When a premier treatment facility near Chicago sought to reimagine how recovery stories are told, they turned to an unexpected source of inspiration: Renaissance art. Through their groundbreaking “Every Bite a Battle” campaign, Timberline Knolls has transformed the personal victories of their alumni into monumental works of art that celebrate strength and resilience.
A History of Healing
Since opening its doors in 2006, the residential center has established itself as a leading provider of specialized care for women and adolescent girls. Situated on a peaceful 43-acre campus in Lemont, Illinois, Timberline Knolls offers comprehensive treatment for eating disorders, trauma, and mental health challenges. The facility’s capabilities expanded further when Acadia Healthcare acquired it in 2012.
Warriors in Recovery
Three brave alumni – Shannon Hostetter, Threasa Kluever, and Heather Seiler – stepped forward to share their recovery journeys through this innovative program. Working with acclaimed photographer Szilveszter Makó, known for his work with Vogue and Vanity Fair, their stories were transformed into stunning 15-foot by 20-foot portraits that blend classical artistry with modern recovery narratives.
Behind the Masterpieces
The creative process involved elaborate set creation in Milan, chosen for both practical reasons and its rich artistic heritage. Healthcare professionals collaborated closely with advertising agency Bakery to ensure the campaign maintained both artistic integrity and therapeutic value.
Mark Palmenter, chief marketing officer of Acadia Healthcare, explains that the campaign aimed to move beyond traditional clinical messaging to incorporate personal emotion. This approach mirrors the facility’s treatment philosophy, which combines evidence-based therapies with expressive treatments.
Impact and Inspiration
The portraits incorporate everyday objects like gummy bears and french fries into epic battle scenes, creating powerful metaphors for the daily victories in recovery. These symbolic elements resonated deeply within the recovery community, as evidenced by the emotional response during a presentation to approximately 40 alumni.
Today, these remarkable artworks hang permanently at Timberline Knolls, serving as daily inspiration for current residents and staff. The campaign has not only transformed how recovery stories are told but has also created a lasting impact on the mental health treatment community.
Comprehensive Care Approach
The facility’s treatment program combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based approaches with expressive therapies. This integration of clinical expertise and creative expression is reflected in both the campaign and their overall approach to healing.
Looking Forward
The treatment center’s innovative campaign sets a new standard for how recovery can be portrayed and discussed. By elevating personal stories through classical art, Timberline Knolls has created a powerful new way to celebrate healing and inspire hope in others beginning their recovery journeys.
The success of this unique approach demonstrates how creative thinking can transform conversations around mental health treatment while honoring the strength and dignity of those who choose to share their stories. Through this artistic innovation, the facility continues to lead the way in reimagining how we view and discuss mental health recovery.
As the mental health landscape continues to evolve, this groundbreaking initiative stands as a testament to the facility’s commitment to finding innovative ways to support and celebrate recovery. The journey from personal struggle to artistic triumph mirrors the transformative experience that Timberline Knolls strives to provide for each person in their care.
