Eating Disorder Recovery Group

Facilitator: Ilissa Banhazl, MFT

An Eating Disorder Recovery Group will be starting up April 24, 2013.

Wednesday evenings - 8pm - 9:30pm

Group is limited to a maximum of 8 women - still a few spaces left!
Please call 626-335-0903 for more information.

Contents:

Why Join An Eating Disorder & Body Image Group?
How To Get The Most Out Of Group Therapy
Here’s The Scoop: When and Where

Why Join An Eating Disorder and Body Image Group?

Joining an eating disorder and/or body image group can be a very special experience for women. The nature of group is interpersonal so you’ll have an opportunity to learn about yourself. Exchanges in group are always respectful. Part of my job is to teach better communication skills when needed and to facilitate group using a respectful and empathic model.

One member from a past group told me that she did not want to talk very much the first couple of times we met. That is completely normal for some people. No one is going to force you to talk until you feel ready. Listening is a very important skill too. As with individual counseling confidentiality is addressed in group.Aside from sharing ideas in group you will give and receive support from 7 other women. I will subtly introduce eating disorder education when it is needed.

The women in your group may have all differing kinds of eating disorders, yours included. The reason that this works is because the thinking and many of the experiences are the same no matter what eating disordered behavior you chose. Remember, the eating disorder is a coping skill. In a way it was a kind of strength at one time helping you feel a sense of control over the chaos. It helped you cope even though it was a false sense of control and spiraled into your best and worst friend. We just want to replace it with healthier coping skills and find out who you can be without it. We want to take away the shame and guilt and congratulate you for surviving your life circumstances. I’m so sorry it happened to you. Taking about what happened is the beginning of healing and growing. Figuring out how to get out of this mess is our job together.

That’s pretty much what goes on in my eating disorder and body image group. I can’t express the warmth and growth that can occur because truthfully you have to experience it to know. Group is highly indicated for treatment of eating disorders and body image issues either as an adjunct to individual counseling or on its own. I have seen it work over and over again.

How To Get the Most Out of Group Therapy

Each week come to group prepared to share something about you. When your group facilitator asks if anyone needs time to talk tonight, take a risk and say, “I do.” You deserve to take up space!

Sometimes however, there may not be time for you to share on a given evening. One or two people may have something big going on. Coping with this feeling is a great learning experience too. Next week, when your group facilitator asks who needs time to speak, make sure to speak up quickly and clearly; “I do.” You can talk about how it feels when you don’t get time to share or anything else that’s on your mind that week.

You will get out of group what you put into it. Group is confidential!

Here’s The Scoop!

1. You must be 21 years or older to join group.
   
2. Your group will be limited to 8 members so people get more time to talk.
   
3. We will meet in my office in Glendora; one evening a week on Wednesdays from 8pm-9:30pm
4. $45 per meeting, PPO reimbursement available
   

One evening a week on Wednesdays from 8pm-9:30pm.
After two months we will reevaluate whether members want to continue or say goodbye.

For more information call Ilissa at 626-335-0903

If you think this might be something you want to get more information about please call my office at (626) 335-0903.

If you would like, I would be happy to answer your questions.

You Are Not Alone . . .