It was 1970. I learned at a young adolescent age to appreciate the value of support. I remember well my teacher, Mr. Monson, and his tall lanky frame, his worn black flood pants, his shortsleeved white shirt and black tie. I remember most his gentle kindness to a longhaired, tuned-out, and lost soul – an unlikely recipient.

In this article we describe general guidelines as well as a few examples of the experiential and structured interventions that we use when facilitating individual, group, and family therapy with eating disorder patients.

Center for Change desires to help any professional who is trying to help those who suffer with anorexia or bulimia. The following comprehensive assessment was developed by Michael E. Berrett, PhD, and is used extensively by professionals at Center for Change in completing initial psychological interviews, histories and eating disorder assessments.

The following indicators are significant and common signs and symptoms of anorexia and bulimia. Critical or multiple indicators suggest the need for medical, dietary and psychological intervention. The items marked by an asterisk (*) may indicate an urgent need for intervention and treatment.

A POTENTIAL SAFETY NET

Medical Doctor, Minister/Clergy, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, School Nurse, Dietitian, Dentist, Orthodontist, Social Worker, Teacher (junior high through college), School Administrator, Athletic Coach, School Counselor, Dance Teacher, Human Resources/Personnel Manager, Health Club Owner/Manager, Professional Counselor.

Most parents don’t like to watch their children suffer. When parents encounter a suffering son or daughter they become solution-oriented, looking for the quickest means of alleviating the problem. Parents who have a child with an eating disorder are the same.

Center for Change is committed to ongoing research with eating disorders to enhance the awareness and treatment of this population and our clientele. Last year we became part of a research team on Binge Eating Disorder (BED). Generally this disorder has been included in the diagnosis of Eating Disorder, NOS.