"I suffered from an eating disorder for almost six years. Once I finally decided that I couldn’t handle the daily pressures I had forced upon myself, I sought treatment for my illness. I tried out-patient therapy, which worked but I need more treatment to help me overcome my disorder. I had heard from a people that the River Centre Clinic was an excellent treatment facility. I went there as a resident on the adolescent unit. Immediately, I realized that recovery wasn’t going to be an easy process. As time went on I was able to develop better eating habits and a positive outlook on recovery. I really enjoyed getting to know the other patients and the wonderful staff; in a way, the RCC became my home away from home. I overcame some of my fears, started to come out of my depression, and was able to see positive things in myself that I didn’t see before. Now people describe me as lively, outgoing, strong, and someone that never gives up.  People at the RCC helped me accept these qualities in myself.  I will never regret my decision to come to the RCC because of all the memories and friends that were made; but most importantly, I learned I was able to learn to live my life without an eating disorder."
-Kristina

"I recommend entering the River Centre Clinic for treatment if you are battling an eating disorder. The treatment is so unique and the staff are very caring. It’s a real world treatment experience and that’s what makes it work. Now I can say in confidence I know who I am, I am confident in myself, I have a voice, and man I got my spunk back!  The work I got to do in therapy is what saved my life. My therapist was like no other therapist I had ever talked to before. She listened to me; she gave me things to work on about myself, she understood eating disorders, and she gave me the feeling that I could trust her and in doing that, I was able to talk about the hurt I had inside myself that I had never been able to express before. Every session I had with her I let go of pain and gained insight into my own self.

Of course there was the re-feeding, the most dreaded part of all, the part that I thought treatment only consisted of. It wasn’t anything like I expected it to be. I was in shock that I got to plan my own meals that I got to make my plate of food up. It took the whole control issue and put it in a different perspective. No one was choosing it for me and making me feel like I had no say in what to eat. In getting to plan my meals, I felt in control of what I was eating, and it made it much easier to get through re-feeding. I am very grateful to this day that I had the opportunity to get help for my anorexia at the River Centre Clinic. I learned so very much, I was cared about, listened to, taught to eat and not fear it and all of this took place with other girls battling eating disorders just like me.  I never thought I would be happy and dancing in between groups in treatment for my Eating Disorder, but I was and it was great."
-Kat

"I owe my life to River Centre Clinic. When I first walked through those doors, I thought that I would just be able to learn how to eat and not gain any weight and leave in two weeks. That was really my goal!! RCC showed me and taught me that if I want my life back I would have to be willing to give treatment a chance. Yes, it was very, very hard, especially those first two weeks. But then all of a sudden everything just clicked into place. With the help and support from all the amazing therapist and staff, (and I can’t forget to mention the other patients! They are also amazing and I made so many close friendships that will last a life time). I was able to realize that I am more than an eating disorder and I deserve to live a happy, healthy, and ED free life!! I went all through treatment without any symptoms and when I finished the program, RCC even helped me when I went home to live ED free. I would not be here if it wasn’t for River Centre. I learned so much about myself and they have been such an important place in my life. They gave me my life back!! I could write a book about RCC and how going there has changed my life for the better. Even now that I haven’t been to RCC for a while, I know that they are always there for me if I am struggling!! River Centre thanks for giving my life back and for saving so many others lives!"
- Tiffany

"I am a 23 year old in recovery from an eating disorder I battled with for 11 years. I also struggled with mood disorders and addiction. It took me ten years to admit to my family that I was struggling and I found myself at the RCC not long after that. At first I was resistant and it was a difficult, but the staff and patients stuck with me and kept me positive. The RCC offers amazing service, not just for eating disorders, but addiction and other disorders as well. They tackle all the issues surrounding the disorder which past treatment did not pay as much attention to.  RCC taught me tools that I will use for the rest of my life and I am grateful beyond words for their help and dedication."
-Stefanie

"I credit the River Centre Clinic with literally saving my life.  When I arrived I had no interest in recovery, thought what I was doing was the right thing for me and fought attempts to help me. But with unbelievable patience and scientifically based professional skill, the RCC staff helped me challenge my beliefs and taught me other ways of relating to people and coping with the difficulties that come with life. Everyone at the River Centre, the therapists, the kitchen, office and environmental staff were supportive and continually encouraging. I am very thankful for their work and their belief in me even when I had none."
-Ann

"Before coming to the River Centre in May 2008, I had been in and out of inpatient treatment 6 times in several different places, along with too many hospitalizations to keep track. Since being at the River Centre Clinic, I have been symptom free. I never thought that it was possible to fully recover from my eating disorder, but I have learned that it is, and the staff at the clinic have taught me that. Unlike other treatment facilities, you are given the excellent care that you need, while having the freedoms that most places do not allow. Unlike other treatment facilities, the River Centre teaches you how to live your life after treatment, and through transitions you are given the opportunity to practice "real life" experiences while still being in treatment. I can honestly say that the River Centre saved my life, as well as so many others. I have never seen as high of a sucess rate in any other treatment centers I have been to."
-Carly

"Before RCC I had been treated as an illness, not a person, and I never felt like I was heard. The RCC staff and environment allowed me to gain control of my eating disorder and begin to make decisions which have led me to my full recovery today. The commitment and extensive knowledge of the staff provides a treatment environment which nourishes one's body, mind, and soul. I am grateful every day for the new life that I began the moment I entered the RCC doors."
-mags

"The consistent dedication and support of the RCC staff truly made the difference in my recovery. The knowledge I obtained is evidenced by my exceptional growth. I learned how to be honest about my feelings, how to ask for help when I needed assistance, and how to effectively cope when times were tough. Today, I am free from an eating disorder. My worth is not defined by a number on a scale, but the person I truly am. The RCC saved me from a life of desperation and pain. I am the healthiest I have ever been, physically, mentally, and emotionally. The RCC staff is excellent, and will forever hold a special place in my heart." -Sarah

"I can honestly say that I don't think I would be here today if it weren't for the River Centre. I have been eating disorder free for over four years; something that I never thought would be possible. Not only did the River Centre help me with my eating disorder, but they also helped me be a better person in all other aspects of my life. I learned so many skills that have helped me tremendously over the years. One of the best things about the River Centre is the amazing therapists and staff. Each one is incredibly caring and helpful. I am so grateful for the help and support I received at the River Centre. I would highly recommend the River Centre to anyone with an eating disorder. It truly is a wonderful place." 
-Rachel

I am a 34-year-old woman who entered River Centre Clinic in 2007 after enduring a 20-year eating disorder. I went through 4 therapists and 30+ hospitalizations and nothing worked.  The combination of psycho-education, nutritional stabilization, and individual, group, and family therapy; combined into an individualized treatment that is delivered using an evidenced-based model; backed by research is second to none.  The staff’s knowledge and expertise allowed me to give myself fully to the program and the results are more than I could have ever expected.  It was the scariest and most difficult thing I have ever done but it was worth it because now I can say I am 100% recovered! I have accepted myself as a person and not a size and now live a full life. 
-Heather

"I was bulimic for 25 years (in which I binged and purged at least 10 -12 times per DAY.)   I was slowly killing myself.  I wanted to get help, but I was scared, ashamed and hopeless.  I didn't think I could ever live without my secret escape.  The monster within me was relentless and was winning miserably.   However, I was getting tired of my lies and loneliness.   After researching the River Centre's program and filling out the online assessment, I was confidentially contacted by understanding staff and was set to check in the end of Aug. 2009. Immediately, I started feeling comfortable (yet apprehensive) about my decision.  Every staff person helped to prepare the foundation for healing to begin....from teaching me to eat like a "normal" person to introducing me to honesty and assertiveness.  There was hope after all.  Sharing in the group sessions and the one-on-one therapy sessions helped me learn how to express my feelings and realize that I deserved love and life!  I am no longer just surviving and numbing myself with food, but I am actually present and available each day for myself, my family and friends.  As of the end of Feb. 2010, it has been 6 months since I have binged or purged or even had the desire to.  After 25 years of living with an eating disorder and NOT believing I could actually overcome it,  I can honestly say that I will forever be grateful for The River Centre Clinic and the new hope and life I now have.  Thank you RCC!"
-Judy