IWC (Iceland Wellness Center)
I am working on a project, establishing Iceland Wellness Center. The central idea is to create a holistic eating disorder treatment center in Iceland that emphasizes individualized care and a nurturing in a nature-inspired environment. This center will blend traditional medical and psychological treatments with alternative healing practices, fostering not only physical recovery but also emotional and mental healing. By integrating peer support, yoga, and the therapeutic power of nature, this center will offer a truly comprehensive approach to recovery, all within an appealing and welcoming environment designed to make clients feel safe and at home during their healing journey.
Background:
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that have profound impacts on a person's physical and psychological well-being. Traditional treatment for eating disorders often focuses on medical stabilization, therapy, and counseling, but many patients still struggle with feelings of isolation, guilt, or a lack of emotional connection to their healing process.
In Iceland, people dealing with eating disorders are currently faced with limited options. The primary treatment options available are through psychologists, nutritionists, or other specialized professionals, but these services are often expensive, fragmented, and difficult to access. The result is that many individuals don't receive the necessary care in time, leading to worsening conditions. If their eating disorder becomes severe, individuals may end up being hospitalized in psychiatric units. However, hospital-based treatment is often a reactive approach, addressing symptoms too late and with inadequate follow-up, leading to a high rate of relapse. Moreover, while psychiatric care is crucial, it typically doesn’t provide the holistic support needed to heal the root causes of eating disorders—such as emotional, psychological, and environmental factors.
My organization, SÁTT was founded in 2020 and has in these years been providing guidance and support to people dealing with eating disorders and their family members. We have also been involved in outreach programs, courses, prevention and education.
While there are some existing centers that focus on medical treatment, few combine the holistic healing approach with an emphasis on peer support, alternative therapies, and a close connection to nature in a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing environment. Iceland, with its serene landscapes and natural beauty, offers the perfect backdrop for such a program, as nature has been shown to have numerous therapeutic benefits for mental health and well-being.
Innovation:
This center will innovate by taking a more holistic approach to eating disorder recovery, focusing on:
Nature as a healing tool: Utilizing Iceland’s breathtaking natural landscapes, the center will provide therapeutic outdoor activities like nature walks, hikes, or even meditative forest bathing to reconnect individuals with the environment and promote mental clarity and emotional healing. Clean water, clean air.
Yoga and mindfulness: By incorporating yoga, meditation, and breathwork, the center will address not just the body, but the mind and spirit, helping clients build a deeper connection with themselves and their recovery.
Peer support: The center will foster a sense of community and connection by integrating peer support, encouraging patients to share experiences, offer encouragement, and feel less isolated in their journey.
Aesthetic, warm, and welcoming environment: The center will be designed to be an appealing, calming space, emphasizing natural light, earthy colors, and comforting, minimalist design to help individuals feel at ease and supported.
The proposed center will differentiate itself by offering comprehensive, accessible, and holistic care designed to address eating disorders at their root and prevent the cycle of recurring hospitalization. Key aspects of the center’s approach will include:
Holistic and Individualized Treatment: Rather than focusing solely on the physical or psychological symptoms, the center will provide a multi-faceted approach that includes therapy, nutrition counseling, yoga, mindfulness, and peer support, all tailored to each person’s specific needs.
Integration with Nature: Iceland’s natural environment will be utilized as a therapeutic tool. The center will offer nature walks, outdoor yoga, and other activities that allow clients to reconnect with themselves and the world around them in a healing, non-judgmental space.
Peer Support and Community Building: A community-based recovery model will be core to the center’s philosophy, offering group therapy, peer support programs, and social activities to reduce isolation and foster healing through connection. Empowerment, agnecy and creativity.
Long-Term Support and Preventing Relapse: By providing aftercare services, including ongoing therapy, peer support groups, and wellness workshops, the center aims to prevent the re-occurrence of eating disorders, addressing not just the immediate crisis but offering support throughout the recovery journey.
