About group support

Sheena’s Place offers hope and support to those struggling with eating disorders through professionally facilitated groups. We offer these groups free of charge to anyone aged 17 and older who is suffering from an eating disorder, as well as to family, friends, partners and any supportive others who feel they could benefit from our services.

Some of our groups are offered in all 4 seasons: fall, winter, spring and summer. Most groups run for 10 sessions, meeting once a week for an hour and a half.

We also offer ongoing support groups that run uninterrupted through the year. You are welcome to join these groups at any time and  can pre-register or register for these groups the day of.

Give us a call at 416-927-8900 to find out more, or book an information session with one of our trained volunteers.

Benefits of joining a group

  • Often the first step to recovery is recognizing and admitting that there is a problem
  • It’s an opportunity for interpersonal growth and creating social connections
  • Reduces isolation and shame, combats low self-esteem, and assists in identifying feelings
  • Increases communication skills, such as reflective listening, assertive confrontation, and conflict resolution
  • Learn and share skills and strategies to help reduce harm and improve quality of life

Features of our groups

  • The individual participant is responsible for welfare of self. If the group is overwhelming, it is the individual’s responsibility to seek outside treatment.
  • Participants can expect information, coping strategies and peer support in a warm, non-judgmental environment.
  • The focus is more on meeting the general needs of the group around a common theme
  • The facilitator’s role in a support group is to maintain the safety of group members, assist them to give and receive support to each other and to draw attention to commonalities in group members’ experiences. Depending on the specific type of group, the facilitator may also be responsible for leading you through an art activity, gentle movement, or teaching new coping skills.
  • Our groups complement or supplement existing outpatient and hospital-based programs.

Group support complements treatment

  • Groups serve as an essential support and provide continuity during the transition from inpatient to outpatient care.
  • Groups provide a safe place to report successes and challenges of new behaviours and skills.