Group Therapy for Eating Disorders
Group therapy has always been considered one of the more effective treatment modalities for eating disorders, particularly when combined with individual therapy. Particularly for individuals with bulimia, group therapy provides a supportive milieu, a place for people to come together and know they are not alone. Because of the secrecy, guilt and shame usually associated with bulimia, the opportunity to disclose one’s story in a non-judgmental setting, and be totally understood, can be a turning point in the early stages of recovery.
Group therapy also challenges and motivates sufferers in a way that individual therapy often cannot; group members cheer each other’s victories and support each other’s setbacks. Learning cognitive-behavioral techniques in a group setting, doing and sharing homework assignments, journal entries, and life’s stressors, can be motivating, healing and restorative.
Three groups in particular are currently available at Anorexia and Bulimia Resource Center:
- Eating in the Light of the Moon is an advanced recovery group for women ready to move beyond the issues of food, weight and dieting, and explore the meaning behind these issues. The group is based on a model for lasting change that incorporates motivational theory, narrative therapy and metaphor.
- The second group, Eating Disorder Challenge Group, is co-facilitated by both a nutritionist and a therapist. This 8 week group is designed to help members explore various topics relevant to the recovery process. Group members are asked each week to commit to meeting a challenge that will facilitate the journey towards recovery. The combination of both nutritional and therapeutic guidance can be very effective.
- The third group meets monthly, and is meant for individuals who are in a relatively stable place in their eating disorder recovery. It may also be appropriate for those who simply cannot attend groups weekly due to time or financial limitations.
Please talk with one of our eating disorder specialists if you would like to discuss which group may be right for you. All three groups require a positive attitude, active participation and regular attendance.