MEDA Groups are led by Clinicians and sometimes co-led by a graduate level intern and/or recovered volunteer.
All group members must be followed by an outpatient therapist in order to participate in group. A MEDA assessment is required prior to joining a MEDA group. MEDA does not accept insurance. 8-week groups are $240. Financial assistance is available on a case-by-case basis.
To schedule an assessment to join a group, please call (617) 558-1881 or email groups@medainc.org
MEDA Groups
SupportED
Mondays 6:15 pm – 7:15 pm: This drop-in group meets on the first and third Monday of each month. It is designed for all loved ones of someone with an eating disorder. Themes addressed may include self-blame, forgiveness, empowerment, and self-care. Cost per group is $20 per person or $30 per couple.
EmbodiED
Wednesdays 6:30pm-7:30pm: This 8 week group is for all genders over age 18 working on recovery from binge eating. Themes addressed may include the binge-restrict cycle, shame, self-worth, mindfulness, and self-care.
NourishED
Thursdays 6:30pm – 7:30pm: This 5 week group is for all genders over age 18 working on recovery from an eating disorder. Themes addressed may include self-compassion, skills development, and relationships.
Online Support Group
This 8-week group for adults of all genders over age 18 dealing with an eating disorders/disordered eating. Launching spring 2020. Specific day and time TBD. Check back for details.
*MEDA seeks to serve the communities needs around support groups. Groups and group focus can change throughout the year depending on those needs. If you’re interested in a support community that is not listed above please call MEDA at (617) 558 – 1881 or email Michelle Pierce, Director of Clinical Programming
Group FAQs
Where do the MEDA groups take place?
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.
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.
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.
Have you been to a group at MEDA and found it to be meaningful? If so, we would love to hear your feedback to utilize on our website. All testimonials are anonymous. Contact Michelle Pierce if you would like to submit a testimonial for our website!
