Support Groups

All programs are open to individuals 18 years or older, unless otherwise posted.

Fees

There is a small fee to attend our groups and workshops (see individual group desciptions for any exceptions). Hope’s Garden receives no government funding and this fee helps unsure we can continue to offer our programs in the community. Additionally, our programs are facilitated by qualified professionals and a fee for service reflects our programs value and quality.

We have an accessibility of service philosophy and have a  “No One Turned Away” policy. If you cannot afford the fee, please contact us at 519.434.7721. Arrangements must be made in advance of  arriving for/attending group.

ONGOING SUPPORT GROUPS

 

$5/session   or    $20/5 sessions (*paid in advance)       New Participants – First group free

*Passes can be purchased from a volunteer during drop in hours, but not immediately before group from the facilitators. We are striving to keep it as simple as possible for the facilitators and ensure groups start on time. If you could please arrive at least 15 minutes early if you wish to buy a pass from the volunteer before group. Thank you!

Ongoing weekly groups are run all year long and no registration is required. The flexible format allows you to choose what fits your schedule and your support needs from week to week. All groups are at Hope’s Garden unless otherwise specified.

Adult Support Group   Currently on hiatus

Facilitator: We wish Gill Yealland all the best as she moves on from her roles as facilitator of this group. She leaves behind very big shoes to fill, and as such, this group is on hiatus while we find a suitable replacement. Thanks for your understanding as we finalize details.

This is a general group for all that explores a variety of issues related to eating disorders such as body image, self-esteem, mood and healthy lifestyle. Education and peer support will allow you to focus on your personal issues and receive guidance and support towards your recovery.

Young Adult Support Group

Facilitator: Julie Gerber, MSW, RSW

Wednesdays: 6:30-8:00pm  *** Starting in February, this group will change to the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month, instead of every Wednesday**

This support group for 18-24 year olds will focus on learning healthy coping skills and strategies, and peer support. We will explore issues related to recovery such as dealing with the stress, healthy relationships, and self-care.

Disordered Eating Support Group at UWO September 22  -  April 12

Room 38 at the UCC  

Facilitator: Gill Yealland, Registered Art Therapist

Thursdays: 5:30-7pm

This support group for 18-24 year-olds will focus on learning healthy coping skills and strategies. We will explore issues related to recovery such as dealing with stress, healthy relationships, and self-care through discussion, art and writing activities. This group is free of charge, thanks to funding from the USC!

Family & Friends Support Group  

Facilitator: Julie Gerber, MSW, RSW
2nd and 4th Thursday of each month: 6:30–8pm   

An ongoing support group for parents, spouses and other family members involved with loved ones struggling with disordered eating.  Eating disorders do not only affect the person struggling, but also their loved ones. Come gain insight into eating disorders and what your loved one is going through, as well as getting support for yourself.

Beyond ED Support Group

Facilitator: Dr. Rosalind Callard, Psychologist
Thursdays : 6:30–8pm   

This weekly drop-in group is open to anyone who is interested in recovering from an eating disorder.

People who come to this group are:

  • Looking for freedom from a life of inner conflict and obsession with food and body image
  • Learning to replace self-criticism with self-acceptance
  • Recognizing that peace of mind is available to us, if we are willing to give up our old ideas about what we should look like, and how much we should weigh
  • Learning to create a positive, healing relationship to food and to our bodies
  • Open to developing new friendships and new interests in life

In this group, people have usually already initiated recovery.  We may not always feel completely confident that we can consistently keep from disordered thoughts, beliefs and behaviors with food, but we are convinced that we need to try.

Another difference from the general Wednesday group is that we talk openly about the behaviours and sizes we are leaving behind; this is not always comfortable for people who are still deeply involved with their eating disorder. As with all our groups, to facilitate mutual trust and free discussion, group members agree not to reveal information about other members or to break their confidentiality. This group is not for individuals who are still coming to terms that they have an eating disorder or experiencing feelings of denial.

Picture of Health Youth Workshops – Please call 519.434.7721 to register

Facilitator: Gill Yealland, Registered Art Therapist

Last Monday of every month, unless otherwise posted. 4-5:30pm Upcoming Dates: January 23,  February 6, March 26, April 30.

  

If you are 14-17 and are experiencing any disordered eating thoughts and behaviours, or body image/self esteem issues these workshops can help. Come talk in a safe, supportive, and confidential environment, and learn healthy ways of dealing with the stresses and pressures you are facing. Drop ins are welcome.

And Coming Soon…

For Gen X and Baby Boomers

Disordered eating thoughts and behaviours that start in childhood or teen years can spill over, sometimes even intensifying, as people get older and are coping with major transitions, mid-life events, and  body changes. This group is for women roughly35-55 who are recognizing this is happening in their lives and would like support to develop a healthy relationship with food, and their bodies, and learn more effective coping skills for the unique pressures they are experiencing.  

Please call if you’d like to be placed on a list and notified when the start date is finalized: 519.434.7721

 

 

8 WEEK SUPPORT GROUPS - REGISTRATION REQUIRED

$35 for all 8 weeks, payable upon registration.

There are no refunds for missed weeks.

The 8 week groups are closed groups, meaning registration closes after the 1st week. The expectation is for participants to commit to the entire session. Benefits of the 8 week format include the ability to get into a specific subject more deeply while feeling safe with the same group of individuals from week to week

Treatment Groups vs. Support Groups

Hope’s Garden is not a treatment facility and thus is non-clinical in nature. Click here for our view on what differentiates support groups from treatment groups.