There are many factors in recovering from an eating disorder, but one of the most frequently cited is support. Peer and facilitator-led support groups can provide information and a sense of shared purpose in recovery. Several factors are important to consider when selecting a support group.
Julie attended the American Anorexia Bulimia Support group while she was an inpatient at Philadelphia’s Belmont Center for Comprehensive Treatment. “It was so helpful to see that there were people who were doing well with their anorexia and that I could return here,” she says.
Many times people feel that they have to make a commitment to a group in order to try the group. This is not the case. Meeting lists and contact people are readily available online. It is important to go to a meeting and assess how you feel. Were you welcomed into the group? Did those present take the time to orient you to the group and how the group runs? Did you feel a sense of shared purpose in the group? Most importantly, was the group recovery-focused?
The following resources are available in the area. It is helpful to check the websites for these groups as meeting times can change.
American Anorexia Bulimia Association (AABA) is a free eating disorder support group led by trained facilitators, for individuals and families dealing anorexia or bulimia. AABA support groups are held monthly at the Belmont Center, 4200 Monument Ave.
Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA) is a 12-step fellowship of individuals who share their experiences to help others recover from eating disorders. Meetings are held at JFK Community MH/MR Center 112 N. Broad St, Philadelphia. Individuals are welcome from 3:30-5:30PM, with the group running from 4-5PM.
Overeaters Anonymous Philadelphia Area Intergroup (OA) focuses on recovery from compulsive eating, binge eating and bulimia. Patterned after Alcoholic Anonymous, it follows a 12-step approach. Meetings are held at various locations throughout the Philadelphia area. See http://oa-phila.org/old-meetings/ for a meeting list.
National Association of Anorexia and Associated Eating Disorders Philadelphia (ANAD). ANAD offers a free eating disorders group. The group is held in Center City. For more information call Deborah Reeves at 215-732-1612.
Renfrew Center Multi-Family Group (MFG) is open to individuals and families with eating disorders. It is held at their Spring Lane location on Friday evenings from 7:30-9:00 and on Saturdays from 10:30-12:00. Call 1-800-RENFREW for information.
Comments
Love Renfrew's MFGs - very helpful. Friday night and Sunday mornings MFGs are VERY different b/c they have different facilitators...so if you don't care for one, try the other. Note: The 2nd MFG is Sunday (not Sat.) morning but I'm not sure what time. This group is special b/c it mixes current residents, alumni, friends, family and potential residents or people looking for help/info.
I look forward to your informative column.
I also want to bring your attention to a new publication by Gurze Books (March 2010), which is aimed towards using art and journaling to get in touch with the "feelings behind" disordered eating. My colleague and I believe that words sometimes get in the way when trying to access the issues that initially prompted ED to take charge. Our book, FINDING YOUR VOICE THROUGH CREATIVITY: THE ART AND JOURNALING WORKBOOK FOR DISORDERED EATING (Jacobson-Levy & Foy-Tornay)is a self-help workbook that can be used individually, with a therapist, in a support group and in many other venues. It might be very helpful in your healing process, in conjunction with more traditional treatment (psychotherapy/counseling, art psychotherapy, group therapy, medication management, all levels of ED programs etc...). You can find out more about the book on the internet if you google the title.
Mindy
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