Rock Recovery Supports Individuals Struggling With Disordered Eating

Rock Recovery is an Arlington-based nonprofit organization that supports individuals struggling with disordered eating. Rock Recovery differs from other eating disorder support options in that it “[bridges] the gap between the limited care that individuals typically receive and the robust care they need to break free,” according to its website.    

The idea for Rock Recovery came to Executive Director Carylynn Larson in 2007. She founded the organization with 11 other women, and it gained nonprofit status in 2009. Since then, Rock Recovery has operated as an entirely volunteer-run operation. Among its services are an individual recovery program—that features therapist-led groups, work with mentors and a weekly group demonstration—and community programs such as wellness workshops and seminars.

In early March, in conjunction with National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, the organization presented a screening of “Miss Representation,” a documentary that focuses on how the media’s misrepresentations of women negatively impact young girls, leading to the underrepresentation of women in positions of power and influence.

Rock Recovery has big plans for the rest of 2012 and beyond. Patch spoke with Larson and Board of Directors President Christie Dondero to learn more about the history of the organization and its plans for the future.

What motivated you to found Rock Recovery?

Larson: A combination of experiences opened my eyes to the need for robust community resources for those struggling with disordered eating, which we define as including eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating, as well as other extreme, compulsive behaviors, such as excessive exercising and inappropriate use of laxatives and appetite suppressants. I watched many friends slip into these disorders … I saw that time and time again, those who suffer don’t get the level of care they need to overcome them until they’re extremely ill.

When I fell into the same deadly trap, these issues became personal … After a month-long stay in residential treatment, I was supposed to be “fixed,” capable of returning to all the stress of daily life without returning to the deeply ingrained coping mechanisms of restricting, binge eating and over-exercising.

These experiences convicted me of a real and pressing need to make the types of proven therapies, recovery activities and support systems that individuals receive in residential treatment centers widely available to all who are struggling with eating disorders.

How has the organization grown over time?

Larson: For the first year, the organization was run by a group of founders and supported by just three student volunteers. A year later, we had over 20 volunteers, consisting of a licensed therapist and several other professionals. By 2011, we again doubled our size and added a full range of professional, volunteer staff, including therapists, dietitians, legal advisors and marketing experts.

Today, our treatment team itself has over 20 professionals, with the organization growing to over 60-plus, still all volunteers.  As our staff has grown, so have our reach and impact. What started as a weekly therapy group has evolved into a treatment program that works in conjunction with area therapists, dietitians and treatment providers. This year, we expect to educate over 50,000 individuals on the realities of eating disorders through community events, speaking engagements and workshops.

Dondero: Our volunteer team has done tremendous work to grow and establish our credible treatment program. This has been done with minimal marketing and has happened very organically due to the high-quality program and services that our team provides. We are providing resources to people who have few, if any, other resources to turn to.

Beyond our organizational growth, our mission has grown, as well. We have expanded our community empowerment program to include "Hungry for What" talks in order to educate and empower the community. These talks are available for schools, churches, sororities, etc., and are facilitated by Carylynn Larson.

What inspires you to continue your involvement with Rock Recovery?

Larson: I’m continually fueled by the impact that Rock Recovery is having on the lives of those we reach. Every time we engage with the community, people thank us for helping them understand the struggles of someone they love. Every time we have the opportunity to speak, we hear of individuals finally reaching out to friends and family to express their care and concern. Every time I speak with our clients, they talk about how far they’ve come and how our program gives them hope in a life free from their disorder.

Dondero: I was personally affected by an eating disorder in various capacities throughout my life…My passion has absolutely come out of my own recovery and personal experience, but it goes deeper than that. I developed a very strong faith through my recovery, and I feel called to help heal what is broken and restore the lives of people who are living in captivity.

My heart breaks for this issue and the lack of affordable or accessible resources for both education and treatment. I think what shakes me more than anything is the prevalence of disordered eating and the way our society and culture can normalize and almost applaud unhealthy disordered eating behaviors. I have seen the life and joy that disordered eating steals from people…I want to help people see truth and take the necessary steps in order to fully experience freedom and life. 

Part of your plans for 2012 include hiring paid staff. What will paid staff allow Rock Recovery to accomplish?

Larson: Paid staff will enable us to expand our services. Our treatment program currently has a four-month waiting list and growing. Many clients and potential clients need even more than we currently provide—on top of robust therapy, recovery activities and a support system, they need daily accountability for coping with the stressors of daily life without returning to their eating disorder. Our ability to provide such services is dependent on our ability to manage the workload, and the addition of at least one paid staff member will make a huge difference in our ability to meet the demands for our work.

Dondero: As amazing as it is that we are run by volunteers, it limits the growth of our organization because we are so focused on providing quality and transformative services. If we had full-time staff, we would be able to meet with additional community members, raise additional funds, establish partnerships and truly become the cornerstone of the solution.

What are some of Rock Recovery’s specific plans for the future?

Larson: This year, we will be looking for ways that we can serve the growing number of individuals on the waiting list for our recovery program. Our next major milestone will be to open a recovery house that will provide daily accountability to clients who need that extra level of support. The house will serve adults who are seeking full freedom from disordered eating while embracing all the challenges of daily work, school and family responsibilities. It will serve as a step down from residential treatment, as well as a step up from independent living. In addition to these treatment program initiatives, we are currently launching a campaign to speak to colleges and universities, schools and organizations both locally and nationwide.

What information can you give to Patch readers about some of Rock Recovery’s upcoming events?

Larson: We [are hosting] a wellness workshop on improving self-image on Sunday, March 25, from 2-6 p.m. at the Navy League Building (2300 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington). The cost is $10. A second screening of “Miss Representation” will precede the workshop from 12:30-2 p.m. The cost for the screening and workshop is $20.

What else would you like readers to know about Rock Recovery?

Larson: One of our core values is to collaborate with individuals and organizations. By working together, we can and will free our clients from these crippling disorders to live life to its fullest.

Dondero: We are always looking for volunteers to help across all levels of the organization, including treatment, marketing, events, board development, financial services, really everything! We would love to be connected to others in the field or with this passion in D.C. and across the nation.

To learn more about Rock Recovery, indicate your interest in serving as a volunteer or to make a donation visit www.rockrecoveryed.org.