1. What is your name and what are your credentials?
Megan Bendig, Senior Primary Therapist in Casa Verde; MSW, RCSWI
2. What is your background (brief introduction)?
My professional background is rooted in residential eating disorder treatment. Prior to coming aboard at OPC, I worked for a residential ED center in Birmingham, AL which is where I’m from. I also completed my internship there during graduate school at the University of Alabama. (ROLL TIDE!!)
3. What does a typical day look like for you at OPC?
One of the reasons I love OPC is that this is a very difficult question to answer – every day keeps you on your toes! Senior primary therapist is a new role within our organization so each day comes with new challenges and opportunities to aid in the healing process of our women. I wear various hats, one of which is that of primary therapist to two to three of the women in Casa Verde. I meet with my clients daily for individual and family psychotherapy. Additionally, I supervise or oversee the care of 2-4 Casa Verde women which includes weekly case management sessions. These sessions are truly unique and address the in the moment needs of each woman… whether it be a general check in or a snack exposure to a fear food. I also run body image group and oversee the Mindful Movement Program.
4. How does the team at OPC work together? How does your role overlap and differ with other roles?
The team at OPC is unbelievable – I’ve never experienced a more inspired group of women (and men!) I believe the key to our team’s functioning is that each member puts our women’s needs above all else. In working from this perspective, the rest seems to flow naturally!
5. What is your favorite thing about OPC?
I cherish the moments in our work that allow us to meet our clients as humans – not as treatment provider to treatment receiver. My favorite thing about OPC is that this mindset is infused in our day to day operations. For example, I consider myself to be creative and I find it incredibly meaningful to be able to infuse creativity into my work with our women. Another example is how we as a staff interact with the women outside of our professional context. I’m always up for a game of scattergories or banagrams and love being able to relate to our clients in a way that is lighthearted, social, and non-threatening.
6. What are three facts about you that people do not know?
I was born on the 4th of July. My brother, who was three at the time, thought the fireworks were for me! The start of football season is my favorite holiday (that counts as a holiday, right?!) I love DIY projects and crafts.