Genuine Article September 2004

The reviews are in!

Our new spot is a big hit. We kept the bright, cheerful orange walls, and now we have even more sunlight and space. There's a kitchen, a separate room for bodywork, and plenty of space for workshops.

But you don't need an appointment to stop on by. Feel free to come and check out the library, find out what's new, and register for one of the new groups or an art therapy class.

We look forward to seeing you!

As of Monday August 30th all appointments will take place at our new location, 307 - 1005 Broad Street.

by, Michelle Morand, Founder and Director of The CEDRIC Centre.

Resistance to Natural Eating

Take a moment and ask yourself - What comes up for me when I hear or read the term "Natural Eating" - jot down any thoughts, feelings, and impositions or judgments about the term, about what it means, what you may have to do or may not get to do. Check in for any feelings of pressure.

And whatever the answer is, know that it is true and right for you - don't try to force yourself to be okay with whatever is on your list - allow yourself to be as resistant as you are. Bring your lists and insights to your next session, or click here to write me and we'll discuss what came up for some of our readers, and how to allow those thoughts and feelings to be there without feeling sabotaged or ruled by them.

See you soon.

What an amazing project! I can still feel the electric pulse of excitment thrumming in my veins! Thanks to everyone who participated, who wanted to participate, and who supported us! You made This is Beautiful possible.

Amanda Koster and her crew came to Victoria for the event August 20, 21, and 22nd. We had 21 beautiful, fabulous women of all ages, sizes, colors, and abilities pose and interact, out of a pool of 175 possible applicants.

It was a powerful, magnetic experience and we're still amazed at the energy and enthusiasm each participant, and every women who inquired, brought to this project. We had women in thier 50's, women in sport, women who'd struggled with an eating disorder, pregnant women, and women battling cancer. All kinds of women. And each with a different perspective, a different reason why she was involved.

The stories were poignant. Sometimes we laughed so hard we couldn't breathe. Sometimes we cried. And sometimes we did both at the same time!

The exhibit is slated for the new year, and we'll keep you posted about where and when. In the meantime, stay beautiful!

This is Beautiful is a series of nude photographs of women of various shapes, sizes, colors, ages, and abilities that showcases the innate beauty of every women's body. In addition to being photographed by creator Amanda Koster, Victoria participants of This is Beautiful will take part in a documentary and book about the project.

Starting this September, we'll be offering groups for art therapy with local artist April Caverhill.

April's groups are all about experiencing the joy of art as a tool for self-discovery. In her groups, you'll use a wide variety of media and technologies to create personal works of art that reflect your healing process. April's groups are open to all, no art background required!

April Caverhill is a happy, healthy artist who has been a successful illustrator, textile designer and teacher for over twenty years. With additional skills gleaned from her own teenage struggle with disordered eating, she now assists those with body challenges in developing a powerful, resilient core of loving self- acceptance. (Pictured is a recent quilt April was commissioned to create.)

click here to register by e-mail for a group with April

Groups at The CEDRIC Centre are a six month commitment. During that time, groups meet every other week on a pre-designated night and time for two hours. Usually, there are 4-6 members per group.

Our groups use a structure designed to be easy to follow. Each group meeting builds on the next, so that you acquire new tools, as you gain awareness about your behaviors each group meeting.

If you have extended coverage through your insurance carrier, you may be eligible to have your group costs reimbursed, as we have our Registered Clinical Counsellor, (RCC), status. Please contact your insurance carrier for details.

We're taking names for new groups so contact us today!

The results are flooding in. To date, we've had over 130 respondents to our survey about interactions between eating disordered individuals and medical doctors. If you haven't taken it yet, please do.

We started this research because so many people say, "I wish I would have found you years ago!" And we agree. Early intervention for an eating disorder such as anorexia or binge eating could help millions of men and women avoid years of guilt and shame around food, and allow them to feel comfortable in thier bodies. And we think that's a goal worth working towards!

Many people first disclose thier concerns about an eating disorder to a family doctor. There are lots of wonderful, qualified doctors out there, many of whom are extremely well educated on the subject. But there are also many wonderful, highly qualified doctors who need and want more information, but don't have the time or resources to sift through the conflicting information about eating disorders.

So we're asking for your help! Do you know of a great Doctor on Vancouver Island who might be interested in meeting with Michelle Morand of The CEDRIC Centre for a brief consult about eating disorders and our services?

Right now, there's someone out there wishing they knew about The CEDRIC Centre, and with your help, we can reach them. Click here to refer your medical doctor on Vancouver Island to The CEDRIC Centre today!

It's estimated 8 million people in the United States struggle with eating disorders, 10% are men. Men struggle with the same clinical eating disorders as women, (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder), as well as sub-clinical disordered eating patterns. Unfortunately, it's not something that's often talked about, and there is very little in the way of resources specifically for men.

A common misconception about men and eating disorders is that only homosexual men struggle with the issue. While it's more common for homosexual men to be diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia, (because of the high premium appearances have in the gay community), eating disorders in men aren't determined by sexuality, and stereotyping makes it difficult for men, gay or straight, to receive support.

At particular risk are men who participate in low- weight oriented sports such as runners, wrestlers, gymnasts, and jockies. But in other sports, such as football, having a large, muscular body is seen as an asset, and men who don't fit this creteria are excluded. This can lead to over-exercising, steroid abuse, binge eating, and a body dysmorphic disorder, coined "bigorexia".

Like women, men are starting to feel the pressure to conform and look a certain way. Magazines aimed exclusively at men with tips on grooming, diet, and exercise are becoming more popular, and the image of the "average" North American guy is becoming more appearance oriented, and harder for men to achieve.

If you've spent any time around The Centre lately, chances are you've heard about The Sedona Method.

The Sedona Method is a tool that allows you to gently release your emotions. As you can imagine, this is an extremely helpful component in letting go of an eating disorder.

The Sedona Method is especially useful in those moments where you've acquired lots of insights into your old behaviors, so you know why you overeat for example, but are having difficulty in breaking those patterns without reverting back to the diet mentality.

Due to it's great success rate here at The Centre, we're pleased to offer a drop-in Saturday Releasing Group.

Beginning Saturday September 18th, Michelle Morand will faciliate a releasing group from 10am-12pm. The cost for the drop in group is $15.00, and you don't have to commit, you can just come and go as you please!

If you're interested in learning more, we suggest picking up a copy of The Sedona Method by Hale Dwoskin. Reading the book is a great way to gte grounded in the basic principles of The Sedona Method, though it's by no means a requirement.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Are you looking for an introduction to our work at The CEDRIC Centre, but don't want to commit to one of our six month groups?

We've got a great solution for you!

Every year, The Saanich Commonwealth Activity Centre invites us to hold groups at their location. These groups are shorter, usually with a larger group size than those at our location, and are a wonderful way to find out if working with us is right for you.

The next Letting Go of Emotional Eating Group is slated to run from September 25th to October 23rd, five weeks in total. The group will meet from 10:00 am to 11:30 am, and the cost is $90.00.

If you'd like to register, you can call The Commonwealth directly at 250-727-5300.

We look forward to seeing you there!