This week marked Chrysalis’ 22nd year in business! Since I frequently request that clients make gratitude lists, I’ll do the same to celebrate this anniversary. In no particular order, here are 22 reasons I’m grateful to be a part of “Restoring Hope, Empowering Change” at our practice: 

1. Our clients. In everything we do, we put forth our best efforts to be client-centered and treat the whole person. We’ve been fortunate to be a part of thousands of recovery journeys over the years and it certainly fuels our passion for what we do and keeps hope alive for future clients. 
2. Our clinical amazing team! We wouldn’t be who we are without the dedicated group of professionals who show up day in and day out for their clients and for each other. 
3. Our hardworking administrative team. We truly have the “dream team” assembled and we are so grateful for the multitude of behind-the-scenes and front-of- the- house things they do to keep Chrysalis running so smoothly. 
4. The variety of specialties we offer. Although eating disorder treatment is in our name we have so many talented clinicians with so many different niches. From OCD to menopause to bariatrics to narcissistic abuse (just to name a few), our team is rich in experience and wisdom beyond just eating disorders. 
5. Group programming. Many of our clinicians offer outpatient groups that serve a need and help build community for those seeking support from others going through similar struggles. Connection is such a powerful healing tool! 
6. Eating Disorder IOP. Our intensive outpatient program for eating disorders is the only in-person program within a 135 mile radius and offers valuable programming and meal support to adults with eating disorders who would otherwise have to travel, participate in virtual programming, or go without the right level of care. 
7. Trauma-focused IOP. Our newest clinical endeavor has demonstrated great success via outcome measures tracking PTSD symptoms. Beyond those scores, we’ve seen the difference a community of support has created for patients who’ve endured so much and often felt very isolated. 
8. Our training programs. We precept interns from many different disciplines and schools, in addition to family practice residents and psychiatry residents. This is something we do to give back to the community and to educate future clinicians about mental health and eating disorders. 
9. Outreach opportunities. We love to spread awareness to the community and to other professionals whether it’s tabling at events, speaking at conferences, or volunteering for causes that are important to us. 
10. Providers that we collaborate with. From medical professionals to other dietitians and therapists, we are so grateful for the healthcare community that we connect with day in and day out to bring the best care to our clients. 
11. Referral sources. We appreciate each and every referral that comes our way and are always happy to see if we are the right fit for a client. Whether it’s a medical provider giving a formal referral or a friend or neighbor giving a word-of-mouth recommendation, we are glad to be trusted with a client’s care. 
12. Higher level of care options. We frequently have to refer clients to more intensive treatment and we are glad that there are a variety of specialty programs out there that we feel comfortable ensuring our clients’ care to. 
13. Technology. As much as I gripe about it, technology enables us to reach those that might not otherwise be served. One of the best things to come out of the pandemic was the ability to offer virtual sessions when appropriate. 
14. Continuing education opportunities. Our fields are ever evolving and the ability to learn cutting-edge treatment techniques keeps us stimulated and able to offer clients the best possible care. 
15. Mentors. Our diverse clinical staff has been fortunate to have so many knowledgeable professionals train, supervise, and mentor us along the way, adding to the wisdom we can now pass on to future generations of clinicians. 
16. The recovery community in Wilmington. Whether it’s AA, NA, Al Anon, Celebrate Recovery, NAMI, or other groups, there are so many resources for our clients to obtain additional support and learn from others who’ve been in their shoes. 
17. Our location. Nothing better than living at the beach and having beautiful nature and weather (most of the time) to keep us grounded and brighten our spirits. 
18. Our website. Recently updated by our clinical director, Lauren Francis, it provides so much information not only regarding our services and staff, but also valuable resources for clients and professionals.
19. Our vendors. Whether it’s the folks who clean our office or our healthcare attorney who advises us on important matters, there are many other professionals who help keep Chrysalis up and running. 
20. Our values. Chrysalis has 8 core values that are important to us: compassion, acceptance, hope, wellness, integrity, ethics, quality, and TEAMWORK!  
21. Humor. We are a group that loves to laugh and builds in time to “banter” at our meetings. This is a hard business to be in and we can’t take ourselves so seriously or we’d burn out. 
22. Our loved ones. Doing the work we do can be draining, so we appreciate all the support we get from our friends and family who help renew our energy.

Written by executive director and founding mother, Kelly Broadwater, who is full of gratitude and apologizes to anyone she may have left off this list.