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Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center

International Eating Disorder Referral Organization

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EDReferral.com Newsletter - January 2005: Table of Contents

Introduction

Educational Series on Eating Disorders

Online, Interactive Program for Eating Disorders

Research on Eating Disorders

Books, Journals and Resources

Professional Trainings/Conferences/Seminars/Workshops/Retreats

Treatment Center News

Support Groups

Employment Opportunities

Marketing Tips

Newsletter Protocol

Instructions on how to unsubscribe to the newsletter

Want something included in the newsletter? –see the protocol listed at the end of this newsletter.

Introduction: EDReferral.com has become well known for its dedication to the treatment and prevention of eating disorders. We have developed a reputation as the leading resource for those seeking referrals to eating disorders specialists. This month's newsletter contains information on upcoming retreats, workshops, trainings, lectures, outreach, conferences, books, online support, treatment center news, support groups and more!

Educational Series on Eating Disorders:

Omaha, Nebraska - Children's Hospital's Eating Disorders Program Quarterly Educational Series on Eating Disorders. The next presentation will be held Saturday, January 8, 2005, in the Glow Auditorium at Children's Hospital, 8200 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE. This series is open to patients and their families, medical professionals and the general public. There is no cost to attend but it is recommended that you make reservations to reserve a seat. For additional information about the lecture series or for questions about treatment plans and services at the Eating Disorders Program, please call 402-955-6190 or 800-642-8822.

Online Interactive Recovery Tools:

New Year’s Resolutions: With time, energy, patience, and a lot of hard work, people with eating disorders and other behavioral difficulties can make great progress. The advent of a new year is an attractive time for people to contemplate making major changes in their lives. It is also a time when they can set themselves up for failure and disappointment. Mental health professionals can encourage their clients to be realistic and detailed in their efforts to change, and to treat themselves with fairness and compassion if their efforts are not as successful as they would have hoped. Below are some points to stress with clients as they ponder the changes they would like to make over the coming year:

1. Make sure you are truly motivated. The most compelling reasons to change are internal ones.  Most of us are not successful when we try to change in order to please others.
2. Define your goals. The more clearly we can delineate what we want, the more likely we are to recognize when we have it. Goals should be specific, process-oriented, gradual, and concern only your behavior.
3. Make your goals specific. To be a better person is not a specific goal. Ask yourself what exact changes in behavior would make you a better person. Some possible examples: To be more honest in my relationships; to work more systematically on my depression; to eat more healthfully.
4. Make a specific plan for how you will try to change the behaviors you want to improve. You do not want to rely on “will power.” Try to describe the sequence of steps that will take you from exactly where you are now to where you want to be.
5. Aim for gradual progress. The habits you would like to change did not develop overnight, and they will not change suddenly, either. Decide where you can begin to change and set a pace that seems realistic. If you have not been exercising, think about walking three times per week instead of joining a health club with the goal of daily workouts.
6. Stay focused on the process of change, not on where you are in relation to your ultimate goals. If you focus on changing your behavior today, you will be focusing on what you can change. If you focus on those elements of your life that are in your control and work faithfully day by day, in the process of changing behavior, the outcome will take care of itself. To lose weight is not a process-oriented objective; to eat more healthfully is. To get a job promotion is not process-oriented; to call customers regularly is.
7. Focus on your own expectations and evaluations, not on those of others. Yours is the only behavior that you can control. Tying your estimate of success to someone else’s reaction will only make you continue to feel bad. Instead, define your own criteria for success. 
8. Evaluate your progress in a week or two, but remember to be kind to yourself. Look at your original criteria and ratings. If you have made progress, you might want to move on to add another process goal. If you have not made progress, try not to beat yourself up. Instead, ask yourself what went wrong, and what you can do differently. Recommit to change, but modify the plan so that you have a better chance of reaching your goals.
9. Always give yourself credit for making an effort. Regardless of how successful you were in making changes, you deserve credit for trying. Sooner or later, those who make the effort will find a way to succeed.
10. Develop ways to get back to your plan if you drift off course. It is never too late to start over.  Regardless of what you may have done (or have not done) in the past, you always have the power to make better choices for yourself starting now. 

By emphasizing the points above, the therapist encourages the client to move away from a perfectionistic, all-or-nothing, self-critical approach to daily living. In an effort to support treatment, MySelfHelp.com programs encourage these shifts in underlying attitudes, as well as changes in behavior. Likewise, the programs emphasize the need for realistic expectations, and the importance of treating oneself with compassion when one’s efforts to change have not been successful. Significant improvements are coming in our eating disorders programs. These improvements will include, among other things, motivational enhancement strategies – helping clients to increase their desire to change and reward themselves for the efforts they are making.   

Holiday Discount: MySelfHelp.com is providing a 10-percent holiday discount for individuals who sign up for their programs between now and January 7, 2005. To receive the discount, clients or patients should enter “HOL2004” in the account code box when signing up for our programs. Their monthly subscription charge will then be only $13.50 per month. Complimentary 30-day Preview for Healthcare Professionals To receive a complimentary 30-day review of our programs, please contact use at info@MySelfHelp.com and identify yourself as a healthcare professional. As always, they welcome your feedback and suggestions.

Research on Eating Disorders:

Binge eating and satiety in bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder: effects of macronutrient intake.

OBJECTIVE: The current study tested the hypothesis that supplemental dietary protein would reduce binge eating frequency and test meal intake in women with bulimia nervosa (BN) or binge eating disorder (BED).  RESULTS: Binge eating episodes occurred less frequently during protein supplementation (1.12 episodes per week) than during carbohydrate supplementation (2.94 episodes per week) or baseline (3.01 episodes per week). Participants reported less hunger and greater fullness, and consumed less food at test meals, after protein than after carbohydrate (673 vs. 856 kcal). DISCUSSION: Adding protein to the diets of women with BN and BED reduced food intake and binge eating over a 2-week period. These findings may have implications for the longer-term treatment of these disorders.  Latner JD, Wilson GT. Int J Eat Disord. 2004 Dec;36(4):402-15

The National Institute of Mental Health - The NIMH is sponsoring a study assessing appetite and reward in eating disorders. Researchers need women who are 18 to 45 years old who are recovered from anorexia and/or bulimia nervosa and who are not taking psychoactive medications. Studies are taking place at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The study involves the completion of interviews and questionnaires and subjects undergo a non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. There is no X-ray exposure. Travel expenses are covered and participants will be paid upon completion of the study. For more information call 1-866-265 9289, email edresearch@upmc.edu or visit the website www.anbn.org.

The National Institute of Mental Health - International study seeks to determine whether a gene(s) might predispose individuals to develop anorexia nervosa. Investigators need families with at least two members who have or had anorexia nervosa and who would be willing to participate. The study involves the completion of interviews, questionnaires and a blood draw. For additional information call 1-888-895-3886, email EdResearch@msx.upmc.edu or visit http://www.angenetics.org.

Books, Resources and Media:

To purchase books and other resources at discounted rates go to http://www.edreferral.com/books.htm. 

 The Clinical Handbook of Eating Disorders: An Integrated Approach, edited by Timothy D. Brewerton, MD, DFAPA, FAED of the Medical University of South Carolina Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences. The handbook is a timely, authoritative, and up to date reference, which incorporates the latest research findings in the field of eating disorders. The 577 page 23 chapter handbook is intended as a cutting-edge resource for all clinicians and researchers in mental health and medicine who are involved in the evaluation and/or treatment of patients with eating disorders and/or feeding disorders. The handbook reviews and integrates the most current research on diagnosis, psychometric assessment, epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, developmental aspects, course, morbidity, mortality, comorbidity, psychobiology, genetics, molecular biology and treatment of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. In addition, the text covers feeding disorders of infancy and early childhood. The various empirically based therapeutic approaches used in the care of eating disorder patients are described in detail within a biopsychosocial framework and developmental context, and include inpatient and partial hospitalization, nutrition counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, family therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and pharmacotherapy. In addition, the principles of an integrated treatment approach for the traumatized eating disorder patient with comorbidity is depicted. Finally, a view of potential future directions in eating disorder treatment is portrayed. Specific benefits to the reader include the following: proposes a new classification scheme for anorexia nervosa that is culture-independent; offers a sample diagnostic interview that is suitable for distinguishing between anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorders (BED); examines structured interviews, self-report instruments, and motivation-to-change assessment tools for patient evaluation; provides a highly integrated and detailed overview of known risk factors for the development of AN, BN, and BED complemented by comprehensive tables depicting these risk factors from a developmental viewpoint for each illness; contains a table that links various phenomenological aspects associated with eating disorders to various neurotransmitter systems; moves beyond traditional studies of twins and families into modern genetic association analyses; explains the principles of well-established treatment modalities for AN, BN, and BED, as well as for the comorbid patient with a history of trauma; these approaches are highlighted by the use of tables which depict fundamental guidelines underlying these approaches. The Clinical Handbook of Eating Disorders: An Integrated Approach is published by Marcel Dekker, Inc. and is available online www.gurze.net (go to Professional Books and mention EDReferral.com).

Biting The Hand That Starves You by Richard Maisel, David Epston, and Ali Borden. This book draws the reader into the world of those struggling with anorexia and bulimia, whose stories, poems, and first-person accounts expose the “voice” of these deadly problems. The authors’ decade-and-a-half collaboration with ‘insiders’ yields fresh answers to these life and death questions: How does anorexia and bulimia seduce and terrorize girls and women? Why is anorexia and bulimia successful in encouraging girls and women to unwittingly embrace their would-be murderer? How can such a murderer be exposed and thwarted? Biting the Hand that Starves You details a unique way of thinking and speaking about anorexia and bulimia. By having conversations with insiders in which the problem is viewed as an external influence rather than a part of the person, these therapists show how to bring the tactics of anorexia and bulimia into the open, expose its deceptions, break its spell, and encourage defiance of its tyrannical rule. The discoveries outlined in this book will provide new options, inspiration and hope, not only for those who suffer at anorexia’s hands, but also for their loved ones and healthcare professionals. Biting the Hand that Starves You draws to an unprecedented degree on the anti-anorexic/bulimic knowledge of ‘insider’ clients/collaborators to provide fresh insights into the workings of anorexia and bulimia and the means to overcome it. The knowledge of the authors and their insider collaborators, who speak poignantly and passionately on their own behalf, is sure to benefit all those affected by anorexia and bulimia. For more information or to order go to http://www.wwnorton.com/area4/order.htm.

Eating Disorder Book of Hope and Healing by Kelly Coutee, RN, MA, LPC, Shannon Purtell, MA, LPC and Jessica Setnick, MS, RD/LD: This book is for anyone struggling with impulsive, restrictive, or perfectionistic eating. With 22 calming affirmations that apply to all eating disorders, the book is a way to provide support and reminders to clients between visits, during vacations, and after discharge. The goal is to provide a connection between patient and caregiver between sessions, and to find a healthy voice for support even when sufferers are alone. The book has 4"x 6" colorful pages and comes shrink wrapped with a mini gel pen and a page of stickers. The pocket version is a set of 2" x 3" ivory cards in a drawstring organza pouch. Both versions include space for a personal message and additional affirmations. Cost: Large Version: $12.00/Small Version: $8.00. Orders larger than 10 books can be ordered at a discount rate. To order call Jessica Setnick, MS, RD at 214-503-7100 and order by phone. For additional information visit www.understandingnutrition.com.

Symposium on Eating Disorders:

Dallas, TX: The Elisa Project’s Sixth Annual Professional Symposium for the Prevention and Treatment of Eating Disorders in conjunction with The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. The Symposium is on Friday, March 4, 2005 at the Southern Methodist University (SMU) campus in Dallas, TX. It is designed for professionals who are seeking knowledge in preventing, recognizing, diagnosing, and treating eating disorders. In addition, it provides an opportunity for practitioners to accrue CME’s and CEU’s. The evening before the symposium, The Elisa Project will have the Sixth Annual Community Dinner in Dallas to bring people together in conversation about the prevalence, secrecy, and devastation of eating disorders. This year, The Elisa Project has expanded this idea into the National Community Gathering™ which involves people hosting their own gatherings all over the world in coffee shops, homes, restaurants, and university campuses. Their plan is to have over 250 sites gathering on March 3, 2005 to create a huge voice to the issues of eating disorders. For more information, contact Elizabeth Devine at nationalcommunitygathering@theelisaproject.org, visit www.theelisaproject.org or call 214-369-5222.

Retreat:

Caribbean Yucatan Peninsula Retreat - A Writing Retreat in the Yucatan with Judith Ruskay Rabinor, Ph.D. February 19-27, 2005.  Join Judith Ruskay Rabinor, Ph.D., psychologist and author of A Starving Madness: Tales of Hunger Hope and Healing in Psychotherapy for a Writers' Retreat February 19-27, 2005 in the Caribbean Yucatan Peninsula. Daily writing sessions will blend seamlessly into optional gentle hikes and explorations of Mayan ruins, towering waterfalls and the crystalline water in this Caribbean paradise. Write about your life, your journeys, your thoughts or finally get going on that writing project you've been meaning to tackle. Unleash new creativity as you take time to read, write and rejuvenate your spirit. Land cost including all lodging and meals: $2,025. Not included: Cancun round-trip airfare. For a detailed itinerary contact zach@journeymexico.com, call JourneyMexico at 800-513-1587 and/or contact Judy at jrrabinor@aol.com.

Workshops:

Workshop – Newport Beach, CA:

International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals - iaedp™ Mid-Winter Workshop 2005 -

Eating Disorders: Updates and Inroads on February 4, 2005. This workshop offers practical, insightful training and education for professionals working with eating disordered individuals in a therapeutic setting. The workshop will be held at Sober Living by the Sea Beach House, 2811 Villa Way, Newport Beach, CA 92663. The cost for the workshop is $95. Pre-registration is required and seating is limited. CEUs will be offered. Sign up online at www.iaedp.com, or direct questions to iaedpmembers@earthlink.net.

Workshop - New York, NY:

Manhattan, Midtown location - B.I.T.E. - The Body Image Transformation Experience - Winter 2005 Program: B.I.T.E. provides an intensive therapeutic experience that combines innovative group psychotherapy techniques with body-oriented therapy. B.I.T.E. is designed for those who struggle with weight regulation, weight loss, size, perception of self, and body image. B.I.T.E. is also designed for those who appreciate that one’s psychological/emotional life can get in the way of maintaining a food plan. B.I.T.E. will assist those who have lost weight, yet whose self-perception is not changing. B.I.T.E. is designed for those who are having trouble coming to terms with the new, evolving “you.” B.I.T.E. works well as a complement to ongoing individual psychotherapy, nutrition counseling, and exercise programs. For a complete description of the B.I.T.E. workshops and registration information, contact Fran Weiss, LCSW-R, BCD, DCSW, CGP at 212-362-6019, email BIDDOC@aol.com or visit, www.FranWeiss.com. Fran Weiss is on Faculty at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, NYC and has been the Senior Psychotherapy Consultant to the Obesity Research Center, St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital, NYC for over 25 years.

B.I.T.E. Workshop Schedule:

Workshop I: Owning My Body My Self, “Why Can’t I Just Do It?”
Date: January 11 - March 29, 2005. This workshop explores participants’ eating experiences, self-perception, and resistance to change.

When: Tuesday evenings: 6:00-7:30pm, (12 consecutive sessions - monthly fee)

Workshop II: Transforming My Body My Self, “Now I See How To Get Beyond My ‘Fat’ Head!”

Date: April 5 - June 28, 2005. This workshop integrates body movement therapy with body image and motivational work to consolidate a more positive perception of body size and body/self image.

When: Tuesday evenings: 6:00 - 8:00pm, (12 consecutive sessions - monthly fee).

Workshop(s) – AZ, WA, PA, RI

Eating Disorders Boot Camp and Counseling Intensive for Nutrition Professionals presented by Jessica Setnick and Molly Kellogg. Workshop(s) will be held in Phoenix, AZ on January 21 – 23; Seattle, WA on March 11 – 13; Philadelphia, PA on May 13 – 15; Providence, RI on June 3 – 5. The Boot Camp provides both therapists and dietitians the medical, nutritional and psychological grounding needed to work with eating disorders. The Counseling Intensive is a practical workshop designed to advance dietitians’ counseling skills for eating disorders, wellness and MNT work. Nine CPE units for Registered Dietitians for each workshop (18 for both workshops; six credits for each workshop in Columbus). Discounted fee if you register for both programs. For more information visit www.mollykellogg.com.

Treatment Center News:

Arizona Treatment Center News: Women and girls suffering with eating disorders have different issues and different needs. This is why Remuda Ranch provides intensive treatment in three separate and distinct facilities in Wickenburg, Arizona. Their adult program addresses the unique needs of women age 18 and older; their adolescent program treats teenage girls age 13 to 17; while their children’s program focuses on helping young girls, age 12 and younger. Separate facilities ensure residents are surrounded by their own age group. Each center has a multi-disciplinary team of professionals specifically trained to help their particular patient population. These include a Primary Care Provider, Psychiatric Provider, Psychologist, Masters Level Therapist, Registered Dietitian and a team of Registered Nurses. In addition, their younger patients work with education coordinators so they can continue their studies while in treatment. For additional information about our Christ-centered treatment programs call 1-800-445-1900 or visit www.remudaranch.com.

Colorado Treatment Center News: The Eating Disorder Center of Denver offers a full spectrum of care from partial hospitalization through outpatient to males and females age 16 and older. The Partial Hospitalization Program operates 11 hours per day, 7 days per week and includes supervised meals and snacks. The Evening Intensive Outpatient Program operates 4 hours per evening, three days per week. Most of the Eating Disorder Center of Denver's program components are available on an outpatient basis. Services include individual and family/couples therapy; group therapy including DBT and aftercare, psychiatric evaluation; therapy and medication monitoring; and nutritional counseling. Non-EDC-Denver treatment providers are welcome to utilize these services as adjunct therapies to their own treatment. Visit http://www.edcdenver.com for details and schedules.

Eating Disorder Center of Denver’s Outpatient Groups: To register call 720-889-4232:

Aftercare Group: This group meets Monday evenings from 7:00-8:30pm and Tuesday evenings 5:30-7:00pm. The group is an open recovery group consisting of individuals in recovery who have completed an intense eating disorders program at EDC-D or other national programs. Cost: $50 per group.

DBT Skills Training: This group meets Monday evenings 5:00-6:30pm; the adolescent group meets Tuesday evenings from 4:00-5:30pm. The group consists of didactic and experiential education in four different skill areas: core mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. Cost: $75 per group.

Body Image 101: This group meets Tuesday evening form 5:30-7:30pm. The group is a 12-week ongoing group utilizing cognitive behavioral and experiential techniques to mend the relationship between a woman and her body. Cost: $50 per group.

Eating Disorders Anonymous: This group meets every Saturday from 2:00-3:00pm. It is a free, open support group for individuals suffering and recovering from eating disorders. The meetings are held at the Glendale YMCA, 4500 E. Kentucky Avenue.

Family and Friends Support Group: This group meets the first and third Thursday of each month from 6:00-8:30pm. The group is for families and friends of individuals suffering with eating disorders to come discuss their problems, concerns and successes. To RSVP or for questions contact Enola Gorham at 720-889-4231. The meetings held at Eating Disorder Foundation of the Rockies, 3003 East Third Ave, Suite 110, Denver, CO 80206

Minding the Body: Minding the Body helps individuals struggling to establish positive lifestyles after Gastric Bypass surgery or other weight loss programs. Weekly groups provide participants the tools, support, and skills to maintain positive weight goals, deal with issue that may interfere with weight loss maintenance, and interact with others in various stages of the weight maintenance process. Meeting time: every Thursday from 6:00-8:00pm. Cost: $75 per group. Please call 303-771-0861 for more information or via the Internet at www.bodymindandhealth.com.

Networking Luncheon: The Eating Disorder Center of Denver will be offering a networking luncheon on Friday February 4, 2005 from 12-1:30pm at Dale Street Cafe, 115 East Dale Street, Colorado Springs, CO. The presenter will be Enola Gorham, a Family Therapist at the EDC of Denver. Please join area professionals in this networking and informational session. Cost: $10 per person. RSVP to Melanie Schimmer at 720-889-4234 or mschimmer@edcdenver.com.

Florida Treatment Center News - "Reality Based Treatment for Eating Disorders." Milestones Eating Disorders Program offers residential treatment for anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating, and related disorders. The program is unique in so far as offering a supportive and structured environment while providing real world experiences such as preparing meals, grocery shopping, and participating in an array of activities simulating one's at home setting. Participants live within an apartment setting and are afforded opportunities to attend a variety of evening support groups while attending group and individual therapies during the day. The program is part of a facility, which is JCAHO accredited (Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) and licensed by the State of Florida to provide residential treatment as well as intensive outpatient services. The overall philosophy of Milestones is one of providing the treatment within a less restrictive setting than the traditional hospital environment and providing people with ample opportunities to put into practice those skills necessary to maintain their recovery when they return home. Milestones is intended for those who are not in need of a hospital setting and are able to demonstrate a sincere desire to recover from their eating disorder. You can learn more about the program at the Milestones web site at www.milestonesprogram.net or by calling Milestones at 800-347-2364.

Nevada Treatment Facility - Center for Hope of the Sierras: Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Lake Tahoe is a residential treatment center. The Center for Hope of the Sierras is in a large and bright, yet cozy Victorian-style home. The Center offers treatment emphasizing a therapeutic alliance and opportunities for self-discovery and exploration. In order to help clients redefine their lives and find meaning based on their unique gifts, the Center offers a multitude of individual, family, and group therapies. These include art and recreational therapy, equestrian assisted therapy, massage therapy, psychoeducational classes, yoga, meditation, music lessons, horticulture, and other holistic healing approaches. The clinical director is Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, MD, author of "Fed Up!" Dr. Oliver-Pyatt is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and she oversees all care provided at the Center, where she has personally selected the staff for their compassionate nature and clinical competence. For more information visit the website at www.centerforhopeofthesierras.com, email info@centerforhopeofthesierras.com or call 877-828-4949.

Support Groups:

Birmingham, AL – Free Eating Disorder Support Group: Sponsored by ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders). This group meets every Tuesday from 6:30-8:00pm at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Main Building Room on 318 Kentucky Avenue, Vestavia Hills, AL. This group is designed to accomplish the following: provide support and recovery information for those living with any eating disorder; provide resources and hope to the community regarding eating disorders and recovery; provide a common ground for sharing experiences and provide honest feedback in a safe environment. The last Tuesday of each month is Family Night where the focus is on providing support to family and friends of those living with an eating disorder. For more information please contact Angela Camp at 205-871-4443. Information can also be requested via email at anadbham@aol.com. 

Beverly Hills, CA - Free Support Group: Tuesday Evenings from 7-8pm at 420 S. Beverly Drive, Suite 100, Beverly Hills, CA 90212. For more information contact Dr. Linda Blakely at 310-286-9171 or email Drlindablakeley@aol.com.

Beverly Hills, CA – Weekly Women’s Therapy Group: Are you struggling with bulimia or binge eating? Dr. Linda Blakeley offers a weekly therapy group for women recovering from bulimia and binge eating. The fee is $250.00 per month with a minimum 3-month commitment. Sessions will be held on Mondays from 7-8:30pm. For more information call Dr. Blakely at 310-286-9171 or email Drlindablakeley@aol.com.

Calabasas, CA - Eating Disorder Support Group: Six Week Group Beginning February 17th, 2005.  Are you suffering from an eating disorder? Would you like to share your struggles in a safe environment? Would you like to explore what function your eating disorder serves in your life? Do you want to identify feelings and learn to communicate your needs? Would you like to examine how your family and friends can support you? The cost is $300 per 6-week session. Payment must be received no later than January 31st, 2005 to ensure a place in the group, as space is limited. Please make checks payable to Community Counseling/Eating Disorder Center of CA. Location: 4505 Las Virgenes Rd. Suite 205 Calabasas, CA 91302. Time: 7:30-8:30pm – Thursday. Group Facilitator: Dawn Smith-Theodore, MA, MFT. For more information call 818-679-6204 or 805-382-9966.

Laguna Beach, CA -- Free ANAD Support Group. This group is held at the South Coast Medical Center on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month from 6:30-7:30pm. For more information or to RSVP call 949-499-7270.

San Francisco, CA - 12-week Women of Size group: The Eating Disorders Collaborative offers 12-week Women of Size group. For more information, please contact Marcy Dubova at 415-987-4118 or visit www.edcollaborative.com.

West Los Angeles, CA - Ongoing process group for women ages 30 and above. This group provides support for all types of eating disorders and provides a safe place to understand and address the issues behind symptoms. The group is held in West Los Angeles on Wednesday evenings. For more information contact Dr. Janet K. Smith, 310-473-6169 or visit www.weighty-issues.com.

Wilton, CT - Free Eating Disorder Support Group: The Renfrew Center of Southern CT offers a FREE eating disorders support group every Saturday morning at 11:00am (except holidays). This group is professionally facilitated and is designed for people struggling with eating disorders and for their friends and families. For more information about The Renfrew Center of Southern Connecticut call 203-834-5020 or visit www.renfrewcenter.com.

Coconut Creek, FL - Eating Disorders/AABA Support Group: The Renfrew Center of Coconut Creek, FL offers a FREE eating disorder support group every Saturday from 2:00-3:30pm. This weekly support group, sponsored by the American Anorexia/Bulimia Association, is professionally facilitated and designed for individuals suffering from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and/or other disordered eating patterns, as well as their families and friends. For more information about The Renfrew Center of Coconut Creek call 1-800-RENFREW or visit www.renfrewcenter.com.

Miami, FL - College Student Support Group: The Renfrew Center of Miami, FL offers a FREE support group every Monday from 6:15-7:15pm. This professionally facilitated group is for college students coping with disordered eating or those using food as a way of managing their emotions. For more information about The Renfrew Center of Miami call 1-800-RENFREW or visit www.renfrewcenter.com.

Duluth, GA - Free ANAD support group sponsored by the Renfrew Center. The group is held at 1045 Parsons Road at St. Benedict's Church from 10am -1:30am every Saturday. The group is facilitated by Karen Macke, LPC and Page Love, RD, LD. Guests are welcome -- including family members. For more information call 770-365-8644.

Newton, MA - Free Support Group: Hope and Inspiration is a free drop-in group that takes place the first Saturday of every month from 10-11am at the Massachusetts Eating Disorder Association's Newton office located at 92 Pearl Street. During the hour, a recovered individual shares his or her story of recovery, leaving time for discussion and questions. Please contact MEDA at 617-558-1881x12 for more information.

Manhattan/Union Square, NY - Free Eating Disorder Support Group: This group meets the first Monday of every month from 8:30-9:45pm. The group is free and open to anyone suffering from an eating disorder or body image difficulty. The group is run by therapists who are trained and on staff at The Eating Disorder Resource Center in NYC. Please call 212-989-3987 to reserve a spot.

Ithaca, NY - Parent Support Group: This group meets every other week, alternating Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:00pm at Cornell Cooperative Extension (meeting dates for 2005: 1/10, 1/24, 2/7, 2/21, 3/14, 3/28, 4/11, 4/25, 5/9, 5/23, 6/6). This is a free support group for parents and loved ones of young people with eating disorders. For more information contact Nancy Potter at the Cornell Cooperative Extension at 607-272-2292.

Ithaca, NY - Weekly Eating Disorders Anonymous Meetings: These meeting are held every Wednesday from 7-9pm at 518 W. State St. in Ithaca, NY. For more information contact IthacaEDA@hotmail.com.

Ithaca, NY - Parent/Partner Program: Two, three-hour sessions for parents, families and friends of those with disordered eating on January 13 and January 20, 2005 from 6-9pm at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 615 Willow Ave., Ithaca, NY. This community program offers support, information about how to help and support, and informal discussion. Loved ones have the opportunity to meet with the parent of two daughters with eating disorders as well as a nutritionist, physician, and mental health professional for information and discussion. For more information or to register please call 607-272-2292 or email Cris Haltom at cce2@cornell.edu.

Columbia, SC - A free weekly support group for people with anorexia and bulimia. The group is offered each Wednesday (except the first Wednesday of the month). The group is held from 6:00- 7:15pm at Richland Springs. This support group is sponsored by Palmetto Health, the University of South Carolina's School of Medicine, the SC Department of Mental Health and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. For more information contact Palmetto Health's Assessment office at 803-434-4813.

Columbia, SC - A monthly education and support meeting for family members. This group is offered the first Wednesday of each month. This meeting is free and is held from 6:00 - 7:15pm at Richland Springs. This meeting is sponsored by Palmetto Health, the University of South Carolina's School of Medicine, the SC Department of Mental Health, and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. For more information contact Palmetto Health's Assessment office at 803-434-4813.

For additional Support Group Listings go to: http://www.edreferral.com/members_announcements.htm#new%20groups%20forming

Online Support Group: Milestones sponsors an online support forum that is open to anyone who is seeking eating disorder information and support. The group's membership is just under 1000 participants, all of whom are either suffering from an eating disorder or are affected by a loved one suffering with an ED. The forum can be accessed via a link at Milestones or directly www.groups.yahoo.com/group/milestonesinrecovery.

Employment Opportunities:

Brentwood, CA - Dietary Technician: The Eating Disorder Center of CA in Brentwood is seeking a part-time dietary technician. If interested, please email resume to Mario DeSalvo, LMFT at mario@edcca.com or fax to 310-472-9960. Website: www.edcca.com.

Calabasas, CA - Certified nursing assistants, licensed vocational nurses and registered nurses: The Monte Nido Treatment Center is looking for CNAs, LVNs and RNs with eating disorder treatment experience. If interested, please email resume to Carolyn Costin, LMFT at mntc@montenido.com or fax resume to 310-457-8442. Website: www.montenido.com.

Marketing Tips:

Banner Advertising--popular web page becomes available on first-come, first-served basis. We now have an opening for two banners on our high traffic www.edreferral.com/findingatherapist.htm web page. Take advantage of our low rates to effectively promote the service you provide.

Is your profile still listed on EDReferral.com? Many people incorrectly assume that since they are receiving this monthly newsletter, that their information must be listed on the EDReferral.com web site. Your membership lasts for one year and then it expires. Check here to make sure that the thousands of clients who come to our site each day looking for referrals can find you: http://www.edreferral.com/us_search.htm

Also, click here to update your profile: http://www.edreferral.com/membership.htm

Newsletter Protocol: Our newsletter goes out to thousands of professionals and laymen via email, mail and fax. Edreferral.com receives numerous requests by professionals to have information included in the newsletter. Unfortunately, we have limited space to include information, thus here is the current protocol:

1. All information must be submitted to edreferral@aol.com no later than the 20th of each month. Inclusion in the newsletter will be based on a first come - first serve basis.

2. Information is subject to review and editing for space considerations.

3. If you are a member, send us information on conferences, workshops, support groups and projects and we will list this information on the website for FREE as we have always done. We want to support your work. If you are a member and you would like your event to also be announced in the newsletter the charge is $75.00.

LEAVING THE NEWSLETTER LIST: Notice - this is not SPAM, you are receiving this newsletter because you have subscribed to it. To unsubscribe to this newsletter, SEE BELOW.

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Take Care. Christine.

Christine A. Hartline, M.A., Executive Director

Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center

www.EDReferral.com