Client Testimonials:

"In reflecting on my life thus far, there is very little about which I am really sure. However, there is one thing that stands out as the best thing I have ever done, and that was to seek treatment at Castlewood. I simply could not have dreamt up a better place, a safer and more supportive place, one so conducive to the self-realization and personal growth that has saved my life. I have found myself again, a self that had gotten lost in my disorder and the hell it created. And I know now that I am not only capable, but also worthy and deserving of a real life. I have the tools and resources that will allow me to stay safe and strong; these are gifts from my time at Castlewood. As I said to my therapist in one of my final sessions at Castlewood, "It’s time for life." And I’m ready. I have been given the chance to choose life and that is exactly what I’ve done." Sincerely, -RW

“I had been in the grips of anorexia for 17 years when I came to Castlewood. My stay there really helped me get my life back. I had been to 5 other treatment centers, and never made the progress I did there. The staff were really understanding. I am grateful to be “living” life and no longer just existing.” -KS

“As I walked across the wooden walkway, that resembled a bridge, my thoughts ran wild. None of them hope filled. I knew that Castlewood was my last chance. For far too many years I had struggled with anorexia. It had depleted my life down to only obsession with weight and food. I hated what my life had become. I was very suicidal, struggling with self-injury, and though on the outside I looked put together, I was dying. I had deep dark secrets that were fueling all of my behaviors. Secrets I swore I would never tell. I never knew that when I decided I could talk about them that I would be believed, supported and cared for.

From the very first day I was warmly welcomed and though terrified I found support. The groups were extremely difficult but vital to my recovery. I formed friendships on a level I had never experienced before and found hope that had been covered by layers of fear. I can’t begin to explain the care that the staff at Castlewood had for me. At times it was overwhelming to think that anyone could care that much. From my relentless and kind therapist that helped me through my most difficult days, the psychiatrist that respected my every boundary, the directors who’s intuition still amazes me today, the staff who’s safety I remember when I was struggling the most, and let’s not forget the dieticians that I would have never imagined to be my biggest allies. With all of that, the structure of filled days of groups, the focus on the fear and trauma that was fueling my behaviors, and the many levels of step down I found my path to recovery. And most importantly I found myself.

Castlewood saved my life and helped me begin a new one here in St. Louis. For the first time in my life I feel true feelings. Happiness, sadness, anger and hope and I know that I can face what life has in store for me. And as I walked out across that same bridge I had months before I knew that I was going to be okay. And thanks to Castlewood I am.” –TJ

Parent Testimonials:

“Our daughter, who has been anorexic 17 years, spent two months in Castlewood. We can’t say enough about her success there. The staff were very professional, helpful and understanding. She made more progress there than any of the other treatment centers she was in. We drove 600 miles to family weekend and it was well worth the drive. We met other parents and girls with the same hurts and concerns that we had. We would recommend Castlewood to anyone that would ask us about help for an eating disorder. Everyone at Castlewood was so kind and understanding. We left with more hope than we had in years. Thank you Castlewood.” -B & FS

“I can think of nothing which begins to express my gratitude to you—and especially the personal and professional excellence which you brought to my daughter. We chose Castlewood very carefully. When my daughter started I had hope, bits of optimism, and of course some relief in seeing her downward spiral arrested. Almost a month later I still felt those same things, but my daughter was voicing some optimism of her own. From about that time the degree to which the staff blend their roles/results/perspectives, etc. for each client, including my daughter, is what returned her to life, and life to her. You were the reason she believed she might, then could, then would make it: and the strength she “borrowed” when hers wasn’t quite there.” -DM

Professional Testimonials:

"Unlike so many treatment centers, Castlewood helps clients heal the pain that underlies their eating disorders rather than just manage the symptoms. The place is beautiful, not just in it's physical setting, but also in the compassionate way the staff views and relates to the clients. I wish I could send them all my traumatized clients, not just those with eating disorders."

Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D.
Developer of the Internal Family Systems model.

After visiting Castlewood Treatment Center firsthand, I finally understand! I now know why clients rave about the center. Nestled away in a tranquil wooded setting, Castlewood is truly a family – a home away from home. In just moments, I was welcomed into the family with warmth and complete acceptance. I can only imagine how a new client entering the program must feel when experiencing this same sense of safety and love. Support, compassion and patience are staples within the community. Always with absolute sincerity and empathy, the staff works with all clients on an individualized basis. Unlike many treatment facilities, each and every staff member – R.A.s, therapists, chefs and doctors – is absolutely top-notch in skills and training. Also apart from numerous centers, Castlewood offers a step-down program that eases the transition from the center into the real world, where the client will begin to build a home and future. So Castlewood does not only save lives, but it is also a sanctuary for creating lives with dreams, passions and meaning. I was so impressed with the center that I wanted to camp out in the backyard and never leave. The only problem is that the backyard is the overhang of a spectacular mountain and is no place to pitch a tent! But it is absolutely the perfect place for healing.

Jenni Schaefer, Author
Life without ED: How One Woman Declared Independence from Her Eating Disorder and How You Can Too.
www.jennischaefer.com