This information is intended to give teens some very basic tips on how to deal with an eating disorder. These suggestions are not meant to minimize the extreme complexity of eating disorders nor is this is a substitute for treatment. These are simply guidelines for teens. Please consult with a professional for assistance.

Everyone has a body image, that is, we all have some sort of idea of how our body looks and is perceived by others. Having a body automatically establishes a relationship between our thoughts and our physical being. This relationship is one of the most significant relationships we will have during our lives. Body image gets especially complicated during the adolescent years for several reasons. The main reason is that our bodies begin to really change in adolescence and demands our attention. Children, although aware of their bodies, usually have not established a complex framework for relating (or not relating) to their bodies. Puberty ends any ignorance we may have about being physically manifested, as the body calls for our attention as it develops into an adult form. Adolescents often become hyper-aware of their bodies during the onset of puberty. Teenagers who are "late bloomers" will still develop this hyper-awareness because their peers will begin to bring up this topic due to their own self-consciousness. By the age of thirteen, adolescents have established a way of relating (or not relating purposefully) to their physical selves. In our culture, body awareness is occurring much earlier than in decades past and the critical analysis of the body has unfortunately become the norm. The over-exposure to the media directs young people to examine their bodies and even measure their physical appearances against unrealistic computer-enhanced images in the media.

In our current climate of impossible beauty standards and with an aggressive amount of media that children are exposed to from an early age, it is surprising that anyone reaches adulthood with a healthy body image. And the truth is that nearly all adolescents suffer from poor body image for years (if not a lifetime). Eating disorders suddenly make sense when we think about our society's approach to physical appearance. Teenagers are amazingly well-educated by the time they reach high school on how one's body "should" look and most have already tried some form of dieting. In the 1950's it was quite rare to find a tenth grader on a diet, whereas in the 1990's it was quite rare to find a tenth grader who was not on a diet. The problem is growing worse each year and there seems no end in sight. To meet an adolescent who is satisfied with their physical self is nearly impossible. The constant intrusion of the media compounded with peer pressure and the focus on one's body is completely devastating for today's adolescent. The rising number of eating disorders among our youth is unfortunate but not surprising. Boys and girls are struggling with anorexia, bulimia and binge eating more than ever before.

Body image is much more negative and distorted in a person with an eating disorder than in a "normal" teenager. People with eating disorders are more critical of their physical selves (and inner selves) and literally wage a war against their bodies. Distorted body image is a psychological term for people who view their bodies differently than their bodies actually are. People with anorexia will see themselves as fat in the mirror when the reality is they are gaunt and emaciated. This distortion fuels the disordered eating further and as they become more involved in eating disordered behavior, his or her body image will become increasingly distorted. Although they feel as though they will be satisfied when they reach a certain weight or look, they find they are never satisfied and it quickly becomes a vicious and life-threatening cycle.

At the Center for Discovery, the treatment team recognizes body image problems as a key feature in disordered eating. We offer body image groups every week in which clients participate in hands-on exercises that help break down body image distortions and teach clients how to begin to appreciate their bodies. In addition to body image groups, the topic of self-awareness and self-image is addressed on a frequent basis with both educational information and the processing of the emotional pain tied into one's body image. Clients begin to experience recovery on the emotional, spiritual and physical level. Clients are able to discover first hand how working on one's body image actually changes the way they view themselves. Clients also discover how self-confidence improves the way they carry themselves and come across to others. They also learn how improved confidence may lead to better posture and better eye contact, which boosts their self-esteem quickly.

Clients are further educated about the power of the media and how to deal with it's negative influence on their self-esteem. Clients begin to get back in touch with their bodies such as recognizing hunger states and begin to recognize their own body's wisdom and how they might use this in a positive way to enhance their lives. Working towards a better relationship with their bodies, clients leave the Center for Discovery with a newfound image of their bodies and a newfound knowledge of how to take care of the only real "house" they will ever have - their bodies.

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Entering a residential program for recovery and healing is a courageous act. You may be away from home for several weeks or months and that is difficult. Future residents often have many questions about what to expect at the Center for Discovery, understandably so. Some residents may not have the opportunity to visit the facility before admitting, so they may be even less sure of what to expect. Over time we have noticed that there are some common questions. So, we have provided a few answers to some common questions.

Is it a hospital?
No. The Center for Discovery's Eating Disorders programs are in very spacious, comfortable homes in the neighborhoods of Downey, Lakewood, Menlo Park, and Whittier. Our homes look similar to your own home. Our resident usually feel very comfortable in this softer, more home-like setting than in a sterile hospital or institution.

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How many people are there? What are they like?
There are 6 - 17 residents in a program and they are similar to you. They are between 11 - 19-years-old. Some residents are concerned that they will be the only one with their particular problem. Residents frequently suffer from similar problems. This is the basic reason why a residential community is an effective treatment setting. New residents are soon to find that they are not alone and that many people struggle with the same painful issues and are having success in healing and resolving their problems.

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Do I get my own room or do I have a roommate?
It depends upon the number of residents in the house. Generally there are two beds to each room so in most cases everyone has a roommate.

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Do I go to school?
Students work on assignments from their own school or attend a charter school. In most cases, students are able to keep up with school requirements. Tutoring is offered when a resident needs academic support.

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Can I exercise?
Absolutely. There is an exercise component to each program. Workouts at the YMCA, nature walks, swimming, and games in the park are all a part of the experience.

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Is the house locked? Do you ever go out?
The Center for Discovery is a voluntary experience. The house is not locked, however, residents are not allowed to leave unless accompanied by a staff person. Residents leave the house often for walks, outings, and various activities in the community or just to the back yard where they may play games, garden or have individual or group therapy.

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What can I expect from "Treatment"?
Treatment requires some work and investment. You will have individual therapy with your therapist. You will have group therapy and workshops with your therapist and other professionals and specialists. You will have family therapy. You will attend school at the program. Hopefully, you will have a life changing experience. It is our hope that the treatment experience will bring you change; change for the better; better laughter and better tears, better sorrow and better joy, better problems and better successes.

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