With the support of corporate and community partners, NEDIC provides professional development workshops as well as targeted educational workshops for children and youth through our community education program.

Outreach and education programming is available online and in the Greater Toronto Area. NEDIC focuses on awareness and the prevention of eating disorders, food and weight preoccupation, and disordered eating by promoting critical thinking skills.

Additional programs include a biennial conference and free online curricula for young people in grades 4 through 8. The NEDIC Bulletin is published five times a year, featuring articles from professionals and researchers of diverse backgrounds.

current Issue. Read this article to learn more about our support services. Find a Provider Help for Yourself Help for Someone Else Coping Strategies. Community Education Volunteer and Student Placement Events EDAW Research Listings.

community education donate Search helpline. National Eating Disorder Information Centre NEDIC NEDIC provides information, resources, referrals and support to anyone in Canada affected by an eating disorder.

Learn more about how we can help Eating Disorders Awareness Week is February , Download educational materials to share about this year's campaign, Breaking Barriers, Facilitating Futures.

EDAW WEBSITE Check out our NEW resources — guides to eating disorders in the Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour communities by and for community members and carers!

Understanding Eating Disorders Eating disorders affect people of all genders, ages, classes, abilities, races and ethnic backgrounds. The program, powered by Body Brave and Eating Disorders Nova Scotia, is free of charge.

Visit here to learn more. They also engage in community education and advocacy initiatives. NIED exists to give hope and support to individuals with an Eating Disorder and their caregivers. They do this by developing and sharing educational resources and information, conducting or participating in research, and taking action to address the needs of Canadians impacted by Eating Disorders.

In addition to providing information and guidance, EDSNA runs support groups in Edmonton and Calgary, as well as on an online platform. All groups have a small associated fee which can be waived if there is financial hardship.

Support groups are offered online, in-person, and through a hybrid format. All groups require registration and take place over the course of several weeks. All groups have an associated fee but financial assistance is available if needed.

Resources such as information, webinars, practical toolkits and strategies are primarily web-based. There are also clinical tools, resources and training for health professionals working in the field of eating disorders.

For BC residents, services available include individual counselling and residential care. VIVED is a grassroots organization committed to advocating for action that will improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by disordered eating and eating disorders.

Their program is for all genders: women, men, trans, and non-binary people. The Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador EDFNL is a leadership advocacy group dedicated to providing support for individuals with eating disorders, and support and education to their families and caregivers.

Additional resources offered includes Emotion Focused Family Therapy training for professionals and digital access to books for individuals affected, families, and professionals through a partnership with the provincial library.

EDFNL holds information sessions to provide information on eating disorders and details regarding their support services. The Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association BANA is a not-for-profit, registered charity, community-based organization servicing Windsor-Essex County. Since , they have been committed to the provision of specialized treatment, education and support services for individuals affected directly and indirectly by eating disorders.

BANA's health promotion initiatives include facilitating presentations in schools and to community groups, sports organizations and clubs, as well as in business settings. After registering for their online platform, you can access the Recovery Support Program and book a clinical intake appointment to determine whether their treatment groups are suitable for your situation.

A referral, which can be obtained through ROCK's central intake line, is required to access certain offerings for youth. Additional walk-in counselling services for youth and families is accessible through ROCK. Hopewell Eating Disorder Support Centre is a community-based organization in Ottawa.

They also deliver community education.

We offer many support groups specifically for the alumni of our treatment programs to help provide support and sustained recovery. This allows you to connect with others who have had similar experiences to yours, in a safe, supportive and secure environment.

All our support groups are facilitated by our Alumni and Family Liaison team, and trained facilitators and clinicians. Eating Recovery Center is accredited through the Joint Commission.

This organization seeks to enhance the lives of the persons served in healthcare settings through a consultative accreditation process emphasizing quality, value and optimal outcomes of services.

Learn more about this accreditation here. Skip to main content. Get Matched to the Exact Support You Need. A Virtual Eating Disorder Treatment Program. College Symposium. Schedule a Free Assessment. Eating Disorder Support Groups Eating Recovery Center offers free, trained facilitator-led, support groups for those struggling with eating disorders.

View Support Groups. Virtual Eating Disorder Support Groups Why Join a Support Group While each recovery journey is unique, finding a network of supportive individuals who can relate to your story can provide valuable information, perspective, and peer guidance, reminding you throughout that you are not alone.

Build Your Community Please note, the size of our group may fluctuate from week to week. Support Group Guidelines To best ensure a safe space for all group members along their mental health journey, our facilitators ask that each attendee abide by the following guidelines.

Confidentiality For the privacy of our attendees, we do not allow for observers. No cell phones or electronic devices are permitted.

You must be alone and in a private room. Confidentiality - what is said in group stays in group. Be mindful of what is in your camera view. We ask that cameras be turned on. Group members are invited to display first name only. Group members are encouraged to share and provide support to each other.

Please share with the willingness to receive support. Group members are asked to be mindful of the frequency and the duration of their share, allowing space for others to share.

Refrain from discussing specific behaviors, and numbers: weight, clothing size, calories, etc. Support Groups For Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating and OSFED.

Weekly on Monday. Weekly on Tuesday. Weekly on Wednesday. Weekly on Thursday. We're Listening Do you have an idea for a support group series? Let us know! Eating Recovery Center - Men's Support Group.

Renewed - EmpowerED: Men's Support Group. Center For Discovery — Community Meal Support. Center For Discovery — Alumni Meal Support. Nutrition Hive - Weekly Meal Support: Through Partnership with Project HEAL.

Find out more here. Nutrition Improvement Center - Weekly Meal Support. Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance - Family and Friends Support Group. Anxiety Experts - Caregiver Nutrition Group.

Center For Discovery — Loved Ones of Individuals in Recovery. EDRC — Family Support Group. Equip - Family Support Group. T — Around the Dinner Table Online Forum. Liberating Jasper — Support System Support Group. The ED Foundation — Caregiver Skills Group. Image from Freepik.

Is this information correct? If not, click here. add to list print version. Adult Support Groups. Service provides: professionally-facilitated support groups for those directly and indirectly affected by eating disorders throughout the year Includes: in-person support groups in Edmonton and Calgary online support groups for people living anywhere in Alberta via video conference Groups offer support, not treatment.

Less Information More Information There are eligibility requirements. This service is provided at 3 Location s. Alberta Wide.

No matter the method of communication and connection, a support group for eating disorders can be a helpful resource to any man or woman who is seeking to maintain their recovery.

Click here to find a Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous meeting near you. Support groups for eating disorders exist for a reason: because people need them.

When anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating or binge eating disorder are part of the equation, this need is not confined to any one person. This is because eating disorders are so difficult and so challenging.

Say a man has a wife who is anorexic , or a mother has a daughter who is bulimic. Both the man and the mother are standing by while someone they love routinely engages in bizarre, unhealthy behaviors. He watches his wife waste away to nothing; she hears her daughter vomiting in the bathroom.

Neither one of them can stop the behaviors or help the person they love. Each feels impotent, frustrated and upset. Who can possibly understand what these two people are going through?

The answer is…others who are experiencing the same thing. Whether a parent, a sibling, a friend or the person with the disorder, it is incredibly helpful to be surrounded by people who not only understand but can provide comfort. Remember…There is a support group out there for you. Imagine the relief that comes when you can share your thoughts and feelings with people who really know what you are going through.

Support groups are often an invaluable component of successful eating disorder treatment. Regardless of what stage of recovery or level of treatment you may be in, support groups will be a beneficial aspect of your recovery!

Support groups are similar to group therapy, however, there are key differences that set them apart. To begin, support groups are often non-professional, meaning they are not led by a therapist or clinical professional.

Instead, these groups are led by the members of the group. This often leads to closer connection and increased openness as participants recognize that those around them have been, or are going through, similar struggles. Support groups also differ from traditional therapeutic groups in that they are often non-material in that they do not follow a specific curriculum.

Eating disorder support groups allow individuals pursuing recovery or struggling with an eating disorder to discuss their journey in a non-judgmental and understanding space. Often, individuals with eating disorders struggle with shame and stigma associated with their beliefs and behaviors, making it difficult to reach out for help and often leading to isolation and not seeking support.

Those in support groups can speak to their struggles knowing they are surrounded by others that understand the nuances of the disorder. Eating disorder support groups can be a hugely beneficial component of the recovery plan when used in conjunction with treatment team services such as individual therapy, psychiatrist services, and dietetic support.

Even so, the lack of regulation of these groups can create concerning dynamics. Without a leader that is bound by ethical requirements of their profession, accountability becomes more challenging. For this reason, it is not uncommon to encounter some support groups that are actually more harmful than helpful.

These groups may be individuals still in their illness and could be knowingly or unknowingly fixated on disorder more than recovery.

One of the most important factors of support groups is the connection it provides. Having a safe space to openly discuss your struggles and being around others doing the same helps individuals to feel less alone in the challenges they face.

There is no pharmacy that can fill the need for compassionate interaction with others…the answer to human suffering is both within us and between us. Support groups also allow an opportunity for autonomy in the eating disorder recovery journey.

As individuals undergo eating disorder treatment, the level of care they are in and subsequent programs they attend are often dictated by treatment professionals and insurance companies.

Support groups attendance is often free and there are many, giving each individual the opportunity to choose the group that suits them and their recovery best without being told where to go or their choice being dictated by finances or insurance coverage.

Additionally, individuals can learn to practice self-compassion as they experience the compassion and empathy of others. Many report that providing non-judgmental caring for others helped them learn how to give the same care to themselves.

Family members and loved ones of those with an eating disorder can benefit from support groups for many of the same reasons above. Supporting a loved one through the struggle of disordered eating, treatment, and recovery is both a daunting and isolating experience.

Support groups provide a space to explore all of these thoughts and feelings. Support groups for loved ones also allow them the opportunity to openly and honestly discuss the emotions of resentment or bitterness that they may feel ashamed to process.

It is natural to struggle with these feelings when your life, and the life of someone you love, become dictated by a disease. Online support groups have become more common throughout the last 10 years and even more so since the COVID pandemic in Many acquire therapy, medical, and psychiatric support virtually these days and are asking themselves if this is as effective as in-person treatment.

The same questions are arising for support groups. The benefits of online eating disorder support groups involve increased accessibility not only due to cost but due to the timing of meetings as well as locations.

More meetings can be scheduled virtually and more individuals can attend without having to worry about transportation to and from. Additionally, more subgroups based on specific populations can be created in the unlimited timing and resources of the internet.

For example, a group can be created for single parents of a child with an eating disorder or single parents struggling with an eating disorder themselves. Eating Recovery Center offers free, trained facilitator-led, support groups for those struggling with eating disorders. ERC also offers support groups for families and community members.

These support groups provide support, resources and education on eating disorder treatment and recovery. While each recovery journey is unique, finding a network of supportive individuals who can relate to your story can provide valuable information, perspective, and peer guidance, reminding you throughout that you are not alone.

Browse our comprehensive list of weekly support group offerings as well as our time limited support series to find a group that best meets your unique needs. You will receive a confirmation with the support group zoom link to the email provided during registration.

Please note, the size of our group may fluctuate from week to week. Any group that consistently has 20 or more attendees is evaluated by our team to ensure all participants are able to have a positive experience.

To reduce overflow of our weekly support groups, we ask that you limit registration to one group at a time Pro Tip: If you are feeling like you need a little extra support, we suggest looking into our support group series which can offer additional opportunities to connect.

To best ensure a safe space for all group members along their mental health journey, our facilitators ask that each attendee abide by the following guidelines. By identifying WHERE and HOW weight stigma and anti-fat bias is learned and reinforced, we can begin to do the work of unlearning concepts that perpetuate harmful narratives that harm the fat community and stigmatize us all.

Each session will feature an educational segment from Meredith Nisbet, MS, LMFT, CEDS-S, National Clinical Response Manager and Hannah Sharkey, RDN, LDN, CEDS, Clinical Dietitian Training Specialist as well as personal stories of lived experience from our Say It Brave Collective and Community Partners.

Body Grief Series: Starting September 19th, this group will give words and validation to feelings we have in times of chronic illness, eating disorders, infertility, menopause, and so much more, as it delivers education about body grief by Jayne Mattingly, and provides community of lived experiences during the supportive breakout sessions each week.

This series aimed to offer a sense of community, validation, and strategies for individuals navigating the unique stressors of the holiday season. Please note, this form is for support group suggestions only.

Support groups are led by trained facilitators, including members of our Community Outreach Liaisons team. Cara has over 10 years of experience working with children and families in a variety of settings. She learned along the way that connection, education, and support help alleviate the stigma and isolation felt by individuals who are impacted by mental illness and trauma.

Cara earned her Master of Social Work degree in Pennsylvania, is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio, and a Certified Trauma and Resiliency Practitioner.

In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new places with her husband and their beagle, mindful body movement, and baking as a means of connection with friends and family. Cara looks forward to joining you on your mental health journey. Katie believes that recovery and mental wellness are created with and supported by community with others, and connection to our individual core values like integrity, empathy, creativity, humility, or acceptance.

As a social worker, she believes there is intrinsic strength and resilience in everyone; her goal is to help others find and remember this. Katie earned her Master of Social Work degree through The University of Texas at Arlington. Katie joined ERC Pathlight in In her free time Katie enjoys gardening, kayaking with her husband - Ryan, mountain biking, hiking with her dogs — Buddy and Callie, creative arts, and volunteering in her community.

Katie was born and raised in Texas and remains there today as a resident of the Texas Hill Country. Emma believes in the power of community above all else.

She believes that healing and recovery can occur and flourish with the support of those around you whether they be family, friends, partners, neighbors, colleagues, support groups, treatment team, everyone! Prior to obtaining her Masters, Emma worked in a variety of settings to include as a behavioral health counselor for another eating disorder center giving her a passion for working with eating disorders and other co-occurring diagnoses.

Emma joined ERC Pathlight in October as a case manager for one of the Denver sites where she found a passion for case management and assisting patients in finding resources to set them up for a successful transition home. Emma is currently based in Denver, CO and is originally from New Hampshire.

Eric Dorsa is an LGBTQ advocate, actor, comedian, and drag queen currently living in Chicago, Illinois. As an advocate for the LGBTQ community, Eric travels around the country sharing their experiences of Eating Disorder Recovery, coming out as a gay person, and their recovery from substance abuse with college campuses and patients in treatment.

They hope that sharing their story will inspire others to know that they are not alone, to seek connection and treatment, and that full recovery is possible. With her Marriage and Family Therapy degree Tatum believes it takes a system and community approach to recovery and wellness.

Tatum has a passion for community building and community connections, in fresh and creative ways that are innovative and original.

Tatum brings 10 years of clinical expertise in supporting teens, young adults, and families in all areas of mental wellness including substance use, mood, anxiety, and eating disorders. She is very excited to connect with you soon. Devon is a licensed independent social worker in central Ohio and has been licensed since Benjamin F.

Shepherd is a PhD student in Clinical Psychology at Nova Southeastern University. As a psychotherapist, he provides culturally-responsive, trauma-informed, weight-inclusive, and bilingual care to English- and Spanish-speaking individuals and couples who experience a range of behavioral health concerns, including disordered eating.

All Eating Recovery Center, LLC sponsored educational activities are presented in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA.

If you are in need of accommodations please contact [email protected]. Are you or a loved one on the path to recovery? Our new opt-in form enables you to stay connected with our team and continue to receive support after discharge and throughout your or a loved one's recovery journey.

By signing up, you'll receive the latest free resources, including access to support groups, upcoming events, educational materials, and more. Eating Recovery Center is proud to offer free supports that meet the needs of our community.

Browse through our offerings, and click to learn more. Each episode features an inspiring individual who shares their story and provides informative resources that can help guide you toward recovery.