I looked over at my 15 year old daughter as our doctor said: ‘anorexia’. My heart sank and I thought: ”what did I do wrong? How had a failed her?’ What I discovered from Ann is that there is no reason or person to blame for this insidious disease. It is a complicated mix of emotional, biological and psychological factors. Through Ann’s help, I disengaged myself from Clare’s eating behavior and focused on a healthier relationship with her. I realized I had no control over Clare’s behavior and the only person I could change was me. This was the beginning of the recovery process, for Clare and our family.

If you’re in a place where you are feeling hopeless and alone, the Art Therapy group with Ann and Dianne is worth exploring. Ann & Dianne facilitate this support group with the perfect blend of yin and yang. Their combined years of experience and expertise with eating disorders will have you looking at things from a new perspective. Topics chosen weekly provoke thoughts, discussion, and many times realization. I was fortunate to be in a group with really special ladies; which made sharing and trusting feel more safe than most of the other support tools I’ve experienced in my many years of treatment.

I did not know what quite to expect when I signed up for The Art Therapy Group from The Hull Institute. I knew we would be working on art but what I didn’t know was how much I would learn about myself. We had a variety of supplies and we could choose different medias. We worked in a calm and soothing environment. I so wish I would have had the opportunity to work with Ann and Diane much earlier in my life. They are by far the best therapists I have ever worked with. In the short time I have known them, they, and my art group, have helped me to learn more about myself, remain positive and persevere. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be in The Art Therapy group.

After 30+ years of battling an eating disorder, I made the decision I needed help. The help I received from Jenna Rodgers of the Hull Institute has truly transformed my life. Soon into recovery, she asked me what “recovery” looked like to me. At the time I truly didn’t have any idea. All I knew at that time is my body was breaking down physically and I was worried about the immediate risk I could see/feel. Through her continual guidance, executed with such understanding and non-judgement, she helped me get to a point of not only better and more holistically realistic understanding nutrition/exercise, but also challenged me to question the “why’s behind my actions. This is the journey that has been transformational. “Recovery” has a larger meaning than I could have ever imagined when I started… which, for me, is growing a sense of self-esteem that allows me to grow in so many ways. I can’t express how much I appreciate the relationship I have had the privilege of having with Jenna over the past year+. This journey would not have been possible without her kind, professional and truly caring leadership. Thank you”

After reaching a dark and depleted rock bottom, I decided to try therapy. Crippled with anxiety, depressed and feeling prisoner of an eating disorder, I was existing rather than living. I was desperate. I wanted to be a better and more present mom for my 2 young boys. While I was resistant at first, I am SO so grateful that I started therapy with Nicholette Rhodes and that she was patient with me in the beginning. My life has DRAMATICALLY changed for the better since our first meeting and I attribute much of my growth and progress to her. Through consistent work and practice, Nicholette has provided me with techniques to begin completely retraining and rewiring my brain. Things I thought would never be possible have become almost automatic or “normal”. She has helped me learn how to manage, accept and actually feel my feelings and sit through the initial discomfort, which in itself has changed my life. Nicholette has helped equip me with a whole new “tool box” full of healthier coping strategies. She has helped me to face fears, welcome challenges, get very uncomfortable and celebrate all of the “tiny” wins and baby steps along the way. I appreciate our “Progress not perfection” approach to recovery and life. Through her counseling, I have gained so much LIFE and confidence and hope. She helps me find balance. Helps me see and celebrate how far I have come rather than just focusing on what still lies ahead. Nicholette has helped me figure out how to help myself. She has helped me find my healthy voice and strengthen that voice. She has helped me get back to living a life in line with my true values. I can’t say that it has been easy…but it absolutely has been possible and worth it.

We are so appreciative of everyone at Hull. I honestly believe my daughter would not have made the progress she has without the support of her therapist, Matt, and her dietician, Kate.

Matt is patient and understanding.  Kate has been positive and honest with my daughter.

We attended a family support group and I found Ann’s loving, but direct, approach very helpful.  This is a highly specialized group for eating disorders that I definitely recommend.

Caise Mchale is the therapist that everyone desires to have. She is a genuine person who always keeps it real. Not only does she help me but, more importantly, she gives me the tools so I can help myself.

Sarah Novak was such a vital part of my recovery. Right from the start, I felt comfortable with her, and as I continued seeing her, I found myself even more comfortable. She helped me find a way to survive and thrive from my past. I would recommend her to anyone.