Professionally Led Eating Disorders Support Group for Adults 18+

The Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance (AKEDA) offers a free and confidential support group for Alaskans aged 18+ who are either currently experiencing an eating disorder or desire additional support in their recovery.  Meetings occur virtually on Thursday nights from 5:30-6:30 (pm) starting on November 5, 2021 except on holidays.  The group will be limited to 20 people per week — you are encouraged to sign in 5 minutes early to assure a spot.

Groups are facilitated by Alaskan mental health professionals --  licensed clinicians, pre-licensed clinicians, and Master's-and PhD-level mental health counseling students.  The facilitators and co-facilitators will help assure that conversations remain safe and supportive. All individuals aged 18+ are invited to join us, regardless of your struggle or diagnosis. The group will not provide therapy; rather the goal is to serve as a place for support and the building of a positive, pro-recovery community.

Once you register and sign the confidentiality forms you will receive an email with the Zoom login information. If you don't receive this email, please check your junk folder. IMPORTANT: When you receive the Zoom login, you may use this for all future support groups; you don't need to sign up each time.

On Thursday evenings, please join us from a quiet, confidential place. You will be able to join using any computer, smartphone, or tablet using the Zoom app.

When you register, you must acknowledge that you have read and agree to the following:

CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY

The Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance (AKEDA) provides support -- we are a non-treatment entity. Your recovery process might include the services of treatment professionals external to The Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance. Confidentiality is very important to creating a safe and supportive environment at AKEDA. We ask that our members, staff, and volunteers respect and maintain everyone’s right to confidentiality. If you are participating in a group at AKEDA please agree to adhere to the following rules:

1. I agree to respect and maintain the confidentiality of all AKEDA participants.

2. I agree not to identity other AKEDA participants to individuals outside of the group without their consent.

3. I agree that what is discussed or explored in the AKEDA support group must remain in the group.

4.  I agree not to share the link to access virtual groups with anyone, and will direct them to sign up through AKEDA's webpage.

5. I understand and agree that recording of any kind, including video and audio recording are strictly prohibited.

Please be aware that we enlist the help of mental health professionals who are legally required to release information in the following situations:

• If there is reason to believe that a child, elderly person, or person with a disability is being abused or that abuse has occurred.
• When danger to self or others (such as a threat or serious bodily harm) requires disclosure.
• In the event of a medical emergency.
• Upon receipt of a court order.
• Or as otherwise required by state law.

I acknowledge that this support group exists solely to provide support, and not to fulfill the role of treatment and/or treatment professionals. I agree to respect and maintain the confidentiality of all AKEDA support group members and to not identify other members outside the support group without their consent. I understand that mental health professionals may need to contact others on a need to know basis without my consent in the event that an exception to confidentiality occurs.

VIRTUAL GROUP GUIDELINES

These items represent the norms to which we expect all group members to adhere and have been agreed upon by your signature in the confidentiality waiver signed before attending group.

Virtual Group Requirements: To participate in AKEDA support groups you must abide our attendance policy, keep your camera on during group, and agree to the respectful guidelines below. Should you have questions about our requirements, you must reach out to a staff member to discuss outside of group at info.akeatingdisordersalliance@gmail.com

Attendance: When you log into group you must send a private chat message with your full name to your facilitator. Provide the full name you used when you submitted the confidentiality waiver. Then, you may also change your Zoom name and add your gender pronouns.

Confidentiality: Who you meet, what you hear and all that happens in group stays in the group. Recording of group information in any format is prohibited. Remember this is not a crisis service, if you need immediate attention call 911, or your local crisis hotline.

Respect: Please respect the diversity of identities and levels of experience represented in the group. Do not make any assumptions about others.

Support: Use “I” statements based on your own recovery. We are not here to provide advice.

Language: To keep the group inclusive, do not share specific details such as: numbers, eating behaviors, or diagnoses. This includes comorbid diagnosis details.

Stay present: Act as though we are in the same room. If you are not speaking, continue to actively listen and participate in group; please do not engage in any other activities. Please stay for the entire duration of the group to respect all members. Keep your video feed ON and audio MUTED when not speaking.

Practice your own agency: You may speak or simply listen, while being mindful of time. If you chose to listen, please refrain from engaging in other activities.

Hold a recovery-focused mindset: Support each other on your respective and unique recovery journeys.

Nourish your body while remaining respectful: Some of our groups happen during meal or snack times. It is ok to complete your nourishment within the first 15 minutes of group.