Recovery support groups
Get recovery support in a safe space
For anyone experiencing an eating disorder or body image concern
Our recovery support groups provide spaces where you can feel free to discuss your body image and eating concerns. You don’t need to do this alone.
Butterfly’s Virtual Recovery Support Groups are facilitated by trained peer facilitators who have lived experience of an eating disorder themselves. Anyone over age 18 from anywhere in Australia is welcome to attend. You may be interested in joining a Virtual Recovery Support Group because:
- Virtual Support Group facilitators have lived experience of an eating disorder or body image concern and can better relate to what you are going though.
- There’s greater opportunity to get to know other participants in the group as there’s more of a face-to-face feel than on webchat.
Our Webchat Recovery Support Groups are facilitated by specialist counsellors from our National Helpline. Anyone over age 16 from anywhere in Australia is welcome to attend. You may be interested in joining a Webchat Recovery Support Group because:
- Webchat Support Group facilitators are trained mental health counsellors, with specialist skills in body image and eating disorders.
- Your anonymity is safe and you can identify yourself as you like – we do not share your full name or likeness with other participants in the group.
We also offer In-Person Support Groups in Hobart, Tasmania. These groups are delivered by trained peer facilitators.
Please note: Butterfly’s Support Groups don’t replace treatment by a trained professional. If you’re looking for answers to specific issues around eating disorder recovery or care-giving, it’s best to consult with your treating professionals, or contact our National Helpline.
Virtual Recovery Support Group
Where: ONLINE (ZOOM)
Time: 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm (AEST/AEDT)
When: Mondays. We run these groups weekly.
Please click REGISTER NOW to complete our form and book a date/time that suits you.
We also offer these groups face-to-face in Hobart. For more info email rss@butterfly.org.au.
Fee: FREE TO ALL (Thanks to support by the Crown through the Tasmanian Department of Health.)
Webchat Recovery Support Group
Anyone aged 16+ can join.
Every Sunday: 7:30pm – 8:30pm (AEST/AEDT time)
Every Monday: 7:30pm – 8:30pm (AEST/AEDT time)
- It’s easy to join but you can only log in if there is a group on at this time
- You are welcome to join anonymously but you will need to register with a valid email address
- For first time users of the platform, we recommend logging in to register 5 minutes before the group starts.
In-Person Recovery Support Group
Where: WOTSO, Hobart, Tasmania
Time: 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm (AEST/AEDT)
When: Next group is 23 November, 2023
Please click REGISTER NOW to complete our form and book a date/time that suits you.
Fee: FREE TO ALL (Thanks to support by the Crown through the Tasmanian Department of Health.)
Webchat Recovery Support Group - how to get started
For new users of this service, when you are ready to join an online support group, there are four simple steps.
- Enter the Online Support Group.
This will open up the Online Support Group registration and information window. - Register a username and password with a valid email address.
Registering allows you to create a username and password so that you can log in quickly next time. When you register, you will be asked to create a username and password. Please first name only or a pseudonym. You will also need to register a valid email address and confirm this with a link sent to the nominated address. - Sign in with your user name and password.
Once you have confirmed your email address, sign in with you user name and password. - Wait for an invitation to the online group.
When signed in, you will go to a Welcome group with the group guidelines, please be familiar with these. Please be aware you are unable to type into this Welcome group. You will be then added to the online group by a facilitator running the group that evening.
If you are experiencing difficulties in entering the support group, please email us at support@butterfly.org.au
Frequently asked questions
You will be welcomed into an accepting space. The group is focused on how best to support you in your recovery journey and we will discuss topics related to understanding, self-care and recovery skills.
There is no set discussion and participants are encouraged to share their own experiences as honestly and as safely as they feel comfortable. You are welcome to listen if you are not ready to speak. The shared experience of the group relies on our willingness to show compassion to ourselves and to others.
When you first log in, you’ll be asked to read the guidelines for the group. These are in place to ensure a friendly, helpful and safe experience. You’re encouraged to share your own experiences as honestly and as safely as you feel comfortable. You are welcome to listen if you are not ready to speak. The shared experience of the group relies on a willingness to show compassion to others and yourself.
Butterfly recognises that eating disorders can affect anyone regardless of their ethnicity, colour, culture, religion, economic status, gender identity, sexuality, age, or ability. We prioritise inclusive and safe spaces for every person in the community.
What is said in the group stays in the group. Your privacy and confidentiality are respected.
If you are unsure whether what you are experiencing is an eating disorder or you have not been diagnosed by a health care professional you are still very welcome to come along.
Do you care about a friend or family member experiencing a body image issue or eating disorder? We also have Carer Support Groups which you can access from anywhere in Australia.
Meet our Virtual Recovery Support Group Team
Rhiannon facilitates Recovery Support Groups
Rhiannon joined The Butterfly Foundation as a Peer Support Facilitator in Hobart in 2019. She tributes her personal involvement with TRED inc (Tasmania Recovery from Eating Disorders) in initiating her own recovery pathway and now advocates the value of lived-experience in support settings. Rhiannon is currently completing her Master’s in Social Work at UTAS.
Beth facilitates Recovery Support Groups
Beth is passionate about supporting people through recovery from eating disorders after having a lived experience. She believes that everybody deserves to be able to discover a positive body image. She studied Nutrition and Health Promotion at USC and is driven by HP principles; equity and empowerment for all. Beth has been a Peer Support Facilitator with Butterfly since 2019. Beth believes working as a Peer Support Facilitator and Mentor is an important part of breaking the stigma and showing people that recovery is absolutely possible.
Jessica facilitates Recovery Support Groups
Jess joined The Butterfly Foundation in 2020 as a Peer Support Facilitator. Coming from a place of lived experience, Jess is grateful for the opportunity to support others going through their own recovery journey. She graduated from a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Psychology & Health Promotion) with honours in 2021. Jess knows that recovery is possible for anyone and especially enjoys working with people one-on-one to foster their vision for recovery.
Let’s talk
Whether you need support for yourself or someone you care about, call our free and confidential Helpline on 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673), chat online or email.
