Testimonials
"I like the
atmosphere. Westwind is NOT a typical clinic with
white walls and long terrifying hallways. The program
is working WITH the clients. Nobody is forced by the
staff to do anything they don't want. I liked the
fact that we were allowed to contact the therapist on
their cell phone, even on weekends. Bryan was always
there to talk to. The clinic is his life. Especially
for the younger clients, he was sort of a father
figure. I loved the fact that the clients are going
to stay in touch with Westwind and we are able to
have sessions over the phone after we leave."
Former client from Germany.
"Westwind has been the best thing in my life. Brian and Barb, your time, effort and endless support is appreciated more that you will ever know. Though my struggles through recovery may not be over, the strength you have helped me to gain over my eating disorder will lead me to a healthier, happier life. Thank you so much for all you have done for me, helping me take back control. You will always hold a special place in my heart. The time I spent here at Westwind has been of great value to me."
Victoria L.
"Hello, this is Michelle and I am interested in entering your treatment centre. Can you tell me a little about your program." "So, you don't lock the bathrooms?" "I'm not forced to eat?" "I can set my own goals?" I hung up the phone and pondered what I just heard for several hours. I was excited by what I heard, but I was also unsure how a program like this could work. I have never heard of such a philosophy. Every other centre I had been in or called, locked bathrooms, forced eating and set goals for me. They all took the philosophy that I could not be responsible for myself or my actions and taught me to view myself the same. So I was confused by a program who trusted me before they knew me and gave me the message from day one that I COULD trust myself. Although this program perplexed me, it seemed worth a shot. I put my name on the waiting list and entered the program 2 months later in June 2002.
It took a month for me to adjust to such a different treatment view, but it didn't take long after that to realize what a gift Westwind had given me - the gift of trust. And how that gift changed my life. I'm not going to lie to you - the recovery road was not easy, seemed never-ending at times, and extremely rough and painful to travel. Every day was a struggle and progress seemed slow. But the gift I was given was priceless and in my mind the key to my recovery.
Each morning began with each client listing their accomplishments. When I began my list was short and simple, but each week it began to grow as I began to grow. About two months into my stay I reflected on my accomplishments and it was then I first realized the preciousness of Westwind's gift. As I looked at this list, I realized that each accomplishment came from me - and not from force. If I didn't purge, it was because I used my coping skills, not because the bathroom was locked. If I ate three meals, it was because I made the effort, not because I was coerced or forced. It was then I first realized, "I can do this!". Don't get me wrong - I had tremendous support grom the staff, but the control was mine, not theirs. The accomplishments were mine. I believe the gift of trust made it easier to give up the control of my eating disorder because I found control in a new way - health!
Four months after I entered the doors of Westwind, I left. The day before I left, I reviewed what I had accomplished during my stay. I ate foods I never dreamed I would eat. I ate pizza at my goodbye party. I ate in a healthy manner, was free of all purging behaviours, challenged myself daily, smiled more, and had a new brighter outlook. I was apprehensive to return home, but not fearful. After all Westwind and home weren't that much different - both had no locked bathrooms, both had freedom, both didn't force eating, and both gave trust.
Thank you Westwind for not only giving me a supportive place to get my life back, but for trusting me. It is a priceless gift I will always cherish.
Michelle L.
After many countless treatment centers, doctors, psychiatrists, nutritionists and endless hospitals I have for eleven years been in search for an answer. It is so frustrating having an ailment and just trying to find a way to make it go away. Unfortunately, I have come to learn that there is no majic pill - if there was I would be a multi-millionaire and writing my memoirs on some remore island in the Carribean! What I do know is that I had given up, until I found Westwind. Westwind is different from every other program I have ever encountered, because instead of taking control, it gives you control. There are no locked bathrooms, forbidden foods, stringent rules or harsh punishments.
Basically, Westwind is all about self-choice. You choose your life and how you want to live it. People with eating disorders are so focused on the negative. Any negativitiy or denial only worsens the problem. People don't realise teh more control you take away from a sufferer, the more they try to take back - usually in the form of food. By giving back the control, one can only feel power and independance, which opens the door for positive opportunity.
The focus isn't on weight, scales, numbers or size. Rather, it is on developing a healthy, normal relationship with food and life. Developing healthy lifestyle habits helps you get in touch with reality. It also helps awaken your passion for life. In my case, I'm realizing that there is a future for me. I'm starting to try to steer my focus away from my bizzare dark world, and trusting the waters of a brighter one. Even though I've got about one toe in the water at least I'm checking to see how warm the water is.
I've managed to get myself on somewhat of a daily structure and I'm trying to concentrate on recovery. At least I feel that I have finally found a direction and it is upwards. I'm setting positive goals for myself and trying to get in touch with what I enjoy. I don't know much about Melissa, but here I'm starting to rememer who I used to be and what I want to do without anorexia. I know that I am someone who does love the things live has to offer and I'm excited!
Melissa D.
Attitude by Charles Swindell (one of Heather P.'s favorite quotes)
"The longer I live the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than whatever other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home. The remarkable thing is, you have a choice everyday regarding the attitude you will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it." And so it is with you!
Overall View of Treatment Centre:
What did you like most about the treatment you received here:
Former client from Germany.
"Westwind has been the best thing in my life. Brian and Barb, your time, effort and endless support is appreciated more that you will ever know. Though my struggles through recovery may not be over, the strength you have helped me to gain over my eating disorder will lead me to a healthier, happier life. Thank you so much for all you have done for me, helping me take back control. You will always hold a special place in my heart. The time I spent here at Westwind has been of great value to me."
Victoria L.
"Hello, this is Michelle and I am interested in entering your treatment centre. Can you tell me a little about your program." "So, you don't lock the bathrooms?" "I'm not forced to eat?" "I can set my own goals?" I hung up the phone and pondered what I just heard for several hours. I was excited by what I heard, but I was also unsure how a program like this could work. I have never heard of such a philosophy. Every other centre I had been in or called, locked bathrooms, forced eating and set goals for me. They all took the philosophy that I could not be responsible for myself or my actions and taught me to view myself the same. So I was confused by a program who trusted me before they knew me and gave me the message from day one that I COULD trust myself. Although this program perplexed me, it seemed worth a shot. I put my name on the waiting list and entered the program 2 months later in June 2002.
It took a month for me to adjust to such a different treatment view, but it didn't take long after that to realize what a gift Westwind had given me - the gift of trust. And how that gift changed my life. I'm not going to lie to you - the recovery road was not easy, seemed never-ending at times, and extremely rough and painful to travel. Every day was a struggle and progress seemed slow. But the gift I was given was priceless and in my mind the key to my recovery.
Each morning began with each client listing their accomplishments. When I began my list was short and simple, but each week it began to grow as I began to grow. About two months into my stay I reflected on my accomplishments and it was then I first realized the preciousness of Westwind's gift. As I looked at this list, I realized that each accomplishment came from me - and not from force. If I didn't purge, it was because I used my coping skills, not because the bathroom was locked. If I ate three meals, it was because I made the effort, not because I was coerced or forced. It was then I first realized, "I can do this!". Don't get me wrong - I had tremendous support grom the staff, but the control was mine, not theirs. The accomplishments were mine. I believe the gift of trust made it easier to give up the control of my eating disorder because I found control in a new way - health!
Four months after I entered the doors of Westwind, I left. The day before I left, I reviewed what I had accomplished during my stay. I ate foods I never dreamed I would eat. I ate pizza at my goodbye party. I ate in a healthy manner, was free of all purging behaviours, challenged myself daily, smiled more, and had a new brighter outlook. I was apprehensive to return home, but not fearful. After all Westwind and home weren't that much different - both had no locked bathrooms, both had freedom, both didn't force eating, and both gave trust.
Thank you Westwind for not only giving me a supportive place to get my life back, but for trusting me. It is a priceless gift I will always cherish.
Michelle L.
After many countless treatment centers, doctors, psychiatrists, nutritionists and endless hospitals I have for eleven years been in search for an answer. It is so frustrating having an ailment and just trying to find a way to make it go away. Unfortunately, I have come to learn that there is no majic pill - if there was I would be a multi-millionaire and writing my memoirs on some remore island in the Carribean! What I do know is that I had given up, until I found Westwind. Westwind is different from every other program I have ever encountered, because instead of taking control, it gives you control. There are no locked bathrooms, forbidden foods, stringent rules or harsh punishments.
Basically, Westwind is all about self-choice. You choose your life and how you want to live it. People with eating disorders are so focused on the negative. Any negativitiy or denial only worsens the problem. People don't realise teh more control you take away from a sufferer, the more they try to take back - usually in the form of food. By giving back the control, one can only feel power and independance, which opens the door for positive opportunity.
The focus isn't on weight, scales, numbers or size. Rather, it is on developing a healthy, normal relationship with food and life. Developing healthy lifestyle habits helps you get in touch with reality. It also helps awaken your passion for life. In my case, I'm realizing that there is a future for me. I'm starting to try to steer my focus away from my bizzare dark world, and trusting the waters of a brighter one. Even though I've got about one toe in the water at least I'm checking to see how warm the water is.
I've managed to get myself on somewhat of a daily structure and I'm trying to concentrate on recovery. At least I feel that I have finally found a direction and it is upwards. I'm setting positive goals for myself and trying to get in touch with what I enjoy. I don't know much about Melissa, but here I'm starting to rememer who I used to be and what I want to do without anorexia. I know that I am someone who does love the things live has to offer and I'm excited!
Melissa D.
Attitude by Charles Swindell (one of Heather P.'s favorite quotes)
"The longer I live the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than whatever other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home. The remarkable thing is, you have a choice everyday regarding the attitude you will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it." And so it is with you!
Overall View of Treatment Centre:
- I progressed more in 7 weeks than I have in 4 years.
- If client is committed to recovery , it works wonders.
- If I had to come back, this is the only place I would go.
- I’m cured! Ha Ha, It’s great to be healthy again!
- Very effective and life changing.
What did you like most about the treatment you received here:
- The philospohy of free choice with the support required to encourage positive changes.
- Being able to talk to someone at anytime, we were given home phone #’s if need be. As well as the support grom the other girls in the house.
- The therapy and especially the individual sessions were very helpful. I couldn’t have made it this far without counsellors.
- It felt like a family, I feel safe here; but was able to move forward and feel safe without my eating disorder. Trust, openness were here and support. I love to trust people and found it easy.
- The freedom and trust. Independence. Approachability and accesibility of staff.
- The openness and my ability to make my own mistakes.
- Unconditional love, respect, understanding, encouragement. Your treatment centre has everything for recovery including compassion.