Please note that this is an Archived article and may contain content that is out of date. The use of she/her/hers pronouns in some articles is not intended to be exclusionary. Eating disorders can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights.

Author: Paul Harper, PhD

Please note that this is an Archived article and may contain content that is out of date.

FOR A MORE FULFILLED LIFE

“Hunger comes in many varieties and each requires the proper kind of nourishment to be satisfied. Trying to fill emotional hunger, or a hunger of the soul with food will never leave one feeling satisfied despite one’s best efforts to do so. Rather, we can learn to feast from the many different banquets offered in life.”

BINGE EATING: A HISTORY

“Recurrent binge eating behaviors is not a new phenomenon-they were referred to as compulsive eating in the past-but it was not until 1994 that persons who binge eat were considered to have a mental disorder. A notable number of persons who want to lose weight meet the diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder. Some of these individuals may be initially resistant to seeking psychotherapy because they do not understand that there is a relationship between underlying emotional or psychological issues and the inability to cease binge eating.”

American Dietetics Association

August, 1994

The Center for Change Compulsive Eating Program was designed to help fill the treatment void for this problem. We recognize the need for help and strive to assist those who desire help. Doing so has been a wonderfully rewarding experience.

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Center for Change compulsive eating program is to provide instruction and skill development that offers participants a foundation for healthy interaction, achievement, and satisfaction in their lives. Every effort has been made to provide a comprehensive program. Personal beliefs are explored. Eating and exercise habits are examined. Personal empowerment, self-discovery, and interpersonal empathy are promoted. Reframing beliefs for positive impacts on behavior are facilitated.

THE COMPULSIVE EATING PROGRAM

The Program Includes:

  • Psycho-Education Classes (weekly)
  • Comprehensive Full-Filled Life Program Resource Book
  • Group Interaction and Support (Weekly)
  • Assistance in establishing weekly eating and exercise plans

Session Subjects:

  • A Whole Life Approach versus A Diet Plan
  • Developing a Proper Relationship with Food
  • Demystifying Compulsive Behavior
  • The Compulsive Eating Addiction Cycle: Filling Emotional Hunger
  • Family Social Systems and Food Traditions
  • The Co-Dependency, Anger, and Food Spiral
  • The Impact of Abandonment and Inadequate Role Models
  • Love, Intimacy, and Food
  • Body Distortion
  • Alternative Food Management Plans
  • Relapse Prevention
  • The Peaceful Life: Life Long Freedom From Compulsive Behavior
  • Three Sessions with the Registered Dietician
  • A Recreation and Art Therapy class

CENTER FOR CHANGE STAFF FOR THE COMPULSIVE EATING PROGRAM:

Facilitator:
Paul Harper, Ph.D.

SUPPORT STAFF:

Psychologists:
Randy K. Hardman, PhD,

Dieticians:
Rebecca Frandsen, R.D.
Calene Van Noy

Recreation Therapist:
Kathleen S. Hofer, MSTRS