is Hannah Beaver and I am the

newly appointed Alumni Services Coordinator

for The Renfrew Centers! In my position

as Team Leader at The Renfrew Center of

Radnor, PA, I previously connected to the

local alumni community as the site’s

Alumni Representative - building

relationships and supportive networks

valuable in sustaining recovery. Now,

as Alumni Services Coordinator,

I have the opportunity to do this

on a much larger scale.

Recovery is a journey that is often challenging, yet it can be enlightening and

rewarding. A vital part of recovery’s developmental process is connecting to a

supportive community to share thoughts, feelings and experiences. In this new

position, I am looking forward to offering these services to you through Renfrew’s

series of online webinars, in-person events and site reunions. Recovery truly is a

‘team effort’ and I am pleased to be with you along this recovery road by providing

tools and resources to help you live a life free of your eating disorder.

‘‘

2 Hope, Help & Healing

Our Collective Voice:Letter from Renfrew’s Founder and President,

Samuel E. Menaged, JD

“And suddenly you know it’s time to start something new and trust in the magic of new beginnings.” – Meister Eckhart.

Here at The Renfrew Center, not only do we believe in the “magic of new beginnings” but we’ve augmented that magic with solid research data to create a new evidence-based Diabetes Program. Under the supervision of Dr. Susan Ice, VP and Chief Medical Officer, and Trish Lieberman, Director of Nutrition, the program incorporates medical and nutritional management of diabetes while addressing and exploring the underlying psychological aspects of the eating disorder. Patients

are able to access information and follow a format utilizing an interactive Diabetes Workbook. More information about the program can be found on page 5 of this issue.

Renfrew is expanding! This summer we’ll open our third facility in Pennsylvania. We’re coming to Pittsburgh due to demand for services in the area. Programming will

include Day Treatment, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatients groups and will be available to adolescent girls and women ages 14 and older.

Lastly, I’m thrilled to have Hannah Beaver, LCSW, onboard as our new Alumni Coordinator. Her energy and excitement for our alumni community is evident in all she does. Hannah will be working closely with the Alumni Representatives at each Renfrew location and will continue to help build a stronger network for you and your loved ones. Make sure you get to know Hannah by tuning into our monthly webinars and attending alumni events.

As we celebrate these new beginnings, I hope you continue to look to Renfrew as a safe haven for your recovery journey.

Samuel e. menaged, Jd, is the Founder and President of The Renfrew Centers and The Renfrew Center Foundation. Mr. Menaged founded The Renfrew Center 31 years ago as the country’s first residential treatment facility specializing in eating disorders. He is the past-president of the Board of the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy and Action, an advocacy group based in Washington, DC and a board member of the Residential Eating Disorders Consortium. Mr. Menaged is a former healthcare attorney.

Spring is a season of hope, new beginnings and moving forward. As I, myself, spring forward into this new role, I want to start by providing a few tips to support your recovery this new season:

• Enjoy naturE

As the weather warms up and the sun shines longer, take advantage of the beauty of nature. A morning bike ride, an afternoon walk or an evening stargaze with a friend are all great ways to soak up the spring season.

• Participate in spring cleaning This is the perfect time to freshen up. Cleaning out closets and drawers can be empowering, but also notice thoughts and behaviors that no longer add value to your life. Removing any negativity or feelings that were holding you back will help you to spring forward in your own recovery.

• Appreciate the little things Use mindfulness practices to smell the roses – in other words, focus on the present moment. Notice the birds chirping, the wind blowing, the flowers blooming, and catch yourself smiling… all without judgment. Appreciate the minutes that add up in your day, and make them count.

As you grow in your recovery, please remember that The Renfrew Center is here for each and every one of you who have come through our doors, no matter how long your stay or your level of care. Our alumni services offer resources to support you in your journey and keep you connected with the Renfrew community.

I am delighted to build relationships with each of you as you venture towards peace, balance and self-love.

HannaH Beaver, lCSW, is the Alumni Coordinator for The Renfrew Centers and Team Leader at The Renfrew Center of Radnor, PA. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from University of Pittsburgh, and her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Bryn Mawr College. Ms. Beaver is committed to keeping Renfrew’s alumni network

strong and connected by facilitating workshops for former patients and their families. She often provides information to schools on healthy body image.

‘‘‘‘

www.renfrewcenter.com 3

“Standing here today, I can say I have completely conquered my eating disorder and the anxiety is manageable. What I once saw as my weaknesses, I now view as my strength. It took every ounce of blood and sweat to wake up in the morning and say, ‘Today is the day that I fight another fight to become a healthier and better person!’ I’ve learned throughout this process that the mentality I have about myself and future will become my reality.” - Chelsey Rains – The Renfrew Centers of Florida & Charlotte

“I was at The Renfrew Center almost three years ago and my life has definitely changed for the better. I got pregnant and welcomed my beautiful son into this world three months ago. Not every day has been perfect, but I am so thankful I am not in that place, not only for me, but especially for my son.” - Consuelo Keller – The Renfrew Center of Florida

“Renfrew was the birthplace of my recovery. It was here that I discovered that I was worlds away from my spirit, it was here that I realized I was not alone and it was okay to cry, be angry, express my feelings and not be perfect. It was the people who I met here that helped me heal.” - Brittany Rouille – The Renfrew Center of Florida

“During my ten weeks of treatment, I began to fall in love with my potential. I started to see the faintest hint of what recovery could offer me. So much more than thinness, control, and rigid perfectionism, I could have laughter without chest pain, dancing without dizziness, and love without limits. Every day I choose health, happiness, and radical self-love over my own internalized patriarchal expectations of my body.” - Jaclyn Siegel – The Renfrew Center of Northern New Jersey

“One of the hardest and most important skills I conquered was letting go of the shame and guilt. Now my life looks completely different. I earned a master’s degree, got married, had a beautiful baby boy, and I currently work as a preschool teacher.” - Susan Morrison – The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia

“I am an entirely different individual than the sickly, plagued, despondent woman who suffered in silence for so long. Nothing better illustrates this shift than the recent birth of my two month old son. If ever I need motivation to continue on the long path of recovery, I can immediately find it in thoughts of his future, his happiness, and my family. I’m stronger now than I could have possibly hoped.” - Shannon Greenstein – The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia

Then & Now: Reflections From Fellow Alumni…

4 Hope, Help & Healing

Announcing the 2017 Renfrew Alumni Reunion

All Hands On Deck: Anchoring in Recovery! Join us on Saturday, June 3, 2017 from 9:00am-2:30pm to reconnect with old friends, reinvigorate your recovery and discover new ways to seek support. This year’s theme, Anchoring in Recovery, will allow you to focus on your recovery – no matter where you are in your journey! Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to attend a variety of workshops and activities that will stimulate new thinking and further explore your journey in recovery. Come anchor your recovery with support from Renfrew, our alumni community and your loved-ones. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

The reunion is being held at The Renfrew Centers of Philadelphia, PA, and Coconut Creek, FL.

The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia475 Spring LanePhiladelphia, PA 19128

The Renfrew Center of Florida7700 Renfrew LaneCoconut Creek, FL 33073

The Renfrew Center of Orlando

NOW OPEN!The Renfrew Center is pleased to announce the opening of our Orlando, FL site. This is Renfrew’s 17th location and second in Florida. Programming consists of a comprehensive range of services:

• Day Treatment

• Intensive Outpatient

• Group Therapy

• Nutrition Therapy

The Renfrew Center of Orlando is located at: 3452 Lake Lynda Drive, Building 100Suite 120, Orlando, FL 32817.

For more information on the site or its services, please call 1-800-RENFREW.

Alumni are welcome to bring two support people with them.

To register, please visit www.renfrewcenter.com or www.renfrewsupport.org.

www.renfrewcenter.com 5

Exciting News

Renfrew has launched a new Diabetes Program! Integrated

into our renowned treatment philos-

ophy, the program delivers services

based on the latest findings in the

field of emotion science research

for patients struggling with the dual

diagnosis of diabetes and an eating

disorder. Per the American Diabetes

Association, this evidence-based

model incorporates medical and

nutritional management of diabetes

while helping patients address un-

derlying psychological aspects that

contribute to their eating disorder

and diabetes management. For

more information on the program,

please visit www.renfrewcenter.com.

We’re Expanding The Renfrew Center is pleased to announce the opening of its Pittsburgh, PA location this summer. This will be Renfrew’s 18th location nationwide and third in Pennsylvania.

Programming will consist of a comprehensive range of services including:

• Day Treatment • Intensive Outpatient • Group Therapy • Nutrition Therapy

For more information on these sites or services, please call 1-800-RENFREW.

Don’t forget to check out RenfrewSupport.org! Our redesigned website allows alumni, support persons and those needing extra help in their recovery to connect to Renfrew’s clinical expertise and vast alumni services. Some features include: • A recovery blog • Recovery testimonials • Recipes from Renfrew’s Cook Book • Tips on helping a love one readjust after treatment • Upcoming Renfrew news and events

“Be a present to someone by being present to someone.” Ruth Yowell – The Renfrew Center of Bethesda

VOICES OF RECOVERY

6 Hope, Help & Healing

By: Joanna K. Mercuri

January 2014, at 5 a.m. on a frozen Tuesday, my fiancé and I drove a rented car from New York City to Philadelphia, where I entered residential treatment at The Renfrew Center. By then, I had already spent

seven weeks at The Renfrew Center of New York in their day treatment program, but it had become clear that I needed more help. At 25 years old, I’d spent nearly half of my life with an eating disorder – anorexia – and other mental health issues.

The primary function of my eating disorder had been to regulate difficult emotions that I’d never learned to manage. Starving physiologically dampened the intensity of these emotions and psychologically gave me the illusion of control. At Renfrew, re-learning basic self-care such as nourishing my body and managing my emotions

was profoundly disorienting. And like many eating disorder sufferers, I often doubted whether I even had an eating disorder, and thus whether I deserved treat-ment. I was not “thin enough,” I told myself, and my symptoms weren’t “bad enough.” Doubt was ever present, and I had no idea where this road to a supposed recovery was leading. Recovery from what, exactly? And recovering to what?

However, on that January morning, as I braced for what would be a six-week residential stay, followed by many more months of day treatment, IOP, and outpatient care, there was only one clear next step: go to Philadelphia and give that first week a legitimate chance. Recovery, as I have experienced it these last three years, is precisely that: taking the next right step, every time. The distance from one step to the next rarely feels like forward movement, but over time these single steps become miles. Few moments in my life have been as grace-filled as the ones in which I catch a glimpse of my progress: A scale that no longer frightens me. A disappointment that doesn’t send me down the vortex of depression. A slice of cake on my wedding day.

When I took that first step of entering treatment at Renfrew, I didn’t know what recovery was or whether I fully wanted it. I simply knew that I didn’t want to stand where I was any longer. Before I could even articulate what recovery was, I realized I was doing it: Living, one step at a time.

Joanna K. Mercuri is a writer and social media manager in Manhattan. In 2014, she spent six months at The Renfrew Centers of Philadelphia and New York. Three years in recovery, Joanna runs The Middle Ground, a blog that chronicles the period between completing treatment and reaching full recovery, volunteers for the National Eating Disorders Association, and writes and speaks widely about mental health and treatment access.

By: Molly Wagle

T his pasT New Year’s eve marks 10 Years since I hit rock bottom. It was a brutal time in my life, but also the start of my journey to become vibrant, healthy, and

whole again. I was admitted to The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia - again. My second stay at Renfrew was wonderful, especially because I wanted to be there. I was furious that ED was stealing years of my life - the years that were supposed to be the best years, were the years I spent battling every moment, with an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other. So I got mad. It was that anger that fueled my recovery. For so long, I was terrified of anger. I felt that the “perfect” daughter, friend, student, etc., shouldn’t ever be angry, and I had buried that anger for years. The anger came out, especially towards ED. When

I would feel like giving up, I would think about how awful ED was, and that anger would spur me on to “do the next right thing,” no matter what had just happened a moment before.

From inpatient, I went to outpatient, IOP, and eventually standard therapy sessions. During IOP, I started working at a plant nursery. As I watched the plants begin to leaf out and flower,

I was doing the same. As the buds were opening into blooms of beau-tiful colors, my life began to fill with vibrancy and away from the dull, cold gray of the eating disorder. I began to glimpse that life truly is beautiful without ED!

For the next few years I had ups and many downs, but I always kept the goal in the forefront of my mind: a life where ED no longer controlled me. I consistently went to therapy. Over the years, we peeled the layers of my personal onion and worked on patching the deep, dark corners of my inner workings and letting in the light. Therapy, yoga, and spending time in nature were critical for my healing. In the midst of falling apart, they would mend the pieces enough for me to move forward again.

My consistent “training” with therapy has paid off. I am now strong enough to brush off the tempting whispers and negative thoughts. I love my free, vibrant life and refuse to be under the rule of an eating disorder any longer.

Molly Wagle is an alumna of The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia. She resides in the greater Philadelphia area with her husband and daughter. She has a BS in Material Science and Engineering and works as a Sr. Engineer in the medical device field, with the goal of helping to improve the lives of others..

www.renfrewcenter.com 7

VOICES OF RECOVERYBy: Jamie Bushell

i T wasN’T uNTil liviNg wiTh mY eaTiNg disorder for 13 Years, that I began to understand that I, my truest self, was separate from this illness. I remember how difficult it was for me to believe not only that my eating disorder

existed, but also that my eating disorder was, objectively, a complex and ferocious bully. At first, I felt protective. Through high school, college, and years after, my eating disorder helped me endure some pretty difficult and painful experiences…until it eventually became clear, as it always does, that my disorder was absolutely not going to save me.

I first entered The Renfrew Centers of Philadelphia and Boston in December of 2015 and then again in June of 2016, where I started developing a sense of self-compassion and self-efficacy for the first time. Both teams helped me look at the constellation of experiences that led to the development and persistence of my eating disorder. Instead of feeling like I was broken, my team helped me break down my eating disorder into its many fragments, opening up space within me to be vulnerable.

My usual secretive self, began to talk about traumatic experi-ences and emotions, and I slowly began benefitting from the external validation that my team and other patients provided. Working with a team that I grew to trust immensely enabled me to believe what I already knew deep down: anorexia is a profoundly debilitating and painful illness with complex layers that are seemingly never ending.

My eating disorder was always good at creating an impenetrable wall between myself and my intuition. Trusting my intuition is

partially spiritual and partially analogous with developing self-awareness and resourceful-ness to provide my body with what it needs. In my eating disorder, what I thought I needed though, turned out to be destructive, hurtful, and maladaptive, everything antithetical to an intuitive lifestyle. That’s the secretive and deceitful nature of eating disorders.

I think one of the hardest parts about maintaining true recovery is coming to terms with the fact that I can’t be in recovery and simultaneously hold on to any part of my eating disorder. I’ve learned to take responsibility and be accountable for my own actions, and I learned pretty quickly that “passive restriction” is my eating disorder’s way of deceiving the people who care about me. To passively restrict actually takes active acknowledgement.

Right now I feel like I’m standing solidly on two feet, but the ground is a bit shaky. I carry the faith and knowledge that it is possible to recover fully and unequivocally. I’m learning to balance how to stay in recovery and how to be an active participant in the life that I want for myself, not the life that I believe others want for me. I look back at where I was a year ago and I can’t believe the difference. While my eating disorder is still a part of my life, I am living more authentically than I ever imagined was possible.

Jamie Bushell lives outside of Boston, MA and attended The Renfrew Centers of Philadelphia and Boston from December 2015 to November 2016. Jamie and her partner, also Jamie (CJ), share their stories of recovery from a dual perspective and a queer lens on their blog, www.thirdwheelED.com. Jamie is passionate about decreasing mental health stigma in general, and in raising awareness of the need to fill the gap in literature and evidence-based practice for the LGBTQ community, in terms of inclusive research, prevention and treatment for eating disorders.

By: Lindsay Siron

When I first came to The Re nfrew Ce nte r of Radnor, I was terrified I was going

to fail at recovery. I was convinced I was never going to get better. I now realize that was just one more lie my eating disorder was telling me. For me, being perfect was how my eating disorder kept its hold on me for so many years.

My eating disorder convinced me that my self-worth was determined by the number on the scale. It’s hard to remember this on some days but those are the days that I remind myself who I really am and that the number on the scale does not matter.

As I move forward into my recovery, I’m learning that being perfect isn’t everything and that life is so much more enjoyable without my eating disorder. I’m learning that I have value as a person and I’m learning to have more compassion and self-love for myself.

The most important thing for me to remember is recovery takes time. I can’t plan it out or know when I’m going to reach every milestone in this process, but I can take it one day at a time and keep moving forward. I know that one day I will get there because a life with an eating disorder is not truly living and I will fight as long as it takes until I am completely free of this disorder.

.

Lindsay Siron is 20 years old and currently studying

Psychology. She works as a ballet teacher at a local

gymnastic center. Lindsay is an alumna of The

Renfrew Center of Radnor where she attended

Day Treatment and IOP.

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