Virtual and Residential Programs
The role of BridgePoint is to support self-discovery, as well as skill-building, in the transition from letting go of old, unhealthy life patterns to discovering a variety of new and healthy choices in how to respond to the challenges of life. This support is provided in a program with three sequential modules that symbolize the process of building a bridge to recovery.
The format of each module includes intensive experiential learning and teaching sessions within a group model, individual discussions, and processing of personal issues. Individuals are encouraged to progress at their own rate toward their personal or optimal level of wellness. Self–responsibility is encouraged and supported in all modules. In each step of the programming, participants will stay onsite at BridgePoint in community. We can accommodate up to 13 participants at a time (maximum 8 during COVID19). The smaller group number allows for diversity and connection as a group.
VIRTUAL & RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS NOW AVAILABLE
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced an abrupt change in the delivery of BridgePoint’s service delivery model. We are excited to resume our services and offer a hybrid of both residential and virtual program options.
Virtual programming will continue to be offered on a pilot basis even while we have resumed residential services. Check out our NEW and innovative virtual care options:
Virtual 2-Day Intensive Retreats
Join us in our online group room on our brand new mental health e-learning platform as we spend two days together in this two-day intensive retreat. You can expect a combination of live and pre-recorded sessions with psychoeducational content and processing.
NEXT DATES FOR VIRTUAL RETREATS:
Now accepting applications for * July 19-20 * August 30-31 * October 4-5 * November 29-30
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Other dates to be determined based on demand and public health protocols. Just email BridgePoint (bridgepoint@sasktel.net) for sign-up links if you already have an active application in within the last 6 months
There is a two-step intake process to join:
1. Complete the new virtual program intake form and return to BridgePoint (you don't select dates at this step). (TIP: Don't waste your printer ink! Just use Adobe Reader and use "Fill and Sign". It's a free download! Detailed instructions can be found at this tutorial)
2. Once the application is processed, you will receive an intake email with an invitation for you to select the program date and get your seat. Spots will be limited and selected using EventBrite at the link you will be provided.
Weekly Deep Dives for BridgePoint Alumni run on Wednesday evenings from 7-9pm. Topics include many of the traditional BridgePoint components and new ones will be added intermittently. These weekly groups are available to attend if you have completed a previous BridgePoint Virtual Retreat. If you are unable to attend a retreat, please fill out the full Virtual Retreat application and apply for the Deep Dives and we will be in touch. Register now (for those who have completed a virtual retreat)!
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Are you a parent, spouse or friend of someone who suffers from an eating disorder? Do you struggle with their behavior and/or setting limits and/or how to respond to their emotions?
Inspired by Emotion-Focused Family Therapy – and with a healthy dose of humor - this evidence-based workshop will introduce practical skills to strengthen relationships, increase cooperation and respond to strong emotional reactions, including expressions of worry, anger, hopelessness, even silence. Parents and caregivers will learn to navigate and guide their loved ones experiencing big feelings, emotional dysregulation, and/or mental health issues.
Different from other mainstream parenting models, EFFT is rooted in a deep belief in the healing power of families. The model provides parents the tools to restore connection in their relationship with their child, and feel more empowered when met with tough parenting situations at home. Parents will also be supported to identify, work through, and overcome many obstacles that surface through the journey of emotional and behavioral change.
This online variation of the 2-day Caregiver Workshop allows space for learning and integration between each session.
Register now - September 16-17 NEW DATES DUE TO DEMAND!
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ATTENTION YOUTH AGES 12-18...
We are launching a new BridgePoint book club diving into Jenni Shaefer’s book Life Without Ed. This book explores disordered eating/eating disorders by treating it as a relationship instead of a condition. It views this relationship with “Ed” as one who can be controlling, can distort your self-image, and can physically harm you. By thinking of an eating disorder externally and separate from you, you can “break up” with Ed once and for all. Guided by a multi-disciplinary team of eating disorder professionals, please join us for 6 weeks as we discuss this relationship and look at practical exercises to help end your relationship with your own personal E.D.
WHEN: Tuesday Evenings 7-8:30 pm from Aug. 10th, 2021 – Sept. 14, 2021
WHERE: Online
PRE-REQUISITE: No pre-requisite; a formal diagnosis is NOT required to join (Open to Saskatchewan residents). An active intake application is required if you haven't attended previous BridgePoint programming in the last 6 months.
BridgePoint is so grateful to be one of the recipients to receive support from Step Up for Mental Health awarded through the Cameco Fund for Mental Health to support this initiative.
SIGN UP BY AUGUST 1, 2021 TO RECEIVE YOUR COPY OF "LIFE WITHOUT ED"
Recovery Support Line
Our phone line remains open Tuesdays to Thursdays 1-9 pm (Closed Stat holidays and on Tuesdays when in virtual retreats). Give us a call if you are looking for support. Please note that we are not a crisis line. Due to call demand, it is important to leave a message and we will return any missed calls as soon as we can.
*NEW* RecoverED Texting Support Line
Text the word RecoverED to 1-833-988-1431 to receive daily text messages for support (standard message rates may apply). Messages will include a variety of free tools, resources, and inspiration! The expansion of this program has been made possible through funding through the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation through their 2020-21 Research Connections: COVID-19 Rapid Response granting program. Check here to see if your cell phone carrier will support this service.
If you have had trouble accessing the initial service, you are able to try and access it an alternative way by texting the word RECOVERY to 1-833-988-1431.
Future 21-day series will be created on this platform, and will also include the use of artificial intelligence to provide audio prompts. This is a series that participants can subscribe to, and they will also get access to an adjunct workbook on the e-learning platform for daily journaling.
REGULAR RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMMING RESUMES (August 2021)
Programs are available for free of charge with a valid Saskatchewan health card. Programming is sequential... coming to a retreat is the first step! Participants can self refer for a retreat but will need the support of a doctor and counsellor to attend Module 1 and Module 2.
Please call 306-935-2240 for more information.
TO APPLY: Please note that due to the current high demand for our programs, participant applications are triaged to manage the waitlist as efficiently as we can to ensure that we can meet the needs of both new and returning participants. Residential programs are no longer first-come, first-serve. All applications will go on the waitlist until a spot can be allocated. There is a lot of movement in our applications, so please do not be discouraged to be on a waitlist. If you are confirmed a spot, it is important to honor your commitment whenever possible as last-minute cancellations will result in vacant spots.
** New application forms have been revised to assist with our admission intake interviews. It is important to legibly and accurately complete the application. Incomplete forms will be disregarded. The intake coordinators may contact you and/or your healthcare supports for more information. **
BridgePoint is not a medical facility. Participants are required to be medically and psychiatrically stable at the time of intake and for the duration of the program. In addition to our BridgePoint team, we have support from the Saskatchewan Health Authority Community Mental Health Nurse teams during our intake process and for consultation during programming.
Retreat Application (first step of sequential programming)
UPCOMING ONSITE RETREATS * August 12-15 * September 9-12 * November 18-21 * December 9-12 * (2021)
Module 1 & Module 2 Applications
UPCOMING MODULE 1 * October 14-November 5, 2021 *
Module 3 Application (this module involves Equine Assisted Learning. Supplemental information is required to demonstrate motivation and suitability to participate in this program. Preference is given to those who have completed Module 1 and Module 2. If it has been some time since completion, a retreat prior to attending Module 3 is required.)
UPCOMING DATES * September 23-28, 2021
All participants must abide by all current and evolving Saskatchewan Public Health Orders. Failure to do so will result in immediate discharge. Programming may be paused at any time and may resume virtually due to changes in group size, staffing or public health orders. Participants must be prepared to secure an immediate ride home in the event of the center closure.
WHAT TO EXPECT ONSITE (RESUMPTION AUGUST 2021):
Why Choose Us?
For over 20 years, BridgePoint has helped individuals and families heal from disordered eating. Saskatchewan residents with a valid Saskatchewan Health Card can access programming and support for free of charge as part of the Saskatchewan healthcare continuum.
BRIDGEPOINT CENTER FOR EATING DISORDER RECOVERY
Intake & Admission Guidelines for Residential Care
APPLICATIONS:
- Participants must complete the full application package. Participants will receive verbal or written confirmation from BridgePoint team to secure a bed.
- Medically and psychiatrically stable and able to function in, and benefit from a holistic group-based recovery program is required.
- Participants are eligible to self-refer for retreats if there are no concerns with medical or psychiatric stability.
- Relationships and support from a doctor and counsellor are required for Modules 1 & 2 and special programming; and as determined by BridgePoint team once applications are reviewed. An intake interview may be scheduled to determine suitability.
- Participants are required to fill out their own application package with full transparency.
- Virtual program options may exist for applicants while on the waiting list or during periods where a participant requires acute care or has concerns of stability.
BOOKING:
- The program may be suitable for those with a DSM-5 diagnosis or on the continuum of disordered eating behaviors.
- Participants must complete an application for assessment and review prior to confirmation of a bed. Intake interviews may be set up to determine fit for the program.
- Applications may be self-referral for the initial stages of the program (retreats).
- Medical stability is required to participate in onsite programming as approved in conjunction with your primary care team.
- All BridgePoint Clients will provide consents and SHA Terms of Service prior to admission.
ADMISSIONS:
- Admissions are coordinated based on scheduled program intake dates.
- Participant intake is typically at 3:00pm unless otherwise scheduled. Due to reduced access to the BridgePoint Client’s family physician and to accommodate staffing scheduling, a participant may be denied admission if they are considerably late and miss the intake process.
- Admission may be refused if the participant is under the influence of drugs or alcohol or there is risk of detoxing or deemed medically unstable by nursing staff.
PARTICIPANT CRITERIA:
The BridgePoint Participant must demonstrate the following upon admission:
- Is attending voluntarily and is a resident of Saskatchewan or has a valid Saskatchewan Health Card and must be at least 16 years of age;
- Must be fewer than twenty (20) weeks pregnant for the duration of stay;
- Must be able to carry out adequate basic personal hygiene; be ambulant and must remain medically stable for the duration of programming;
- Cannot be using the center as respite or to detox of any kind;
- Cannot be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Participants will not be cleared for admission until they are capable of understanding all directions that are given, as deemed by staff; including medication compliance as prescribed by their primary care team. A review of PIPs will be completed upon admission.
- Does not display any abusive, violent or aggressive behaviours;
- Must not breach any legal orders (e.g., restraining order against staff);
- Medical marijuana usage and attendance of service animals must have preapproval and with support of primary care team documentation.
- Approval must be provided by the primary BridgePoint care team by completion of Part B and Part C of the intake package to confirm stability and support participation in the program; including review and signoff of requested labs.
- Assessed as medically stable at intake, in that the BridgePoint Client is not:
1. detoxing from psychiatric prescribed medication or PRNs without a physician’s direction;
2. at acute risk of self-harm or harm to others; and/or
3. at risk of refeeding syndrome
DISCHARGE CRITERIA
The BridgePoint Client will be discharged in the following situations:
- Medical or psychiatric instability, including self-harm requiring emergency treatment;
- Failure to sign-in medication for self-administration, including PRNs and sharps;
- Non-compliance to medical advice or self-administration of medication;
- Custody of alcohol or drug substances in their room, on their person, or consumed during their stay;
- Leaves the grounds without prior approval of staff;
- Smokes or vapes inside the building;
- Engages in violent or abusive acts;
- Steals from BridgePoint, staff, external partners or participants;
- Does not abide by provincial public health orders (e.g., social distancing, sharinglit cigarettes) or other federal laws;
- Threatens the safety or well-being of team or other participants;
- Is written up for breaching BridgePoint Walls and Boundaries and has been given final warning by the BridgePoint leadership team;
- BridgePoint will arrange for a ride home to facilitate discharge as timely as possible and may include use of taxi, ambulance, or RCMP;
The Client may be discharged in the following situations:
- A breach or consistent breach of terms, commitments, consents and BridgePoint’s Walls and Boundaries as signed during the application and admission process for any reason that may jeopardize the safety of the group;
- Practices self-harming or inability to maintain medical stability, in which a medical transfer may occur;
- Assessment of suicidal ideation that requires triage to a medical facility;
- Breaches anonymity and confidentiality of other BridgePoint Clients, staff BridgePoint members or participants without their explicit consent;
- A pattern of failing to attend or participate in group sessions;
- Program unsuitability due to philosophy, cognition levels, motivation, etc.;
- Frequent cancellations, previous discharges or no-shows to programs may impact future admissions.
- Before you arrive and after you leave programming, you will continue to have the support of the BridgePoint team.
- Participants are supported through telephone calls with the team, with availability on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the afternoon and evenings.
A good starting point to learn if this program is right for you is to call us at (306) 935-2240 and speak with one of the team.
They can help you identify your needs and discuss your options and next steps.
Your phone consultation is free of judgment and IS confidential.
You are also welcome to download the registration package to complete and send back to us.
All the intake forms that you need to fill out can be found below. Please read all information carefully and ensure you complete all sections. Once completed, please fax, email or mail your paperwork in. Your spot cannot be confirmed without having the appropriate paperwork submitted.
FORMS REQUIRED FOR VIRTUAL INTENSIVE RETREATS
FORMS REQUIRED FOR RETREAT (New participant)
FORMS REQUIRED FOR RETREATS AND MODULES (Returning Participant)
BridgePoint incorporates the non-diet approach into programming. In non-diet approaches, the typical dieting behaviours of weighing and measuring food and body, recording detailed food diaries, extensive forward planning and timing of meals, concrete energy intake, specific weight loss goals and the use of ‘diet’ foods are firmly discouraged.
It is instead a much more gentle approach, allowing the client to build skills and confidence in their own innate ability to select appropriate foods for their body in appropriate amounts.
We, along with many researchers, believe that dieting doesn’t work for the long term. Frequent dieting disrupts our body’s natural relationship with food, tends to lead to weight gain rather than loss, and stands as one of the primary predictors of eating disorders.
What is the diet paradigm?
Inflexible, quantitative, prescriptive, rigid, perfection-seeking, good or bad foods, rules, deprivation, time-based, fear-driven, guilt-inducing, shaming, body hatred, hunger, struggle, rationalizing, temptation, thought-consuming, punishing.
What is the non-diet paradigm?? Flexible, accepting, welcomes all foods, intuitive, qualitative, supporting, enjoyable, life balance, appreciating, comfort, confidence, variety, freedom, natural, calm, pleasurable, kindness, nurturing, grateful, nourishing, forgiving, satisfaction, trust-building.
"95% of people fail diets… or 95% of diets fail people." – Yoni Freedhoff
Throughout our modules, we work through a supportive dietary program including educational and supportive group sessions, experimental activities, as well as individual one-on-one nutrition counselling. Our program focuses heavily on mindful eating, as we introduce and practice this concept throughout the module. Individuals struggling with eating disorders often lose touch with their body’s natural hunger and fullness cues. A person’s metabolism, ability to process foods, or enjoy foods may all be affected by the eating disorder. The staff at BridgePoint help individuals discover past negative experiences and become aware of their personal triggers and fears around food. Throughout the program, we will support the individual in meeting the body’s daily nutritional needs and developing a healthy new food experience including variety and moderation. We help them develop a balanced and sustainable relationship with food. Our hopes in introducing mindful eating are to guide individuals in listening to and trusting their body’s ability to know what is best. Our focus is not on food. We normalize food in a supportive and community setting where participants have the opportunity to have a safe and comfortable place to eat their meals.
Group building is emphasized in each module in order to provide an environment for personal sharing. A variety of concepts are presented in order to facilitate and enhance personal growth and learning. These concepts build upon one another to assist in the integration of information within and across modules. However, flexibility in content and experiences are maintained in each module in order to be responsive to the needs of the participants as issues arise rather than adhering to a strict curriculum.
Group therapy is an opportunity to work in the presence and connection of others recovering from eating disorders. This is a chance to gain insights from others, practice your personal skills, give and receive support/feedback, feel connected, and share openly about your life, personal challenges, and victories.
Body awareness activities are an integral part of the program in order to emphasize the mind-body relationship. These activities combined with personal learning bring awareness to the importance of physical and emotional vitality and energy for improving health and facilitating recovery.
Integrating this into the modules is a healing experience using breathing, stories and bodywork. The purpose of this is to give participants a safe, self-controlled, facilitated opportunity to experience somatic integration. This is done in a wholesome, gentle, and validating manner that supports the participant's current comfort level while encouraging, strengthening, and integrating healing.
We honor the importance of creative expression in the recovery process.
Inherent in all of us, creativity is a quality to be explored, expanded, and new learning integrated by the individual who becomes his/her own teacher.
Some participants entering the Creative Expressions component of the program for the first time label themselves as “not creative”, forgetting that everyone has talent and that self-discovery is a process not of control, but of surrender into uncertainty.
Creative Expressions is an integral part of the teaching and experiential sessions that flow through the programs.
Each activity is timed and aligned with other module components so that participants experience the holistic nature of the work that is offered.
This approach encourages clients to stay connected to themselves by expressing themselves in forms that promote individual creativity and to provide an expressive outlet for our participants that aligns with our unique recovery philosophy.