The most authentic advocates for eating disorder recovery were often those who walked the path themselves. Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center built its approach to stigma reduction around this core insight, placing the voices of those with lived experience at the center of their awareness campaigns and community outreach efforts.
Unlike approaches that relied solely on clinical expertise, Timberline Knolls recognized that firsthand accounts created immediate connection with those still struggling. This philosophy was embedded in their comprehensive alumnae program, which extended far beyond aftercare to create a nationwide network of recovery advocates.
“Recovery from an eating disorder is possible. There is hope and help available,” shared one Timberline Knolls team member, echoing the message of possibility that resonated throughout their community-building initiatives. This emphasis on hope distinguished their approach from awareness campaigns that focused primarily on eating disorder dangers and statistics.
The facility’s alumnae program offered free aftercare support for a full year following treatment, allowing graduates to strengthen their recovery while beginning to share their experiences with others. Monthly alumnae nights and an annual retreat created spaces where recovery stories could flourish, inspiring both those telling them and those listening.
Perhaps most significantly, Timberline Knolls maintained a private Facebook group exclusively for former residents, creating a supportive digital space for ongoing connection. This community helped bridge the often-challenging transition from treatment back to everyday life, reducing isolation that could contribute to relapse.
The power of this approach was evident in the facility’s “Every Bite a Battle” campaign, which featured three treatment center graduates transformed into Renaissance-style warriors. By showcasing real alumnae rather than models or actors, Timberline Knolls ensured authenticity while demonstrating the diversity of eating disorder experiences.
One campaign participant described her recovery victory as “perseverance and personal forgiveness,” providing language that resonated more deeply than clinical terms ever could. Such firsthand insights helped reshape public understanding of eating disorders as complex psychological journeys rather than simply physical conditions.
Located on a peaceful 43-acre campus outside Chicago, Timberline Knolls created an environment where residents felt supported exploring their stories – a crucial first step toward eventually sharing them. Their therapeutic approach included narrative components that helped individuals contextualize their experiences and find meaning in them.
