Pre-Intake Client and Family Interview/Screening:
The relative success of any eating disorder treatment program is, in great measure, affected by the "goodness of fit" between the program and its participants. For this reason, both the client and her family will be interviewed regarding the elements of Avalon Hills' approach to treatment, thus enhancing the probability that the benefits of this unique treatment approach can be realized. In those instances where Avalon Hills might not be the best fit, qualified staff will assist parents in finding a more appropriate setting.
Stage One — Contracting:
Contracting consists of three elements: assessment, orientation, and treatment planning. Each newly admitted client will be assessed regarding readiness for change, psycho-social problems and concerns, symptom-related behaviors, and medical/nutritional status. Clients will receive an orientation to the principles and regimen of the program. Finally, each client will be involved in the development of her own treatment plan.
Stage Two — Awareness:
In this stage, clients identify key elements related to the development and maintenance of their eating disorder attitudes and behaviors, including awareness of the cultural, social, interpersonal, psychological, and spiritual aspects of their problems.
Stage Three — Exploration:
Clients advance to the third stage of treatment when they are able to acknowledge their motivations for maintaining their eating disorder symptoms, take ownership of their choices, and are ready to explore the causal factors, meanings, and consequences of their choices.
Stage Four — Action:
In this stage, clients have decided that change is necessary and desirable. They are willing to experiment with new ways of thinking, behaving, relating, and coping.
Stage Five — Transition Management:
Change is a process, not an event. Thus, even under the best of circumstances, some element of relapse is inevitable. The fifth and final stage of treatment focuses on preparing clients to leave the program and deal with the myriad of challenges that await them in the stressful, body-conscious, confusing world to which they return.
