From PTSD to Post-Traumatic Growth:

Becoming Weller than the Well

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is defined as a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any event resulting in psychological trauma. While many have suspected its existence throughout history, it was only legitimized as a valid condition five years after the end of the Vietnam War.

Estimates hold that only about 30% of people exposed to trauma will develop PTSD. The rates are higher for women than for men. Research indicates that those with a weak social support network and low connectedness to others have an increased risk for PTSD after trauma. Another relevant factor involves brain volume, specifically the hippocampus, which plays an important role in the consolidation of information from short-term memory to long-term memory and spatial navigation. Studies involving monozygotic twins revealed that smaller hippocampi constitute a risk factor for the development of stress-related psychopathology. (Gilbertson M.W., Shenton M.E., Ciszewski A., Kasai K., Lasko N.B., Orr S.P., Pitman R.K.)

By and large, public perception is that those with PTSD suffer endlessly and rarely return to a normal productive life. However, last month’s New York Times magazine dispelled that notion in a comprehensive article on the American military and the strides made in post-traumatic growth. This is when people actually experience personal growth and development in the wake of trauma.
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Timberline Knolls Academy Awarded School of Excellence

We’re pleased to announce that our on-campus school, the Timberline Knolls Academy, has been selected as a 2012/2013 School of Excellence by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET). This honor has been awarded to Timberline Knolls for three consecutive years. The distinction is bestowed upon only a few select qualified licensed private special education schools in the state of Illinois.

"We're honored to receive this award on behalf of our teachers and our young women who are so committed to school," said Carrie Finazzo, MEd, CAS, principal of Timberline Knolls Academy. "Our residents can continue with their studies while receiving treatment for their eating disorder or addiction. They return to their own school without losing any ground."

Timberline Knolls Academy offers an educational program providing a dynamic, therapeutic and structured community where students can learn, achieve and enhance their academic lives. The Timberline Knolls Academy team includes a principal who is also a learning behavior specialist (LBS) and an Illinois Type 75 Administrator with Superintendent Endorsement in the state of Illinois.

Selection as a NASET School of Excellence is the highest level of recognition a private special education school can achieve through the association. This honor is presented to schools that meet rigorous professional criteria and have demonstrated exceptional dedication, commitment and achievement in the field of special education.

"It is our belief that students can learn, achieve, and be responsible when they are active members in a dynamic therapeutic community that models excellence in mental health treatment and academic/ social learning," Finazzo adds.

Timberline Knolls and Lemont Center for the Arts Host Special Community Art Exhibit

For the second consecutive year, Timberline Knolls and the Lemont Center for the Arts are hosting a special exhibit featuring the artwork of Timberline Knolls' residents and staff. The art exhibit, titled "Honesty," will be open for public viewing at the Lemont Center for the Arts from July 13 through September 2, 2012. Art therapy at Timberline Knolls helps in the recovery of women and adolescent girls who are struggling with eating disorders, trauma, addiction and other related issues.

	This piece was created by a TK resident last year for our first Honesty exhibit. The work featured in the exhibit is raw and intense, open and exposed, brave and hopeful.

"Honesty is the first step in the 12-step recovery process and that's why this exhibit is so meaningful for our residents," said Melissa Rocchi MAAT, LCPC, ATR, clinical program development coordinator and manager of expressive therapies at Timberline Knolls. "Art therapy allows our residents to express themselves without using words and it helps them see things about themselves they didn't know existed. It also helps with processing emotions they may be struggling with, so they can begin to heal."

The Lemont Center for the Arts serves as the Art & Culture Commission headquarters and provides classes and workshops to all residents of Lemont and the surrounding area. The Center also presents exhibits by local artists and art groups.

"We're very pleased to have the 'Honesty' exhibit back again this year with new artwork from the residents and staff at Timberline Knolls," said Mona Parry, chairperson at the Art & Culture Commission and artistic director of the Lemont Center for the Arts. "This exhibit represents a part of our mission to support local artists and organizations."

Many residents use art therapy to explore inner issues. It's a safe way to express strong and sometimes sensitive or destructive feelings. It can be used for stress and anxiety management, to enhance communication between individuals and groups and to explore change.

The Lemont Center for the Arts is located at 1243 State Street, Unit 101 in Lemont. Hours for the center are: Friday noon to 4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

TK Staff Spotlight Kelly Ryan, LPC Admissions Coordinator An old adage asserts that certain people are "to the manor born." An updated version of this expression might claim that a person is "to the position born." This perfectly describes Kelly Ryan and the inevitability of her working at Timberline Knolls. At the age of 15, Kelly lost her only sibling, Raun, to an accidental drug overdose. It was her brother's drug addiction and subsequent death that galvanized Kelly into pursuing a career in behavioral health. "I got counseling after his death; I knew then that I wanted to help people in the same way." Upon completing her master's degree, she received a call regarding employment. A Google search of the potential employer left Kelly somewhat stunned. The treatment center looked so familiar. And so it was. Nearly 20 years earlier, Kelly had visited her brother there countless times while he was in treatment. Then, it was Rock Creek; now, it is Timberline Knolls. "I believe it was my destiny to work here," said Kelly. "I was trying to finish up school and didn't even know Timberline existed." She started as a behavioral health specialist on one of the lodges. Working closely with the residents only served to intensify her desire to help. After one year, she became an admissions coordinator. She quickly learned how involved the position was, from both a customer service and clinical perspective, which is why TK admissions coordinators are all licensed therapists. "We do so much more than answer the phone and help people understand their insurance policies," she said. "Internally, we work with multiple departments, everyone from our medical doctors and therapists to the transportation staff. Externally, we work with interventionists, potential residents and their families, as well as treatment teams around the country. If for some reason TK is not the right fit for someone, we refer her to another trusted program. " Instead of shying away from such responsibility, Kelly actually expanded her role in the last two years. In addition to her role as admissions coordinator, she also completes assessments immediately after someone admits to assist with the overall case management process. Colleen Kula, LCPC, director of admissions, said, "Kelly is an amazing role model for our entire team and has been extremely supportive of new team members. Her work ethic is surpassed only by her passion to help our residents. She will go to almost any length to make treatment possible." Working in Admissions is challenging; the pressure can be considerable. Kelly's official stress-reliever is Louie, a black and white Shih Tzu. Although he too can be a touch challenging, this 14-pound pup is the very love of her life. Kelly works at Timberline, Louie takes care of guarding the home front. Both of them are fairly sure that the future holds marriage and children; each waits patiently and contentedly for the rest of their destiny to unfold.

July/August Devotional By Todd Warren, Spirituality Coordinator Courage “Courage is the ladder on which all the other virtues mount.” – Clare Booth Luce Whether we are keenly familiar with our Higher Power or just leaning into that new relationship, we have all had times in our life when we sensed a Divine presence protecting us or guiding us. In most cases, this supernatural influence dissipated our fears and generated in us new confidence. The Steps of our program provide a safe place for us to discover our inner power and step out in exploration. At times we forget that our fellowship of recovery and our Great Light continually offer us relief from the dread of feeling or being alone. Courage is facing our fears head-on, unequivocally accepting the reality that we are not alone, and moving forward as if we know exactly what we’re doing. As we activate this boldness we will immediately gain more confidence as we realize the resources within were already available for us to meet each challenge. We have what it takes to make wise decisions, and to live with extraordinary courage. Prayer for the Day I am loved, I am not alone, and I will live with courageous boldness.

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Volume 5 | Issue 4
July/August 2012
Lemont, Ill.

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Current Highlights

Thank you so much for your interest in our webinar "Food and Addiction Spectrum Disorders," which took place on Wed., June 13. If you were unable to participate, or you would like to watch it again, we've made it available online We welcome any and all feedback you may have so that we may improve for future webinars. Please feel free to send comments or questions to: webinar@timberlineknolls.com

What does holistic treatment mean? Click here to read our latest Timberline Knolls Treatment Blog.

Timberline Knolls is co-hosting this year’s Annual Midwest Eating Disorder Conference, put on by The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD).The conference will take place on Friday, Oct. 26 in Oak Brook, Ill. Breakout sessions will be available for treatment professionals, educators and families. Click here for more info.

Each newsletter issue, TK shares delicious and nutritious recipes, created with the help of TK’s acclaimed chef. The recipes also are among our residents’ favorites. Enjoy! Buffalo Chicken Pizza Ingredients: • 1 large pizza crust •1/4-1/2 cup thick ranch dressing •1 (8 oz) chicken breast, cooked, sliced thinly • 1 cup buffalo wing sauce, like Frank’s • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded • 2 cups fine chopped celery • 1 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard • 1 teaspoon lemon thyme leaves (optional) • 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper • 1/2 cup olive oil Spread pizza crust with ranch dressing. In a small bowl, combine hot sauce, celery and chicken pieces. Spoon chicken evenly over crust and drizzle with remaining sauce as desired. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Bake pizza at 375°F for about 15 minutes or until cheese is browned.

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