5 Ways Groups Can Support Eating Disorder Recovery
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Think for a moment about a group that you are a part of, that you enjoy and find value in. What is it about that group? The people? The topic? The conversations? The support? What about groups you haven’t enjoyed? Was something missing?
Depending on the person and group type, groups can be a powerful way to build connections and foster community. On the other hand, groups are not always productive or helpful. We understand that groups have positive and negative associations. Today, we want to share some of the benefits joining a group can have on your eating disorder recovery journey.
How Groups Can Support Eating Disorder Recovery
1. Groups can be a safe space to share your lived or living experience. Eating disorders can be incredibly isolating and sometimes, it can feel like your experience is not valid. For males, people of color, and people living in a larger body, the feelings of isolation and their experience being invalidated can be amplified. The media often portrays eating disorders as typically only affecting cisgender, heterosexual, neurotypical, thin-white women. The truth is that eating disorders do not discriminate and can affect anyone.
Your experience of living with an eating disorder is valid.
Groups can create a space for you to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences on your recovery journey. Some groups are even geared towards those with marginalized identities, which can increase the feelings of safety and support. One study found that the role of groups in eating disorder treatment helped participants feel less alone, and reduced stigma and isolation [2].
2. Groups can help develop and increase communication and socialization skills [1]. In a group setting, you have opportunities to work together with group members, socialize about things other than eating disorder recovery and develop self-awareness. For some, the safety and intimacy of a group allow for the practice of socialization skills before testing them out “in the real world.”
3. Groups can teach new coping strategies and boost self-esteem. Groups can help you find support and community with others that have similar struggles. They can be a great opportunity to practice coping strategies and activities in the safety of the group, so you can continue to develop confidence around using those strategies.
4. Groups can be a great way to find community and support. In a study focused on the experiences of adults recovering from an eating disorder participating in professionally-led groups, researchers found that participants reported the group helped instill hope and improve motivation [2]. It can be helpful to hear how other people are moving through their recovery or what skills they are utilizing and how they are helpful. Additionally, there is also a built-in accountability piece.
5. Groups can be cost-effective and a stepping stone to individual therapy. Finances can be a concern when it comes to eating disorder recovery treatment options. Not everyone has access to or the resources for a full treatment team. Groups offer an opportunity to receive some therapeutic intervention, at a lower cost. They can also act as a stepping stone to working 1-on-1 with a therapist or dietitian.
We hope this post has given you some things to consider when it comes to making a group part of your eating disorder recovery. At Collaborative Counseling and Nutrition, we run groups throughout the year. Ask your dietitian or therapist for their recommendations, or check out the GROUPS tab for more details on what we currently offer.
Sources Used:
[1] Okamoto, Y., Miyake, Y., Nagasawa, I., & Shishida, K. (2017, November 17). A 10-year follow-up study of completers versus dropouts following treatment with an integrated cognitive-behavioral group therapy for eating disorders. Journal of Eating Disorders, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-017-0182-y
[2] Waller, A., Paganini, C., Andrews, K., & Hutton, V. (2020, November 10). The experience of adults recovering from an eating disorder in professionally-led support groups. Qualitative Research Journal, 21(2), 217–229. https://doi.org/10.1108/qrj-07-2020-0088
Collaborative Counseling & Nutrition is an outpatient nutrition and body image counseling center, with locations in Indianapolis and Carmel, that provides compassionate, holistic eating disorder treatment. Through practicing mindfulness, intuition, and Health At Every Size, we are on a mission to help you find a true state of well-being! We take an anti-diet, weight-inclusive approach with all our clients and work to help guide you towards a way of healthy living designed by you, just for you! This post is for education purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for treatment for an eating disorder. If you are looking for a registered dietitian or therapist to assist you on your recovery journey, please reach out today!
