EDAsa support groups are offered as an adjunct to individual treatment, medical care and family therapy. They are not intended to be a substitute for individual medical care or psychological counselling.
Support groups offer:
- mutual support
- self help strategies for recovery and relapse prevention
- information about services and resources in South Australia
Eating Disorders Recovery Support Group
This group is a for people experiencing eating disorders seeking or receiving individual treatment. It offers a safe place to gain support, share information and receive understanding, hope and support from peers.One support person is welcome. Guest speakers and self-help activities are regularly organised for this group.
The group is facilitated by two convenors that have professional skills in counselling and group work. The Eating Disorder Recovery Support Group is not in place of professional individual treatment or medical care.
Day: Each 1st and 3rd Monday each month (except public holidays)
Time: 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm
Cost: Gold coin donation for non-members
Download the recovery support group schedule
Friends and Relatives Support Group
This group is offered for the parents, partners, siblings and friends supporting someone through the process of recovery from an eating disorder. The group is facilitated by two convenors. Guest speakers are regularly organised for the group.Day: 2nd Tuesday each month
Time: 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm
Cost: Gold coin donation for non-members
Download the Friends and Relatives support group dates and speakers schedule
Questions and Answers about support groups:
Who runs EDAsa support groups?
Paid staff and volunteers of the Association lead EDAsa support groups. Support group leaders have personal and professional knowledge about the recovery process and skills in running groups. EDAsa group leaders are responsible for ensuring the groups remains a safe and respectful setting for participants to share views, exchange information and receive support that promotes recovery and self-care.
If I attend do I have to talk?
EDAsa understands the struggle many people have in attending a support group, especially on the first occasion. All members are entitled to pass and not contribute during the opening round.
Can I bring someone with me?
One support person is welcome.
I am thinking about attending your support group, what do I do?
If you are considering attending a support group:
- Discuss your plans with your primary therapist or a key support person who knows you well and understands your needs if you are accessing treatment or counselling services.
- Or feel free to contact the leader of the EDAsa support group you are interested in attending so you may ask further questions about your specific situation.
Are there times when support groups are not recommended?
EDAsa support groups are not recommended for:
- Students wishing to distribute surveys or observation studies for school assessments.
- People who are medically unwell without external medical supervision.
- Coercing a young person or an adult into treatment.
Is there a cost for attending a support group?
There is no cost to participants who are members of the Association. Gold coin donations by non-members.
Is your Recovery Support Group a psycho-educational program?
Our support groups are not run as structured psycho-educational groups because they are not closed groups. This means people can attend one or as many groups as they choose to attend. However, the group invites presenters who may teach strategies to help people develop different skills for coping with stress and managing problems in life. The ‘Recovery Support Group’ run at EDAsa offers mutual peer support, promotes recovery and relapse prevention for people who identify themselves as struggling with eating disorders or significant body image issues that are affect everyday functioning, physical and psychological wellbeing.
I am not ready to come to a support group yet, but how to stay in touch?
If you are not ready to attend a support group now but think you may like to in future, send us an email at support@edasa.org.au to be placed on the ‘Recovery support group’ email list.