Alumnae Testimonials & Reviews of Timberline Knolls

Flying, soaring into the clouds of the unknown

The hum of the motor bringing calmness to my broken spirits

Feeling jittery and unsure, anxious and shaky

Feet on the ground walking me through the corridors that would lead me to my baggage

The baggage that held the only belongings I would have for no set period of time

Dialing, listening for the voice on the other end to say hello and me responding, “I am here,

where do I find you?”

Scared, alone, asking myself what happened and how did I get here? How did I get to this point?

Lifting my feet one at a time into the van that would drive me to the place I would be resting my weary head

– A former TK resident

Timberline saved my life. I did not realize I had an eating disorder, I did not realize my body was slowly shutting down. I finally went to TK at the suggestion of my therapist. My Bulimia and PTSD stemming from an abusive marriage were issues that were extensively cared for during my stay. I was able to reach a solid state of recovery through their expertise. When I made the decision to go, I committed to work my tail off at Timberline – I went to every single class and group, I prepared for therapy sessions and I “trusted the process” (even when I disagreed with their ideas.) I loved almost every minute in rehab. The first three days were quite shocking as I had to adjust my reality, and when I relinquished control I began seeing miracles every day. The women in my lodge were some of the most incredibly strong and beautiful people I have ever met. We shared trauma, stories and laughter and I felt like I finally had found my tribe. I will always recommend Timberline Knolls to anyone needing to reclaim their voice and find their power. (I was very thankful for the Grace Program component of rehab, which is the faith-based tract.)

– A former TK resident

Reflecting back, I can’t believe it’s been 4 years since my first stay at TK. I walked in unsure, frightened and hopeless. 12 weeks later, I walked away carrying hope that the staff and fellow patients instilled in me. The hope started to dwindle and this process repeated itself 3 more times. However, each time I discharged I walked away with news skills (thanks DBT), more sass and grew as a person with each stay.

I discharged from TK for the last time in April of 2017. I wasn’t fixed, frankly some days I didn’t even feel “better” but I was alive. I owed that to TK, especially the staff on Maple. I was truly blessed to be supported and loved by the staff. Our conversations were filled with sass and support, what more could I want?!

Okay, the part we’ve been waiting for. I’m currently 9 months into solid recovery. I can truly say I’m not just surviving, I’m thriving. In March I started TMS treatment at an outpatient level and have had incredible, life changing results. This treatment, mixed with the skills and support of TK I’m back in school finishing my bachelors in psychology and moving on to get my masters of social work.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I cannot express my gratitude enough for the staff who never gave up on me. I was hardy easy to deal with but was ALWAYS treated with respect and love. You guys are life changers and role models. My life is better because of the advice y’all have given me.

– a former TK resident

I came to TK for help with my bipolar disorder, bulimia, addiction to drugs and alcohol, and to learn how to manage my anxiety. When I heard that I got in here, I jumped up and down in joy. I thought that maybe I found a way to save my life. I knew from the beginning that I belong at TK. My life was out of control and entirely unmanageable.

Since coming to TK, I have made many positive changes in my life. For the first time ever, I am able to be honest with myself and others. I have also made some amazing friendships and will carry inspirational memories with me for the rest of my life. I am eternally grateful for everyone at TK.

– a former TK resident from Alpharetta, GA

The first thing I thought when I first got here was how SCARED I was. Of the place, of the people, and talking about my diseases. I met some of the most amazing people and as much as I say “no one understands me” somehow the people here have connected with me. I never assumed I would be sad to leave TK but it changed my life [and] it can change yours too.

– a former TK resident from CA

If you could take one thing out of this is love your life enough to live it. This is about you; this is your time to work on you.

– a former TK resident from Oak Brook, IL

When I came to TK, I was angry and scared. But after settling in, I realized that I was in exactly the place I needed to be. My stay at TK has been far from easy, but the time has gone by so quickly.

– a former TK resident from TX

The staff cares (very deeply). Give yourself some credit for coming to TK. The decision wasn’t easy, nor is the task at hand, but take a deep breath, and know that you are among friends. TK can change your life, if you let yourself trust.

– a former TK resident from Silver Spring, MD

I believe one of the most important changes I have made at my time at TK was learning to love myself. Self worth is so crucial to your recovery because the self destruction will slowly stop if you believe your life is worth living/saving.

– a former TK resident from FL

I came to Timberline Knolls not knowing what to expect – in denial of my problems but wanting to feel better and get stronger. I learned while here that I was suffering from a disease(s). My behaviors were not deliberate and could be managed and eliminated with hard work, support from others and learned coping skills.

I began to realize that I was worthwhile, deserving of health and happiness and that I could consider my needs rather than always those of others. Their helpful, cheery, caring, and supportive attitudes have been so important to my recovery here.

Having been to other treatment facilities T.K. is by far the best! I truly feel that the staff here really cares about me. Although at times my disease was challenging for all involved the staff was vigilant in their efforts to monitor me, giving me gentle encouragement and support. The treatment team and area specialists taught me valuable skills. They helped me to understand the baffling and cunning nature of my disease.

– a former TK resident from MA

TK has gifted me with so much that I can scarcely put it into words. Essentially, TK has given me a second chance at life. When I arrived at TK I was malnourished, depressed and hopeless, ultimately holding on by a thread to life. My OCD became my coping mechanism and kept me locked in a jail cell, separate from life and happiness. Finally, I hit my bottom and everything came to a head. I could either continue killing myself by my self-will or make the decision to surrender my will over to the care of God and really live. I chose life. As I began to have faith again in God, I entered into a “pink-cloud” period of recovery which I understood to mean “relieved of the bondage of self” and enter into serenity. My OCD no longer seemed insurmountable and restricting could no longer provide for me the relief it had in the past. I realized that I could not survive, much less live, if I did not have others in my life who could love and care for me and call me out For years I had stayed away from relationships for fear of rejection and in doing so I realize now that I was really isolating myself from life. As I formed new relationships with peers and staff here at TK and with my family at home, I have come to believe that to live is to love.

– a former TK resident from NY

The feeling of hopelessness will fade and left ahead of you will be clarity, opportunity, happiness and HOPE. You will amaze yourself with the amount of strength you possess and you will grow.

– a former TK resident from Boston, MA

I’m finishing my second stint at TK, my eleventh treatment center. And I’m telling you, this place works.

My bulimia was out of control & my feelings of depression were extremely intense. I literally couldn’t function in everyday life. I absolutely hated myself.

I was just a walking body; my soul had been torn into a million little pieces. I didn’t think I was sick enough to receive help. My entire life revolved around food. Bulimia had totally taken over my life. I was actually really relieved to come to TK. I was tired, so exhausted that I felt my body literally shutting down.

But I still wasn’t ready. I continued to purge even at TK. Then the miracle happened. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the staff here and trust the treatment team. I’m telling you right now that whatever disease behaviors you are engaging in, they are not worth it. It’s hard and it’s scary but the road of recovery is well worth it.

– a former TK resident from IL

Drugs, Alcohol, Depression and Anxiety let me to the doors of TK. I was beaten down and did not have a high opinion of myself. That was not the case. I learned I was powerless over my addiction and my life had become unmanageable. I worked hard through my issues and worked on my low self-esteem. I made friends who accepted me for all my faults. I was supported by my peers and lifted up by them when I was down. I started believing in myself and that little glint of hope got bigger. I feel very hopeful for the future.

– a former TK resident from AZ

Although this journey to recovery has been long and very difficult I am so glad that I stayed and continued to fight my eating disorder. I hope and pray that all newcomers to TK will stay and receive the treatment and recovery that the treatment team is wanting you to find!

– a former TK resident from IL

Timberline Knolls’ PHP program has given me my life back. Stepping down to PHP with supportive living from Residential care was a huge help in allowing me to re-acclimate back into day-to-day life and responsibilities and prepared me for ultimate success in living independently when returning home. I was treated with love, respect, and care while I relearned how to be an adult in recovery. I owe my recovery to Timberline Knolls PHP. The staff, community, and supportive living made the difference between succeeding after discharge and meeting my goals, and staying stuck in my old ways and habits. I would recommend this program to anyone looking to change their life for the better.

– Sarah T

I stepped down from Timberline Knolls’ Residential program to their PHP with supportive housing.  PHP helped me be able to have long term recovery. Going into a grocery store and make meals with support was helpful. Also, being accountable with acting out on urges, I learned to ask for support.  With anxiety/ panic and going out in the world I learned how to navigate and how to move through a panic attack and not retreat to old behaviors.  Living in the supportive housing was a key factor to me recovery because I was supported by others and staff throughout the night. I would not have made it through the last 6 years of recovery without PHP relapsing and giving me tools and it really made a difference. I hope you take the opportunity to go to PHP at Timberline knolls after completing their residential program.

– Lindsey C

Hi, My name is Angel. I was admitted to residential treatment at Timberline Knolls in 2016 to treat my depression. At that time I was unemployed, home alone, and labeled med resistant. Though I did not socialize much, I benefited because I was no longer alone.

I elected to go to the partial hospitalization program at TK thereafter. This was because I wanted to continue with the DBT principles, continue with yoga, and continue speaking with the chaplain. Choosing to stay with TK resulted in me regaining my voice. In PHP I started engaging socially with the TK community. I also started to unpack my relationship with my father, with my father and our family therapist; a process that I prepared for in residential. Residential treatment at Timberline Knolls and continuing with partial hospitalization ensured that I could keep building on my recovery, namely in my relationships with spirituality, with new people, and with myself.

– Angel T

The transition into PHP from Residential was the most scary but wonderful thing that happened to me during my TK experience. It was hard to leave 24/7 care, and I was nervous about changing the atmosphere around me but once I stepped foot in that building I had a certain feeling of calm. I was approached by all different people introducing me to the new world I was now a part of.  My housemate gave me the best welcome and helped me get settled in.  I found that the groups in PHP gave me a new and different experience in treatment, and I was able to look at things from an entirely point of view.  There were groups I attended that didn’t happen on lodge, and the staff was there to help support me, yet give me the gentle nudge I needed to help myself and figure out how I was going to be able to survive in my world at home without all the people I have been getting use to as backups for me. I can’t say it was a seamless transition but I learned that nothing is a straight line and you cannot know until you try. Being able to utilize the step down process gave me the skills I needed to succeed in real life and flourish in whatever I choose to do

– Mara S.