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Dr Pablo Jeczmien MD MRCPsych
Consultant Psychiatrist & Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer
Referring to the "It's not just about food!" seminar.
"I believe that the unique, clinically professional and caring approach of Pondtail House is reflected in this training seminar and I heartily endorse its usefulness as an important additional tool for the holistic treatment of eating disorders."
Angela Chase, Therapist Specialising in Eating Disorders, MA Counselling Psychology, P.G.Dip Counselling, BSc.,C.Q.S.W., BACP Accredited and Registered Counsellor, UKRC Registered Independent Counsellor
"In my NHS role I valued the opportunity to offer placement at Pondtail House (Eileen’s residential establishment) to clients needing residential treatment for their eating disorder.
Eileen’s unique approach of an holistic programme, combined with a solid understanding of risk management issues related to this client group, offered a balanced compassionate approach which enabled many clients to make changes beyond what had been expected of them.
Without exception the feedback I received from clients was positive and enthusiastic.
Eileen’s solid background and extensive experience in mental health combined with her sensitive, holistic therapeutic style enable her to offer both residential and outpatient clients a balanced approach with a vital blend of sensitivity combined with appropriate challenge and attention to risk management which her clients find both containing and enabling."
Extracts from client and family writing
(With permission of the writer, names changed to protect confidentiality).
“Your care and professionalism are a very “rare commodity”….”
“I cannot believe the change I have seen in xxx while in your care.”
“I am writing this to you as a very different person from the one who met you 3 months ago. It is as though a fog has lifted and I can now glimpse the future. This future is hopeful and fulfilling ……I now believe that I can recover….”
“I want for the first time in many years to just be how I am at that moment in time and not how others expect me to be….”
“It is time to take hold of my life and become the woman I am and like and accept me and you have helped me do that……..now recovery can come.”
“…with many thanks for your faith in me when I had none.”
"…I am welcomed gently and my soul begins to breathe…thank you for this gift…I had allowed my spirit to fade…”
“I for one will be eternally grateful for teaching me how to breathe again. Thank you beyond words…”
“Your passion and dedication lives on. I am eternally grateful and I will succeed!”
Letter to my Father:
“… Dad, I miss US so much and I hate that………..it would mean the world to me if you came and saw that my body and soul have become so tarnished by these demons that I wake up every morning hating who I’ve become. I’m tired of this new me and I want to bring the old Sophie home. And she will come home but she needs you to hold her hand….”
A father to his daughter:
“Your bog body ancient corpse like look, stares out at me from a hospital bed. You said you would never get here. But demon Claire (anorexia) took you gently into her waters, balmed you with her soft touches, changed the mirrors in your room. Your neediness embraced her, magical illusions captured you. and still you strive to please her mastery. It’s hard for me to look and think of you as beautiful your voice is but a whisper your song note choked never to take flight and sing again…………….. I too am alone and drifting, looking at your ribs with canvas skin carving their shapes into my eyes………… Funny how we never saw Claire beside us hunting after you If we had I am sure we would have swum a hell of a lot faster.”
At a later date, when recovery is imminent
"You are comfortable in your role you get inside the words, words more experienced than many your age, but you have come through a difficult time reached deep within yourself to rescue a spirit almost lost…………………. ………… ..You have travelled some journey I am bursting with pride on how you clawed yourself up the cliff. Tomorrow we will swim together, play like otters in the warm salt seas…………”
Written by a client as she describes why it is so difficult to lose weight:
“Beautiful Buxom Botticelli. With Bacchus for company she fills her table - edible orgasms, sweet to mouth, sweet to touch. A warm glass of something special in her palm, And soft fruits - say that again - soft fruits, linger in the mouth. No. Make it personal. The mouth is hers. Cherries redder than red, plums painstakingly picked……………….. ……… She loves to wash them. So careful and attentive is she. Running water over soft mounds of purple hue Miracles from our maker……………………. Look later. The table’s laid and laden luscious with love. “Choice of cream or custard?” “I’ll have a bit of both” says the great provider to herself.”
From a wife and mother:
“… .as a wife and mother, I’m used to being the one in charge……giving up that control has been so difficult……..”“….without this honesty we wouldn’t be able to get to the root of the issue. I never before appreciated how important that is, and when I find out who I am, then I can have a better relationship with those close to me.”
© Empatico 2009—2011