Amber’s experience of group therapy
At Natural Food Therapy, the natural progression from private support is to join our recovery group. And at the right time, we believe this can become a valuable part of your recovery journey. Today, we hear from Amber, who shares her transition from private support into group therapy.
An anxious start
Approaching the end of my programme, I was given the chance to join group therapy. This was a way to end my treatment in a more gradual and less intimidating way. But I have to be honest, the idea of joining a group left me full of anxiety.
Eating disorders bring such a competitive and comparative element. And I felt worried that the group would have a negative impact on me. I kept thinking back to my experience of social media, where the recovery community had turned competitive. It had become a place that led to constant comparison around how sick I was and took me down a dangerous path.
But I have come a long way since then and have worked so hard through my recovery. So I wanted to give the group a try. After speaking to my coach and putting aside those fears, I pushed myself to join the group.
Dipping my toes in
There was no pressure for the first time I joined the group. It was an online zoom session, and I’d been given a choice to join with my camera and microphone switched off. I did just this and was able to ease myself in by listening and gauging what the group was like, at my own pace.
Over the next couple of sessions, I continued to observe and started to feel safer with the group. It didn’t take me long before I felt able to turn off my camera and microphone. Soon I found myself wanting to make my own contributions to the group and to really join in.
What it gave me
After joining the group, I realised that it provided me with the support and comfort I needed. And every time I attended, I came away feeling lighter and more motivated with my recovery.
At first, I felt too nervous to contribute anything. But once I overcame that, I noticed that there would always be at least one other person nodding along with everything I shared. I came to see that I really wasn’t alone. That there were others, who could relate to my struggles. And that meant we could all help and uplift each other with absolutely no judgment.
Rather than hinder me, it helped to learn new tools and techniques alongside a group of people that have such a strong understanding of each other. Each of us has been able to bring differing thoughts, experiences and ideas to the table; that we may not have alone. By supporting one another, recovery has been made lighter. Goals have become more achievable. And I have felt supported in new ways.
Strength in numbers
When battling my eating disorder, I isolated myself and refrained from opening up about it, as I thought nobody would understand. I felt so lonely, but at the same time, I couldn’t help but push people away.
When I joined the group, that feeling of isolation began to ease. I started to feel less alone in my struggles. I had finally connected with like-minded people who could not only relate to me, but wanted to create a similar future for themselves. It wasn’t a toxic or comparative group because we had all done the initial inner work we needed to be part of this. I realise now that we were all ready for group therapy, which is something I wasn’t in the past.
I’m so grateful that I didn’t let a lack of confidence hold me back from joining this lovely community. A space that has allowed me to meet such strong, supportive and accepting people. This support group has become a part of my life. A lifeline I know I can always turn to. I am so thankful to each person in the group for sharing and being part of my journey and allowing me to be part of theirs.
Our Thoughts – Group Therapy
We are so thankful to Amber for sharing her experience of group therapy. And hope this helps to answer any questions or worries you may have about joining a community in recovery.
The Natural Food Therapy community is a powerful next step following private treatment. Click here to learn more about our recovery group.
