Testimonials

“I would recommend to anyone who struggles with disordered eating to Woodleaf Center. It has changed me forever. I came to Woodleaf Center not even sure if I had an eating disorder. Because to me, having an eating disorder was too simple. I felt I had something so deeply wrong me, some mysterious illness that twisted my mind and my perception, that no amount of recovery work could help. I had been sober for the last 6 years, been in therapy for 10, and yet- no one touched upon this strange deep darkness that kept me ashamed of who I was on a cellular level. It wasn’t so much that I was ashamed of my body, it was almost like my body was ashamed of me. Yet something shocking happened- my heart broke open at Woodleaf. I found maybe for the first time others who understood what I felt and who felt as I did. I spent hours crying and laughing and learning and it changed who I am forever. I was educated that I didn’t have a mysterious incureable and unnameable disease- I had Binge Eating Disorder. I wasn’t a hopeless food addict who could never eat flour or sugar again- I had a disease that made me binge to deal with the outside world. I was listened to, I felt safe, I cried and threw fits. I listened to others, opened my heart, and compassion grew inside me. Weight had nothing to do with the work we were doing. All in all, the life changing lesson I learned was that I was not alone. I was not alone and I did not have be ashamed. I could have compassion for myself and I could work towards small sustainable goals for long lasting change. I would recommend to anyone who struggles with disordered eating to Woodleaf Center. It has changed me forever.”

“Having been a member at Woodleaf was an extremely valuable experience for me on my journey to overcome my eating disorder.  The program made me feel safe, listened to, and always cared for.  My time spent at WL has instilled lifelong lessons and helped equip me with the tools to help me beat my ED after treatment.  I would recommend the WLEDS to anyone in search of compassionate and confidential help in overcoming their ED.”

“I completed your program a few months ago and I’m just writing you guys to thank you for changing my life! Deciding to pick up the phone and call you was the best decision I’ve ever made for myself and sticking to your program and following all of the advice I was given has transformed my every day reality from bleak and grim to full of possibility and days enjoyed to the fullest. I’m doing exceptionally well, moving forward and not pausing for a second to look back. I spent 7+ years in an Eating Disorder nightmare and you guys helped me get out of it. Just wanted to drop a line and thank you for helping me find that light at the end of the tunnel that I’d almost given up on ever seeing. “

“From my first interaction with Woodleaf, I felt supported. I was nervous to go to treatment; I had tried in the past, and it never quite stuck with me. I felt isolated and ashamed and mainly disappointed in myself that I had relapsed again. I decided to call Woodleaf for an intake. From my first interaction with Woodleaf, I felt supported. The treatment team was different than anything I have ever experienced in the past. The compassion, kindness and care of the team truly radiates. I found myself leaving groups inspired and empowered, looking forward to my next sessions (even meal groups!). I felt that it was safe for me to let my eating disorder out and let the healing in at Woodleaf. They helped me find my voice by challenging and encouraging me to be open, honest and reflective. I was able to build a foundation here that has continued to work for me long after I’ve “graduated” from Woodleaf. As an “alum,” I know that if I ever needed support, referrals or just to check in, Woodleaf would be behind me. My entire experience at Woodleaf was one that profoundly changed my life. I cherish the relationships I’ve made, the healing I’ve found, and the direction my life has gone because of their help. I felt the team was walking alongside me throughout my journey to recovery and I’m so very thankful for them all.“

“I am so happy to write this review because this place is a little gem that I found out about word of mouth. I thank god I did and that a place like this exists. I came to Woodleaf Center right after I had a bad experience at another program. It was filled with teenagers and staff followed me to the bathroom (yes it’s true!) They also made me “clean my plate” every time I ate. I felt like I was 5 years old again with my mother watching me eat. I am 33 year old bulimic and honestly it really did not help me one bit to be forced to eat every last bite off of the plate. I dropped out and then just when I was about to give up I found Woodleaf. It is a small program and they treated me like an adult (no more teenie boppers). They really focused on my issues and me as a person. They definitely don’t have a “one size fits all” approach, thank goodness. Even though it has been 3 years I still use the tools and skills I learned there. I can’t say enough good things about this place.”

Simply stated, the treatment I received at Woodleaf Center gave me my life back. It taught me new coping skills that are helping me every day as I move forward in ED recovery. Deciding to enter the program was very difficult since I am a professional, in my 30’s, and this was my second time for eating disorder treatment. This setting how-ever was very private and confidential and I found others who were in my age range and experiencing the same turmoil with their ED’s. Again, this program gave me my life back and although it was difficult to decide to go it was probably one the best decisions I have ever made.

“I would highly recommend Woodleaf Center for anyone suffering from an eating disorder. What a great program. When I came to Woodleaf Center I was unemployed and they waived my fees for me. A miracle for someone with no family support. I had anorexia and was spending so much time and energy simply hating myself and my body. I had gone to individual therapy before but my therapist did not know alot about anorexia and it just wasn’t helping. The people who work at Woodleaf really are experts and what a difference that made right away. I was so grateful the nutrition approach was flexible and allowed me to go at my own pace. I was so scared about that part. My group leader was fantasic, really inspring to everyone in there. I also went to their free aftercare group for a long time which was nice. April still contacts me too after all these years just to see if I need any referrals or support. It just feels comforting knowing I can reach out to them anytime in the future if I need.”

“Treatment at Woodleaf Center saved my life. I was so depressed and had no one to turn to. Worst, I felt so much shame and honestly just fear, fear that nothing would ever change. This place is extremely experienced in dealing with eating disorders and the staff is top of the line. I graduated the program in 2006 and continued to see my therapist from Woodleaf in her private practice for 3 years afterwards, she is amazing. I just contacted Woodleaf recently and she is still working there as a supervisor and so are most of the staff that was there when I was. Amazing. I truly wish that I could have gone there much earlier in my life because it would have spared me a few wrong turns. After Woodleaf I was able to actually finally let go of my ED and move on to a new life. Thank you Woodleaf so glad to know you are still there helping so many people. I wish you the best and so much more. Rock on!