Eating disorders often cause people to isolate themselves from others due to secrecy, fears of judgement, misunderstanding and/or shame which can lead to distressing experiences of loneliness and despair. The eating disorder thrives in isolation and can begin to take control in someone’s life, the effects of which then ripple out and affect those around them such as parents, partners, friends etc. Our group programmes directly combat the isolation experienced in eating disorders and bring hope, from the very beginning, that you are not alone in what you are going through, whether sufferer or carer.

Within society eating disorders have often been a taboo subject allowing for misconceptions and misinformation to shape our understanding of them. At Freed Beyond our programmes are primarily designed to be educational, with therapeutic aspects included (for example, thought patterns, emotional intelligence and behavioural choices) but have set spaces for interaction, engagement and connection.

Criteria for Group Programmes:

Our programmes are suitable for people over the age of 18.

We are able to provide space for 16-18 year olds on the condition that a carer aged 18 or over also undertakes the programme.

Once interest in a group programme is registered, potential participants must complete a short assessment form to ensure suitability.

The Freed Course

We currently offer our foundational programme called The Freed Course (Freedom, Recovery, Education for eating disorders), which is a 6-week course delivered via Zoom for those experiencing eating disorders and/or those caring for or supporting someone with an eating disorder. This programme is designed to inform, educate and resource participants and is led by both counselling professionals and/or those who have lived experience of the journey themselves.

The topics covered over the 6 weeks are:

1. Dissolving the Mystery: What are eating disorders?
2. Distortions, Truth or Lie: Thoughts, Sensitivity, Perfectionism
3. Thawing the Numbness: Facing Emotions
4. Nutrition: The Mind and Body in Conflict (including Body Image)
5. Finding Hope & Freedom: Stories of Full Recovery
6. Next Steps to Freedom: Resources & Relapses

Suitability for the course:

The Freed Course is suitable for anyone who is experiencing any type of eating disorder and for those within a caring role.

The criteria for our group programmes (see above) are applicable for this course.

If you would like to register interest and receive further information and costings for The Freed Course, please click here.

Training Programmes / Continuous Professional Development / Awareness Sessions

At Freed Beyond we offer a range of Training Programmes and Continuous Professional Development which are tailored to the needs of the statutory, education, community and charity sectors. This is also available to therapists, supervisors and practitioners working to support people experiencing an eating disorder and those who care for them.

Training Programmes can be delivered in a range of formats and duration.

Continuous Professional Development is delivered in various forms such as seminars, webinars and workshops.

Awareness Sessions can be delivered around the impact and distress caused by eating disorders on individuals and communities, by providing workshops covering organisations such as charities, youth groups and schools.

For more information and costings, please contact us at info@freedbeyond.org

At Freed Beyond we know and have experienced first hand that full recovery from eating disorders is possible. As a member of Northern Ireland’s Eating Disorder Forum, we are in agreement with their definition that recovery from an eating disorder (distress) is an evolving and improving relationship with the body, self, others and food. This is a unique process to each individual which enables hope to arise and fullness of life to emerge.

The Recovery Processes diagram shows all the areas involved and impacted in recovery from an eating disorder which demonstrates why time and commitment are required to undertake the journey. Recovery is a very holistic endeavour involving and influencing not just the individual but those caring for them and their wider community.

*Based on The CHIME Framework of Recovery Processes

The group programmes offered by Freed Beyond form part of your recovery and for many it can mark the beginning, but we recognise the importance and need for ongoing support which is why we are passionate to be part of your recovery journey. We aim to continually develop our ongoing support via:

Podcasts

We are planning to produce our own podcast series in the not-too-distant future, but currently we have an interview available from Calling It Out Podcast where Jacqueline Campion from the Marino Therapy Centre in Dublin interviews one of our directors (Paula Gibson) and her husband (Ian Gibson) entitled “Full Recovery with support from a loved one” (Season 3 Episode 1). – Listen Here

Parentline NI interviewed Pam Nugent (Co-founder of The Laurence Trust) where she tells her story about the loss of her son Laurence to an eating disorder (Season 2 Episode 43). Whilst it is a heartbreaking story, Pam leaves the listener encouraged, with hope that full recovery is possible. The Laurence Trust focuses mainly on supporting men with eating disorders. – Listen Here

Toolbox

Toolbox is a space for resources that you can add to your personal toolbox to aid your recovery. What works for one may not work for another so try these out and see what works for you.

Mindfulness/Relaxation

Calming your body (Duration: 11mins 36 secs) – Listen Here

Relaxation (Duration: 12mins 47 secs) – Listen Here

Anchoring (Duration: 8mins 34 secs) – Listen Here

Guided Imagery: The Forest (Duration 9mins 24 secs) – Listen Here

Special Place (Duration 6mins 29secs) – Listen Here

Progressive Muscles Relaxation Exercise (Duration: 30mins 59 secs) – Listen Here

Therapy

Therapy sessions focusing on eating disorder recovery are a critical component of the recovery process, offering a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore the underlying issues contributing to their condition. Through therapy individuals learn to:

• develop healthier coping mechanisms
• challenge and reframe distorted thoughts
• adjust behaviours
• accept and understand their emotions
• build a more positive self-image

Therapy provides a safe space for clients to address any co-occurring mental health issues which can be entwined with an eating disorder. These can include, for example, anxiety, depression or the effects of trauma. By fostering an empathic relationship with a trained therapist, individuals can make meaningful progress towards recovery with the end goal being full recovery and freedom from the condition.

The process begins with a telephone assessment approximately 1 hour in length. Following assessment, the client will be assigned to a therapist who will make contact.

For further information and costings, please contact us at info@freedbeyond.org

Consultations for Carers

Caring for or supporting someone with an eating disorder can be emotionally and physically draining, and can feel overwhelming. Learning how to look after your own well-being is of vital importance. Acquiring the necessary tools and coping strategies is crucial in ensuring that you are in the best position to provide compassionate, consistent and more sustainable support for your loved one.

We offer supportive consultations specifically for carers (e.g. parents, siblings, partners, friends) which provide a dedicated space for them to express their concerns, learn more about eating disorders and develop effective strategies to support their loved one. Consultations can include:

• Education and awareness: helping carers understand the complexities of eating disorders, demystifying the condition and reducing feelings of helplessness.

• Coping strategies: providing carers with practical tools and techniques to manage stress and emotional strain. This can include mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques and effective communication skills.
• Emotional support: providing a safe environment where carers can share their experiences and feelings without judgment.
• Problem-solving skills: guiding carers to develop independent problem-solving skills to manage difficult situations, such as meal times or emotional outbursts, more effectively and compassionately.
• Self-care: highlighting the importance of personal well-being. Encouraging carers to engage in activities that recharge them and consider personal therapy if required.

Consultations can help carers build the resilience and skills necessary to support their loved ones while maintaining their own health and well-being. These consultations can be 60-90 minutes in length and provide a holistic approach ensuring that both the individual with the eating disorder and their carer can navigate the recovery journey more effectively.

If you would like more information and costings for a carer’s consultation, please contact us at info@freedbeyond.org