The Secret Language of Eating Disorders: How You Can Understand and Work to Cure Anorexia and Bulimia - Softcover

Claude-Pierre, Peggy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0375750185 ISBN 13: 9780375750182

Publisher: Random House USA Inc, 1998

Synopsis

In this approachable look at the complex topic of eating disorders, Peggy Claude-Pierre examines the common misconceptions around anorexia and bullemia to discover the true causes and present a valid and healing path.

"A provacative new analysis . . . a gripping, often chilling view of what it's like to battle these horrific diseases." --Newsweek

About this title

Review:

Advised to prepare for the death of her two daughters from anorexia, Peggy-Claude Pierre refused to accept there was nothing more to be done for them. And so began a crusade against the ruthless illnesses of anorexia and bulimia.

Beginning with an emotional account of her experience of caring for two daughters with anorexia, Claude-Pierre offers an honest and intriguing insight into the minds of sufferers.

Surprisingly, she dismisses the notion that anorexia is primarily about weight or body image and also refuses to blame media images of wafer-thin models for the increase in the disease.

The author attributes eating disorders to "Confirmed Negativity Condition"--or basically a low self- image. The victims will often show signs of this from an early age as they strive to be the best at everything but are never satisfied with their achievements. Claude-Pierre, now a therapist running the Montreux Clinic in Canada and counselling children as young as three, challenges the idea that sufferers are selfish, but believes instead they are often sensitive individuals who are eager to please and tend to take responsibility for others.

Her psychology background is evident and many of her theories of unconditional love, respect and support follow traditional counselling methods.

The basis of her treatment is to boost the victims' self image and gradually steer them away from the path of self-destruction. Her daughters' recoveries were brought about by her stubborn refusal to accept that anorexia was incurable and this is bound to offer hope and inspiration to those in a similar position. The accounts and artwork of sufferers portrayed here could hardly fail to tug at the heartstrings and they provide greater understanding of a condition surrounded by myths. --Carole Butterworth

Review:

"Peggy Claude-Pierre is a warrior--ferocious and relentless--whose work has rescued a decade of sufferers."
--Edward Feller, M.D., F.A.C.P.,
Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine,
Brown University School of Medicine

"Peggy Claude-Pierre has created a paradigm shift in the way we view and treat anorexia. Peggy has shifted the focus of care from that of controlling the symptoms of disordered eating to healing the negativity that would otherwise plague the individual for the rest of his or her life. I have developed the utmost respect for her, for I realize that she has translated the secret language of anorexia. Now it is up to us to use the knowledge she has revealed."
--Daniel J. Smith, M.D.

"Peggy Claude-Pierre's work begins where attachment to the limiting obstacles of theory end. She has brought back from the dead many young lives the world deemed hopeless. . . . There are many who possess the title of 'doctor' who have never come close to her incredible example of the selfless healer."
--Craig T. Pratt, M.D.,
Chief, Division of Addiction Medicine,
Grant-Riverside Methodist Hospital

About this edition

• Publisher: Random House USA Inc
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0375750185
• ISBN 13: 9780375750182
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320