Secret Language Of Eating Disorders - Hardcover

Pierre, Peggy Claude

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0679308741 ISBN 13: 9780679308744

Publisher: Random House Canada, 1997

Synopsis

Peggy Claude-Pierre's revolutionary eating disorders program at the Montreux Counselling Centre near Victoria, BC, takes only those who are near death and have tried all other channels. Her unique treatment methods have offered new hope to sufferers and their families. After Peggy Claude-Pierre treated her own two anorexic daughters successfully, she became convinced that anorexia is a symptom of a larger problem -- that of a damaged self -- and not a disease. Heal the wounds within, and eating will begin again, naturally.

Unlike any hospital or clinic in the world, Peggy Claude-Pierre's methods have cured every one of these "patients of last resort." Her experience allows her to show why conventional wisdom's explanations and treatment for eating disorders have been so ineffective. Peggy brings a fresh perspective to both diagnosis and treatment -- one that finally explains its prevalence, the steps necessary to reverse it and ways to prevent the recidivism that plagues so many other treatment methods.

Peggy Claude-Pierre's program has gathered admiration from many quarters for its long-term success. Because of great demand, her clinic is now forging relationships with hospitals and clinics around the world and her program is attracting media attention.

Peggy has already made several "Oprah" appearances, most recently with an anorexic woman who had just entered her clinic. Oprah has committed to doing a follow-up program this fall to chart the woman's progress. Last year a "2020" show on Peggy and the clinic achieved the highest viewer response ever in the show's history. In addition, Peggy's story has become an international phenomenon, with rights sold in five countries and more auctions pending.

The Secret Language of Eating Disorders promises to revolutionize the way eating disorders are viewed and treated, and perhaps will save more than a few lives along the way.

As part of their therapy, Peggy has her patients illustrate their relationship with anorexia. These are examples of their art as well as excerpts from the thousands of letters Peggy receives annually.

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

About the Author:

Peggy Claude-Pierre opened her outpatient practice specializing in eating disorders in 1988; the Montreaux Clinic began its residential inpatient program in 1993. Millions have been introduced to Claude-Pierre's gentle yet positive approach to the treatment of anorexia and bulimia, thanks to her appearances on 20/20 (the first show on her work won a Peabody Award for excellance) and Oprah. She consults with health professionals and government representatives in North and South America, Western and Eastern Europe, as well as Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. She has been nominated for the Kiwanis World Service Medal and the Institute of Noetic Sciences Altruism Award. She is currently working with the Montreaux staff to create a teaching clinic to offer professional training to others who

About this edition

• Publisher: Random House Canada
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0679308741
• ISBN 13: 9780679308744
• Binding: Hardcover