White Picket Fence Counseling Center Newsletter Archives

A personal note from Sandee Nebel

Sandee Nebel, MS, Licensed Mental Health Counselor I've recently returned Long Beach, California, where I attended the 2009 Symposium: Reclaiming the Body: Attachment, Somatics, and Image, presented by the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP). There were more than 400 professionals from all over the world, though I was the only one there from Orlando.   For me, the conference highlights were the discussions about:   1.  Brain chemistry. Dr. Joel Robertson, author of Peak Performance Living,  delivered a "standing room only" presentation about the links between eating disorders, brain chemistry imbalances, disordered thinking and body image. He suggested several possible strategies, including supplements, medication, exercise and nutrition, as well as working to change your thoughts and behaviors. His bottom line was the interconnectedness of all of these elements, and that solutions can be and should be catered to the individual.   2. Guided imagery. Judith Rabinor, author of A Starving Madness,  led an interactive presentation where we were actually able to participate in guided imagery exercises, which I found very moving. Guided imagery can add to the effectiveness of any type of talk therapy, bypassing the conscious mind to access a very deep place of self-awareness and self-healing. The presenters explained how we all tell a story about ourselves. When we can bypass the conscious mind we can get to a place where we can tell a new story.   3. Transitioning to life beyond an eating disorder. Jenni Schaefer is the author of Life Without Ed, a book which I recommend to anyone who struggles with anorexia or bulimia. By creating a persona named Ed, representing the eating disorder, the book helps separate the person from the problem. What a gift to be in Jenni's presence – she's like a guru in this field and has helped so many people. At this conference, Scaefer and co-presenter Michael Berrett, PhD, spoke about how finding reasons to change helps eating disorder clients to reclaim their lives. Jenni also spoke more about the life she is continuing to build now that she is free of her own eating disorder, including her new book coming out in September 2009, Goodbye Ed, Hello Me.

Upcoming Groups and Workshops

Notifications of workshops dates and groups will be emailed to your inbox very soon!

Eating Disorder Recovery Groups:

Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5pm to 6:30pm

Support and therapy groups for individuals with anorexia and bulimia and related issues of body image and more... Four(4) week sessions $100. ($80. for college and grad students)

 

Family Members and Friends of Individuals with Eating Disorders:

Information and Support Workshops

Support for families and friends of those struggling with anorexia and bulimia.  Suggestions and resources provided along with suggestions on how and when to be helpful and supportive. Facilitated by a licensed dietician and therapist.

 

 

Gentle Eating and Mindful Eating Experiential Dining Workshops: 

These workshops are held regularly throughout the year to provide the hands-on experience of what is learned in therapy.   Gentle eating is geared toward the individual who may be more restrictive in their eating.  The mindful eating workshops are ideal for the overeater or for anyone who binge eats at mealtime.

 

nourish your soul         

series

These workshops are designed to inform, support and fulfill...Themes and topics vary and are held every 4-6 weeks.  Topics are generated by the needs of our clients and the community.

 

Free monthly community workshops: 

Topics are relevant for everyone!  From boundary setting to self-empowerment, this is a great way to sample our workshops without little investment but your one hour and bringing a can or two of food for the Pearlman Pantry Food Bank.

 

Overeaters Groups:

The original group on Tuesday evenings has a waiting list, so we are working on a plan to open up another group that will meet.

 

Post Bariatric Monthly Support Group:

Facilitated by a dietician and a therapist...We have topics that vary monthly which are very relevant to your needs.

Upcoming Events

Body Image vs. Self Image:  Wednesday, March 11th, Sandee is the guest speaker at a "Lunch and Learn" at local agency (details)

Free Workshop:  Recharge Your Mood and Get Inspired on Tuesday, March 13th

(click for flyer details)

Post Weight Loss Surgery Support Group on Monday, March 23rd (click for flyer) Join Anytime!

Four (4) Week  Eating Disorder Recovery Group Starts on Wednesday, March 25th (new flyer)

Already registering for the next Nourish Your Soul:  Gentle Eating Dining Experience on Wednesday, April 29th!  Dinner provided. (click for details)

Note:  Our other groups are currently full...but please let us know your interests as we have waiting lists and we will let you know of openings as they come up!

Upcoming Events

Setting Goals:  Making Healthy Decisions in the New Year

Free with 2 cans of food for a local food pantry!

Tuesday, January 20th from 2-3pm

 

 

nourish your soul:  Gentle Eating Experiential Workshop

Wednesday, February 11th from 6-8pm

 

 

Stress:  The Link to Emotional Eating

Workshop series

dates tba

let us know your interest here

 

 

Body Image vs. Self Image

Wednesday, March 11th

One hour Lunch and Learn at Jewish Family Services on Lee Road

contact us for more info

 

 

Eating Disorder Recovery Groups

Tuesday and Wednesdays at 5pm to 6:30pm

Watch for notices for the next new sessions to sign up

 

 

WW - For Women of 40 Group has space available on Friday afternoons.

 

 

Sorry, the Compulsive Overeating and Food Addiction Group on Tuesday nights still has a waiting list. 

Upcoming Events

•  WW is an ongoing group for women over 40. We discuss everything from interpersonal relationships to body image, aging, and family issues.
• We are offering free monthly mini-workshops open to the community...check out what we are doing this December relating to the holidays.  We are limited in space to the first ten who register. 
• Anorexia and Bulimia Recovery Support Groups will be starting again in January - stay posted for start date.
• Next in the Nourish Your Soul Series with Liz Strong, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and Meghan Moran, Dietician.
• Mindful Eating Workshops and Cognitive Bheavioral Groups for Healthy Weight Management dates to come in 2009!

Watch for announcements about other new groups and programs. We'll continue to listen to your requests and offer new resources that will answer your questions and serve your needs.

Upcoming Events

 

We're introducing several new group programs at the White Picket Fence Counseling Center:

 

• WW is an ongoing group for women over 40. We'll discuss everything from interpersonal relationships to body image, aging, and family issues.
• We'll have a one-time workshop on overeating and food addiction with a dietician as our guest expert.
• We're offering a one-time workshop for spouses and boyfriends/girlfriends of people with eating disorders.
• We're starting a new 4-week group for people with anorexia and/or bulimia.

 

Watch for announcements about other new groups and programs. We'll continue to listen to your requests and offer new resources that will answer your questions and serve your needs.