Through the White Picket Fence Foundation, we hold a monthly support group for family and friends of people with eating and weight disorders. It is an all-ages group, and we have had teens and college-aged students attend for their siblings, classmates and friends. There is no charge to attend, as the program is funded though the kindness of donations.
Held the first Monday evening of every month, this is an opportunity for family and friends to learn more about eating and weight disorders, get support from others, and learn how to best care for their loved ones and themselves during this process. Through this group, we’re supporting our clients by creating a gentle way to talk to their families and friends about what they’re dealing with, and helping everyone be on the same page with a common base of knowledge.
We know that people have questions, and bringing them to the group is a more comfortable forum to ask whatever they want. We encourage people to come more than once, and enjoy the support of being with people who are going through similar experiences while sharing your own. You’ll get something new every time, just from hearing how other people are coping in their own lives.
When family members and friends come to our support groups, it sends such a positive message to their loved ones. With more information and common language, important conversations will be easier to have. It really is the best thing you can do. Our clients tell us they love when their family have come to learn more about how to help them.
For more insight into why family therapy is so important, please see this earlier article, “I’m not the one with the problem, why would I have to go to therapy? Family myths about eating disorders.”