January 30, 2012
ON FEBRUARY 1, OPAL: FOOD + BODY WISDOM LAUNCHES AN EATING DISORDER TREATMENT CENTER IN SEATTLE, OPENING WITH DR. ELIZABETH HUTCHINSON, MD OF SWEDISH FAMILY MEDICINE AS MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Partial Hospitalization Program offered as all-day, highest level of care
SEATTLE, WA – This week marks the much-anticipated launch of Opal: Food + Body Wisdom, an eating disorder treatment center in Seattle with a strong focus on cutting-edge research and specialization toward athletes. Opal practices a holistic approach that considers the biological, psychological, emotional, social, familial, and spiritual factors contributing to the development and maintenance of an eating disorder.
“What sets us apart from other eating disorder treatment centers is that we are deeply focused on a counter-cultural, non-diet, size-acceptance approach to eating recovery. Additionally, we are quick to innovate our programs as new research on eating disorders is revealed,” states Dr. Alexia Giblin, Executive Director of Opal. “In the journey of recovery, we will move clients towards a trust-based relationship with their body, emotions, and food, eventually helping them to live in attunement to their body’s own wisdom,” continues Dr. Giblin, explaining more about the name Opal: Food + Body Wisdom.
With personalized treatment, Opal’s levels of care offered at launch include a 10 hours/day, Monday through Friday Partial Hospitalization Program, an Intensive Outpatient Program, and an Outpatient Program. Opal offers the important treatment components of nutrition restoration, group therapy, individual therapy, marriage/family counseling, medical care, and client-therapist sessions that focus on values, acceptance, emotions, and healing. The Opal facility has a full kitchen that will reintroduce clients to the process of eating as a means to nourishment in a practical, functional, and fun way. Dietitians on staff will offer meal outings, culinary classes, and nutrition education.
Dr. Elizabeth Hutchinson practices Family Medicine at Swedish Medical Center and will be Opal’s Medical Director. She will oversee the management of medical conditions of patients seeking care at Opal. “I am delighted that Opal will be providing much needed comprehensive eating disorder treatment for patients in the Puget Sound region” states Dr. Hutchinson. She will continue to work closely with Opal’s staff to make referrals and treatment plans seamless.” In addition to being an affiliate partner with Swedish, Opal will also be in-network with both Premera and First Choice Health Network insurance.
The new spa-like facility for Opal: Food + Body Wisdom is located in the University District neighborhood of Seattle in the 45th Street Plaza building. Described as an “urban tree house,” the space exudes serenity and freshness, offering floor-to-ceiling windows with mountain and Sound views, a balcony for a breath of fresh air, and a cozy, light-filled healing environment.
Opal: Food + Body is being co-founded by three veteran professionals who have worked in deep collaboration for several years in treating clients together. These founders, sharing a combined 35 years of work in eating disorder recovery, are:
- Executive Director, Alexia Giblin, PhD
- Clinical Director, Kara Bazzi, LMFT
- Nutrition Director, Julie Church, RD, CD
Together, they are committed to making Opal a nationally recognized program offering compassionate treatment for eating disorders.
To learn more about Opal: Food + Body Wisdom, please visit www.opalfoodandbody.com or contact Executive Director Dr. Alexia Giblin.
