Blog

The Soul’s Ingredients: How to help evolve a client’s relationship with their basic needs using the four agreements

Written by

Monte Nido presents “The Soul’s Ingredients: How to help evolve a client’s relationship with their basic needs using the four agreements” featuring Monte Nido Vista Dietitian Kym Wyman, RD.

The foundation of our relationship to self begins in our earliest experiences of how our basic physical needs are met or not met, and in what we witness from our primary caregivers. “Self care” by definition requires not only a healthy self, but also an action of care that is nurturing and consistent in supporting and affirming it. The distortions suffered by a client struggling with an eating disorder reside predominantly in how they view and define themselves and in how they define the word “care”. Using The Four Agreements, clients can begin to understand how their version of reality regarding self creates suffering. Evolving a client’s expression of care for self can be the launching point for recognizing the relationship to their basic physical needs and helping them to achieve recovery.

Attendees will be provided how to describe two techniques to help the client with their internal dialogue about food and exercise, describe the difference between responding rather than reacting to basic needs, identify three basic needs and explain how you might help a client form an intimate relationship to these needs. Accurately explain at least two beliefs and assumptions clients might hold regarding how food and exercise effects their bodies.

The presentation will take place on Friday, September 22nd at Napa Valley Grille Westwood in Los Angeles, CA. Check-in will begin at 11:30 and the presentation will be held from 12:00-1:00pm. One CE credit will be provided. Please reach out to Regional Outreach Manager Mary Andreasen at 310.721.6264 or MAndreasen@montenidoaffiliates.com with questions or to RSVP.

 

 

 Click here to subscribe to our newsletter

Monte Nido Nursing Program

Written by

Monte Nido & Affiliates Vice President of Nursing Lyn Goldring, RN, BN, CEDRN helped to create the current nursing program, and currently oversees the well being of clients and the team of nurses. In this week’s blog post, Lyn dives into the passion and dedication behind the Monte Nido nursing program.

Research now supports the notion that a well-integrated nursing team improves client outcomes. Hundreds of clients have now experienced the gentle touch and wisdom from the hands of our Monte Nido Nurses. At the nucleus of this holistic delivery of care is a well-structured framework of systems, assessment tools and regulated policies and procedures. This framework has organically grown and expanded in response to the ever-changing landscape of our clients’ needs.

As in all systems, it is vital to have a leader placed within the facility that can oversee the framework daily. This leader is the on-site Nurse Manager—a role that is often met with confusion! Within a behavioral health setting the therapists have a clear role and all disciplines fundamentally understand “what they do”, like with Doctors and Dieticians. Although, in many others programs, and even within our own programs, the question arises “what do nurses do?” Most of the team knows that nurses hand out medications and take orders from doctors, and they are not incorrect, as this is part of the job description. However, this archaic model, which is often used at other programs, results in a fragmented team, medication errors and nurses that just feel “out of the loop” and become disenfranchised.

Back in 2005, with the support of Carolyn Costin, my mission was to create a nursing program that was integrated, holistic and wellness focused. I wanted to help change the client’s relationship to their bodies while therapeutically they were changing their relationship to food. I found that nurses had to learn the therapeutic language in order to be able to speak and connect with clients about their somatic experience while going through the painful process of therapy.

With the guidance of Doctors and therapists, we developed a nursing program that holistically looked at care and increased the support to the client via the art of nursing. The Nurse Manager is at the center of all that occurs for the client. The Nurse Manager goes to groups, sits in all doctor sessions so that she disseminate the information to the rest of the team and avoids client splitting. The Nurse Manager is involved with UR calls and has therefore contributed to extended length of stay because the medical piece is well represented.

We like to “grow our own” nurses and recruit from within. In an ever expanding company and many more sites later, the basic principles have been successfully duplicated at all our residential sites. Our Monte Nido Nurses are invested and work diligently daily at caring for our complicated and dynamically compromised clients. Yes, we give medications and we take Doctors orders but we also take the time to sit, to listen, to guide and to witness the most magnificent journeys into recovery. Our clients reward us daily with a smile with a hug with a thank you. The connections and relationships that get built between our nurses and the clients extend way past their time with us.

With that said we have more to do! Most recently I became a CEDRN, this coveted certification obtained from IAEDP is an acknowledgement that the RN is a certified eating disorder specialist. There are to date around 5-6 of us across the country. I believe the next step for our Monte Nido Nurses is for them to all to become certified. This would officially set us apart as the specialists we are. It would march our cause further in the eating disorder community and we would obtain international recognition.

I believe that education is key and that “paying it forward” is a way in which we can continue to constantly teach and again “grow our own”. Therefore we are currently looking to create a Monte Nido New Grad program for nurses just out of school. Becoming specialized in eating disorders and dedicating a nursing career in this field is, I believe, one of the most rewarding experiences a nurse can have.

 

For more information about Monte Nido please call 888.228.1253, visit our website and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

 Click here to subscribe to our newsletter

Moms Midlife/Changing Bodies during Eating Disorders Caregiving

Written by

Becky Henry is trained as a Certified, Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and uses those skills to guide families to let go of fear and panic, learn self-care skills and become effective guides for their loved one in eating disorder recovery. In this week’s post, Becky offers some inspiration in dealing with challenges mothers face both personally and while caring for their loved ones in eating disorder recovery. 
Coaching moms who have a child in eating disorders recovery unveils a variety of challenges that life throws at them.

In between learning to:

Navigate insurance

​Set healthy boundaries

Create & engage a treatment team

Be calm in the face of terror and chaos

Nurture a marriage & other children who are getting lost in the fray

These women also are also hitting the age at which their body is ‘turning on them’. Okay, well they say it feels like that.

When we hit mid-life and suddenly and we lose energy, can’t sleep, break out in hot flashes, lose our libido, and get foggy minds it takes a toll. Add to that, the body morphs into something that looks like your grandmother’s body overnight, it’s challenging to not begin having negative thoughts about our bodies along with our child in recovery.

In studying eating disorders I’ve learned that many women in “middle age” develop; eating disorders, disordered eating and “Body Dysmorphia” in which we have distorted perceptions of how our bodies look, as our bodies change.  Moms who have a child with an eating disorder aren’t immune to these. After all there is a genetic component to these most deadly illnesses.

My clients often ask how they can be at peace with their own body during this challenging time. Today I’m focusing on the arms specifically…AND…these tools can be used to make peace with any part of your body that has taken up residence in a new locale.

If we don’t laugh, we might cry when our body changes so much we need to buy new, larger clothes and nothing is where it used to be.

Have you ever wondered…

What have my arms ever done TO me?

Like, really….what have they ever done to hurt you?

​Tennis elbow maybe or have been broken?

What have my arms done FOR me?

Carried babies

Rocked sleepy children

Held friends close when they’ve been hurting

Planted a garden

Welcomed people into your home

Operated machinery

Flown a plane

Performed medical treatments

Helped carry your mom when she broke her hip

Danced with loved ones in your arms

Hugged loved ones tight​

My aim is to help us all to appreciate and feel gratitude for the arms we do have.

Working at my computer, the muscles have gotten smaller and the arms have gotten looser, bigger and lower…It’s all part of what happens naturally. AND, I’m working at reclaiming some of my strength so that I can have as much freedom as possible for the next 55 years. 🙂 Yet, even though I know all I do about loving our bodies, it can be weird to watch my body change. And have to buy larger clothes. This is the reality.

When we are parenting a child in eating disorders recovery it is essential that we model body positivity at all times. Not an easy task. Our child needs us to show them (not tell them) how we love our bodies. By doing our parallel process we can help ourselves and our child in recovery.

Here are 5 SIMPLE things we can each do to combat these feelings and thoughts we have about our arms (or other body parts), especially as we are wearing sleeveless tops and swimsuits:

Feel gratitude for what our arms have done for us.

Have gratitude for what our arms can do for us still.

Notice when we have judgment and shift to gratitude.

Stop comparing our arms to what they used to look like and what other’s arms look like.

Go do something with our amazing arms to help someone else.

Will you take the challenge and love your body everywhere you go this fall? Even your amazing arms?

How do we implement all this? I’m going to challenge you to make a list of all the things about your arms for which you have gratitude so that you have it handy to accomplish the 5 steps. Feel free to share the shifts you notice on my Facebook page! Shift does happen. ​

Now, let’s get out there and enjoy!
​Becky

 Click here to subscribe to our newsletter

Recovery Tips for the Fall

Written by

Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia Primary Therapist Kate Funk offers tips for navigating the upcoming change of seasons and return to school. Kate shares ways to maintain recovery and manage the stress of a new schedule and academic pressure.  

As summer fades into fall here on the east coast I can’t help but get excited for cozy knit sweaters, pumpkin flavored coffee, and enjoying the brightly colored changing leaves. For our clients, we know fall often means transition; transition back to school and extra- curricular activities and for parents’ hectic schedules of pickups and drop offs, not to mention less sun light each day which can bring its’ own struggles.  In this post I will explore some fall tips for anyone facing recovery.

School can stir up a lot of anxiety, schedules are jam packed, meals and snacks can feel like a burden, and perfectionism flourishes in academic settings. I like to ask clients how they can do things differently. If historically, you took only advanced level classes, how about taking less intense courses? If you always do several clubs and sports, I would ask you to think about what you can sit out of this year. It’s important to realize that by stepping out, you’re actually taking the more courageous road. You are choosing to prioritize your recovery. Recovery is a full time job and in order to manage recovery and school it’s important to look at your schedule realistically and see what you can put on the back burner for now.  Just because you step away from a sport or club doesn’t mean you can’t go back to it at another time. In my own experience, I decided to leave school for almost an entire year and work with my Dad while pursuing intensive outpatient treatment. That wasn’t an easy decision for me, but it allowed me to be gentle with myself. That break from school allowed me to start to get to know myself as someone in recovery and not just my eating disorder self. The last thing your eating disorder wants you to do is to be gentle with yourself and that’s exactly what you should do!

A new season is a great opportunity to create new habits and routines. Instead of focusing on past behaviors think about how you could create new habits that are promoting your recovery. This thought can bring up lots of ideas, but maybe look at where some of the harder moments you had in the past and see how you could replace those moments with structure and support. There are countless things you can do to prioritize your recovery in your daily routine; maybe hanging a quote in your car to remind you to stop for lunch, listening to a soothing playlist on your way to school, sitting with friends or teachers at school that have a healthy relationship with food, decorating your locker with art work you made in treatment, preparing to go snacks at the beginning of the week, etc. Recognize that you are in charge of your own actions and how you can you act as if recovery is your number one priority, even when it feels like the furthest thing from a priority. Getting into recovery oriented routines early in the season will make it easy to continue moving forward.

Living with an eating disorder is like living in a fog, unable to connect with the world around you. One thing I liked to think about in my own recovery, was what would “baby Kate do?” and this would especially apply to a change in seasons. Would baby Kate want to go pumpkin picking or drink apple cider? Would baby Kate want to spend time with friends and family? Of course she would! This was a great way for me to get in touch with my soul self and what was really important to me instead of what my eating disorder wanted to do. The fall season is a great time to challenge your recovery with new routines, new activities, and new flavors, but during change and challenges I think sticking to the basics is always key.

Prioritize your treatment, set a schedule and stick with it! Meal plan with your dietitian and supports. Keep your doctor appointments. Life will come up and threaten to shake things out of place, but committing to these basics can help you feel grounded. Stepping back from activities that do not enhance your recovery can only promote your wellness. Look at where you’ve struggled in the past, and see if you can put support in those places. Fall is a time of transition, but transition is an excellent opportunity to step up your recovery and see how you can rewrite old scripts and step into healthy change.

 

For more information about Monte Nido please call 888.228.1253, visit our website and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

 Click here to subscribe to our newsletter

My Soulful Journey: Melissa Spann, PhD, LMHC, CEDS

Written by

Vice President of Admissions Dr. Melissa Spann, PhD, LMHC, CEDS shares her journey to joining the Monte Nido & Affiliates team. She gives insight into the work she does with the admissions team and what inspires her to be so dedicated and passionate in her role. Read on to learn more about Dr. Spann…

 

What is your name and what are your credentials?
Melissa Orshan Spann, PhD, LMHC, CEDS

Please give us a brief description of your background.
When I decided to go to graduate school in a helping profession it was no shock to my friends and family. Growing up as the oldest of four kids, involved in community service and social action organizations, it was a natural path for me. During my doctoral training, I was introduced to a program called Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing!, a proactive approach for building healthy self-esteem in adolescent girls. Through my work facilitating girl-only groups, I reaffirmed my dedication to working with girls and women. I decided an essential part of my training would need to include integrating a systemic perspective and holistic approach to my work. Through this, I moved to Philadelphia and attended a Ph.D. program in Couples and Family Therapy. While I was in Philadelphia, I was introduced to The Renfrew Center in Philadelphia. There, I began my training in the field of eating disorders. I developed a specialization for working with couples and families who were struggling to cope with an eating disorder in their families. When I returned to home to Miami, I was introduced to Oliver-Pyatt Centers. From the moment I walked into the building, I knew OPC was the type of environment I had always hoped could exist; a place where women and their families could be provided a multi-systemic integrated approach to health and healing. Following my time as a Primary Therapist at OPC I became the Director of Admissions. After two years as Director of Admissions where we sought to build a clinical focus for a best-in-class admissions department, my role evolved to the VP of Admissions for Monte Nido & Affiliates. It was a dream for me to work in the broader role for all MNA brands including Monte Nido, OPC and Clementine.

What does a typical day look like for you?
What I love about my job is that there isn’t really a “typical” day. In my current role, I have the unique opportunity to interface with many people on a daily basis. I am talking with potential clients, meeting families, working with providers and interfacing with all of our outstanding teams across the country. I feel fortunate that I often have the opportunity to connect with an individual as their first point of contact for one of our programs. Placing that initial call is often the most difficult decision to make. Myself and the highly specialized and trained admissions staff understand how critical this initial contact is and seek to meet every individual who connects us with the connection, empathy and support they receive in our care. Our goal is to provide support, consultation through a therapeutic lens during every interaction we have.

In your own words, please describe the philosophy of Monte Nido & Affiliates.
To me, our philosophy is about balancing acceptance and change, integrating mindfulness in all aspects of life, and focusing on a highly interpersonal model that through connection and meaningful relationships, recovery is possible.

What is your favorite thing about Monte Nido & Affiliates?
I have held many roles throughout the organization. No matter what I am doing, by far the best part of my job is the amazing group of people that I work with. Everyone shares a common vision and goal, respect one another, and share a life both professionally and personally with each other. Through our outstanding staff, we are able to model what it means to share in strong female relationships that provide support and care – something that is translated to the women we work with.

What are three facts about you that people do not know?
Oh boy, here it goes: 1- I have played the guitar since I was five and love to rock out. 2- I have two kids, Violet age six and Archer age eight who teach me more on a daily basis than any book I’ve ever read. 3- I am a third generation Miami native.

Is there any additional information you want to share with our readers?
I’m always ready to talk – call me and we’ll figure it out together!

How can someone contact you and your team?

Monte Nido Admissions Line: 888.228.1253

Clementine Admissions Line: 855.900.2221

Oliver-Pyatt Centers Admissions Line: 866.511.4325

 

For more information about Monte Nido please call 888.228.1253, visit our website and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

 Click here to subscribe to our newsletter

The Garment Project: The First Sea Glass Grant Recipient

Written by

At Monte Nido & Affiliates, we save lives while providing the opportunity for people to realize their healthy selves. One of the ways we want to help provide opportunities for individuals to realize their healthy selves is through our Sea Glass Grants opportunity. A Sea Glass Grant aims to support small projects that create, develop or communicate a project that supports eating disorder recovery and healthy self-image.

Monte Nido & Affiliates is delighted to announce that The Garment Project  – founded by Monte Nido alumni Erin Drischler – has been awarded the first Sea Glass Grant of $500 to support their mission to provide size free clothing to women in treatment and/or early recovery from their eating disorder.

We are happy to share more about The Garment Project through our conversation with Erin:

Tell me about the process of creating Garment.

Garment was created from about two years of conversations between [my partner] Jordan and myself. I have worked in retail for the past decade and have always been interested in fashion. Jordan is a documentarian at an advertising agency. Our careers have given us knowledge and experience that helped us to create something innovative and truly necessary. Once we had our concept worked out, we started to talk to friends in the non-profit space about taking next steps and making this idea a reality. Jordan and I have been learning as we go, but we make a great team.

How has Garment helped you in your recovery journey?

Garment is a constant reminder of the progress I’ve made in my own recovery. The initial idea came to 5 years before we could make it a reality. I worked through my issues of always wanting to be the caretaker for other people like my mom or my friends but never taking care of myself. As I began to devote more time to my self-care, I was able to become more confident in myself and my abilities. Now I am able to truly help people in a bigger, healthier way.

Who is Garment?

Garment is me, someone who is living a recovered life, and Jordan, who has spent the past few years learning how to be a great support person for recovery. Both of us have a passion for helping others and are devoted to solving a problem that hasn’t been addressed for others in the past.

What feeling do you most associate with Garment?

Pride. I’m proud of the organization. I’m proud of the work I accomplished in my recovery to get here. I’m proud of the relationship Jordan and I share and the bond we’ve created by working together on something that we love. The small setbacks we’ve faced leading up to our launch would have sent me on a downward spiral just a few years ago. It is empowering to take pride in something that once gave me so much shame.

Walk me through the Garment Experience.

Garment has relationships with treatment centers across the US. When a woman is reaching a point in her recovery process where our service would be most helpful, her treatment team will start to communicate some helpful info to Garment. With that style, personality, and measurement detail, Garment creates a unique shopping site for each individual. From there, our new friend can pick out items that she likes, we’ll box them up and ship them right to her.

How and where do you get your clothing and accessories?

Garment has been building relationships with retailers across the US to ensure that we have an inventory with enough variety to fit anyone’s style. There are so many retailers that are acting philanthropically with their items after a certain season has passed, when items have gone on sale, etc. Garment has been fortunate enough to be in contact with incredibly generous people at both national retailers as well as smaller boutique shops. We take boxes of new, never worn clothing in all shapes, colors, styles, and most importantly, sizes. Eating disorders do not target certain body types. We want the women we serve to see more options from Garment than they’d otherwise be able to find in most stores.

What is your favorite part of the day-to-day start-up process?

My favorite part of the day-to-day startup process is working side-by-side with Jordan. It is incredible to see what we are capable of doing when we work together. He constantly impresses and surprises me with his talent and attention to detail.

How can people get involved?

The Garment Project has already seen such an encouraging response and we know that it’s all because of people talking. The best thing anyone can do for The Garment Project is to talk about it. Talk about eating disorders. Talk about mental health, about resources for help, and about supporting anyone around you who is struggling. We encourage everyone to continue our conversation on social media and via email. Donations to The Garment Project can be processed on our website.

What advice would you give to someone in their recovery who has a dream?

Recovery was uncomfortable work that took dedication, acceptance, and time. It was not easy, and yet it is so worth it. Recovery is possible for everyone. A few years ago, I could not say that sentence out loud, let alone believe it true for myself. I am now living a life free of the eating disordered thoughts and rules that once consumed me. Although each person has a different story and struggle, it is truly possible to live a fully recovered life, free from your eating disorder.

What are your hopes and dreams for Garment?

Our hope is that Garment can reach women and eventually men too on a global scale and spread confidence through fashion. We want to become a resource for the millions of women and men who are working hard to recover.

 

For more information about Monte Nido please call 888.228.1253, visit our website and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

 Click here to subscribe to our newsletter

Articles for the Soul

Written by

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here.

 

Yoga: How it Can Help Eating Disorders Eating Disorder Hope

7 Ways to Boost Your Mental Health at Work The Mighty

Who Are You Recovering For? Project Heal 

Why Yoga is an Excellent Practice while in Eating Disorder Recovery, and What Parents Should Know More Love

Sleep: An Essential Yet Overlooked Component of Recovery? Angie Viets

Support Your Well-Being – 3 Easy Self-Care Activities Huffington Post

 

For more information about Monte Nido please call 888.228.1253, visit our website and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

 Click here to subscribe to our newsletter

Sleeping Souls: Awakening your Authentic Self

Written by

Leaders from Monte Nido’s Eating Disorder Center of California will facilitate “Sleeping Souls: Awakening your Authentic Self” in which we will explore the nature of soul and the value of soul work in eating disorder treatment. Participants will examine the moralization of food that is present in our culture and how a client’s value judgment of food can disrupt a healthy connection between mind, body and soul. The work of the clinician becomes strengthening the healthy soul self within the client to challenge limiting beliefs that keep clients disconnected from the potential of a recovered life. Attendees will participate in group experiences that are utilized with clients at Monte Nido’s Eating Disorder Center of California and training will be provided on how professionals can utilize these tools in a private practice setting.

Attendees will learn to identify clinical markers for ARFID and be able to distinguish it from typical Anorexia Nervosa. They will learn to describe the medical implications of prolonged disruption of nutrition on the adolescent physical development. Lastly, they will learn the complex co-morbidities that arise with eating disorders and often go undiagnosed and mimic symptomology of eating disorders (such as ARFID, misophonia, OCD).

“Sleeping Souls: Awakening your Authentic Self” will be held on Friday, August 18th from 9:30-12pm. The event will be held at The Den LA BREA. Parking is available for $3.75 next door in the lot just north of The Den. Light breakfast and check-in begins at 9:30am and the presentation will be held from 10am -12pm. Two CE credits will be provided to the following: PhD, PsyD, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC and RD. This is an experiential workshop with seating limited to 12 guests.

To RSVP, or if you have questions, please contact Regional Outreach Manager Mary Andreasen at 310.721.6264 or MAndreasen@montenidoaffiliates.com.

Eating Disorder Center of California is pleased to also provide a weekly drop-in eating disorder support group for adult men and women in the community facilitated by EDCC Primary Therapist Nikki Krauthamer, LMFT. The group is held every Wednesday night from 6-7pm. There is no charge for this support group. Please contact Regional Outreach Manager Mary Andreasen at 310.721.6264 or MAndreasen@montenidoaffiliates.com with questions.

 

For more information about Monte Nido please call 888.228.1253, visit our website and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

 Click here to subscribe to our newsletter

The Importance of Slowing Down

Written by

Eating Disorder Specialist Angie Viets, LCP has dedicated her career to helping her clients on their journey to full recovery. In this week’s post, Angie discusses the importance of slowing down at times and taking time for yourself.

There will be no playing big for me today. I’d rather play small and go home. I’m going to lean out, not in. More hiding, less seeking.

I long for solitude. A place to curl up and go unnoticed. I don’t want to be depended on for even the smallest thing—like a ride or glass of water. Today I’m unable to be strong for me or you.

Please don’t ask anything of me, because I might let you down. Most likely, I’ll be late, ill-prepared, unkempt, and a bit disconnected. You’ll notice my hair is unwashed, my face without make-up, and my clothes are a bit mismatched. But that’s just my outsides. On the inside, my energy is low, motivation poor, and tears fall without warning. I’m sluggish and sad.

Today I’m without goals, a to-do list, or a schedule. If I were a cozy corner bookstore, a sign would crookedly hang on my door:

Many apologies. Due to unexpected circumstances, we are closed for the day. We hope to reopen soon!

My sign hangs too, it’s perhaps more subtle, but it’s there. I’m not sure why my unexpected circumstance is requiring me to close shop today. Frankly, I’ve decided it’s none of my business. What I do know is that today, I don’t have it in me to be there for you or me. So for today, I’m going to just be. Be still. Be gentle. Be kind.

For a lifetime I’ve needed you to tell me that it’s ok with you that I’m less ‘me’ on days like today. I was desperate for you to tell me it’s ok because I was unable to say it to myself. But today, I’m ok with being small, getting quiet, and hiding out. I used to feel guilty, stuck and worried that this was a permanent state. My tendency towards catastrophizing and storytelling would land me under a bridge; hungry and homeless for my remaining years if I didn’t fight through this feeling.

We live in a world that tells us it’s not ok to be compassionate and kind to ourselves. We need to “grind it out,” “just do it,” and “suck it up.” But guess what, that’s not my kind of world, and I doubt it’s yours either, because really, that’s nobody’s world. If pushing and shoving, striving and suffering is what it takes to be ‘all in,’ then I want out. I’m not down with this whole notion of “pushing through the pain.” Screw that!

The wise me—the one that I’ve come to know by heart—is gentle and loving. She knows that today is just a day. Nothing more, nothing less. Just a day. Instead of getting caught up in what “caused” today, or how to “fix” today, I’m just aware. I notice. I observe. I’m not attached.

I won’t lie and tell you that it doesn’t piss me off at first and throw me into a bit of a pity-party. I mean, I’ve got stuff to get done. Calls to make, people to take care of, clients to see, books to write, friends to meet, and coffee to drink. The guilt, oh for the love of God, the guilt is a relentless piece of work that thrives on an opportunity like today. But you know who’s even a bigger player on days like today? Self-criticism. She slithers in all sly and sneaky and then poisons you with her lethal venom. But I know better now.

History proves, that if you beat yourself up on a day where you already feel a little down and defeated, you perpetuate the cycle and set yourself up for future suffering. Instead, let’s put the sign on our door. Let’s just close up shop for the day. I promise, nothing catastrophic will happen to you or me if we take a day off.

So, just for today, I’m going to be quiet. With my phone silenced, my latte warm next to me, I will settle in. Phone calls, texts, and emails will wait. Netflix, a hot bubble bath, and my kindness towards myself won’t.

 

For more information about Monte Nido please call 888.228.1253, visit our website and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

 Click here to subscribe to our newsletter

Why Nurses & Why Monte Nido and Affilliates

Written by

Monte Nido & Affiliates Vice President of Nursing Lyn Goldring, RN, BN, CEDRN helped to create the current nursing program, and currently oversees the well being of clients and the team of nurses. In this week’s blog post, Lyn shares the passion and dedication behind the nursing team, and the integral role they play in providing treatment at Monte Nido & Affiliates.

Every nurse begins her journey in the art of caring for humans with an idea as to why she wants to help people. The why is never lost as it’s truly a calling, a vocation, a way of life. Caring for girls who suffer from eating disorders touches all aspects of caring: the mind, the body and the soul.

Joining Monte Nido in 2005 I saw an opportunity to combine the skill of caring with Carolyn’s ground breaking philosophies. Nurses joined hands with therapist, dietitians, psychiatrist, medical doctors, pharmacists, researchers, yoga teachers and trainers who were all nestled in the safety of a home that was created just for clients. Nurses naturally join with clients as they experience navigating the agonizing process called treatment. Nurses provide the salve on the open wounds of therapy, scientifically explain the symptomology experienced when every bodily system is painfully woken up with nutrition, educate starved minds to the benefits of medicines, introduce them to the function of their bodies over the size, provide screenings for basic health prevention strategies and provide an ever patient ear to the most private conflicts. Nurses are the multitaskers in the treatment process.

A decade later and many more centers opened the mission of nurses continue across our programs. Nurses are called as I was to remain true the their original why? We are integrated, involved and care for clients in an authentic holistic way that brings its own evidenced based results, RECOVERY.

 

For more information about Monte Nido please call 888.228.1253, visit our website and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

 Click here to subscribe to our newsletter