Supporting those caring for a loved one with an eating disorder.
BodyMatters is excited to announce that we will begin offering monthly support groups for families, partners, friends and/or carers of those struggling with an eating disorder, from May 2015. The carers support groups will run on the first Saturday of each month from 5:00pm-6:30pm and will be open for anyone supporting a loved one with their eating disorder to attend. The first support group will run on the 2nd of May 2015 at the BodyMatters office. The cost of the group is $15 per person and payment can be made on the day at BodyMatters. It is important that members register for the group beforehand by sending an email to us at info@bodymatters.com.au with their full name and contact phone number. Registrations will close at close of business on the Friday before the scheduled Saturday group. To maximise the value of the groups, they will not proceed if less than 3 people have registered. The carers group will be capped at a maximum of 10 people so be sure to register to avoid disappointment!
What will the group look like?
The carer support group offered at BodyMatters will bring together any parents, partners, family members or friends supporting a loved one on their path to eating disorder recovery. The purpose of the group will be to draw upon the support, care, resources, and skills of all group members. This group will also provide an opportunity for information sharing, increased understanding of particular struggles, and peer support. It will be a place to discuss and share experiences and stories, and to develop new coping strategies in a safe and supportive environment.
What are the benefits of carers groups for those supporting someone with an eating disorder?
Support groups are made up of individuals with common needs and experiences, and members are able to help each other in many ways. Members are given emotional support as it is helpful to talk things over with people who understand the pressures of caring, but are not involved with you, the person you care for, or your family. Carer support groups also provide practical information, tips and resources on how to make caring for those with an eating disorder easier. Carers may find that the demands of caring make it difficult to keep in touch with friends and family, therefore support groups can be a place for building friendships and helping you to feel less alone.
The support group we will offer at BodyMatters will be an open group, meaning members can join at any time. The benefit of this type of group is that you continue to meet new people, and build confidence in connecting, communicating, and opening up with other individuals who may have similar struggles. Each week’s discussion will be skills and information-based, providing you with helpful ways to cope and better understand how to support your loved one with an eating disorder. Support groups also provide an opportunity for members to reach out and support other parents, partners, family members, and friends on their loved ones’ recovery journeys.
Guidelines for the group:
Confidentiality
Anything that is discussed in the group stays in the group and we are able to trust one another to respect each other’s privacy.
Honesty
Group members are encouraged to be open and honest about their emotions, feelings, experiences and behaviours in group discussion.
Effort towards Recovery
It is important that all members discuss and share ideas about how to support their child/friend or loved one towards recovery.
Sharing in Group
No one will be required or forced to share in group discussion, however, we will strongly encourage all members to contribute to the group and be given equal opportunity to be involved in each meeting.
Who are your facilitators?
Lauren is new to the BodyMatters team. She is a Masters of Social Work graduate who has moved to Australia from Canada about half a year ago. Her passion for working with individuals with eating disorders stems from her own three year battle with anorexia, which gives her more insight and understanding into the difficulties experienced each day. Lauren has past experience in facilitating such carer support groups, and has recognised the support members are able to give one another in their experiences caring for loved ones with an eating disorder.
Rebecca is an intern psychologist at BodyMatters and she is in the process of completing a period of ‘supervised practice’ in the workplace to obtain her full registration as a psychologist. Rebecca has a genuine interest in eating disorders and she is motivated to help make a difference to the lives of those on the journey to recovery. Alongside her work at BodyMatters, Rebecca is a counsellor with The Butterfly Foundation where she also regularly co-facilitates support groups for carers and sufferers. She is passionate about the positive and long-lasting changes that support groups can provide to carers of those suffering from an eating disorder.
May Carers Support Group Details
What: Parents, carers and partners eating disorder recovery support group
When: Saturday 2nd May, 2015
Where: BodyMatters Australasia, 5/2A Waters Road Neutral Bay NSW 2089
Time: 5pm – 6:30pm
Cost: $15 per person
Register: Email your full name and contact phone number to info@bodymatters.com.au
How to connect with us…
If you have any questions about the support groups please do not hesitate to contact us at 02 9908 3833 or via email at info@bodymatters.com.au. We look forward to meeting you and having you a part of our group!
