The Wild Life of Working on an Eating Disorder Unit with Abby Tigchelaar

Certified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and Canadian CCLS, Abby Tigchelaar, about her experience working with patients who are being treated for eating disorders. 

Abby's experience is unlike any other, working in a unique unit dedicated to children battling eating disorders. She paints a vivid picture of her journey, conveying both the challenges and rewards she encounters, while providing a deeper understanding of family-centered care, therapeutic interventions, and the importance of normalization and distraction on the unit.

Abby's work is truly inspiring, and she shares the intricate process of using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) sessions to help these young patients manage their struggles. The extraordinary perspective Abby offers, viewing nutrition as a procedure and medication, will open your eyes to the different facets of treating eating disorders through a child life lens. Abby also candidly discusses the challenges involved in transitioning patients out of the unit and the role of the Canadian health care system in supporting these families. 

Tune in and be moved by Abby’s wild ride through the world of child life, her fervor for her work, and her dedication towards making a difference.

You can reach out to Abby to collaborate or ask questions using her email: childlife.abby@gmail.com or through her LinkedIn (Abby Tigchelaar).

Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa

Chapters

• 0:00 Bringing Child Life Into Unique Settings
• 10:05 Child Life Specialist's Role in Support
• 17:36 Managing Eating Disorder Behaviors With DBT
• 23:30 Family-Centered Care in Eating Disorder Treatment
• 36:21 Advocating for Child Life and Connections
• 45:40 Navigating the Child Life Profession
• 51:22 The Wild Ride of Child Life