A. About Alliance Support Groups

1. What are The Alliance Support Groups?

The Alliance Support Groups are spaces for individuals experiencing and recovering from eating disorders, as well as their loved ones, to find community, support, understanding, and hope that recovery is possible for them or their loved one. The Alliance’s Support Groups are one of the main pillars we focus on for our mission to provide accessible care and support and ensure that no one suffers alone. Every single group at The Alliance is free and will always remain free.

2. What does it mean that groups are “pro-recovery” ?

Pro-Recovery simply means showing up as you are, wherever you are in this journey or process. There are no expectations as to how you show up to our groups. You do not have to “perform” or be “happy, excited, cheer-rah-rah” about recovery to be here. You can be in whatever mood or feels you’re in about recovery and STILL be pro-recovery. When we say pro-recovery we mean that you are open to the idea of recovery being possible, and by doing so you are open to refraining from any opportunity for that eating disorder voice to fall into a comparison trap and take hold in this space when sharing or connecting with others.

3. What type of support groups does The Alliance offer?

The Alliance support groups are organized at its highest level by individual pro-recovery support groups and loved ones support groups. All of The Alliance’s Individual Pro-Recovery Support Groups are for humans (ages 18+) who are experiencing or recovering from an eating disorder, and the Loved Ones Support Groups for the friends, family members, and other supporters (ages 12+ with an adult present) who have a loved one experiencing or recovering from an eating disorder.

The Alliance currently offers 6 support groups in-person across the country, as well 11 weekly virtual support groups and 2 monthly virtual support groups. You can learn more about each group here, or go to FAQ Section C [In-Person Support Groups] for in-person support groups, or FAQ Section D [Virtual Support Groups] for virtual support groups.

4. How are The Alliance Support Groups run?

All support groups are led and facilitated by trained and licensed facilitators ranging from various professional licenses and backgrounds in the eating disorder field. We offer in-person groups and virtual groups, which differ in format due to the nature of the settings, but both formats are free and therapist-led.

Each group starts to create its own “vibe” based on the regularity of community members who attend. All of our groups are aligned in philosophy and structure, focusing on giving and receiving support from those who “get it,” with the guidance and support from facilitators.

All groups begin with an “intro” of sorts – explaining The Alliance, for whom that particular group is for, and the group’s norms and expectations. Group members can then share a topic/theme/question of interest to explore in the group space, which is then opened up to the group as a whole to discuss. The conversation can ebb and flow in the direction needed or wanted by the group, while remaining pro-recovery through the guidance and boundaries of the facilitators.

5. Are The Alliance Support Groups Open or Closed?

All Alliance Support Groups are open for folks to attend when they are able. All groups are “walk-in” style meaning there is no pre-requirement to commit to a certain number of groups. All of The Alliance support groups are also “ongoing” meaning there is not a starting or ending phase of the groups; they continue on a weekly basis (aside from our two monthly groups are ongoing on a monthly basis).

If you are a graduate student and wish to observe a group, you are only able to observe our Friends & Family support groups and The Alliance is not authorized to sign off on any documentation for a course or clinical hours. See Section E [Support Group Attendee Information] to learn more about group observations or clinical hours.

6. How are The Alliance Support Groups different from a therapy group?

The Alliance Support Groups are created to offer just that, support! Their purpose is to primarily provide community and a sense of shared experience, connection, and hope, whereas a therapy group can be more focused on specific mental health treatment with specific objectives, goals, and directives for each group member. All Alliance Support Groups are led by trained and specialized clinicians similar to therapy groups, however the format and structure is more free-flowing, discussion- and theme-based, rather than specific modalities, direction, techniques, or interventions that are often driving a therapy group. In summary, Alliance Support Groups are more about what the group members need on a given day rather than following a specific plan.

7. How are The Alliance Support Groups different from a 12-step group?

The Alliance Support Groups do not follow any 12-step process or group format. Some of our group members do attend both 12-step groups and Alliance groups. We support anyone who finds value and benefit to following additional modalities, programs, and groups, and ask that those philosophies and beliefs are not pushed onto others.

8. How are The Alliance Support Groups different from a peer-led group?

All Alliance Support Groups are facilitated by trained and licensed clinicians. This means that all facilitators go through an application, interview, and hiring process, followed by a robust training period specific to The Alliance groups, all prior to beginning any group facilitation. Our facilitators include a combination of licensed therapists, registered dietitians, psychologists, counselors, and social workers – all with experience working with eating disorders. Additionally, several of our facilitators have lived experience, incorporating some of that “peer feel” into our spaces, with the therapeutic understanding of how to do so for the benefit and interest of the group. All facilitators are required to regularly attend supervisions led by our Alliance clinical supervisors and continue their ongoing training and learning.

9. How are The Alliance Support Groups different from ______?

Have another question about our groups? Please feel free to ask at groups@allianceforeatingdisorders.com.

B. Group Logistics & Schedule

1. What groups are available for me or my loved one to attend?

You can see our current active group schedule here.

2. Do you offer support groups for specific diagnoses?

No. To help reduce shame, stigma, and accessibility barriers to eating disorders, we do not specify any diagnoses or types in any support groups. Offering groups for any and all eating disorder experiences helps reduce comparisons and increases the opportunity to connect on the underlying shared themes, emotions, and experiences. Eating disorders, as a whole, have a lot of shame and stigma attached to what they are, what they look like, and who they can affect. When we add a specific type or diagnosis, it can create even more assumptions, comparisons, or reactions. It can also create room for minds to question, doubt, or minimize one’s own experience – for example “Oh, this person has X type of eating disorder and I don’t, I must not be sick enough, it must not be that bad…etc.” Additionally, some folks might not necessarily know what “type” of eating disorder they’re experiencing. Individuals might not have access to receive an assessment or have been misdiagnosed due to weight stigma and other systemic barriers. We want to create more inclusive and accessible spaces to just be and receive support rather than doubt, question, or minimize your diagnosis, experience, or care.

3. How will I know about any new groups or changes to groups?

We do our best to announce any changes to our groups both in current groups, on social media platforms, and through our emails! If you are not yet signed up to receive our email newsletters and reminders, you can sign up HERE.

4. Can I submit a request for a future new group to open?

Absolutely! Although we cannot guarantee an immediate response or assurance that a group will be brought to life, we are always wanting feedback and ideas to make sure the groups we do open align with the needs of our community. You can submit a request for a group HERE.

5. Is there a cost to access any of your support groups?

Nope! Every single group at The Alliance is free, and will always be free to attend.

6. Is there a cap or limit to how many people can attend a group at a time?

Nope! All of our groups vary in size as they are open/walk-in style in terms of registering or attending. Because of this we do not have a cap and ensure we always have enough facilitators in each group to support the full space. Even when our groups are on the larger end, the nature of our virtual setup keeps the group feeling much more intimate and comfortable.

7. Can I know who will be facilitating the group before I go?

We do our best to share on social media channels (Instagram & Facebook) who will be co-facilitating what groups. Unfortunately life happens and we cannot always guarantee the exact lineup of facilitators stays the same for each week or each group. Even when we share on social media, things can change by the time group starts and different facilitators might be subbing in! Typically, similar combinations of facilitators will co-facilitate the same groups – you can check out all of our facilitators and the groups they typically hang out in HERE.

C. In-Person Support Groups

1. What In-Person Pro-Recovery Support Groups are available?

The Alliance’s In-Person Pro-Recovery Support Groups are currently available in 5 different cities across the country. You are not required to register prior to any groups, you can simply show up! These groups are only available for individuals (ages 18+) experiencing and recovering from eating disorders, and we ask that any supporters do not attend. You can learn about each location’s group time, meeting place, and more HERE.

2. What In-Person Friends & Family Support Groups are available?

The Alliance’s In-Person Friends & Family Support Groups are currently available in West Palm Beach, FL and St. Petersburg, FL. You are not required to register prior to any groups, you can simply show up! These groups are only available for supporters (ages 12+ can attend with an adult present). This can include friends, family members, teachers, coaches, siblings, spouses, and more. You can learn about each location’s group time, meeting place, and more HERE.

3. Can I bring someone with me to a group for support?

If the supporter has lived experience and feels that the group applies to them, yes! If they are only there to support you in your journey and the group does not apply to their own experiences, we kindly ask that they do not join and instead attend the loved ones groups available.

4. Do your groups require a certain amount of commitment to how many groups you attend?

Nope! For our in-person groups, just show up when you can! All groups are drop-in style in terms of attendance so we hope folks join whenever they can.

5. How many people are in a group?

It depends on the particular group. Our in-person groups range from 3-10 individuals, as well as our two co-facilitators present at each group.

6. Do I have to sign up ahead of time?

In-Person groups do not require any pre-registration or sign up, just walk in!

7. How do I join a group?

In-Person groups – simply walk in! No registration or pre-intake necessary.

8. What if a group gets canceled, how will I know not to come?

Due to the nature of all groups being drop-in, and anonymous, we update as much as possible on social media platforms. Please check our social media platforms (Instagram & Facebook) for any updates or changes for your group’s location and schedule. We always post on our social media the day of the group to confirm whether the group is happening or if it is canceled. If a group is ever canceled unexpectedly (weather, building access, emergencies, etc.) we will update social media as soon as possible! If a group is canceled ahead of time, the facilitators for that group should communicate with you in groups leading up to that date, in addition to The Alliance sharing on social media that day.

Some group locations have their own form of communicating with each other when things come up, so you can always ask your groups’ facilitators if there are any additional forms of communication happening.

D. Virtual Support Groups

1. What virtual support groups are available?

The Alliance currently offers 13 virtual support groups, 11 of these groups occur weekly and 2 occur monthly. These support groups are all free and therapist-led and for individuals (ages 18+ for Pro-Recovery and ages 12+, with an adult present, for Friends & Family). Our virtual groups consist of a combination of Individual Pro-Recovery Support Groups (general pro-recovery and pro-recovery for specific experiences and identities) and Loved Ones Support Groups. You are required to register for each group in order to receive the corresponding zoom link. Please see questions below regarding the registration process to learn more.

2. Can I bring someone with me to a group for support?

If the supporter has lived experience and feels that the group applies to them, yes! If they are only there to support you in your journey and the group does not apply to their experiences, we kindly ask that they not join and instead attend the loved ones groups available. If you and a friend are both seeking support and wish to attend a virtual pro-recovery group together, please be sure to register separately as two different registrations.

3. Do your groups require a certain amount of commitment to how many groups you attend?

For our virtual groups, you can sign up and decide if you want to go or not even during the group time. If you realize you’d like to join right before the group begins, you can still register and join! The registration remains open through the group and resets to the next week’s group when it ends. There is no set amount of groups you have to sign up for or commit to attending, we just hope you can join whenever you are able.

4. How will I know if a group is canceled?

The Alliance will also post on our social media channels (Instagram & Facebook) as soon as we know a group is or will be canceled. We also do our best to announce in preceding groups if a future group will be canceled or changed. Please be sure to follow The Alliance (@alliancefored) on our social channels to get these updates!

5. How many people are in a group?

It depends on the day and group. On average, our virtual groups will range from 20-100. (Yes, 100 people sounds overwhelming, but we promise it’s a lot less daunting than it sounds!) There are no expectations as to how you show up or participate in the group, so the “feel” is a lot more intimate than it might sound in numbers. Additionally, we suggest if you are overwhelmed by too many zoom screens, you can adjust your viewing settings to be “speaker view,” or only focus on the first page of your zoom meeting.

6. Is there a cap or limit to how many people can attend a group at a time?

Nope! All of our groups vary in size as they are open/walk-in style in terms of registering or attending. Because of this we do not have a cap and ensure we always have enough facilitators in each group to support the full space. Even when our groups are on the larger end, the nature of our virtual setup keeps the group feeling much more intimate and comfortable.

7. Do I have to sign up ahead of time?

Virtual groups require a registration prior to joining, but you can register at any point even once the group has already started. Once the group is over, that same registration link will update to apply for the following week’s group. In-Person groups do not require any pre-registration or sign up, just walk in!

8. How do I join a group?

For virtual groups, simply click on the corresponding link for the group you wish to attend and register! Once you fill out the registration you’ll receive a link to join the Zoom meeting, which is also sent to the email you register with! Please be sure to note which group you are registering for as each group has its own unique link.

9. How do I register for a virtual group?

You are welcome to register at any point (even right when the group begins), and can enter/exit when you need (we ask you remain in the group for the full duration if possible to help with distraction and engagement.) Please note: each virtual group has its own unique zoom registration link, which updates each week for the most current scheduled group date. If you register ahead of time, that link will only work when the group begins. You will receive a reminder with the zoom link after you register and closer to the group date. Please be sure the group you register for is the correct group or else you will not receive the right zoom link/the zoom link you do receive will not work. Please see all virtual zoom registration links below:

10. What if I sign up but I can’t join at the last minute?

That’s okay! You can simply just not attend if you can’t make it. No need to let us know, we’ll just miss you and hope you make it next time.

11. I registered for a virtual group but the link is not working. What should I do?

Please confirm you are signed up for the right group and its day/time. Your registration only works for that particular day’s group and time, so if you’d like to attend that group in the future, you must re-register. Every group has its own unique registration link that automatically updates to the most current group on the calendar (i.e. all Virtual Monday Pro-Recovery Support Groups have the same link, but if it’s Tuesday and you click to register it will be for the following Monday’s group only). You can check which group you registered for by checking the date on the email confirmation that you received!

E. Support Group Attendee Information

1. Who can attend the Individual Pro-Recovery Support Groups?

The Alliance’s Individual Pro-Recovery Support Groups are for individuals of all genders, ages 18+, experiencing or recovering from an eating disorder. If you are unsure if you have an eating disorder, disordered eating, have been told to check out one of our groups, or are unsure but you’re reading this right now, come check it out! You don’t have to “know” exactly, but if you’re considering it it might mean it’s worth learning and potentially seeking further support. There is no requirement as to what “type” of eating disorder or “how long” you’ve been experiencing an eating disorder, these groups are for anyone at any “stage” of their recovery journey. This group is available 6 days a week. See below for all registration links!

2. Who can attend the Friends & Family Support Groups?

The Alliance’s Friends & Family Support Group is for supporters of those experiencing or recovering from an eating disorder. These groups are just for loved ones (ages 12+ can attend with an adult present), not the individual experiencing the eating disorder. This can include friends, family members, teachers, coaches, siblings, spouses, and more. This group meets every Thursday evening from 7-8pm EST. REGISTER HERE.

3. Who can attend the Mom2Mom Support Group?

The Alliance’s Mom2Mom Support Group is for female-identifying caregivers/loved ones supporters only. This group is offered every Tuesday at 4pm EST. It is part of the Mom2Mom Facebook community, which you must request to join in order to access the group. This support group (and online community) is just for loved ones, not the individual experiencing the eating disorder.

4. Who can attend the LGBTQ+ Pro-Recovery Support Groups?

The Alliance’s LGBTQ+ Pro-Recovery Support Group is for individuals (ages 18+) in the LGBTQIA+ community who are experiencing/recovering from eating disorders. Yes, this includes individuals who might be questioning, curious, or not have a “label” to their identity but resonate with the Queer community and feel this space connects to their identity, as they continue to explore and discover who they are. These groups are facilitated by all Queer-identifying clinicians. The Alliance currently offers 2 LGBTQ+ support groups, one in-person (weekly on Mondays at The Center in New York City from 7-8:30PM EST, no registration required) and one virtually (weekly on Wednesdays from 7-8pm EST. REGISTER HERE).

5. Who can attend the Larger Bodied Individuals Support Group?

The Alliance’s Larger Bodied Individuals Support Group is for individuals (ages 18+) experiencing/recovering from their eating disorder in a larger body, while actively navigating weight stigma and anti-fat bias. This includes individuals who identify as Fat, Small Fat, Mid-Fat, Large Fat, Super Fat, Infinifat, Higher Weight, and Plus-size. If you are unsure as to how you understand your size and body in relation to this group, think about ways you actively face and experience weight stigma, weight-discrimination, anti-fat bias, and barriers that impact your accessibility and accommodations due to body shape and size. This group is a pro-recovery support group where there might be more exploration and focus on how recovery is experienced within the larger bodied community. This group offers a supportive and understood space to connect on shared experiences while taking steps forward in recovery. Please note this group may discuss themes related to body image which may be limited in some of our other spaces due to the nature of navigating life in a larger body and systemic factors that impact bodies. We ask if this group applies to you that you are mindful of your own needs/boundaries/thresholds for discussions that might lead to more activation as a result of how eating disorders and themes related to weight-stigma and anti-fat bias could be discussed. This group meets every Monday from 7-8pm EST. REGISTER HERE.

6. Who can attend the BIPOC Pro-Recovery Support Group?

The Alliance’s BIPOC Support Group is for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals experiencing or recovering from eating disorders. This group is led by BIPOC facilitators for BIPOC individuals. This group is a pro-recovery support group to connect with others of lived experience about what recovery looks like through the impacts of racial trauma, microaggressions, discrimination, and societal and cultural minimization of mental health and eating disorders. We ask if this group applies to you that you are mindful of your own needs/boundaries/thresholds for discussions that might lead to more activation as a result of how eating disorders and themes related to racial trauma could be discussed. This group meets every Wednesday from 8-9pm EST. REGISTER HERE.

7. Who can attend the Support Group for Individuals who have lost a loved one (Grief & Loss)?

The Alliance’s Grief & Loss Support Group is for individuals and loved ones who have lost someone in their life as a result of their eating disorder. Although this support group is not for individuals experiencing/recovering from their own eating disorder, we understand there might be individuals who are in their own recovery who have lost someone in their life from an eating disorder – we ask if this applies to you that you are mindful of your own needs/boundaries/thresholds for discussions that might lead to more activation as a result of how eating disorders and specifics could be discussed. This group meets every 3rd Monday of each month from 7-8pm EST. REGISTER HERE.

8. Who can attend the Support Group for Individuals in Fashion, Beauty, + Entertainment (The Chain x The Alliance)?

The Chain x The Alliance Support Group is for individuals (ages 18+) experiencing and recovering from eating disorders while working in the fashion, beauty and entertainment industries. This group is co-facilitated by trained Alliance facilitators and co-supported by the founders of The Chain who have lived experience. This group meets every 3rd Monday of each month from 5:30pm – 6:30pm EST. REGISTER HERE.

9. Can I use these groups as hours for my internship, class, community service hours?

Anyone wanting to observe a group for a class or internship can only observe our Friends & Family groups. All of our individual Pro-Recovery groups are for individuals experiencing and recovering from eating disorders only. Please note: The Alliance cannot sign off on any documentation or hours confirming your observation or attendance of the group. Anyone wanting to attend a group for their own support, while receiving community service or probation hours is welcome to as long as it is understood that we cannot guarantee sign-off by The Alliance that you were in attendance or completed the group due to the nature of the space and confidentiality.

10. What if I’m not sure if I apply to a particular group?

Most groups are very inclusive in terms of applying to all individuals, and certain groups are created for particular identities or experiences. We ask you to do your best to ensure you apply to those identities/experiences knowing there might be some nuance!

Certain groups have more direct parameters as to the group population, and we ask even if you enjoy the space and just want support, you honor those spaces for those who hold those identities or experiences. Please see all group descriptions to learn more about each group.

If you are unsure, it can be helpful to join a group and just observe, listen, and learn while seeing how the themes, messaging, and experiences in that particular group space feel for you and your experiences. If they resonate/apply to you, you can absolutely be there and be mindful of that feeling for you as you continue to be in the space and listen to others.

11. What if I’m not sure if I can join the Larger Bodied Individuals support group?

Although the group is for individuals actively experiencing/recovering from eating disorders in a larger body (higher weight body, fat body, plus-size body, terms that resonate with you) while also facing active weight stigma and anti-fat bias, we understand there can be nuance to that. We understand that experiences can differ with levels of stigma/discrimination/bias/harm caused as a result of anti-fat bias and weight stigma, and if that is happening in your life and your recovery, you are welcome to be in this space. If the themes, messaging, and experiences in this space apply to you, you can absolutely be there and be mindful of that feeling for you as you continue to be in the space and listen to others. If you are ever unsure how you might present in the space, you can also join the group and physically remain off camera, and use the space to listen, observe, and learn instead of verbally participating in any way, while you navigate where this might apply to you.

12. What if I’m not sure if I can join the BIPOC support group?

The Alliance’s BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, People of Color] Support Group is for anyone who identifies as a Person of Color experiencing/recovering from an eating disorder. We ask if this does not apply to you that you respect this space to be for those in the BIPOC community and attend any of our other support groups offered. To help maintain this safety and the positive intentions of those attending this group, we are asking individuals who attend to please keep videos on and avatar features off. Please note this group will always be co-facilitated by BIPOC Facilitators, and we ask you respect their identities in how they choose to self-disclose.

13. What if I’m not sure if I can join the LGBTQ+ support group?

The Alliance’s LGBTQ+ Support Group is for anyone who identifies within the Queer umbrella (including if you’re curious, questioning, or navigating these identities right now). There is no expectation or requirement to disclose or share a label, word, or identifier! We kindly ask any allies to instead attend any of our other support groups offered. To help maintain this safety and the positive intentions of those attending this group, we are asking individuals who attend to please keep videos on and avatar features off. Please note this group will always be co-facilitated by Queer-identifying Facilitators, and we ask you respect their identities in how they choose to self-disclose.

14. What if I’m new to recovery or have never been in a recovery space?

Welcome!! You’re in the right place! All of our groups are for folks in any place of their eating disorder and recovery journey. Even if you’re unsure if you want recovery or understand what it looks like, you belong here. Our groups have individuals from all walks of life and different spaces of where they are in their journey, making it a really helpful space to explore all of the ways in which eating disorders can show up and recovery can be navigated.

15. What if I’ve been in recovery for a while or am further along in my recovery?

We love having individuals in any place of their recovery join our groups! Hearing from folks who are further along in their recovery or even just navigating the nonlinear ups and downs of the recovery process can be so valuable. Our groups are a place for you to share and receive support, while also connecting with others who get it and/or are in a different place than you!

16. What if I’m not sure that I have an eating disorder, or I haven’t been diagnosed? Can I still join?

Absolutely! No “diagnosis” required. If you’re even wondering if you should attend an eating disorder pro-recovery support group, then you belong in the space.

F. Virtual Groups: Tech Support

1. How to register for a virtual group

  • Go to https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/
  • Click on “RESOURCES” at the top of the page
  • Select “LIST OF GROUPS” underneath Resources tab
  • Click “READ MORE” for the group you are interested in attending
  • Click the corresponding “REGISTER HERE” for the group day/time you wish to attend
  • Complete the registration form provided and click the blue “REGISTER” button at the bottom of the page
  • You will receive a confirmation email with the group information and zoom link to join. Please note the link will not work until the group’s start date and time.

*All groups require re-registering for each group attended. Even if you registered for the previous week you need to re-register using the group’s registration link to receive the most current zoom link and information*

2. Ready to register now? See all of The Alliance’s virtual support group links below to go directly to the registration form:

3. How to log on to a group

After completing a registration, you will receive a confirmation email with the group information and zoom link to join. Please note the link will not work until the group’s start date and time.

4. How to join a group on a mobile device

Your zoom link received after completing a registration form should work on your mobile device. You can also dial in with the information provided on your email confirmation.

5. How to raise/lower your hand to verbally share in group

  • In the Zoom meeting/webinar controls, click “REACTIONS”
  • Then click “RAISE HAND” The host will be notified that you’ve raised your hand and you will see a hand icon ✋ next to your name and/or zoom screen
  • Click “LOWER HAND” to lower it, if needed. This will not mute yourself if you are unmuted.

6. How to respond to someone’s share in group

  • In the Zoom meeting/webinar controls, click “REACTIONS”
  • Then select the green circle with a white checkmark icon ✅ above the hand raise icon. This will indicate to the facilitators you have a direct response to the person sharing and you will see the same icon with the word “YES” next to it on your zoom screen.
  • Click the same green circle checkmark icon again to lower it. You are responsible for lowering this icon, the host cannot lower it for you.

7. How to participate in the chat feature in group

  • To participate in the group’s chat conversation, click the “CHAT” icon at the bottom of your zoom screen.
  • A window should appear next to the group videos where the group has typed conversation going. This is also where the chat facilitator shares rules, reminders, and Alliance information throughout the group.
  • Please note: If you are on your phone and using the chat feature, you will not be able to see the screen of those talking and your video will automatically turn off

8. How to clarify a question, rule, or what you’d like to share in group

If you are unsure how to phrase what you’d like to share in a group (both verbally or in chat) please do not hesitate to ask a facilitator, that’s what they’re here for. You can directly message the chat facilitator through two different options:

  • Select the three dots in a blue square on the upper right hand corner of the facilitator’s video screen, followed by clicking “CHAT” to open a direct message conversation with them.

OR

  • Click the “CHAT” icon tab, then at the bottom of the chat panel click “EVERYONE” and change it to the chat facilitator’s name. You will then be in a direct private message to that facilitator to ask your question. To confirm if you are in a private direct message, there should be red text next to the name of the facilitator you are chatting that says [direct message].

9. How to turn on “hide self view” feature in group

  • After joining the group, hover over your video and click the ellipses icon in your video to display the menu, then choose “HIDE SELF VIEW”.
  • You will no longer see the video of yourself, even though others in the meeting can still see the video of you.

10. How to change your name in group

  • To change your name in group from what is automatically displayed, click on the “PARTICIPANTS” button at the top (or bottom) of the Zoom window.
  • Next, hover your mouse over your name in the “PARTICIPANTS” list on the right side of the Zoom window.
  • Click on “RENAME,” and enter the information you’d like to be displayed.

11. How to enable closed captioning/subtitles in group

  • To enable closed captioning during group, go to the bottom of your screen and select the “MORE” button.
  • Select the “CAPTIONS”. A transcript should begin to appear on your zoom screen.

12. How to ask for accommodations in group

Depending on what you need, you are welcome to direct message a facilitator during the group to see if we can support or accommodate immediately. If they are unable to assist in that moment please reach out to us at groups@allianceforeatingdisorders.com to explain what is needed. We will do everything we can to help make this happen for you. Please understand that accommodations requested may take time for us to effectively bring into action should it require additional outreach, services, or resources so we appreciate your patience and flexibility.

13. How to nourish during a group

Although we do not allow folks to eat on camera, you are absolutely free to nourish yourself during group. We love that groups can be a space for meal/snack/nourishment support! To do so, please be sure to nourish off screen by keeping your camera on while you are either out of the view of the camera or the screen is tilted away from you so you can nourish. Hydration is allowed on and off camera!

G. Zoom & Tech Rules & Guidelines

1. Please stay on mute unless you are called on to share.

Why? This helps with sound distractions and ensuring we allow the individual sharing to be heard and not talked over by others.

2. Please KEEP YOUR VIDEOS ON AT ALL TIMES.

It’s a legal thing! There is a HIDE SELF VIEW feature on zoom if you’d prefer. You can also move the camera away from yourself so you are not seen. Our chat person will message you if your video is off – if we don’t hear from you and it’s still not turned on after a period of time we may need to remove you from the group. To help with safety and group engagement, we also ask that you please do not use avatars.

Why? In addition to the legal side of things, even the simple gesture of the video camera feature being on (even if you are not in front of the screen) helps with group connection! Virtual groups work better with more folks who are engaged, so even if you don’t wish to share, simply being there to listen can make a difference for your recovery and someone else’s in the zoom room. When cameras are all off, it creates a lot more disconnect and difficulty for those wanting to share to do so in a way that feels like it’s being said to others who are truly listening. It can discourage a lot of folks from wanting to share or even “take up space.” Everyone deserves to be seen and take up space! Additionally, it helps encourage the space to truly be “pro-recovery” in action, in the sense that it’s reminding everyone to be more present and less pull to “hide” behind any eating disorder behaviors or urges during group time.

3. Please do not smoke, vape, exercise, or eat on camera. Hydration is okay! Feel free to nourish yourself, just please turn away your camera.

Why? A lot of these things can be distracting, open up space for comparisons, or can present as behaviors to others. Even if you are doing the recovery thing by nourishing (heck yes), eating on camera can be a distraction and open up opportunities for the eating disorder to compare or be activated, and we want to make sure everyone is getting the most out of the group.

4. Please do your best to maintain your phone or computer in a fixed position. This helps with getting dizzy or distracted.

Why? In addition to helping reduce distraction or getting dizzy, it helps reinforce being more present and engaged in the group in a space where you can fully focus and show up in group too.

5. If you’d like to SHARE

Go to “participants” at the bottom of your screen. It will take you to a window where you can select RAISE HAND-”RAISE HAND” can also be found at “REACTIONS” at the bottom of the page. (GO TO “MORE” ON YOUR CELL PHONE)

Why? This is the best format we’ve found to help the flow of shares and conversations without creating pressure on those not comfortable with sharing. We go in the order the hand raises go up to be fair.

6. If you’d like to RESPOND to someone’s share directly

Select the green circle checkmark “YES” in your reactions buttons, and the leader will know to add you in to respond on what’s currently being talked about. We hope this helps take the pressure off so you can share when you feel moved to share and less worried about getting all your thoughts out at once!

Why? We want our group to feel as conversational and “in-person” as possible. This group is about all of YOU supporting and sharing with each other, not just a back-and-forth between you and the facilitators! This added feature helps continue conversation from someone’s shares directly instead of waiting until it no longer feels relevant. It also helps take the pressure off of “what to share” if you simply want to acknowledge that person as if you were in person and could say that naturally without a hand-raise. This is not to “cut the line” or start sharing a totally separate thought – this feature is to directly respond, give an idea, validation, thank you, etc. to the person sharing their share.

7. Please be mindful of your length of share. You can always share more than once!

Why? Technically there is no time limit to a share. That being said, we do ask you to do your best to keep your shares on the shorter side (a few minutes maximum). This helps allow time for others to respond and continue the conversation with you while also helping the whole group stay more present and engaged (when a part gets too lengthy it can be easier to get more distracted or lost in the conversation). This does not mean you have to have the perfect most eloquent share, it just means being mindful of your time and if you have a lot to say, try to focus on one or two points in relation to the conversation and holding off on other points to either add in chat, or to raise your hand again!

H. Group Rules & Guidelines: Pro-Recovery

Why are there rules in your support groups?

All Alliance Support Groups have rules and guidelines to keep the group as safe and pro-recovery as possible. We know that comparisons can come up with those experiencing eating disorders, and when we create boundaries around how to refrain from the details about someone’s behaviors or symptoms, it can help reduce comparisons or minimization of one’s experience. We have seen time and time again how our rules support our group spaces and we hear from our community (that’s you) how helpful it is when facilitators are there to reinforce these rules! It keeps the conversation less about “doing the eating disorder” and more about doing life, connecting with others about emotions, themes, and ideas to keep going in recovery and feel less alone.

So, what are the rules?!

1. Please refrain from mentioning specifics related to eating disorders.

This includes numbers (i.e. timelines, weights, etc.), foods, meds, behaviors, rituals, and treatment (i.e. centers, providers, levels of care, etc.). This also includes diet talk, body shaming, and anti-fat language. Please do your best to stick with generalities.

Why? These specifics can reinforce weight stigma and create more opportunity for the eating disorder thoughts to get louder and lead to comparisons.

Examples of specifics:

  • Specific Foods, including types of food/food group, quantity of food, components of food, or placing judgements on food being “good/bad, healthy/unhealthy”
  • Specifics Weights, including trends of weight number going up or down, or placing judgements of that weight being “good/bad, healthy/unhealthy”
  • Specific medication names, doses, and frequency
  • Specific timelines or durations of how long you’ve experiences your eating disorder, or how long you were in a particular treatment or level of care
  • Specific behaviors or rituals, including symptoms of your eating disorder, specific descriptions of urges or eating disorder behaviors, or rituals that promote the eating disorder in any way
  • Specific diagnoses (of eating disorders, or other co-occurring illness you are experiencing)
  • Specific names of treatment centers, therapists, dietitians, etc.

So what do I say instead?

  • Specific numbers and behaviors
    • Instead of saying “4 days ago I used X behavior…”
    • Say instead: “Recently I’ve engaged in some behaviors” or “Recently it’s been hard to cope without the eating disorder.”
  • Specific foods and judgements of food
    • Instead of saying “I ate X when I know it’s not healthy”
    • Saying instead “I had something that my eating disorder made me feel terrible about” OR “I ate something that led to so many negative judgements about xyz…”
  • Specifics about body shaming, weight-stigma, or anti-fat bias
    • Instead of saying “I used to hate my body because it was XYZ…”
    • Saying instead “I used to have a tough time understanding the judgements and shame around my body, but I’m learning how to practice body neutrality when that critical voice gets loud.” OR “I’ve struggled to love my body.”

2. Please no trauma or violence specifics in this space.

These experiences are incredibly valid, and we ask that you do not share about this specifically in this space.

Why? Trauma and violence can mean a lot of different things for different individuals, and going into details about someone’s trauma in any capacity can lead to others having unexpected or unwanted thoughts, emotions, reactions, memories, flashbacks, or comparisons of their experiences. Trauma is also incredibly connected to many individuals experiencing eating disorders. When someone comes to our support groups, we don’t want them to have to focus on their trauma when they were not expecting to or wanting to as this can increase eating disorder thoughts, urges, or behaviors. As important as it is to acknowledge and explore this connection of trauma and violence in relation to recovery, we ask you to remain mindful of others’ hope of keeping our groups feeling as safe as possible by not going into specifics or details of trauma. Even if you feel comfortable or ready to share that information, others might not be, and we want everyone to feel as grounded and as safe as possible. You can say the word “trauma” and reference it in relation to discussions, but please be mindful to not go into details of what kind of trauma or further information about it.

Examples of trauma / violence specifics

  • Any physical, emotional, or sexual traumas
  • Specific stories, quotes, or comments from a negative experience such as being bullied, body shamed, or discriminated against
  • Specific violent acts and means or parties involved in which acts occurred
  • Specifics about accidents, injuries, surgeries, medical details or traumas, death, or loss

3. What’s said here, stays here.

While we cannot guarantee 100% confidentiality within a support group, we do ask that you hold everything shared here in privacy.

Why? All Alliance groups are support groups, not therapy groups. This means the nature of these groups are to offer a space for support, connection, and validation rather than specific or directive therapy for individuals or even a set group. Because of the nature of our groups in addition to the format being open, rolling, and anonymous, we cannot guarantee 100% safety. That being said, we ask all individuals who attend any support group honor that what happens in group stays in group – folks are showing up to share, connect, be seen, heard, supported, and discuss things that can be incredibly vulnerable to share. Please respect everyone in the space and anything shared to be kept in confidentiality. Please note: if anyone is ever actively and intentionally disrespectful or harmful to the group, any group member(s) or any facilitator(s), we will remove them from the group.

4. Recovery is possible…and it’s happening!

Why? The Alliance believes full recovery is possible and simply showing up to the support group space is an example of how recovery is happening in action! Whether you believe recovery is possible for you or not, The Alliance will hold that hope alongside you. Whatever terminology around “recovery” resonates with you is valid, and wherever you are along the journey (or even thinking about starting the journey), you belong here!

I still have more questions!


How am I supposed to share my thoughts without getting into “specifics” or breaking group rules?

Doing your best to stick with generalities, themes, and emotions with your shares instead of the details. When we focus too much on the details we can easily get sidetracked away from the point of the share or staying aligned with the topic being discussed. Thinking about what you’d want to say then going a step further into how it connects to the topic, what emotions are coming up, or what other themes might be tied to it can help steer away from specifics.

  • Example:
    • Instead of saying, “my doctor said X to me,”
    • Saying instead “My doctor made an anti-fat comment and it brought up feelings of…”
  • Example:
    • Instead of saying “I’ve had my eating disorder for 20 years so I feel like I’ll never get out”
    • Saying instead, “I’ve dealt with my eating disorder for a long time and I feel like I’ll never get out”
  • Example:
    • Instead of saying “I ate X which is a fear food of mine”
    • Saying instead “I challenged a fear food and felt…”

What if I say something that does not align with the group guidelines?

We’re all human, it happens! If a share or comment in chat gets too specific or we anticipate its heading in a potentially too specific direction, a facilitator will chime in as a reminder of the rules. Please know you did nothing wrong, and often when we’re sharing we are still processing what we’re even saying and that is human! Please know we want to continue to hear from you!

What if I’m redirected but I don’t understand why or believe I said anything against the rules?

The specifics or timing of a facilitator redirecting your share or comment might vary between group and facilitator. Please know facilitators are constantly trying to ensure the conversation stays supportive both in specific content and energy. If a shared or group conversation gets too “toxic” or seems like that eating disorder energy is taking over, a facilitator might intervene to help connect that shift in relation to the topic rather than it turning into a downward spiral of negative energy, comparison, or tangents. That means if a facilitator redirects you to simply try to keep the group as safe as possible while trying to keep the group connected to the topic and pro-recovery energy. Sometimes this means a facilitator redirecting a share and it not fully making sense why they did that. Facilitators are human too and there will be nuance.

What happens if a facilitator redirects my share?

That’s it! They will chime in (hopefully as smoothly as possible given the virtual context being a bit wonky), quickly remind you to be mindful of the rule/specifics/time/etc., and you are welcome (and encouraged) to continue your share! Again, you have done nothing wrong, you are being human and that is going to sometimes come out in words a lot faster than our brains can keep up with! That is normal and expected!

What if I want to share but I’m not sure how without saying specifics / breaking group rules?

There is no “right” way to share, even when there are rules around what to be mindful of when you share. If you get confused, overwhelmed, or unsure how to share what you wish, you can check in with a facilitator privately via direct message and they can assist you to figure out the best way to share what you’re wanting to say.

Am I allowed to share more than once?

Absolutely! Anyone can share as often as they’d like. Please know that if you’re ever not called on after sharing once or redirected to be mindful of time and other shares, it is just so we can get to other individuals who haven’t shared and still want to in the remaining group time. Let the facilitators worry about that though and please share whenever and however often you’d like.

Is there a time limit to my share?

Technically no (we don’t want to create rigidity and pressure around shares). That being said, we do ask you to do your best to keep your shares on the shorter side (a few minutes maximum). This helps allow time for others to respond and continue the conversation with you while also helping the whole group stay more present and engaged (when a part gets too lengthy it can be easier to get more distracted or lost in the conversation). This does not mean you have to have the perfect most eloquent share, it just means being mindful of your time and if you have a lot to say, try to focus on one or two points in relation to the conversation and holding off on other points to either add in chat, or to raise your hand again!

I. Group Rules & Guidelines: Friends & Family

Our Friends & Family support groups differ from our pro-recovery support groups in terms of the group rules. Supporters who attend these groups are allowed to share whatever they wish, as long as they are mindful and respectful of others’ experiences. The only rules we specify are the following:

1. No treatment or provider bashing to not taint anyone else’s experience with treatment or care.

Everyone’s needs, experiences, and accessibility will vary, so what might have been a difficult or unhelpful treatment or provider for one person might have been a great experience for another.

2. No anti-fat language, diet-promotions, or body shaming.

Although this might come up without realizing, please know if your share mentions information or opinions that reinforce weight stigma, anti-fat bias, or diet culture, a facilitator we respond with redirection and perhaps psychoeducation as to why that is unhelpful.

J. Share Your Feedback!

We want to hear from you!

Please feel free to share feedback about your experiences in group so we can acknowledge our wins and continue to do better for our community. Your feedback will remain anonymous.

Share your feedback HERE.