Benefits of Eating Disorder Support Groups--San Diego Psychologist Dr. Jennie Wang-Hall

Feeling lonely and struggling with an eating disorder in San Diego and don’t know where to turn? I’ve interviewed Dr. Jennie Wang-Hall, eating disorder psychologist in North County San Diego on the benefits of eating disorder support groups. We also discussed the two affordable eating disorder support groups that she currently provides.

What is an eating disorder support group?

An eating disorder support group is an opportunity for people working on food and body struggles to come together to receive support and guidance from a professional in the field, as well as from other folks who are working towards recovery. Support groups can take lots of different forms- some are psychoeducation oriented, others are process groups, and some are more topic/discussion oriented. Support groups are an amazing way to build community and experience connection, which is so valuable because eating disorders can feel very lonely.

How long have you been working with eating disorder support groups in San Diego County?

I have been facilitating support groups in San Diego since 2018. Since then I have facilitated a number of different types of groups in my outpatient private practice. I love doing groups because they are such a powerful and unique opportunity for healing.

When did you begin doing eating disorder support groups?

I have been running support groups since 2012 when I started my PhD program. I have had the opportunity to run a wide variety of support groups provided for different populations who are struggling with eating disorders including the LGBTQ+ community, college students, families, and social justice minded clients.

What kind of eating disorder support groups have you led over the years?

I have facilitated groups that are skills oriented, process based, and general support groups. In 2018, I started an outpatient DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) group for folks struggling with eating disorders and other associated mental health conditions. This group involved teaching a skill each week, reviewing homework, and processing the ways that clients were implementing the skill.

In 2021, I started two more groups that are currently running. One is called Families in Recovery, which is oriented towards parents, siblings, and partners of individuals struggling with eating disorders. This group is a general support group, not direct therapy. Families are able to receive guidance and support from me as well as the other families involved.

The second group that I am currently running is called Revolutionary Recovery. This group is a six-week discussion group that addresses a different societal issue each week (the patriarchy, capitalism, white supremacy, fat phobia, anti-queer discrimination) and explores how these forces of oppression interfere with liberation in food and body. The folks in this group have been engaging in really passionate and exciting conversation that is helping them understand and pursue their own recoveries in a really neat and social justice oriented way.

What common struggles do participants in your eating disorder support groups have?

Members of my support group tend to really struggle with isolation. That is a major issue that comes up, especially during COVID, and can exacerbate eating disorder symptoms. Experiencing community and connection can be so powerful for healing. Members also often struggle with low self-worth and perfectionism, which are interpersonal issues that can be addressed through experiencing vulnerability and connection in groups. Folks also are often struggling with issues around their marginalized identities and need a place to explore how that impacts their recoveries. Most of all, group members just need a place to be seen and held and heard, and they find that in my groups.

How can these eating disorder support groups help these issues?

Group support can be so corrective in that it allows members to be truly seen and validated by other people who are going through similar issues. They can receive feedback and support around ways to handle specific challenges and themes that often come up in eating disorder recovery. Group also allows them to feel empowered in knowing that they are not alone in their struggle, others can identify with them and recognize themselves in each others' experiences.

How can people learn more about your eating disorder support groups and contact you about them?

I absolutely love doing groups and want to reach as many people as possible! I post about my groups often on my instagram page which is @dr.jenniewh

I also have information about my groups on my website, which is www.jwhrevolution.com

Also, folks are welcome to email me anytime at jwhpsychotherapy@gmail.com

If you have any questions about my groups or ideas for collaborations, please reach out any time!

Hey everyone, I really appreciate you reading my blog!  Have a wonderful day. :)  

Marianne 

If you are struggling to find online eating disorder treatment with help with bulimia, binge eating or other eating disorders in San Diego, schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation using the online scheduler (just click on the orange button), and I will help you get where you need to be! 

You can find more information about me on Instagram @drmariannemiller or on my Facebook page.