AVALON'S TREATMENT PROGRAMS

*Anorexia  *Bulimia  *Binge Eating Disorder  *Obesity

AVALON PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION PROGRAM
>> 346 Harris Hill Road, Williamsville, New York 14221 <<

Avalon is a four to six week, Monday through Friday program for patients with Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and Obesity.  The patients meet for seven and one half hours each day and participate in a variety of individual and group sessions, which address the specific needs of their eating disorders.

The most effective treatment for an eating disorder is a combination of interpersonal psychotherapy, nutrition counseling and psychopharmacology. Psychotherapy addresses the underlying dynamics of the eating disorder while the expressive arts therapies help the patient identify and express uncomfortable feelings. Cognitive therapy deals with transformation of thoughts that control the behaviors. Behavioral therapy attempts to change the patterns of coping through symptom management education and homework assignments.

This multidisciplinary approach offers medical, nutritional and psychological care with the personal needs of each participant carefully assessed. Avalon's goals are:

• To provide freedom from controlling eating disordered behaviors
• To heighten awareness of the harmful effects of eating disorders
• To assist in maintaining a healthy level of mental health & physical stabilization

INDIVIDUALIZED TREATMENT No two patients are alike. Although many of the needs of eating disorder patients are the same, individualized treatment planning is crucial to recovery. Each patient is assigned a primary therapist to assess progress, provide support and offer one-on-one psychotherapy. Avalon believes health and growth occur through connection and mutuality. Peer support through group psychotherapy provides this connection. In addition to a daily process group, psycho-educational groups address issues such as self-esteem, body image, feelings management, assertiveness skill building, relapse prevention and transition to community. The expressive arts therapies: art, creative therapy, and yoga enhance the therapeutic process by tapping into each patient's creative abilities. Therapeutic meals are part of each day and are developed with each patient by Avalon's nutrition therapist. In addition, pre-meal and post-meal stress reduction and symptom management are an inclusive part of the program.

AVALON OUTPATIENT COUNSELING AND NUTRITIONAL SERVICES PROGRAM
>> 9678 Main Street, Clarence, New York 14031 <<

The outpatient program is structured for healing and is provided in a warm, supportive environment. It presents clients with an opportunity to gain freedom from their eating disorder by managing emotions and reducing obsessive thoughts of weight, food, diet, and body image.

The program offers individual and group therapy sessions provided by qualified clinicians who work closely with clients as they progress through recovery of their eating disorder. Registered dieticians are available to provide nutritional assessments and individual consultation regarding meal plans and meeting nutritional requirements. Several specialty groups are also offered including an Overeaters Group.

The goal of the outpatient program is to help patients with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and obesity to develop behaviors and nutritional habits that maintain physical, mental health and emotional well being by developing a greater understanding and sense of self.

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