It’s hard to talk about eating disorders. If you or if you suspect a loved one may have one, how do you bring it up? What do you do? Fortunately there’s the Renfrew Center, an organization with resources and services available to help those struggling with an eating disorder. This can be a great first step in finding help.

Renfrew has been dedicated to helping those with eating disorders for the past thirty-five years and has helped over 100,000 patients. The organization serves adolescent girls, women, transgender, and non-binary individuals at its nineteen locations. All locations follow the Renfrew Center Unified Treatment Model for eating disorders, emphasizing the healing potential of empathic relational connection and evidence-based, emotional-focused treatment. There is no single cause for developing an eating disorder; however, treatment can be highly effective when targeting the factors responsible for the development. Renfrew’s goal is to have patients understand how emotions impact interactions in relationships, and learn how to approach emotional experiences rather than avoid them. 

What exactly makes Renfrew different from other eating disorder treatment sites? According to Erin Briely, who is a counselor at the Baltimore Renfrew location, “With Renfrew’s treatment model, Renfrew has shifted from let’s figure out how not to feel these uncomfortable emotions to you are going to have uncomfortable emotions, let’s figure out how to increase your ability to tolerant them. Let’s get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Briely also went on to explain that finding a way to tolerate these uncomfortable emotions instead of running away can help someone struggling with an eating disorder find success in life. Another important characteristic of the Renfrew Center is the importance of community and having a strong support system. After individuals are discharged from treatment they have the opportunity to join a support group and participate in monthly webinars. Renfrew also emphasizes the use of expressive art therapies that other treatment sites may not see value in. These include art therapy, psycho-drama therapy, yoga, dance movement therapy, etc, and can be beneficial to patients. 

Renfrew has a college program for individuals struggling to adjust to campus culture and struggling with an eating disorder. Many students are forced to navigate the difficulties of having an eating disorder as well as anxiety and depression. Eating disorder symptoms are often linked to concerns about independence, family dynamics, academic pressure, relationships, etc. This specialized program offers ways to navigate the difficulties of academics and eating disorders by offering peer support and connecting with others in similar situations. The college program also addresses balancing social isolation, dating, nutrition, exercise, and much more.

Please click on this link to learn more. https://renfrewcenter.com/services/college-program/

If you are someone who needs more support, you may benefit from Renfrew’s residential program, day treatment program, or intensive structure and support. If you or a loved one don’t require an intensive treatment plan you may benefit from Renfrew’s outpatient services or virtual treatment options. To find out what may work best for you reach out to a Renfrew site near you and speak with a program specialist to schedule a free assessment and learn more about services. Please call 1-800-RENFREW or send them a message.