FAQ

A: We run 5 different types of groups, including support, body image, expressive arts, skill building, and nutrition groups. Please click here to see a description of each type of group. What occurs in each group depends on the type of group it is. Please refer to our seasonal program calendar for brief descriptions of each group. A typical support group involves a check-in at the beginning, a facilitated discussion, and a check-out at the end of the group. All groups are professionally facilitated. The level to which one participates is up to the individual.

A: Anyone age 17+ in Ontario who self-identifies as living with an eating disorder or disordered eating is welcome to register for our groups. Caregivers and loved ones of those living with eating disorders can register for our “Family, Friends, and Partners” support group. Sheena’s Place welcomes folks of all genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, body sizes, income levels, and abilities.

A: The size of a group depends on the type of group it is. We have 3 group rooms at Sheena’s Place and they each hold approximately 10-20 people. Group size depends on how many people are in attendance on a particular day. Typically, we see 7 to 12 people in each of our groups (in-person and online).

A: We are located at 87 Spadina Rd., which is a block north of Bloor St. on the east side. Click here for a map of where Sheena’s Place is. Once you reach Sheena’s Place, you will find a whiteboard in the front foyer that lists all the groups for that day and which room they are being held in. Our front desk volunteer will also be happy to direct you to the correct room. FOR ONLINE GROUPS: Online groups are hosted using Zoom for Healthcare. For the best experience, we encourage you to download the Zoom app, and to set up a free account prior to your first session. Group invitations are emailed to participants one hour before your scheduled sessions; there is a new link each week. Once you receive the invitation, you can click the link to join the Zoom meeting.

A: We understand that the first time you attend group can be anxiety-provoking. There is never pressure to participate. You are welcome to just absorb the conversation around you. Remember that everyone in the group came for the first time at one point, and you can wait to participate until you feel ready to do so. Click here to read a client’s story about their first time at Sheena’s Place. Additionally, you can register for a free virtual info session prior to attending your first group, where you can ask our Registrars questions and learn about what happens in a group session.

• A: Open your mind and suspend judgment, cynicism or doubt. Understand that an eating disorder is not a choice or an issue of vanity and try to avoid blaming statements. View the eating disorder as a coping strategy for dealing with emotions and conflict.
  • Educate yourself about eating disorders to better understand what your friend/family member may be going through. Offer information about treatment options, programs and reading materials.
  • Be trustworthy and honest. Let your friend or family member know that they are safe with you and that you will be there to listen. Do not make promises you cannot keep.
  • Take care of your own social and emotional needs. Recognize that if you are emotionally or physically exhausted, you will be unable to provide much support.
  • Allow the person with the problem to take responsibility for their actions. Respect their right to autonomy and privacy. Encourage them to live their own life, make their own decisions, and develop friendships and connections. Do not make excuses for someone’s eating behaviours.
  • Acknowledge and act upon life-threatening situations. Call an ambulance or go to the emergency room.
  • Reinforce the positive qualities of an individual and do not focus all attention on the eating disorder.
  • Expect to be faced with denial of the problem.
  • Be patient.
  • Be optimistic and have hope.
  • Respect the person’s choice for silence or to speak about the problem.
  • Focus on issues of general health and well being, not appearance and weight, by emphasizing and complimenting characteristics other than weight or appearance.
  • Examine your own issues regarding weight and shape. Suspend your own dieting behaviours (eat regular meals, shop for non-diet products, stop weighing yourself).
  • Set limits to the behaviours you can and cannot tolerate. Do not try to take on more than you believe you can cope with.
  • Be a friend, partner, mother, father, sister or brother, but do not try to take the place of a therapist.

  Avoid

  • discussing food and weight.
  • talking about the appearance, especially weight, of other women/men.
  • engaging in power struggles related to eating and food.
  • trying to control the person with the problem. Respect his or her ability to make decisions.
  • breaking promises/confidences and being inconsistent.
  • placing blame for the eating disorder on yourself, family members, or the individual struggling with one.
  • teasing/bullying, especially concerning appearance and body shape.
  • being ashamed of your daughter’s/son’s/friend’s eating disorder.
  • putting pressure or deadlines on the individual for change/treatment.
  • expecting a fast solution or recovery.
  • displaying outbursts of emotion and anger.

A: You have already taken a very important step in recognizing that you have an unhealthy relationship with food. Many eating disorders go undiagnosed, and many people identify with several different types of eating disorder behaviours. Click here for more information. Here at Sheena’s Place, we are based on self-referral. This means that you are not required to get a doctor’s letter to attend a group. Please refer to the middle section of our homepage to view a current program calendar. Many people start by participating a support group to see what a group setting is like. This will give you a chance to hear what other people are going through and to share your experience.

Still not sure? Give us a call and book an information session. This is a chance for you to meet one on one with a volunteer or staff member who can show you around Sheena’s Place, go through our program calendar, and see if any of our groups are right for you.

A: This is an issue many people face. At Sheena’s Place, group participation is based solely on self-referral, meaning your loved one wants to receive support. Be patient with your loved one, and let them know you are there for them when they do ask for help.

When you have a loved one who is struggling with an eating disorder it can also be hard on you. It is important to ensure you have a support system in place. We run a group called “Family, Friends and Partners” that you can attend to explore your experience of having a family member, partner or friend living with an eating disorder.

A: Naming specific eating disorder symptoms, as well as details like specific foods, diets, and numbers (e.g. weights, calories, distances) can often promote comparison and can be triggering for others in the group. For this reason, group members are asked to speak more generally (e.g. “I was more symptomatic this week”.) Click here to learn more about our group guidelines (including group member feedback about these guidelines).

A: We recognize that it may be difficult to make a choice about getting started with a group at Sheena’s Place. We offer information sessions, either by telephone or in person. This is an opportunity to learn about our groups and to ask any questions you may have. Information sessions are available by appointment.

A: Individual therapy can be a great step in the journey to recovery. Sheena’s Place does not offer one-on-one support. For information about individual therapy and other resources/support across Canada, visit the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC).

A: Our decision-making process for programs involves a variety of factors that influence which groups we are able to implement in any given season. These factors include: financial resources, requests from participants, equitable access to care, and availability of appropriate facilitators. We always welcome feedback from community members about the kind of groups you would like to see! You can send any feedback or program requests to our program manager (click here for staff contact information).

A: Many groups at Sheena’s Place fill up quickly on registration day. You are welcome to add yourself to the wait list for a group that is full. To find out where you are on a wait list, contact us at info@sheenasplace.org. We also offer several “drop-in” style groups that do not have a registration capacity. Participants must register for these groups and can do so at any time during the season. Drop-in group sessions operate on a first-come-first-served basis per session, up to a pre-determined number of participants. See our current program calendar to learn more about our drop-in groups.

A: Sheena’s Place is a not-for-profit organization. We run groups free of charge thanks to our generous donors and sponsors.