Your Guide to Finding the Best Support Group for Eating Disorder Recovery
Being on the path to recovery for an eating disorder can feel overwhelming, but finding the right support group can make all the difference in your healing journey. While therapy, self-help, and other forms of eating disorder treatment are often emphasized, support groups provide a space for people to connect, share experiences, and feel understood.
However, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to support groups—what works for one person might not work for another. It’s important to consider what you need when choosing the right group for you.
Types of Support Groups
There are two primary types of support groups for those dealing with eating disorders: therapy-led groups and peer-led support groups.
Therapy-Led Support Groups are structured and led by trained mental health professionals. These groups often follow specific eating disorder treatment methodologies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
The focus in therapy groups is on skill-building, emotional regulation, and using evidence-based techniques to help individuals manage their eating disorder behaviors. If you’re looking for a structured group that incorporates specific interventions and strategies, a group led by an eating disorder therapist might be a good fit.
Then, there are also Peer-Led Support Groups—these groups place the emphasis on participants sharing their personal experiences. This style of group is often less structured—it has someone facilitating the conversation but not directing treatment. The goal of a peer-led group is to provide people with a space to share about their experience to support each other, offering advice, empathy, and understanding. If you like a more informal setting where you can connect with people navigating similar struggles, a peer-led support group might be best.
Location: In-Person vs. Online
It’s important to consider how the location of a support group can make an impact. In-Person Groups provide face-to-face interactions, which many people find helps build a sense of community. Being physically present with others can provide more immediate emotional support, which some people find important in their healing process.
Online Support Groups can be a more flexible and accessible option for people who have time constraints, geographic limitations, or social anxiety. Many people like how they can participate from the comfort of your home because it makes them feel more at ease and less stressed about attending.
Time Commitment: Limited vs. Open-Ended Groups
Support groups also vary in terms of time commitment. Some groups are limited in duration, offering a set number of sessions (e.g., 6 to 12 weeks). These groups often close to new members once the group starts, providing a more structured and consistent experience. If you like having a clear beginning and end, a limited-time group might be best.
Open-Ended Groups provide more flexibility because they allow members to join and leave at any time. These groups can be a great option for people who need more time to commit or prefer to have a flexible schedule. These groups can make it harder to form lasting connections, as the members may change frequently.
No One-Size-Fits-All
Ultimately, no single support group is universally “better” than another. The key is finding what works for you. Some people thrive in structured therapy groups, while others find peer support groups to be the most helpful. The most important thing is to try different options, be open to the experience, and find the environment that best supports your healing journey.
If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, support is available. It’s worth taking the time to explore the different types of groups and finding the one that helps you feel understood, supported, and motivated on your path to recovery.
Looking to get connected with an eating disorder therapist? Contact me for a free consultation today.
