Support Groups
All groups and services are offered free of charge. All programs are open to individuals 18 years or older, unless otherwise posted.
Ongoing Suport Groups
Ongoing weekly groups that 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
Facilitator: Gill Yealland, Registered Art Therapist
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00pm
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.
Recipe for Recovery Adult Support Group
Facilitator: Dr. Rosalind Callard, Psychologist
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00pm
This group is for people actively working to stop their disordered eating and learn ways to life life without resorting to self-destructive behaviours. We come together to choose topics, provide mutual support and encouragement, and to discover and create our own recipe for recovery. In this group participants talk openly about the behaviours they are leaving behind; this is not always comfortable for people who are still deeply involved with their disorder.
Family & Friends Support Group
Facilitator: Rev. Marilyn Carter, M.Div.
Mondays, 6:30-8:00pm
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 throught, as well as getting support for yourself.
Disordered Eating Support Group - Sponsored by UCC, UWO
Facilitator: Gill Yealland, Registered Art Therapist
Thursdays: 5:30 – 7:00pm
Location – UWO, UCC: Room 258
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.
Disordered Eating Support Group NEW! Begins January 18 through April 26!
Facilitator: Gill Yealland, Registered Art Therapist
Mondays: 4:00 – 5:30pm
Location – Fanshawe College: Room F2005
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.
8 Week Groups – Winter Session (REGISTRATION REQUIRED - CALL 519.434.7721)
Celebrate EVERY Body Yoga
Mondays : 6:00 – 7:00pm Begins March 22
Instructor: Tanya Cameron, Yoga Instructor
Downtown Yoga Holistic Centre: 236 Dundas Street
Studies show that practicing yoga is associated with less preoccupation of physical appearance, more positive views of the body, and more healthy regulation of food intake. The focus of this 8 week group will be to create body awareness and learn tools for moving towards inner peace by exploring movement, flexibility and your inner and outer strength. This practice is suitable for EVERY body, regardless of shape and size. No previous experience needed. Please wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and bring a mat or towel to class. Please note there are no drop-in’s for this session. Please register at 519.434.7721.
Thank you Downtown Yoga for hosting this group! For their programs, and information on Oscar Organics visit www.downtownlondonyoga.ca.
Coming Soon!
If you would be interested in any of these upcoming groups, please contact us and ask to be placed on the call list. We will contact you when the details are finalized.
Creating Balance
Facilitator: Gill Yealland, Registered Art Therapist
This art group will explore how to create a healthy balance in your life, within yourself, and in your recovery. Each week an art activity is combined with discussion as an insightful way to explore themes such as de-cluttering your inner self, and finding the middle ground between extremes. An emphasis will be placed on the importance of valuing your own emotional needs. Art materials such as paint, recycled paper, and clay will be used. No artistic experience required! Ages 14 and up.
Setting Limits and Letting Go
Learning how to set boundaries is a vital part of learning self respect, and an important step in recovering from an eating disorder. If we never set a boundary, we never really learn what is important to us or get in touch with who we are. Similarly, without boundaries, we never let go of who we really are not and what we do not want to be. Join this group to enjoy mutual support and encouragement as we learn about healthy boundaries and how to “say no without feeling guilty”. In a confidential environment, we will identify and practice the attitudes and behaviors that demonstrate self nurturance.
Money Matters
A high proportion of women with eating disorders also have challenges with debt and overspending. It is difficult to know whether the debt problems are caused by disordered eating behaviours, limited financial resources, education gaps, or impulse control problems. Regardless, an overlooked part of recovery from an eating disorder is often the need to learn (or relearn) how to manage finances. This 8 week group will provide information and tools to help individuals with such things as developing a budget, debt/overspending, savings, and investments.
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.