Group Counseling

Eating Disorder Groups for Adult Women
This on going biweekly program is designed to provide a safe supportive environment to discuss your particular food, body and weight issues and to gain support in making positive changes. The group format is an open discussion with guidance from a Registered Dietitian. Members are required to be actively working on recovery.

The group is limited to 6 members, therefore pre-registration is required. The cost is $30.00 per group. Monthly prepayment is due the first week of the month. Prepayment guarantees you a place in the group for that month. There is no reimbursement or carry over of payment for missed groups. New members may join a group at anytime, space permitting. Yes, you may attend a single group to determine if it meets your particular needs. For additional information or group reservation, please call Ellen Morrison, MS, RD, LDN at (919) 656-3448.

Group: Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa
Meets: Wednesdays, 5:30 to 6:30 PM
Date: Ongoing

This group is not appropriate for those who have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, dissociative identity disorder or engage in continuous self-harm beyond the eating disorder behaviors.

EATING DISORDER GROUP Guidelines, EXPECTATIONS & PAYMENT

GROUP GUIDELINES:

• Call Ellen if you are unable to attend the group that week.
• On the days that you don't "want" to come to group, these are the days you "need" to come to group. You will be glad that you did. This feeling is a sign that you are in need of support.
• Confidentiality is a must.  What is said here stays here.  Please do not acknowledge other group members in public unless you have previously discussed how both of you want to be introduced to others.  Please note that it is inappropriate to discuss with friends/family that an individual is suffering from an eating disorder or that they are in your support group.
• Honesty is a must.  Wearing an emotional mask during group or withholding the truth about your behaviors will only hinder your recovery efforts. The group should be a safe place to discuss your feelings and behaviors without feeling judged.
• Please refrain from attempting to "fit in." Each member is at a different place in her recovery.
• Please refrain from "taking care" of others. You are here to get support for your particular eating disorder issues and to offer support to others. When you are taking care of others, you are not taking care of yourself.
• Leave all judgmental attitudes outside the group, especially those towards yourself.
• Only one person speaks at a time.
• Show respect for each member and their experiences.
• Refrain from being too long winded, allowing others the opportunity to share.
• Avoid discussing specific weights, calories, clothing size and eating disorder tricks.  You are not here to compete with others or to learn or teach new tricks.
• You are encouraged to challenge other group members on eating disorder behaviors.
• Please avoid using the word "TRY" when making commitments.
• Please avoid the words "good," "bad" and other judgmental words, especially when describing your behavior or discussing specific foods.
• Use the “I” word. It is acceptable to offer suggestions based on your own experience. Please refrain from "telling" others what to do. Share what worked for you or others that you know or read about.
• Tears are encouraged. Please refrain from helping the person feel better. This will only encourage her to shut down emotionally, the exact opposite of what she needs.
• You are welcomed to ask for hugs but please ask the person’s permission before giving them a hug.
• If you arrive late, please come in quietly, close the door, take a seat and join the conversation as appropriate.
• Please make yourself comfortable. Remember to remove shoes before placing your clean feet on the furniture.
• Please do not hide behind pillows, sweaters or other items. This is to help you work on being comfortable with yourself.
• Food and beverages are allowed. This is encouraged especially when group is offered at meal times. Please refrain from bringing in diet beverages/food.

EXPECTATIONS OF GROUP MEMBERS:

• Obtain and provide nonjudgmental peer support.
• Connect with others who know how you feel.
• Follow through on commitments to the best of your ability.
• Learn about yourself and your behaviors so you can move forward in your eating disorder recovery.

PAYMENT:

Payment is collected prior to the start of group. Cash, checks, Visa and Mastercard are accepted. If you have forgotten payment you may skip group that week, rejoining us the following group with payment.

Any fees incurred for returned checks or any other costs associated with the collections of payment will be the responsibility of the client. An additional 10% late fee will be assessed monthly on any unpaid balance of 30 days or more.

Nutrition and Eating Disorder Education Presentations

Scheduled upon request
Fee is $500.00 per hour locally, $1000 per hour plus expenses for out of town presentations.

This page was last updated on 2/16/10