The Emily Program

"We hear so often from our patients that they don’t go to the doctor because it is so weight focused, especially people who live in larger bodies," shares Dr. Jillian Lampert, The Emily Program's Vice President of Communications and Brand. One patient's advocacy at Fairview Health Services is changing this reality. After completing eating disorder treatment, Nancy Manther recognized how standard primary care practices around weight and BMI could create unintended harm. The result? A new policy empowering M Health Fairview patients to choose if and how weight-related information appears in their healthcare experience. Says Dr. Lampert: "I think this change will help more people access primary care." 📰 Read the full story from MinnPost: https://ow.ly/FYns50UpweA #WeightStigma #TraumaInformedCare #HealthcareAccess

The holidays can feel like an uphill climb in eating disorder recovery. During this challenging time, Radical Acceptance can help you focus on what you can control and respond in ways that align with your values and recovery goals. Today, we’re thrilled to feature Emma Harris, a Behavioral Health Specialist at our Columbus Residential Center, in our '12 Days of Recovery Skills' series. Emma shares how Radical Acceptance—a DBT skill she returns to often—can help navigate the season’s unique stressors. Whether it’s comments from family, unexpected menu changes, or the general chaos of the holidays, Emma explains how Radical Acceptance allows you to redirect your energy toward what matters most: staying grounded and focused on recovery. 🎥 Watch this quick, powerful video to hear Emma’s thoughtful guidance and encouragement. Thank you, Emma, for sharing your heart and insights with our community. 🧡 #MentalHealth #RadicalAcceptance #HolidaySupport

Don't miss our last Eating Disorders 101 event of the year! New to navigating an eating disorder diagnosis? We're here to help. Join us for a free virtual education session on Thursday, December 12th, to: 👉 Understand the basics of eating disorders 👉 Learn about treatment and the path to recovery 👉 Gain clarity on common uncertainties and concerns 👉 Access valuable resources for ongoing support Led by Jessica Sydnes, a Therapist at our Seattle residential location, this 60 minute session is perfect for families and friends facing the challenges of eating disorders for the first time. Event Details: 📅 Thurs, Dec 12th ⏲️ 6-7pm PT / 8-9pm CT / 9-10pm ET 🔗 Zoom Link (no registration required): https://ow.ly/3Bnl50UoHiR Make this year’s end a starting point for better understanding and supporting your loved one’s recovery journey. We hope to see you there!

Should eating disorder treatment wait until "after the holidays"? "It's worth giving up one ideal holiday season now to get a lifetime of meaningful celebrations in recovery." - Taylor Rae Homesley LPC, CPCS, CEDS-C, Executive Director of The Emily Program's Atlanta treatment center Our clinical experts share why starting treatment now can be transformative: • Compassionate care during this challenging season • Real-time support to strengthen connections with loved ones • Evidence-based strategies for managing holiday stressors • Personalized treatment at every level of care Don't let seasonal hesitation delay essential care. Learn how this time of year could become a powerful turning point: https://ow.ly/bVEV50UoxNy #EatingDisorderRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #PatientSupport

For many of our clients, finding the right words to ask for what they need—or to confidently say “no”—can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, it’s about deeply held beliefs like, “If I ask for help, I’m weak.” Other times, it’s simply not knowing where to start. That’s where DEAR MAN comes in—a practical communication framework that guides individuals in asking for what they need or setting boundaries with clarity and confidence. This strategy reinforces healthy relationships and strengthens communication skills often disrupted by eating disorders. Practicing DEAR MAN might feel awkward at first—even if you think you’re a strong communicator. But like any skill, practice leads to progress. 💡 This week, challenge yourself: Think about a request you’ve been putting off or a boundary you need to set. Use DEAR MAN to map out the conversation. Reflect on what worked and where you can grow. Recovery is about learning—and DEAR MAN is a valuable tool for empowering yourself and strengthening relationships along the way. #RecoverySkills #DEARMAN #DBT #EatingDisorderRecovery

The holiday season presents both opportunities and challenges for those in eating disorder recovery. Year after year, we see how family gatherings, work events, and disrupted routines can test even the strongest recovery skills. That's why having effective, evidence-based tools is especially important this season. Opposite Action, a valuable DBT skill we teach at The Emily Program, shines particularly bright during the holidays. When difficult emotions like anxiety, shame, or overwhelm lead to urges to skip meals, pull away from support, or compensate for holiday foods, this skill gently guides individuals toward recovery-affirming choices like: 🔁 Following their meal plan 🔁 Reaching out to their care team 🔁 Practicing self-compassion What makes this skill uniquely powerful is its balanced approach—honoring emotional experiences while supporting recovery progress. During a season when social gatherings might feel overwhelming and usual support systems seem harder to access, this approach helps clients take brave steps forward while respecting their boundaries and emotional well-being. Supporting clients through the holidays? We'd love to connect and share how our comprehensive approach can help strengthen their recovery journey: 1-888-364-5977 or emilyprogram.com. #ClinicalResources #DBTSkills #MentalHealthCare

At The Emily Program, we know that meaningful progress begins with expert care and genuine understanding. We tailor our approach to honor each individual’s goals, creating a supportive and collaborative environment where growth and hope can thrive. Whether you’re a provider seeking care for your patient or someone exploring recovery options, we’re here to walk beside you—every step of the way. Get started with us today: https://ow.ly/E8Tg50UmRQc

The holidays bring unique stressors in eating disorder recovery—both for patients and the dedicated providers supporting them. That's why we're launching "Recovery Tips for Surviving the Holidays," a special series featuring practical insights from our experienced treatment teams. First up: Join residential therapists Sandra Hijazeen and Mekenna Atterholt from our Columbus center as they share accessible strategies that have helped their clients navigate and find confidence during holiday gatherings. 🎥 Watch this brief video for actionable insights you can bring to your practice. And stay connected—more of our specialists will be sharing their compassionate expertise throughout the season. Want to explore The Emily Program's collaborative approach to eating disorder care? Connect with us: https://ow.ly/lBEv50UmBzU #MentalHealth #ClinicalResources #EatingDisorderTreatment

Mindfulness isn't confined to quiet rooms or yoga mats. It’s a core DBT skill that you can bring into any moment—whether you’re navigating a holiday meal, sharing a heartfelt conversation, or simply watching snow fall outside your window. For those in eating disorder recovery, mindfulness offers the space to observe emotions, urges, and thoughts with gentle acceptance. It’s not about “clearing your mind” or striving for calm—it’s about sitting with what’s present and engaging fully, even when discomfort arises. Here’s how you can practice mindfulness this season: ✨ Notice the scent of fresh pine, the twinkle of holiday lights, or the texture of a soft blanket—ground yourself in your senses. ✨ Stay curious and present in conversations—truly listen, free from distractions. ✨ Picture your thoughts as clouds passing in the sky—acknowledge them without judgment or attachment. Mindfulness isn’t about perfection; it’s about noticing, accepting, and returning to the present moment again and again. Join us as we continue sharing practical DBT tools in our #12DaysofRecoverySkills series, designed to support recovery through holidays and beyond. #Mindfulness #EatingDisorderRecovery #MentalHealthSupport

The ABC skill is a powerful tool for finding your way through the complex emotions of the holiday season. Our third installment in the #12DaysofRecoverySkills series, this DBT technique helps break down challenges into manageable steps. Whether you're facing anxiety around food-centric gatherings or stress from disrupted routines, the ABC skill empowers you to: 🎁 Accumulate Positive Emotions: Intentionally create moments of joy and gratitude 💪 Build Mastery: Strengthen skills and confidence through achievable goals 🌟 Cope Ahead: Thoughtfully prepare for challenges with practical strategies By focusing on these three areas, you can build resilience, maintain recovery momentum, and find a sense of balance amidst the holiday hustle. Remember, each small step you take matters. Your recovery journey is a process of growth, and every coping skill you practice brings you closer to sustainable healing. If you need extra support this holiday season, our compassionate team is here for you. Call 1-888-364-5977 or visit emilyprogram.com. #EatingDisorderRecovery #HolidayCoping #MentalHealthSupport #EDRecovery #RecoveryWarrior