Transforming Lives at Magnolia Creek: Wren’s Journey to Empowerment and Recovery

At Magnolia Creek, our goal is not only to help our clients make a recovery but to empower them and ensure they feel heard, supported, and successful, both during their treatment with us and beyond. We’re always happy to hear from our alumni, who let us know we are successful in helping them on their paths to recovery. Read on to learn more about Wren’s experience at Magnolia Creek and how it changed their life.

What led you to seek treatment at Magnolia Creek?  

“My outpatient team had to beg and plead with me to go to treatment. At the end of the day, I knew if I didn’t go, I would ultimately lose my life to my eating disorder. I was actually relieved when my admission day finally arrived. I knew I was finally safe.”

How were you feeling when you arrived at Magnolia Creek?    

“Arriving at Magnolia Creek, it felt like I was about to ride a roller-coaster. My heart was racing, and I thought to myself, ‘What if the staff is mean? What if I don’t make friends?’ I felt scared. This was all immediately washed away the moment I pulled up to the beautiful house as I was  welcomed with open arms.”

What was the admissions process like at Magnolia Creek?   

“The moment I arrived, the admissions counselor greeted me at my car and helped me with my bags. She was so kind and warm. The nurses cried with me as I processed the struggles I’d faced and my fears about recovery. The recovery care specialists introduced themselves and explained everything that would happen during treatment. But above all, the other girls in the Magnolia Creek residential program welcomed me with literal open arms. They explained the structure of Magnolia Creek, comforted me, and included me immediately. For the first time in months, I realized I was safe.”

How was your stay as a client at Magnolia Creek?  

“My stay at Magnolia Creek was life-changing. From the moment I arrived until I graduated from the program, I felt safe. Sure, there were times that scared and challenged me, but I later realized how much I needed those scary moments to grow. Everything I went through at Magnolia Creek taught me something about myself, about my learned behaviors/reactions, and about how to lean on others for support. There were times when we laughed until we cried and cried until we laughed. There were times when I looked out at the vast nature around me and felt grateful for my life. There were times when I was angry and learned that anger is the tip of the iceberg of other emotions.

At the beginning of treatment, I felt unsafe knowing I couldn’t spend all my time in my room. But by the end, I learned that my room was just a bed to sleep in, and the real growth happens in those quiet moments in the group room, living room, and around the table. I also made lifelong friends and memories over the course of my stay. Heath and Cliff were father figures when I so desperately needed them, the staff were role models, and my peers became my family.”

How has Magnolia Creek helped you?  

“Magnolia Creek literally saved my life. I was so sick before treatment; I was heading toward death and I felt hopeless. Magnolia Creek made me believe in myself, and it made me realize that I really can do hard things. I still say affirmations after meals. I still talk to my Magnolia Creek friends. I still remember the good and bad times and am so thankful for every single moment.”

What does it mean to you to be an alumnus of Magnolia Creek?   

“Not only does it mean that I can grow, but it also means that I can reach my hand back out to those who are just starting their journey. The Alumni Program helps me keep in touch with resources, so I know that if someday I need treatment again, I have a place I can call home.”

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience at Magnolia Creek?  

“Make those friendships. Connect with the staff, and above all, trust. Trust yourself, trust the staff, and trust the process. It isn’t always pretty. Sometimes I was furious, but I learned how to manage my anger. Sometimes I was scared, but I learned how to lean on others for support. Pro tip: throwing rocks into the lake is an excellent release! Also, remember that recovery is possible for you. You are loved, and you are safe at Magnolia Creek.”

If you’re ready to take the next step in the eating disorder recovery process, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 205-509-2571 or complete our contact form.