Why come to a recovery support group at MEDA? Groups are safe, respectful, and confidential spaces where you can be honest and share with others who know what you are going through. When struggling with an eating disorder, being in a supportive and recovery-focused group can be very healing and provide a sense of relief in being understood.
All MEDA groups are led by mental health professionals who specialize in eating disorders and volunteers who have recovered from an eating disorder, when possible. The groups are a mix of structured activities meant to aid in healing and growth, as well as open processing, sharing, and support. We brainstorm and offer tools and skills for recovery. We often utilize themes from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, such as mindfulness, assertiveness, how to manage difficult emotions, and how to tolerate distress.
MEDA’s groups provide supplementary services to existing outpatient therapy. Group members must be in individual counseling and have an assessment with a MEDA clinician, at MEDA, prior to joining a group. MEDA can provide referrals for individual counseling. MEDA does not accept insurance. 8-week groups are $240. Financial assistance is available on a case-by-case basis.
Please read Group Policies and Guidelines here.
To schedule an assessment to join a group, please complete this form. If you have questions or need immediate assistance, please call 617.558.1881 ext.15 or email Rachel Benson Monroe.
Group FAQs
Where are MEDA groups?
MEDA groups are held at our office in Newton. MEDA is located in a renovated stone church building on the corner of Newtonville Ave. and Walnut St. The entrance to the building is on 449 Newtonville Ave. Our mailing address is 288 Walnut Street, Newton, MA 02460. For more information see here.
How long are MEDA groups?
MEDA’s groups are either 1 hour or 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on the group size. For a group of 5-8 registered members, the group is 1 hour. For a group of 8-10 registered members, the group is 1 hour 15 minutes. The cost of the group is the same regardless of time.
Who comes to MEDA Groups?
MEDA group members come to work on overeating (including binge eating disorder), restricting (anorexia), and purging (bulimia or exercise bulimia). Many individuals are working to address a combination of these symptoms and accompanying issues, including body dissatisfaction, family conflicts, and adjustment to work. Most group members have had prior treatment either in an inpatient unit or intensive outpatient treatment program, or from practitioners in private practice. Some individuals are still symptomatic, some individuals do not engage in ED behaviors. All group members are receiving individual treatment. If you are not currently seeing someone, we can provide referrals to practitioners in the community.
How much do groups cost?
MEDA groups are $30 per group session, which is a total of $240 for all 8 weeks. Groups typically run on 8 week cycles, but will occasionally be run on 5 or 4 week cycles to accommodate holidays.
I’ve never been to a support group. What is it like?
MEDA’s groups are a safe and confidential space to get support from others who can relate to the struggle of the eating disorder, as well as guidance from mental health professionals and those who have fully recovered. We use activities, themes, and open processing to help group members create positive change in their lives. The connection and support between the members is where truly meaningful change happens.
But won’t being in a group with other people with eating disorders make my eating disorder “worse"?
Not in our experience. We meet with every potential group member to ensure that the group is the right level of support for them. We also have firm policies and guidelines to ensure group safety and appropriate language and behavior. The groups are led by mental health professionals and volunteers who are highly trained and supervised.
Current Groups
AwakenED
Mondays 4-5pm: This 8 week group is for all genders over age 18 who would like to learn how to practice mindfulness. Activities will include mindful eating, guided meditations, body scans, and expressive therapies. This group is for those working on ED recovery as well as those who do not have an ED.
AcceptED
Tuesday 6:15-7:15pm: This 8 week group is for all genders from ages 13-17 working on recovery from an eating disorder. Themes addressed include school stressors, communication, relationships, parents, self-esteem, body image, and identity.
SupportED
Tuesday 6:15-7:15pm: This 8 week group is for all loved ones of someone working on recovery from an eating disorder. Cost per group is $240 per person. Themes addressed include self-blame, forgiveness, empowerment, and self-care.
ConnectED
Wednesdays 6:15-7:15pm: This 8 week group is for all genders over age 18 working on recovery from an eating disorder. Themes addressed include transitions, relationships, school or work concerns, family, and identity.
EmbodiED
Wednesday 6:15-7:15pm: This 8 week group is for all genders over age 18 working on recovery from binge eating. Themes addressed include the binge-restrict cycle, shame, self-worth, mindfulness, and self-care.
EmpowerED Morning
Thursdays 10:30am-11:30am: This 8 week group is for those who identify as women over age 35 working on recovery from an eating disorder. Themes addressed include women’s issues, families, the aging process, careers, and relationships.
EmpowerED Evening
6:15-7:15pm: This 8 week group is for those who identify as women over age 35 working on recovery from an eating disorder. Themes addressed include women’s issues, families, the aging process, careers, and relationships.
Have you been to a group at MEDA and found it to be helpful or meaningful? If so, help us get the word out about MEDA’s unique services. We would love to hear your feedback or a brief testimonial to utilize on our website. All testimonials are anonymous. Contact Rachel Benson Monroe if you would like to submit a testimonial for our website!
