3 Ways Group Therapy Will Transform Your Emotional Eating

In addition to growing my one-on-one registered psychotherapy practice, over the years I ran emotional eating groups using pre-created content. I could see the power of the group concept, but the material wasn’t the right fit. So, I created The Quiet Craving, a program based on my experience of more than a decade of working with clients who emotionally eat and as a group leader.

I know that many people are hesitant about group therapy, especially when it comes to something as vulnerable as emotional eating. It is something that thrives when hidden and there is a societal belief that eating is “simple” and that you should “just be able to get a handle on it.” Bringing your experiences out in front of others can feel incredibly scary but, again and again, I have seen the transformational experience of group therapy for emotional eaters.

If you’re tired of emotional eating and intimidated by group therapy, this blog post is for you! Read through the powerful ways group therapy can transform your patterns with emotional eating and then add your name to The Quiet Craving waitlist (this is just dipping your toe in; you can always say no).

Shame disappears quicker. Perhaps the most impactful switch I see in group therapy, especially compared to one-on-one sessions, is how much more quickly shame drops away.  As I mentioned above, emotional eating stays hidden in the shadows—sneaking food, eating after kids are in bed, lying about what you ate, a secret drive thru run. But sitting next to others and hearing not just one, but that all the women in the group have done the same thing, well, it makes you feel a lot less shameful.

Community normalizes struggles. After just a few meetings, hesitancy will drop away and you’ll see that many people emotionally eat and often for similar reasons: work stress, family dynamics, societal expectations, childhood experiences, and more! I promise you: you are not the only one using food to self-soothe. And after I lead you through 8 weeks, you aren’t left alone after the program ends. A month after our last session together, I host a follow-up with your cohort that celebrates successes and normalizes ongoing struggles. Plus, you’ll get added to a private Facebook group that allows for ongoing conversations and encouragement from everyone who has completed my program.

Hope appears sooner. I have found that the connection from group therapy can help you identify progress sooner because often others see it, and name it, before you’re aware (we are our own worst critics after all!). Also, hearing others talk about their big and small wins and progress can inspire you along your own journey—you aren’t just similar in your struggles but in your ability to change too!

Added bonus! You get quality, supportive, effective psychotherapy care around emotional eating for much less than individual one-on-one sessions.

If you want all of these benefits (and more!), check out my 8-week supportive emotional eating program, The Quiet Craving.

💛 Your peace awaits.