Testimonials from both Professionals and CPC Patients

"Columbus Park Collaborative, under the thoughtful direction of licensed clinical social worker Melissa Gerson, nutrition therapist and registered dietitian Rebecca Appleman, and psychiatrist Tara Brass has transformed the concept of intensive outpatient treatment for men and women with eating disorders. The three directors guide their clinical treatment team to consistently bring warmth, humanity and individualized care to the therapeutic picture for each and every patient. Informed by the most current understanding of eating disorders, CPC has established an environment filled with sensitive, caring and intelligent professionals who are deeply committed to providing each patient the support needed in his/her specific journey towards eating disorder recovery and overall health. Moreover, each of the directors contributes her own thought-filled perspective, questions and even gentle humor into discussions of the treatment recommendations necessary to assist each patient in his/her recovery process. It has been an endless gift to know that in CPC I can rely upon an innovative, trustworthy and superbly experienced treatment team for my patients and staff."
Judith Brisman, Ph.D.
Director, Eating Disorder Resource Center

"Having previously been enrolled in an assortment of treatment options for my eating disorder (with equally assorted results), I had started to believe that there wasn’t much more that could be done about my situation. Then, as I got the opportunity to take part in the day program at Columbus Park Collaborative, I, no pun intended, soon had to eat my thoughts. With proficient, compassionate professionals, truly dedicated to their mission, CPC offered a resourceful, sophisticated approach to the health and care of their patients. The combination of small groups and close-knit relations with a devoted treatment team created a family-like setting quite unlike anything else I have experienced in the past. For me, CPC’s facilities became almost like a surrogate home, while staff and group members served as substitute parents and siblings. Like a healthy family should, they patiently held me while taking my first steps towards lasting recovery and made sure to catch me the times I stumbled, fell and doubted whether I could (or wanted) to stand back up again. CPC balanced the fine line of being a “safe space” and comfort-zone, while simultaneously never ceasing to gently encourage my growing independence. In addition; sharing the ups and downs of recovery and seeing the work being done by fellow group members- practicing it together- provided me with invaluable insights and stronger interpersonal skills. The program was indeed a unique experience and now, as several months have passed since my discharge, I am leading a life I could never have hoped for before entering treatment. Sure, recovery is an ongoing process and I feel so very lucky to be able to maintain contact and still work with some of the incredible professionals I met at CPC. However, I now know that treatment actually helps and that there is no greater way to quell the voice of the disorder and restore what was lost throughout the course of the illness."
CPC Patient

"During my time at CPC, the rapport among the group was such that therapists could often allow group members to decide the course of a group. I was fortunate enough to be in a group that felt safe enough to challenge each other and encourage each other to process things that felt important to us. Additionally, this group felt safe enough that when conflict came up or buttons were pushed interpersonally, the group dealt with it openly during group. I have historically had a very difficult time opening up in group, however here, not only was I finally able to do that, but the group also checked in with me on how I felt after speaking to help dispel some of my distortions around speaking in groups.

I was very impressed with the clinicians at CPC. The clinicians were present every day and I felt that they were extremely approachable. CPC was different from many programs that I have been to in that the main clinicians were always the clinicians leading group. This fostered a sense of community and safety that enabled me to open up and trust the treatment team. In addition, I felt a strong connection with my primary therapist and nutritionist. I met with my therapist twice a week, but we checked in daily and I felt extremely supported by her. I met weekly with my individual nutritionist, but she did many meals with us as well as group. She challenged many of my fears around food and provided me with stability in an area that had previously felt so out of control.

The food service program was excellent and far better than any program I have ever been to. The food is much better and they can be accommodating. The dining experience mirrors an actual family dining room with food being served, so it feels comfortable to sit around the table and eat on real plates. Conversation is enjoyable, so it doesn’t feel like an eating disorder setting. It is also great setting to enjoy time with group members outside of group and learn to have a conversation over a meal.

The intake and orientation process were easy and fast. I was able to have my intake and start CPC within a matter of days, while still meeting with the nutritionist and learning all that I needed to know. I found CPC to be extremely efficient throughout this process.

When I had to leave CPC, the group and well as the therapists made sure that I had a strong plan in place for my transition home. I have also heard many times from my team at home of their conversations with my team from CPC. CPC made sure that I had a plan in place upon discharge and has followed through and provided my new team with al relevant information. I could not be more grateful for the time that I spent at CPC.

I found CPC to be the best treatment facility I have been in. The group therapy was fantastic and the open environment CPC allows for creates such a safe space. I never felt ashamed or alone to open up about something. The clinicians were wonderful and because they led group all of the groups and were so accessible, I felt comfortable trusting them and leaning on them."
CPC patient