In a groundbreaking fusion of classical artistry and modern healing, three brave women from a premier mental health treatment center have become the faces of an innovative campaign that reimagines recovery through Renaissance-inspired portraits. Located in suburban Chicago, Timberline Knolls has long been recognized for its specialized treatment of eating disorders, trauma, and mental health challenges affecting women and adolescent girls.
Portraits of Strength
The story begins with Shannon Hostetter, Threasa Kluever, and Heather Seiler – alumni of the residential treatment program who volunteered to share their recovery journeys through monumental artwork. Working with renowned photographer Szilveszter Makó, known for his Vogue and Vanity Fair covers, these women’s experiences were transformed into stunning 15-foot by 20-foot portraits that blend Renaissance aesthetics with modern recovery narratives.
A History of Healing
Since its establishment in 2006, the treatment facility has grown into a leading provider of comprehensive mental health care. Situated on a peaceful 43-acre campus in Lemont, Illinois, Timberline Knolls offers both residential and partial hospitalization programs. The center became part of Acadia Healthcare’s network in 2012, enhancing its resources and expanding its ability to serve those in need.
Creating Visual Poetry
The “Every Bite a Battle” campaign emerged from collaboration between mental health professionals and the creative team at Bakery, an Austin-based advertising agency. The decision to shoot in Milan added another layer of significance, connecting modern recovery stories to the city’s rich artistic heritage.
Mark Palmenter, chief marketing officer of Acadia Healthcare, emphasizes how this campaign represents a shift from traditional clinical messaging to a more emotionally resonant approach. The portraits incorporate symbolic elements like gummy bears and french fries into classical compositions, creating powerful metaphors for the daily victories in recovery.
Impact Beyond Art
The campaign’s influence extends far beyond its visual appeal. Former patients and staff members report profound emotional connections to the artwork, with one alumna describing her encounter with the portraits as the culminating moment in her recovery journey.
The treatment center’s approach combines evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with expressive therapies, creating a comprehensive healing environment. This integration of clinical expertise and creative expression is reflected in both the campaign and the facility’s overall treatment philosophy.
A Legacy of Innovation
Today, these remarkable portraits hang permanently at Timberline Knolls, serving as daily inspiration for current residents and staff. The artwork represents more than just a marketing campaign; it embodies the facility’s commitment to understanding and honoring each individual’s recovery journey.
Treatment options at the center continue to evolve, maintaining the perfect balance between proven therapeutic approaches and innovative healing methods. The facility’s dedication to personalized care has helped thousands of women and girls find their path to recovery over the past two decades.
Looking ahead, this pioneering campaign sets a new standard for how mental health treatment can be portrayed and discussed. By elevating recovery stories through classical art, Timberline Knolls has created a powerful new way to celebrate healing and inspire hope in others who are beginning their own 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.
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