The Intensive 2.0 - Virtual

May 16 - 23, 2025

The Acorn Virtual Intensive is an 8 day, online instructor-led program where attendees are introduced to the concepts and tools needed for recovery. The remaining 10-Week Aftercare Program is used to solidify recovery, working with a food addiction counselor.

Patterned after inpatient treatment for food dependency, this program has been successfully lifting people out of the trenches of food addiction for over 30 years. We have seen thousands of people start their journey towards freedom from food obsession in this state-of-the-art treatment program.

In just eight days, participants report a radical transformation in their relationship to food. They undergo detoxification from addictive foods, experience truly sober eating, and begin the recovery process of addressing underlying issues at a profound level.

Free Info Session!

Want to find out more about this event?

We're hosting a free "Inside The Intensive" info session on zoom Sunday, April 27th @ 4pm PST / 7pm EST

Register for FREE below!

Can't make it live? Those who register will receive a recording link of the session after the event!

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How do I know if it's right for me?

The Acorn Intensive is for you whether you are:

Unsure if you are addicted to food

Brand new to food sobriety

In relapse

A stable “long-timer”

START YOUR RECOVERY JOURNEY!

What is Included?

2 days to work with your Accountability Coach via Zoom on food planning and preparation
Sunday through Friday – 6 days fully dedicated to intensive group work (Sample Daily Schedule – Virtual Intensive)
3 process groups a day led by world-renowned food addiction professionals
Educational lectures on food addiction
Structured activities that support recovery (e.g. group walks)
Individual reading and writing assignments
Techniques to deal with difficult emotions
Staff that are recovering food addicts
A personal food plan, including detailed information and one-to-one coaching
Peer support and feedback from other group participants
A detailed aftercare plan so you can continue your recovery when you leave
Access to a large alumni network in stable long-term recovery

Immediately following the Acorn Intensive is a 10-Week Aftercare outpatient program — this is mandatory for first-time participants and optional for those returning.

Join the Intensive!

What is Virtual Aftercare?

Daily check-in with a facilitator up to Step 9
Weekly 30-minute individual coaching with a SHiFT coach up to Step 9
Weekly 3-hour group video conference led by a SHiFT facilitator
Professional and peer support

Aftercare Schedule:

Wednesdays: 9am–12pm PST| 12pm–3pm EST
- May 28
- June 4, 11, 18, 25
- July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

JOIN THE INTENSIVE

Who will be on my Team?

Amanda Leith, Counselor/Facilitator

Amanda Leith launched SHiFT – Recovery by Acorn in Spring of 2019, opening an exciting new chapter in the 30-year legacy of Acorn Food Dependency Recovery Services. Amanda is an addiction counselor, a certified food addiction counselor, FAI/ACORN certified food addiction professional and CENAPS-trained Advanced Relapse Prevention Specialist (ARPS), with a background in drug and alcohol addiction counseling and group facilitation.

Barney Reason, Counselor/Facilitator

Barney Reason is an experienced therapist, coach, & facilitator with a passion for inspiring people to improve their lives. Since beginning his own recovery journey in 1987, he has developed a wide range of tools to support clients from diverse backgrounds.

A globally qualified food addiction treatment professional, Barney has worked in residential & one-to-one settings, specializing in therapeutic support for addicts and their families dealing with trauma.

Christine Gaggin, Accountability Coach

Christine is a Nurse Practitioner with 25 years of experience in clinical care, specializing in lifestyle-related illness, addiction, and nutrition. She’s held leadership roles including Director of Nursing and Chief of Medicine in Primary Care.

After battling food addiction and bulimia for over 30 years, Christine found recovery through SHiFT in 2023. Her personal journey now shapes her professional work, bringing empathy and lived insight to those she supports.