Christian Counseling Connection Vol. 20, Iss. 4

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18 Christian Counseling Connection
INNOVATIVE THOUGHT & PRACTICE
Specialized Christian program
for women and girls struggling
with eating disorders, substance
abuse, mood disorders, trauma
and co-occurring disorders.
call now: (877) 685-1467
R id i Tre m C t r
40 Timberline Drive | Lemont, IL 60439 | |
Hope and Healing for the Whole Person
For over 30 years, The Center • A Place of HOPE has been helping
people change their lives for good. Our treatment programs are unique
and life changing. We look at the “whole person”, not just the parts
they want us to see. We dig deeper, walking alongside our clients with
customized care and treatment plans aimed at healing our clients
emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
We understand pain and, more importantly recovery. We specialize
in the treatment of:
• Depression • Addiction • Anxiety
• PTSD • Eating Disorders • Co-Occurring Issues
1.888.771.5166
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.
Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to
give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11
Are you a professional counselor or clergy?
The Center • A Place of HOPE provides a
dedicated faith-based track for all clients
who desire it. We would love to visit with
you about our referral program and how
we can be the right solution for your clients
who need intensive, compassionate care.
Faith-Based Track for Your Clients
ing involvement, as well as group and individual therapy and
psycho-education. Treatment is very similar to what one might
find in a drug rehabilitation program.
Of course with food, clients need to learn to eat without
triggering the addiction. This creates complications until the
person becomes clear about the necessary boundaries with
food. Attempts at controlling addictive foods are treated the
way a substance abuse counselor would respond to attempts
at “controlled” drinking or substance use. Abstinence is not
deprivation for a food addict—it is liberation from the chains
of addiction and a small price to pay for freedom.
Though 12-step programs, like Overeaters Anonymous,®
have been around since 1960, and treatment centers specifi-
cally for food addiction have been available since the 80s, it is
only recently that research has supported the idea of food ad-
diction. As this research reaches the general public, the concept
as a diagnostic category is only now getting more attention and
credibility—still, the topic remains controversial.
Research suggests that 12-step participation is directly
associated with reductions in target behaviors and improved
psychosocial functioning. Members of Overeaters Anonymous®
have been found to experience increased self-esteem, self-ac-
ceptance, and personal responsibility (besides abstinence and
weight loss), as well as decreased self-pity.
There is Hope
As more research about food addiction and success stories
emerge, professionals are able to offer hope to clients who
are struggling. A great way to begin is with 12-step meetings,
which are available in most areas, and phone meetings are also
highly accessible ).
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John
8:36). This freedom is meant for every believer. With knowl-
edge and the right support, people can live in their promised
freedom. Cravings to foods that trigger abuse will disappear
with abstinence from those foods, as well as the spiritual/
emotional help we give as counselors. We can offer hope to the
hopeless and see people set free from bondage. ;
Rhona Epstein Psy.D., CAC, is a psychol-
ogist and certified addictions counselor in
private practice in the western suburbs of
Philadelphia. She is the author of Food Triggers:
EndYour Cravings, EatWell and Live Better.
This article was taken from Dr. Epstein’s books, Food Triggers: End Your Cravings, Eat Well and Live Better and Binge-Eating Disorder Recovery and the Twelve Steps: An
Exploration of the Impact of the Twelve Steps on Individuals Successfully Recovering from BED.