Online Drop-In Group for Caregivers

Topic A: Myths, Facts & Understanding Eating Disorders (ED101)

This online drop-in group is suitable for parents, partners, friends, siblings, loved ones, and supporters of anyone with eating disorders.

About This Group

This 4-part series is an opportunity to cover a range of psycho-educational topics while finding connection and support within the same group each session.

Topics covered included:

May 9: Myths, Facts & Understanding Eating Disorders

    • “What is an eating disorder?”
    • Diagnostic criteria
    • Risk factors and warning signs of eating disorder development
    • Language that helps and hinders recovery- the ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ of eating disorders
    • Evaluating your own beliefs & biases – how they might affect your ability to support someone in recovery
    • Communication and self reflection

May 23: “What Helped Me..”; Insight From an Individual with Lived Experience of an Eating Disorder

Over the years, folks in EDSNA support groups have told us that insight from a person with Lived Experience of an eating disorder has been a useful component of our support groups. With this in mind, we’ve created a group to offer space specifically for this- leaern what was useful for them, and hear their reflection on what has helped them through their recovery. 

June 13: Support Through Relapse & Ongoing Recovery

    • Language that supports -and language that can hinder- recovery
    • How to manage triggers– what to say and what to do
    • How to recognize when their loved one may benefit from additional help 
    • Tips when supporting a loved one further into recovery, and maintaining a relationship outside of the eating disorder
    • Suggestions for supporting yourself when caring  for a loved one

June 27:  Emotion Validation

    • As caregivers, we can encounter a range of emotions when supporting a loved one– whether we are supporting someone who has been newly diagnosed, has lived with an eating disorder for an extended period of time, or is somewhere else on the recovery journey. 

      We might experience:

      • Sadness
      • Confusion
      • Frustration/anger
      • Fear
      • A combination of several different feelings

      Our loved ones may experience similar emotions when pursuing, and maintaining recovery.

      Discuss these feelings and others, regardless of how tough they might be, in this professionally-facilitated support group. Learn how to validate these emotions in ourselves, and emotion coach our loved ones as they progress through recovery.

EDSNA support groups are always:

  • Professionally-facilitated by people with extensive backgrounds in eating disorders.
  • Intended to support to those wishing to support someone through their path to recovery in a safe, nonjudgmental environment
  • Focused on fostering a sense of empowerment and hope
  • Focused on promoting self-discovery in a safe space
  • Limited to a small number of participants allow everyone to participate fully.

Questions about this group? Email info@EDSNA.ca for more information.

Series Details

Date for this session:

  • May 9, May 23, June 6, June 23

Registration includes all four (4) dates.

Time:

6:00 pm – 8:00pm MST (18:00 – 20:00 MST)

Location:

Online, via Zoom

Cost for this session:

$35 – payable on Jane

Facilitator:

Chantelle Jensen, Registered Nurse

Additional Information:

– You will receive the link to attend the Zoom meeting no later than an hour before the meeting is set to start

– A computer/laptop/tablet/smartphone and internet access are required to participate.

– EDSNA strives to ensure that financial considerations are not barriers to one’s ability to seek support for themselves or a loved one. Please email info@edsna.ca if pricing of this group is a concern, as we may be able to reduce or waive your fees.

– If you do not receive a confirmation email within one (1) business day of registering, please email info@edsna.ca.

About Your Facilitator

Chantelle Jensen

Registered Nurse

Chantelle Jensen is a Registered Nurse based out of the Calgary area. She has 11 years experience nursing and has worked with Eating Disorders starting in 2012. Her nursing background includes inpatient Eating Disorders at Foothills Hospital, all levels of care associated with the Calgary Eating Disorder Program, Adolescent Mental Health, Addictions and Forensics. Chantelle holds certificates in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness, and Trauma informed care.