Enhancing Your Eating Disorder Recovery with Virtual Therapy Groups

Enhancing Your Eating Disorder Recovery with Virtual Therapy Groups

Support is crucial in the journey of eating disorder recovery. Whether you’re just beginning or have been on the path for a while, having the right resources and community can make a significant difference. At Prosperity Eating Disorders & Wellness Center, we understand the importance of accessible support, so we are excited to offer virtual outpatient therapy groups tailored to your needs.

Why Virtual Therapy Groups?

Virtual therapy groups provide a unique opportunity for individuals to receive support from the comfort of their own homes. This format is especially beneficial for those who may have busy schedules, live far from treatment centers, or prefer the privacy and convenience of online sessions. Our virtual groups are designed to create a safe and supportive environment where you can connect with others who understand your experiences.

Prosperity now offers Virtual Eating Disorder Support Groups to enhance recovery as a valuable supplement to in-person treatment or as an aftercare option!

Our Group Offerings for Adults

Breaking the Silence: Males and Eating Disorders

Breaking the Silence: Males and Eating Disorders

When people think of eating disorders, the image that often comes to mind is a woman struggling with food and body image. But the reality is that eating disorders do not discriminate by gender. Males are also affected, yet their experiences are often hidden in the shadows. Raising awareness about this reality is critical, not only to break stereotypes but also to ensure that men get the support they need.

The Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Males

Despite societal perceptions, a substantial number of males struggle with eating disorders. Research suggests that around 25% of individuals with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa are male. However, the real number could be even higher, due to underreporting driven by stigma. Males may often feel pressured to fit into traditional masculine ideals, making it difficult to acknowledge or seek help for an eating disorder.

While males experience various types of eating disorders—such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder—the way these disorders manifest can differ. While women often focus on weight loss and thinness, males are more likely to become preoccupied with muscle gain or achieving a lean, toned physique. This pursuit of the “ideal” body can lead to harmful behaviors, including excessive exercise, steroid use, and restrictive eating patterns.

Body Image Pressures and the Male Experience

Over the years, societal ideals for males have increasingly emphasized muscularity and leanness. These pressures can drive males toward unhealthy behaviors as they strive to meet unrealistic body standards. Many males with eating disorders develop an obsession with weight, diet, and exercise in their efforts to achieve the ‘perfect body,’ leading to a cycle of harmful habits and distorted self-image.

    Underdiagnosis and Misdiagnosis: The Hidden Crisis For Males

    One of the most significant challenges men face is the underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of eating disorders. Since eating disorders are still often perceived as a “female issue,” healthcare providers may not immediately recognize the signs in male patients. This oversight can lead to delayed treatment, increasing the risk of long-term physical and mental health damage.

    Barriers Males Face in Seeking Eating Disorder Treatment

    Males often encounter unique barriers when seeking treatment for eating disorders. Societal stigma, expectations around masculinity, and a lack of awareness of their symptoms can prevent males from reaching out for professional help. The perception of eating disorders as a “female issue” may cause some men to avoid treatment altogether, suffering in silence.

    Co-occurring Conditions: A Complex Picture

    Many males struggling with eating disorders also face other mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, or substance use. These co-occurring issues can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders, making a holistic, comprehensive approach essential. Addressing these conditions alongside the eating disorder can greatly improve the chances of a successful and full recovery.

    Challenging Social Norms and Their Cultural and Social Influences

    Cultural and social factors, particularly traditional expectations of masculinity, play a key role in the development of eating disorders in males. Addressing these influences during treatment is vital to breaking the cycle of harmful behaviors and promoting lasting recovery. Encouraging open conversations about body image, masculinity, and the pressures males face is an important step toward creating a safe space for healing.

    Prosperity’s Eating Disorder Treatment Approaches for Men: A Holistic Path to Recovery

    At Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center, we understand that males, too, can suffer from eating disorders, and breaking the silence around this issue is the first step toward recovery. We are committed to raising awareness, ensuring early detection, and offering tailored, evidence-based treatment to support males on their journey to recovery.

    Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation—having a strong support network is crucial. Family members, friends, and peer support groups offer not only encouragement but also practical strategies for overcoming the challenges of recovery.

    Our holistic, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary approach includes medical management, psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), nutritional counseling, and, when necessary, medication. Each treatment plan is tailored to the unique needs of the individual to ensure compassionate, effective care. If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, reach out to us today for support and start the journey to regaining control over your life and your relationship with food.

      Virginia’s Premier Day Treatment And Intensive Outpatient Treatment Centers

      Prosperity Eating Disorders & Wellness Center specializes in the treatment of eating disorders while offering evidence-based, comprehensive, ethical, and individualized treatment to all ages, ethnicities, genders, and eating disorders. Our goal is to help sufferers find a full recovery by meeting their psychological, nutritional, emotional, and relational needs. We specialize in treating Anorexia, Bulimia, EDNOS, Orthorexia, and Binge Eating Disorder. With locations in Herndon and Norfolk, Prosperity is equipped to serve the needs of adolescents and adults throughout Virginia. 

      Get started with Prosperity Eating Disorders & Wellness Center today!

      We offer in-person and virtual services. 

      Navigating Halloween in Eating Disorder Recovery

      Navigating Halloween in Eating Disorder Recovery

      Halloween can be a fun and festive time of year, but for those in eating disorder recovery, it may bring added stress. Between costume parties that emphasize appearance and the overwhelming amount of candy, it’s easy to feel triggered by societal expectations around body image and food. Here at Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center, we understand the challenges that come with navigating holidays like Halloween during recovery, and we want to offer tips and reminders for staying grounded during this season.

      Halloween Costumes and Body Image

      Halloween often highlights body image in ways that can be particularly difficult for those struggling with eating disorders. Whether it’s the pressure to fit into a certain costume or the comparison to others, it’s important to approach this time with compassion for yourself. Here are a few tips to help you focus on your well-being:

      • Choose Comfort Over Conformity: When selecting a costume, prioritize how you feel rather than trying to meet societal expectations. Opt for something that makes you feel empowered, comfortable, and confident.
      • Set Boundaries: If attending parties or events centered on costumes triggers negative feelings about your body, remember that it’s okay to say no. Protecting your mental health is more important than any social obligation.
      • Affirm Your Worth Beyond Appearance: Remind yourself that your value is not tied to how you look in a costume. Halloween is about fun, creativity, and enjoying time with friends or family, not about meeting a specific body standard.

      Candy and Treats: Managing Anxiety Around Halloween Sweets

      Halloween is synonymous with candy and treats, and for those in eating disorder recovery, this can stir up anxiety around food. Whether it’s the abundance of candy or the pressure to partake in treats, it’s important to have a plan that aligns with your recovery goals.

      • Practice Mindful Eating: Enjoying a piece of candy mindfully can help you stay present and reduce feelings of guilt or shame. Focus on savoring the taste, texture, and experience without judgment.
      • Challenge Food Rules: Recovery often involves challenging the rigid rules you may have about “good” or “bad” foods. Halloween is a great time to continue dismantling the idea that candy is inherently negative. All foods can fit in your recovery journey when approached with balance.
      • Reach Out for Support: If the presence of candy or food-centric events feels overwhelming, lean on your support system. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist, you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone.

      Managing Halloween Social Gatherings, Events, and Parties with Confidence

      Between costume parties and candy sharing, there can be immense social pressure around Halloween. It’s important to manage these situations in a way that prioritizes your recovery and emotional health.

      • Prepare for Social Situations: If you know you’ll be attending an event where food or costumes will be a focal point, consider how you’ll handle triggering situations in advance. Having a few coping strategies ready can help you feel more in control.
      • Give Yourself Permission to Step Away: If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to step away from a situation. Whether you need to leave a party early or take a break from trick-or-treating, prioritize your needs first.
      • Focus on the Non-Food Fun: Halloween offers plenty of non-food-related fun too! Whether it’s decorating, carving pumpkins, or watching spooky movies, you can still embrace the spirit of the holiday without food being the center of attention.

      Most importantly, remember to be kind to yourself. Eating disorder recovery is not linear, and navigating holidays like Halloween may feel challenging. If you stumble, it’s okay. Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a loved one in your shoes. Your journey toward recovery is unique, and every step you take is a step forward.

      At Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center, we are here to help guide you through this process. If you’re looking for additional support this Halloween season or any time of year, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can help you continue on the path to a recovered life.

      Virginia’s Premier Day Treatment And Intensive Outpatient Treatment Centers

      Prosperity Eating Disorders & Wellness Center specializes in the treatment of eating disorders while offering evidence-based, comprehensive, ethical, and individualized treatment to all ages, ethnicities, genders, and eating disorders. Our goal is to help sufferers find a full recovery by meeting their psychological, nutritional, emotional, and relational needs. We specialize in treating Anorexia, Bulimia, EDNOS, Orthorexia, and Binge Eating Disorder. With locations in Herndon and Norfolk, Prosperity is equipped to serve the needs of adolescents and adults throughout Virginia. 

      Get started with Prosperity Eating Disorders & Wellness Center today!

      We offer in-person and virtual services. 

      Prosperity Advocates for Critical Eating Disorder Treatment Legislation

      Prosperity Advocates for Critical Eating Disorder Treatment Legislation

      Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center meets with Quena Dailey, Constituent Services Representative of US Senator, Tim Kaine

      Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center had the greatest pleasure and opportunity to meet with Quena Dailey, MPhil, MPA. Quena Dailey is the Constituent Services Representative at the office of United States Senator, Tim Kaine.

      Quena Dailey was given a tour of our eating disorder treatment facility in Norfolk, Virginia, as we told her more about who we are, what are doing for our community, and discussed particular issues around insurance coverage for eating disorders. We sat down and discussed the two bills we are working towards getting passed that will make a more significant change in the healthcare and eating disorder community. These bills include the Telemental Healthcare Access Act and the Anna Westin Legacy Act.

      The Telemental Healthcare Access Act:

      • The bill removes the statutory requirement that Medicare patients be seen in person within 6 months of being treated for mental health services via telehealth.
      • This bill is consistent with how SUD telehealth services are covered under Medicare.
      
• Given commercial payors rely heavily on Medicare to make coverage determinations, we want to ensure these artificial barriers are not replicated in other insurance markets.

      The Anna Westin Legacy Act:

      
• This bill would reauthorize the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders to continue training primary and allied health professionals to screen, briefly intervene, and refer individuals with eating disorders.
      
• The bill would expand the evidence-based SBIRT protocol to the pediatric level.
      
• It would also build adaptive modules for at-risk communities that experience under-identification, including racially diverse and tribal communities, rural communities, men and boys, military families, veterans, and LGBTQ populations.

      Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center would love to thank Quena Dailey for representing US Senator, Tim Kaine, for taking the time to tour our facility, learning more about who we are and what we do as well as listening to the changes that we are so passionate in working towards for our community!

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