Surviving Mealtimes in Eating Disorder Recovery: A Guide for Parents

My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and empowered to build a life that is no longer dictated by fear or self-doubt. Change takes time, but you don’t have to do it perfectly—you just have to begin. If we are a good fit, our therapists will help you determine the payment process that best meets your needs. We accept CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Optum/United Healthcare, as well as offer sliding scale financial assistance to anyone who needs it.

While you receive encouragement, you also have the opportunity to extend it to others, creating a cycle of healing and growth. One of the most comforting aspects of being part of a community is feeling understood. Eating disorders are often shrouded in shame and secrecy, which can make it hard to open up to others who have not experienced them. However, when you connect with individuals who have faced similar struggles, you no longer feel like your experience is incomprehensible. Bettwy said she expects virtual programs to remain a crucial part of their treatment method, along with more of a focus on encouraging compassion within the community.

We are in-network with CareFirst BCBS and Optum/UHC insurances and offer sliding scale rates to all others so that finances are never a barrier to care. Christie Dondero Bettwy, Executive Director of Rock Recovery, joins the podcast to share her personal journey and the importance of educating women of all ages about the harmful effects of eating disorders. The journey of eating disorder recovery can often feel isolating and overwhelming. Whether you are in the early stages of a treatment program or have been working towards healing for some time, it is important to remember that you are not alone.

Do I have to be a Christian to join Rock’s programs?

Rock Recovery is passionate about collaborating with other professionals, treatment centers, nonprofits and corporations in order to carry out our mission in the greater Washington, DC area and nationwide. At Rock Recovery, we work to bridge gaps in resources for eating disorder treatment and education by removing the barriers of stigma, cost, and accessibility and by providing quality clinical care. Rock’s vision is for a world where eating disorders are understood, and the journey to freedom is accessible to all and fully supported.

When forming a group, it is essential to set clear intentions and guidelines to ensure it remains a safe and supportive space. Defining the group’s purpose will help create structure and ensure everyone feels comfortable participating. Whether the focus is on sharing experiences, discussing coping strategies, or engaging in creative activities like journaling or art therapy, having a clear purpose helps maintain the group’s integrity. Start with a small group of trusted friends or family members who support your recovery.

Rock believes in collaborating with providers and professionals across all levels of eating disorder care. Rock’s outpatient programs are designed to complement the work of therapists, dietitians, and doctors, as well as offer components of care that are found in residential, inpatient, and intensive outpatient treatment centers. She never imagined that her dream would have turned into the organization Rock is today. We’re on a mission to provide educational resources to reduce the stigma around mental illness, increase access to care and educate the local community about eating disorders.

Breaking Bread Meal Support Therapy

In these groups, you will move toward living a more embodied life by processing topics like intuitive eating, media and cultural norms, shame and self-compassion, mindfulness, diet culture, boundaries, relapse prevention, and more. Give today to help more individuals and their families access the life-saving eating disorder therapy and support they need to live happy and full lives. Integrate faith into your recovery journey by joining one of our nationwide faith-based support groups today. Start finding freedom from any type of eating disorder today through our affordable, group and individual therapy services (available to DC, VA and MD residents).

Rediscovering Hope: Abigail’s Journey with Selah House

• FINDINGbalance is not a treatment provider, and does not offer medical advice or diagnosis.
• Whether the focus is on sharing experiences, discussing coping strategies, or engaging in creative activities like journaling or art therapy, having a clear purpose helps maintain the group’s integrity.
• We talk about many related topics on this podcast that will be relatable to people who live on diets or those with a full blown eating disorder.
• When you support Rock Recovery, you become a special part of our generous community that’s helping our incredible clients find hope and healing from disordered eating, even if they can’t afford care elsewhere.

Parents are left feeling exhausted, hopeless, and unsure of how to support their child. The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health. Our unique, affordable and holistic counseling services combine clinical care and peer support to help you find healing and freedom from any type of eating disorder.

Do you have a loved one battling an eating disorder and would like a better understanding of this disease?

• One of the most comforting aspects of being part of a community is feeling understood.
• Our unique, affordable and holistic counseling services combine clinical care and peer support to help you find healing and freedom from any type of eating disorder.
• Through Rock Recovery’s individual therapy and faith support programming, Laura embarked on her journey to freedom, and now lives a much happier, healthier lifestyle.
• Our services are offered both virtually and in person in Arlington, VA (Rosslyn).
• FINDINGbalance, its staff, board, volunteers and any other affiliated members are not responsible for any undesirable experience arising out of your use of the information provided herein.
• By embracing inclusivity and fostering a space where everyone feels welcome, you create an environment where people feel comfortable being authentic.

Recovery from an eating disorder can be a long and challenging process, and it is easy to feel discouraged along the way. Being part of a community can provide a steady source of encouragement that helps keep you moving forward. Witnessing others’ progress can motivate you to stay committed to your recovery — even when things get tough.

Why Join a Meal Support Group?

Rock works tirelessly to help this vision come to life by offering weekly clinical therapy groups and community and faith support services to those who struggle, providing them with access to healing and hope for a life free from disordered eating. When it comes to societal messages around beauty, we’ve all been swimming in toxic waters. On today’s episode, Christie Dondero Bettwy, helps us name some of the toxic beliefs and messages that we are being fed, so we might be freed from them. Christie is the Executive Director of Rock Recovery in Arlington, Virginia. Rock Recovery is a Christian eating disorder therapy nonprofit where clients can access low-cost therapy and support groups. In our time together, Christie talks about her own recovery from a rosslyn nonprofit rock recovery helps clients with eating disorders decades-long eating disorder, how her recovery story connects with her faith journey, and her passion for working at Rock Recovery.

While they may not have the same experience as you, their willingness to listen and offer support can be invaluable. From there, you can slowly expand your circle by contacting local organizations, healthcare providers, or even online groups dedicated to recovery. Sometimes, finding a ready-made community that meets your needs can be difficult. However, you can take steps to create your own supportive network.

Body Image Therapy Groups

Your use of this site constitutes your acceptance of these terms. If you are an eating disorder treatment provider, what are your thoughts on virtual care? You will be given the opportunity to share additional opinions at the end of the survey. This survey is anonymous but we may use the results in our research findings. Christie Dondero Bettwy is the Executive Director of Rock Recovery. Rock Recovery is an eating disorder therapy nonprofit based in Arlington, VA.

May is mental health awareness month and Kevin Kreuger spoke with Christie Dondero “Bettwy, Executive Director of Rock Recovery to talk about mental health. At this time our Breaking Bread groups are only open to adults 18+. Click here for more information on fees for therapy services and the insurances we accept. Building a supportive community can have long-term benefits that extend far beyond recovery. The relationships you form can provide ongoing support, friendship, and a sense of belonging.