Eating disorder recovery is incredibly challenging. Often you may feel alone or that others don’t completely understand what you are going through. I often say recovery is a “full-time job” so it makes sense that you need as much support as possible throughout your journey. Eating disorder support groups can be a wonderful asset to your recovery. Connecting with others who are going through similar situations helps us feel less alone and can provide a sense of relief.
Below are 6 benefits of eating disorder support groups, why a support group may be beneficial to you, and how to join our free eating disorder support group!
Benefits of Eating Disorder Support Groups
1. Feeling Less Alone
Individuals in eating disorder support groups care constantly around others, which many find helpful for preventing feelings of loneliness.
2. Offer a Place to Express Your Feelings
Recovery can stir up many difficult feelings. Eating disorder support groups can offer individuals a safe and compassionate environment to share and process these feelings.
3. Learn Helpful Information
Treatment and recovery for eating disorders can be confusing, making it helpful to have a trustworthy source that individuals can go to if they have questions or need guidance.
4. Gaining Hope
Talking openly and honestly in support groups allows individuals to feel empowered and build their self-esteem as they continue on their recovery journey.
5. Increased Self-Understanding
Support groups can also help individuals gain insight into themselves, the factors that have contributed to their current challenges, and strategies that work best for them as they move toward their goals.
6. Improved Social Skills
By meeting and talking with other group members, individuals have a chance to practice social skills and interact more effectively with others. Often, support groups can provide a safe place to become comfortable around others once more.
About Our Courage to Nourish Eating Disorder Support Group
Courage to Nourish hosts an online support group for those in eating disorder recovery to join and connect with other recovery-focused individuals virtually. Our focus is to provide a safe space for individuals to bond with peers, learn how to prioritize recovery, and find meaningful connections outside of their eating disorders.
Some recent topics of discussion in the group include navigating the holiday season, advocating your needs to providers, and nourishing through the workday.
Group Features:
- Meet weekly for 60 minutes
- Small group setting
- Led by an eating disorder dietitian
- Attendees will be provided weekly reminders and zoom links
Details:
- When: Tuesdays at 7 pm est
- Where: Online via Zoom
- Pricing: Free of charge
- Age group: For those 18 years or older
- *A signed consent form that reviews group rules and policies is required
Additional Support Groups
Courage to Nourish Loved One Support Group: A space for caregivers, family, and friends to join to find support and learn how to support their loved one in recovery. This group meets on the first Tuesday of each month and is free of charge.
Ready to join?
To sign up or get more information for either group, please email
Closing Thoughts on Eating Disorders Support Groups
I invite you to consider how a support group could benefit your recovery. What benefits do you feel you would get from a support group? How could it be helpful to connect with peers?
It can take time to feel comfortable in a group setting. Give yourself time to adjust and see if a particular group is the right fit. A trusted healthcare provider may be able to provide additional recommendations and support you in finding the best group for you.
Again, you are not alone in recovery and deserve a safe space to learn and support one another. Our online eating disorder support groups can help you overcome and thrive in your eating disorder journey.
Contact Us
Courage to Nourish is a group of eating disorder specialized dietitians. We have in person locations in Alexandria, Virginia, Columbia, Maryland. and College Park, Maryland. We offer virtual services across the state of Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, and Colorado. We offer individual nutrition therapy. As well as support groups. We would love to guide you in building a better relationship with food.
Emilee Young, RD, LD, is an eating disorder dietitian who serves Alexandria, VA, Richmond, VA, Charlottesville, VA, Norfolk, VA, Virginia Beach, VA and Roanoke, VA. She provides in person services in our Alexandria, VA office and virtual services elsewhere. Emilee also sees clients who live in Maryland and DC.
Contact us for more information. And to schedule a discovery call. Also, sign up for our client or clinician newsletter!
Take one of our eating disorder quizzes:
I am a Registered Dietitian dedicated to helping those in recovery. I enjoy helping individuals work towards body acceptance and find food freedom. I am a fat-positive and anti-diet dietitian practicing from an intuitive eating lens. I enjoy working with folks who struggle with binge eating disorder (BED). I serve clients virtually and in person throughout DC and Maryland. Growing up in Virginia, I am passionate about supporting clients throughout the greater areas of Richmond, Virginia Beach, Charlottesville, and Roanoke.
