Secret Language of Eating Disorders Book

Advised to prepare for the death of her two daughters from anorexia, Peggy-Claude Pierre refused to accept there was nothing more to be done for them. And so began a crusade against the ruthless illnesses of anorexia and bulimia. Beginning with an emotional account of her experience of caring for two daughters with anorexia, Claude-Pierre offers an honest and intriguing insight into the minds of sufferers. Surprisingly, she dismisses the notion that anorexia is primarily about weight or body image and also refuses to blame media images of wafer-thin models for the increase in the disease. The author attributes eating disorders to "Confirmed Negativity Condition"--or basically a low self- image. The victims will often show signs of this from an early age as they strive to be the best at everything but are never satisfied with their achievements. Claude-Pierre, now a therapist running the Montreux Clinic in Canada and counselling children as young as three, challenges the idea that sufferers are selfish, but believes instead they are often sensitive individuals who are eager to please and tend to take responsibility for others. Her psychology background is evident and many of her theories of unconditional love, respect and support follow traditional counselling methods. The basis of her treatment is to boost the victims' self image and gradually steer them away from the path of self-destruction. Her daughters' recoveries were brought about by her stubborn refusal to accept that anorexia was incurable and this is bound to offer hope and inspiration to those in a similar position. The accounts and artwork of sufferers portrayed here could hardly fail to tug at the heartstrings and they provide greater understanding of a condition surrounded by myths. --Carole ButterworthRead More