Program Services

Nutrition Therapy

Nutrition therapy is a crucial aspect on the path to recoving from an eating disorder. Wherever the patient may be on their journey to normal eating is where we begin. The dietitian and the chef work together to plan balanced and nutritious menus utilizing local, organic, and seasonal foods. Quality of food and nutrition are analyzed and emphasized as substances that are nourishing to the body and mind. Eating seasonal, local, organic food reinforces the idea of healthy eating choices as well as eating foods which are supportive of the environment and local agriculture. There are ample opportunities to participate in grocery shopping, restaurant outings, and food preparation.

Gender Specific Therapy Groups

Our trained professionals at Austin Sendero recognize that men and women can have very different reasons for developing and maintaining their eating disorder. There are particular sports and activities that men and women separately participate in that place individuals at higher risk for having an eating disorder. While women with eating disorders outnumber their male counterparts at a rate of 10 to 1, a significant percentage, eating disorders in men are a quiet and hidden disorder in our society. These misconceptions that eating disorders are a "woman's disease" often hamper males from obtaining the therapy that they so desperately require. Additionally, many men are put off by the idea of being placed in "all women” therapy groups.

Our gender specific groups offer a safe place for patients to explore their feelings and receive support from others as they develop healthier ways of relating.

Spirituality Group

Spirituality is an important component of our therapeutic model. We embrace individual differences in spirituality among people and seek to openly and honestly discuss spiritual concerns. The Spiritual Group will assist the patient in exploring ones spirituality or belief system and voice how it relates to their behavioral and emotional well being. Spirituality can be a revealing and comforting way to deal with not only the eating disorder, but the person as a whole. In conjunction with meditation and mindfulness, spirituality can help to initiate positive change through reflection, awareness, and understanding of purpose.

Spirituality groups are intended to create a space for honest conversation and expression of oneself within an atmosphere of community and belonging. Being that spirituality is a central part of holistic health and well being, these groups specifically encourage the pursuit of life’s difficult questions with guidance and support. Deepening the understanding of one’s beliefs, practices, and values encourages the healthy development of identity apart from an eating disorder. A positive development of one’s identity is crucial in sustaining life without an eating disorder. These conversations and existential questions contribute to the healing process by allowing sources of strength and peace to surface. We aim to promote growth and healing by encouraging the integration of human nature, connection, and meaning for each individual.

Nia and Yoga

Nia is a personal growth, mind-body-spirit program of physical fitness. This program is designed to be a practice, not a competitive sport. This enables each individual to listen to their own bodies and develop a healthy understanding of appropriate levels of fitness and exercise. Nia has it's roots in dance (technique), martial arts (mindfulness), and the healing arts (love). This combination creates a synergy that uses whole body, expressive movement that is joyful and meaningful.

Yoga is a collection of spiritual practices that originated in India. One component of yoga utilizes postures, or asanas, which provide a combination of mindfulness, exercise, and meditation.

Mindfulness and body movement are both reinforced during Nia and Yoga classes.

Expressive Arts Therapy

Traditionally, expressive arts therapy utilizes the five media of poetry, visual arts, music, dance, and drama. Emphasis is not on ascetic art making in the widely accepted sense, but on the expression and deeper meaning behind the content or subject matter. Through visual art, poetry, and other artistic media, Expressive Art Therapy is utilized as a means of expressing oneself in both group and individual settings. Therapists are trained to understand the powerful nonverbal symbolism that can be expressed during the creative process. Oftentimes these are feelings, emotions, and non-confronted issues which the patient cannot verbalize or express through other treatment modalities. This type of therapy can provide a healthy method of uncovering thoughts and creativity increasing self-awareness, and enhancing emotional well-being.

Therapeutic Strength - Training and Healthy Living Groups

Our staff of personal trainers and counselors work with the patients to develop stronger, healthier bodies while processing the feelings that arise as one’s body begins to change. Our trainers use strength-based approaches to help patients maximize their potential while their bodies and minds continue to heal from the eating disorder.