As the Collaborative of Eating Disorders Organizations (CEDO), we are excited to unite and announce Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2024, February 26 – March 3, 2024!
This year’s theme is, “Healing in Community.” Community can be such a powerful tool in healing – we are so much better together. We look forward to having you join us and stay tuned for more information.
The EDF office will be closed Thursday, March 14th, due to weather. Barring power outages, all virtual services will continue as scheduled, and staff will remain available by phone and e-mail.
We know you because we’ve been you
Are you seeking support from someone who understands what you are going through? Through EDF’s mentorship program, we will match you with a mentor who has walked the path and understands the complexity of the recovery journey. This 10-week program will provide one-on-one support during weekly connections. We strongly believe in the power of connection, meaningful conversations, and creating a community of like-minded individuals – factors we attribute to living a life in/towards recovery. We welcome individuals 16+ from all states in the US. Pairs may meet virtually or in person.
We at EDF are absolutely blown away by the massive interest in our blossoming mentorship program. We have received an unprecedented number of applications from members of the community who want to pursue recovery with us.
Please note that this program has a limited number of available mentors, so there is no guarantee you will be paired. Mentee applicants not accepted this round may re-apply next quarter. You must be at least 16 years of age and a resident of the United States to apply.
How do I apply?
Submit your application by December 12th
Please take a minute to read three important points before submitting your application:
1. Mentee applications will be available from today through Tuesday, December 12th. Please take your time to fill out your application. The more details you give us, the better we get to know you! Please refrain from providing one line answers.
2. Due to the high demand for this program, applications will only be accepted between today and December 12th. If you submit your application after these dates, it will not be reviewed.
3. This program has a limited number of available mentors, so there is no guarantee that you will be paired. Mentee applicants not accepted this round may be encouraged to re-apply next quarter.
Are you ready to take the next step?
Select the form below and return via email by December 12th to EDF Staff: cengels@eatingdisorderfoundation.org
- If your application is not approved for this quarter, an EDF staff member will contact you to discuss how we can continue to support your journey.
- If your application is approved to the next step. You will receive an email to set up an application review so we can get to know you better.
To learn more about this program, contact us at cengels@eatingdisorderfoundation.org.
For help finding professional support, or if you are in need of some extra resources, please feel free to call us at 303.322.3373 or email info@eatingdisorderfoundation.org.
Want to become a mentor instead? Read more here.
Confident Caregiving Retreat
Get the tools you need and the support you deserve so you can start feeling more calm, confident and connected while supporting a loved one.
What can you expect from the EFFT 2-Day Caregiver Retreat?
By the end of the 2-Day Retreat, you will have the tools you need to:
- Respond more effectively to your own emotional reactions to your loved one
- Stay more calm and grounded in moments of crisis
- Feel confident navigating the most difficult conversations with your loved one
- Better connect to your loved one despite the struggles
Get the tools you need and the support you deserve in this 2-Day Retreat so you can start feeling more calm, confident and connected, both to your loved one and the Caregiver you want to be.
Space will be limited to keep the retreat intimate.
What is Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)?
Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that centers on working with caregivers- parents, spouses, friends, family members- to support a loved one that is suffering with a mental health issue.
At the heart of EFFT is the belief in the superpower that is the connection between a caregiver and their loved one and the use of specific, concrete tools to leverage that neurobiological connection for better outcomes, both for the person struggling and those that love them.
Backed by science and rooted in love, EFFT answers the question “but what can I do to help when my loved one struggles?”. Caregivers are one of- if not the- most important part of any individual’s treatment team and EFFT gets Caregivers the skills and support they both need and deserve to be as powerful and effective as possible in their support of their loved one.
For more information, please see: https://www.mentalhealthfoundations.ca/efft
9am-4pm each day
In-person (local and out-of-state participants welcome)
Cost: $500 for one Caregiver; $250 for any additional Caregivers
If you prefer to pay via check, please contact us at 303-322-3373 or info@eatingdisorderfoundation.org.
For reminders about these events and others, sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of our home page https://www.eatingdisorderfoundation.org/
For questions about this event, contact us at 303-322-3373 or info@eatingdisorderfoundation.org
Is this retreat for me?
If you have come across this retreat, we can imagine that you are desperate to help your loved one. You are standing by, watching, as they do battle with their mental health issues- anxiety, depression, eating disorders- and you feel like your hands are tied. You want to help, but you are terrified of saying or doing the wrong thing and making it worse. No one should have to feel this way. You sense you could help- you love them after all- if you only knew how.
Using the skills we will cover in this 2-Day retreat, we have helped hundreds of Caregivers regain their sense of confidence in supporting their loved one- of any age- with any mental health issue.
If you want more tools on how to help your loved one on a path toward mental wellness, this is an invaluable resource. These skills will take you from stress and conflict to calm and connection with your loved one.
Research has shown this exact 2-Day Retreat leads to:
- a decrease in Caregiver’s fear and self-blame
- an increase in confidence in supporting your loved one
- significant improvement in the loved one’s symptoms.
Yes. A workshop YOU take can help significantly reduce your loved one’s symptoms. You knew you could help and you were right, you just need the right tools.
Details:
- 2-Days from 9 am-4 pm with an hour break for lunch each day and breaks throughout the day
- in-person
- Enrollment will be limited to provide the maximum amount of 1:1 support throughout the workshop and chance to connect with one another
- This workshop will fill up, so register soon!
In the 2-Days, we will cover
- Caregiver Blocks (how to manage the fears and feelings that can get in the way of showing up how we want to for our loved ones)
- Emotion Coaching (what to say in tough conversations)
- Behavior Coaching (how to help your loved one stop doing things that are hurting them and move toward better coping skills)
- Therapeutic Apology (a powerful intervention to help address your loved one’s blame towards you or your own self-blame).
If you aren’t convinced that YOU doing a workshop can actually help your loved one, check out this video: “Why We Want You” on the Power of Parents and Caregivers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat uses Emotion-Focused Family Therapy. EFFT is a promising way to train caregivers in the support of their loved one’s recovery from an eating disorder. This evidence-based model empowers parents and caregivers; it is a lifespan approach that can be delivered for people of any age who are impacted by an eating disorder. Whether you’re supporting the recovery of a young child or an adult, you might find these skills tremendously useful. This is also great for any kind of caregiver – parents, grandparents, foster parents and more are welcome.
The population reaching out for any of our services is large and diverse, and we know the same will be true for this retreat. We welcome folks of all genders, races, sexual identities, sizes, religions, abilities, incomes, etc. to sign up. You do not need to be a member of EDF’s other programs to join.
My child has never been diagnosed with an eating disorder; can I still attend?
We recognize that disordered eating and body image lie on a spectrum that may not escalate to a clinical diagnosis, and that clinical support and diagnosis are not accessible to everyone. Our services are open to folks in all stages of recovery, and do not require a diagnosis or treatment in order to become part of our community. That includes our Family & Friends programs too! Our programs also encompass diverse identities and levels of experience. No matter your loved one’s particular struggle, if you think you could benefit from caregiver skills, we’d love to have you.
I don’t live in Denver, can I still come?
Yes! You do not need to be local to attend; folks from all over are welcome to join us! You are responsible for your own travel and accommodations, and must make sufficient arrangements to be present at EDF by 9AM on April 5th.
Is food provided?
Lunch will be provided on both days of the retreat.
You are responsible for your own breakfast and dinner. Participants are welcome to make arrangements to get together and enjoy some of the food our lovely city has to offer.
Where is the retreat located?
Retreat activities will take place at our office, located at 1901 E 20th Ave, Denver, CO 80205. A Place of Our Own is a two-story revamped building that houses EDF’s support and education programs. Designed to be free-flowing and secure, the building also serves as headquarters for our staff and volunteers, and is surrounded by a spacious and inviting garden that’s open to visitors most of the year.
What should I bring? How should I prepare?
We always suggest arriving a few minutes early your first time here, so we can give you a tour of the facility and answer any questions you might have. You may park in our small parking lot in the alley, or you may use street parking. Please bring a notebook and pen. You are welcome to bring a blanket, water bottle, doodle pad, fidget toy, or whatever you need to feel comfortable.
Masks are encouraged but not required. Please practice social distancing and remain home if you are feeling unwell. If you are feeling sick or have concerns about getting sick, please consider our virtual support groups or phone availability as alternatives to in-person services.
What is the schedule?
You should plan to be at 1901 E 20th Ave by 9AM each day. There will be one lunch break per day, plus snack breaks. Activities will run until about 4-5PM, at which point you are free to relax, explore the city, or socialize with other attendees.
Do I have to pay by card? Can I pay with a check?
I f you prefer to pay via check, please contact us at 303-322-3373 or info@eatingdisorderfoundation.org.
Are spots limited?
To make this experience as comfortable and supportive as possible, this retreat is limited to approximately 20 participants. Spots are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. If spots are sold out, please feel free to sign up for the waitlist.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you are not able to make it, please let us know as soon as possible, no later than two weeks prior to the retreat, so that your spot can be made available to someone on the waitlist. We will refund your ticket, fees excluded, on a case-by-case basis. We cannot guarantee a refund if you cancel within two weeks of the retreat date.
What is not included?
Retreat tickets do not include long distance or local transportation, lodging, breakfast, dinner, travel insurance, or additional activities outside of scheduled retreat hours.
Retreat Agenda:
Friday, April 5th: Day 1:
9 am: Introductions and Goal Setting
9:30 am: What causes eating disorders?
10:00 am: The WHY of Caregiver Involvement
10:30: Caregiver Blocks: WHAT Makes this Hard and How to Get Through it
12 pm: LUNCH BREAK
1 pm: Emotion Coaching 101: What to SAY When Your Loved One Struggles
· Feelings 101
· How to Become an Emotion Coach
· Script Building and Breakout Groups
4-4:30 pm: Q and A (Optional)
Saturday, April 6th: Day 2:
9 am: Homework Review
9:30: Emotion Coaching 201: Your Loved One’s Biggest Struggles
· Self-Blame
· Hopelessness
· Anger
· Shut Down/Silent
· Breakout Groups
12 pm: Lunch Break
1 pm: Therapeutic Apology
3 pm: Behavior Coaching
3:30 pm: Wrap-up and Goal Setting
4-4:30 pm: Q and A (Optional)
Meet the lead facilitator
Bryn Miller, LPC, CEDS-C, Certified Advanced Therapist in Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
Bryn Miller is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Colorado, a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Supervisor and an Certified Advanced Therapist in Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). She is also runs the Monthly Connection Caregiver Skills Group through The Eating Disorder Foundation.
With nearly a decade working with adolescents and young adults with eating disorders alongside their parents and caregivers at every level of care, Bryn is passionate about supporting both individuals and their support teams to explore and heal their relationships with food and their bodies. Bryn approaches her work, both with individuals and their loved ones, with the goal of whole family healing.
In service of the mission to better support caregivers and inspired by EFFT, Bryn founded Bryn Miller Parent Coaching and developed her signature 5-Step Parent Coaching Program, The Response Roadmap. Through live groups and her on-demand course, Bryn empowers parents to access their sense of calm and confidence to better connect to their children and the parents they want to be, regardless of the struggles.
When Bryn is not working, she is writing, meditating, embarrassing herself in a hip-hop dance class and trying (largely unsuccessfully) to keep up with her own two small children.
Retreat Resources
Airport:
Denver International Airport
Retreat Location:
The Eating Disorder Foundation: 1901 E. 20th Ave. Denver, CO 80205
Hotels:
- Double Tree by Hilton Denver Central Park ⭐⭐⭐
- Hilton Garden Inn Denver/Cherry Creek ⭐⭐⭐
- Moxy Denver Cherry Creek ⭐⭐⭐
- Super 8 by Wyndham Denver Stapleton ⭐⭐
- Renaissance Denver Central Park Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Double Tree by Hilton Denver Cherry Creek ⭐⭐⭐
- Airbnb / VRBO
Neighborhoods to look at:
- City Park West
- Cherry Creek
- Central Park
- Park Hill
Fun things to do:
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Denver Zoo
- Denver Museum of Nature and Science
- Meow Wolf
- Museo de las Americas free day April 5
- First Friday Art Walk on Santa Fe
Restaurants:
- Onefold
- Syrup City Park
- Olive and Finch
- Stanley Marketplace (many restaurant options)
- The Weathervane Café
- Chada Thai
- Machete Tequila & Tacos (Colfax location / Cherry Creek location)
- Denver Biscuit Company
- White Pie
- Watercourse Foods (vegan food)
Transportation:
Rideshare Apps: Uber, Lyft
Denver International Airport Transportation Information(Information about commuter trains, car share services, charter buses, hotel shuttles, limousines, public bus service, ride app share, shared-ride services and taxicabs)
Bus Stops Near EDF:
EDF is marked with the blue dot on the map below.
Bus Stops nearby are:
18th Ave & High Street, York St & 21st Ave, 18th Ave & York St, York St & 21st Ave, 18th Ave & Franklin St, 17th Ave & Race St
The mission of The Eating Disorder Foundation is to be an effective resource in the prevention and elimination of eating disorders through education, support, and advocacy. Learn more about us at https://www.eatingdisorderfoundation.org/
Doors open 6PM
Brief introduction from EDF and Denver Fatties at 6:20
Film starts 6:30PM
Field of Vision and BFI Doc Society present a Glimmer Films production
Your Fat Friend
A Film by Jeanie Finlay
96 minutes Documentary 2023
Made over 6 years, director Jeanie Finlay charts the rise of writer and activist Aubrey Gordon from anonymous blogger “Your Fat Friend” to NYTimes best selling author and beloved podcaster.
Her searingly honest writing describes what it’s like to be that fat person on the plane..
… and how the fantasies, peddled by a diet and wellness industry worth $26 billion a year are on a par with the lies that Big Tobacco told the public in the 1950s. (95% of diets fail for lasting weight loss). And how the biggest threat to fat people’s health might just be the bias that some many health care providers hold for fat people.
…and about her own fractured relationship to her body.
She spent a decade campaigning for LGBTQIA rights so she knows that change is possible. Now it’s time to advocate for herself.
This isn’t about “body positivity” co-opted by brands to sell fat-kinis to size 16 women. Her aim? A paradigm shift in the way we see fat people and the fat on our own bodies. It has brought her an insatiable worldwide audience and threats to her life.
The most meaningful personal change is when her family start listening to her message.
YOUR FAT FRIEND, a film about fatness, family, the complexities of making change and the deep, messy feelings we hold about our bodies.
Previous Film Festivals
Tribeca – World premiere
Sheffield Doc Fest – audience award winner
DC Dox
Edinburgh International Film Festival
DMZ – Seoul, Korea
TallGrass Film festival – Honourable Mention
St Louis – audience award winner
Leeds International film Festival – Top 3 audience award
Learn more:
Website: http://www.yrfatfriendfilm.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jeaniefinlay
Twitter Profile: @yrfatfriendfilm
Instagram Profile: @yrfatfriendfilm
Rating
15 BBFC – strong language
Running Time
95.55 minutes
Content Warning
Swearing, eating disorders
SEATING INFORMATION AND ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
Seat backs are 16.5″ wide x 29″ high
Seat bottoms are 17.5″ w x 18.5″ front to back
Armrests raise up and are 3″ wide
Language of Film – English
Closed or open captioning for the film – we will likely include these but will update this page when we are able to confirm.
Each Sie FilmCenter theater is wheelchair accessible and has companion seats.
Wheelchair-accessible parking is available in the Sie FilmCenter parking garage. The parking garage elevator if taken to the lower level opens into the Sie FilmCenter. This elevator is also accessible from the courtyard level.
Enhanced Assistive Listening Devices are available at the Sie FilmCenter through the box office. We recommend reaching out ahead of time.
Call the Sie FilmCenter box office at 720-381-0813 for more information
About the Collaborators
Denver Fatties is a fat positive group for fat people in the Denver area. If you’d like to join, we ask that you identify as fat, believe in the fat acceptance movement and live in the Denver area (within driving distance). We believe in intersectionality and supporting issues that affect fat people, from fatshion to healthcare and beyond. We aim to break down diet culture and remain weight neutral, which means we do not allow talk of weightloss. You can join Denver Fatties on Facebook.
The mission of The Eating Disorder Foundation is to be an effective resource in the prevention and elimination of eating disorders through education, support, and advocacy. Learn more about us at https://www.eatingdisorderfoundation.org/
Conceiving a Healthy Recovery: Exploring the Connection between Fertility, Motherhood, and Eating Disorders
When: Thursday, April 18th
Time: 5:00-6:00pm Mountain Time
Who: Everyone is welcome
Where: Virtually on Zoom
Cost: free
Brought to you in collaboration with Kate Daigle Counseling
Kate Daigle, LPC, CEDS is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist with a private practice in Denver since 2010. She is the author of “The Clinical Guide to Fertility, Motherhood and Eating Disorders” and does presentations and workshops all around the country. Kate is a mother and an eating disorder survivor, and through her own journey with fertility and recovery is passionate about exploring the connection between these conditions and helping clients feel empowered and free. Kate has been volunteering at EDF since 2008 and is very excited to present once again to the EDF community and beyond! Information about her book and practice can be found at www.katedaiglecounseling.com
For reminders about these events and others, sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of our home page https://www.eatingdisorderfoundation.org/
For questions about this event, contact us at 303-322-3373 or info@eatingdisorderfoundation.org
The mission of The Eating Disorder Foundation is to be an effective resource in the prevention and elimination of eating disorders through education, support, and advocacy. Learn more about us at https://www.eatingdisorderfoundation.org/