We Knew Phil

Professional connections

Mark Gold, research leader, Florida

“He really invented the field. He took basic science and and brought it to clinical practice…”

Esther Helga Gudmundsdottir, treatment provider and educator, Iceland

“He was my mentor, my spiritual guide, in this lifetime.”

Raja Batarseh, student, Jordan

“Scientific knowledge combined with spiritual insight…”

Amanda Leith, student and successor, Vancouver, Canada

“Phil understood Food Addiction at a time when few people did.”

Randy Furst, reporter, Minnesota

“…No one knew as much about the subject as Phil Werdell…”

Bitten Jonsson, Bitten’s Addiction, Sweden

“One more thing I loved about him was his definition of denial, three types of denial…”

In Their Words: The Heart of Phil’s Legacy

Phil had such a gift with this recovery work. He knew how to ask the right questions in a gentle, nonjudgmental way. He made such a positive difference in my life.

Martha Zischkau

I had given up on myself, but Phil wouldn’t give up on me. His patience and determination broke through my defenses and started my true recovery.

Michael Prager

Phil taught me not just about addiction, but about unconditional love. His compassion continues to inspire my own journey today.

Cassie Segal

In my darkest times, Phil was a guiding light. His belief in my ability to heal made all the difference.

Anonymous Client

The Personal Touch: Phil’s Enduring Support

Phil Werdell helped save my life by guiding me through several relapses in my battle with food addiction. I owe him a mountain of gratitude for the unwavering support he offered when I was at my lowest.

Chris P, Maine

I didn’t think I was angry, but as soon as others started reading, I was sobbing. Phil came over with a pillow and a chair, and helped me find the courage to read my letter — little by little

Debbie Danowski, Connecticut

Finally, someone was able to recognize my disease, Food Addiction, as primary for me, and treat it properly, and gave me a whole new miraculous life.

Libah Grossman, Florida

Phil encouraged me to embrace my own truth, no matter how messy it was, no matter how uncomfortable it might feel. Through his candor, he show me that vulnerability is not a weakness but is a strength.

Tina Selinsky, Florida

Phil was always accepting, always helpful, always generous, always kind. He was a remarkable human being.

David Evans, North Carolina

Chris P, Maine

“Phil Werdell helped save my life by guiding me through several relapses in my battle with food addiction. I owe him a mountain of gratitude for the unwavering support he offered when I was at my lowest.”

Debbie Danowski, Connecticut

“I didn’t think I was angry, but as soon as others started reading, I was sobbing. Phil came over with a pillow and a chair, and helped me find the courage to read my letter — little by little.”

Libah Grossman, Florida

“Finally, someone was able to recognize my disease, Food Addiction, as primary for me, and treat it properly, and gave me a whole new miraculous life.”

Tina Selinsky, Florida

“Phil encouraged me to embrace my own truth, no matter how messy it was, no matter how uncomfortable it might feel. Through his candor, he showed me that vulnerability is not a weakness but is a strength.”

David Evans, North Carolina

“Phil was always accepting, always helpful, always generous, always kind. He was a remarkable human being.”

Dolores Proto, Pennsylvania

“Phil was my teacher and friend, who loved and supported me through many difficulties.”