Putting my feelings into words about EDEN is an honor for me.
When I joined EDEN as a psychologist working to gain experience in the field, I had no idea what I was in for. Alice knew, Lida knew and Betsy knew. I was an outgoing young woman to most around me, but inside so unsteadied, helpless to change conflict in my life and possessed self-worth that was only as stable as the days weather (in Michigan). I casually discussed that I used to purge, but that I was done with that now. Thought I was tough thought I knew it all. But what I found was, I had never had anyone treat me fairly. I had no idea what it meant to ask to have my needs met. I did not know how to say no without guilt or fear of rejection. Though my purging was at bay I still completely coped through binge eating and restriction, and thought about food and my body all the time. Now I am alive!! I am empowered to do anything I need to do. I am not afraid of conflict or a bad day. Food is my friend not my self- worth. My life continues to reach new levels of balance every year. And most importantly, I can say I love myself.
EDEN brought me the skills, the support, the expectations of full recovery and the assertiveness with my own emotions and my surroundings to continue to maintain it forever. They didn’t take away my eating disorder that inspired me to leave it behind so I could have joy in my life. For this I am ever grateful.
Lori Perpich-EDEN facilitator, therapist
