Reasons that Charis Stands Above Any Other Eating Disorder Treatment Program:

1. Processing is encouraged and facilitated after every single meal and snack.

2. Support is provided to share and reframe automatic negative thoughts in light of the truth every single morning.

3. There is an emphasis on separating one's identity from the eating disorder (ED). This means leaving no room for the ED to have a voice, such as facilitating nonnegotiable full completion at meal and snack times. Patients' true identity apart from the ED is celebrated, and they experience unconditional love and support.

4. The gospel power of Jesus Christ is central, and the treatment team speaks in terms of hope and full recovery rather than inevitable relapse.

5. The small census and highly competent, compassionate staff make it feel like being at home with a family, rather than feeling "trapped" in an institution.

6. The clinical director and program founder are daily involved in the activities and needs of the patients. No matter how busy they are, they demonstrate kind, sacrificial attitudes and are willing to listen and help.

7. The staff holds onto hope for the patients when they cannot for themselves, and they help the patients repeat the truth until they can believe it. They also come alongside the patients with compassionate hearts rather than a disciplinary or belittling demeanor, further making patients feel safe and willing to choose recovery.

8. Treatment plans are truly individualized and appropriate for each person's needs. The clinicians are not afraid to be creative and flexible to do what is best for the individual.

9. Patients are guided to acknowledge and honor their food for how it serves their bodies, and to pray at every meal and snack time. This practice reinforces gratitude and the fact that food is a gift for our bodies, not something threatening. ("Unless food is spoiled or you have a medical allergy to it, food is always safe for you to eat." – Mrs. Shields)

10. Patients are repeatedly reminded that "their now is not their forever." They did not choose to have an ED; it is not a sin to have an ED, and they are making an admirable, worthwhile, powerful sacrifice to participate in treatment now and put their ED to death. These truths help remove shame and instead reinforce hope and endurance.

---

As we continue to grow and serve each woman who comes to Charis, we are working to complete the Charis House Therapy Suite. This new space will allow us to welcome more patients, offer deeper therapeutic support, and create an environment that reflects the safety, peace, and hope that define our care.

If this mission speaks to your heart, we invite you to join us in our End of Year Giving campaign. Every gift, no matter the size, truly makes a difference. Your generosity helps finish the Charis House Therapy Suite buildout and directly impacts women who are fighting for freedom and healing.

Your support brings hope. Your giving changes lives. You can contribute HERE to help make this vision a reality.