What Is The Real Solution To Eating Disorders?

Model Katie Halchishick started an online firestorm last
week as she became a human diagram of what she would have to go through to get
the ‘perfect’ Barbie body via plastic surgery. In the latest issue of O
Magazine, Posing for photographer Matthew Rolston, her glamorous, Marilyn
Monroe-type features are surgically outlined according to Barbie’s proportions.
Several eating disorder treatment centers, non-profits and prevention groups
posted the article online. Many commenters applauded Halchischick and the
attention she was bringing to the ludicrousness of Barbie’s figure being
marketed to young girls. Though I think Halchishick’s picture is quite a
conversation starter I wonder how that image will help anyone who is actively struggling
with an eating disorder?  When you are in
the middle of the throws of an eating disorder it takes a team of counselors,
support staff, clinicians, dietitians and doctor’s to help bring the client
back to rationalized thinking and a healthy body weight.

I thought it might be helpful for some readers to understand
that Halchishick’s image is great for preventative purposes, but eating
disorder treatment is a whole different ball game. Here is a sample of
Victorian classes around body image:

Body Image Group

This group is led by a professional counselor. The subject
of body image, media, family dynamics, hopes, dreams and fears  is the focus. Developing a connection to body
parts and their functions is central to this group.

Feelings Group

This group is led by a Victorian Support Staff member. Held
after every meal , the clients are encouraged to share how they feel after
eating a meal. How they liked the meal and how they rate their emotions
afterward. The purpose of this group is to allow the clients to identify any
emotions the food is triggering them to think/feel.

Spirituality Group

The group is led by a professional counselor. The group  encourages the clients to build a connection
to a higher power. It is proven that a connection to a higher power helps
clients attain eating disorder recovery faster and longer.

Psycho Drama &
Play

This group is led by a professional counselor. The client’s
are encouraged to act out their emotions around their eating disorder. This
method helps them to authentically get in touch with their pain and communicate
it to a group of supportive individuals advocating for their recovery.

Art Therapy

This group is led by a professional Art Therapist. The
clients are given new projects each week, either unmasking their hidden
emotions of pain and anger through the art or revealing who they truly want to
become. Art Therapy is one of the most beloved counseling groups we hold at The
Victorian.

This is just a sample of some of the treatment offered at
The Victorian. If you are currently struggling with an eating disorder we
suggest you seen help immediately.

Happy Recovery,

Irvina