Online Eating Disorder Support Group

Free eating disorder recovery resources with Alsana.

Free Online Eating Disorder Support Group

Every other Friday at noon, PST (2PM CST & 3PM EST)

Alsana eating disorder support groups are facilitated by Tyeler Viel, Julia Shuster, Sara Folsom Thelier, Julia Burke, and Molly Dixon.

  • Alsana support groups are offered at no cost to support adults of all genders in their eating disorder recovery.
  • This group is pro-recovery and its goals are to help people suffering from eating disorders know they’re not alone, reduce shame, brainstorm solutions to common challenges, relate to one another, and inspire hope.
  • We ask that all participants read and respect our Online Support Group Guidelines.
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2024 Alsana Eating Disorder Support Group Dates:

January 12, January 26, February 9, February 23, March 8, March 22, April 5, April 19, May 3, May 17, May 31, June 14, June 28, July 12, July 26, August 9, August 23, September 6, September 20, October 4, October 18, November 1, November 15, November 29, December 13, December 27.

Alsana’s Online Eating Disorder Support Groups Provide Continuous Support

Recovery from an eating disorder is a deeply personal and transformative journey. Our online support groups are designed to provide a compassionate and safe space where you can connect, share, and grow with others who understand your experiences. Here are some of the benefits of joining:

Building a Supportive Community

Recovery can often feel like a solitary path, but it doesn’t have to be. Our online support groups offer a sense of community and belonging by connecting you with individuals who share similar struggles and victories. In these groups, you’ll find a network of peers who are there to listen, support, and uplift one another.

Accessible and Convenient Support

Finding the right support can be challenging, especially when dealing with the complexities of daily life and personal limitations. Alsana support groups provide a flexible and convenient way for you to engage with your recovery process from the comfort of your own home.

Compassionate Guidance

Each of our online support groups is led by a licensed professional with specialized training in eating disorder recovery. Every session is guided by someone who understands the challenges you face and can provide evidence-based strategies for overcoming them. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can openly discuss your experiences and feelings without judgment.

Encouraging Continuous Healing

Recovery is not a one-time event but a continuous process of healing and growth. Our support groups are structured to provide ongoing support, helping you stay motivated and committed to your recovery goals. By participating regularly, you can reinforce the positive changes you are making and build coping skills that aid in holistic wellness.

Self-Understanding and Resilience

Sharing your story and hearing others’ experiences can be powerful tools for self-reflection and growth. In our support groups, you’ll have the opportunity to explore your thoughts and emotions in a safe space, which can lead to greater self-understanding and resilience. This group setting allows for diverse perspectives, fostering a deeper awareness of your own strengths and the shared human experience of healing.

Joining an Alsana online support group means becoming part of a compassionate community committed to holistic recovery. Together, we can support each other in finding balance, healing, and hope.

If you’d like to learn more about how to join our online support groups or have any questions, we’re available 24/7 via live chat. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Meet Our Eating Disorder Support Group Facilitators

Jana Jansson

Director of Regional Outreach | she/her/hers

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Jana Jansson

Jana Jansson is a Life Skills, Wellness, Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Education professional. Jana’s commitment to schools, youth, families, and her community is evidenced by her conviction and passion for educating today’s young people. She is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others. She is a graduate of Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Addiction and Recovery.

Jana is a Certified Life Coach (CLC), Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern
(LCDC-1), Trauma Healing Apprentice and Advanced Certified Prevention Specialist
(ACPS). Jana has completed her 200hr-RYT as a Registered Yoga Teacher specializing in Psychotherapeutic Yoga and continuing her education as an Integrative Nutrition
Health Coach.

Jana has 3 amazing children, granddaughter and son-in-law Halie, Noah, Nathan, Kyle, and Collins.

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Tyeler Viel

National Director of Outreach | she/her/hers

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Tyeler Viel

Tyeler received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from San Diego State in 2005 and a Masters in Marital Family Therapy from The University of San Diego in 2007, getting licensed in 2009. Before joining Alsana Tyeler, spent ten years working in various therapeutic settings and private education.

Growing up in a small Northern California mountain town provided her with a unique perspective on food. Once a month, she and her sisters would pile into the car, with ice chests at their feet, to make the two-hour trip over the mountains to the “big city” to get groceries for the month. It was always worth the drive because they would find delicious cheeses, exotic fruits, and artisan bread along with other items that they didn’t have in their local grocery back home. Those memories remain vivid and play an integral part in how she now helps clients who are healing their relationship with food through supportive and holistic treatment they need.

Tyeler is often regarded as a people person. She loves meeting new people and bringing people together. Her loved ones would probably mention how much she enjoys planning fun gatherings through her unique perspective on creativity. She has a deep passion for the mountains and now lives in Texas, where she can admire the flat prairie lands from her living room window. She is an Enneagram 2w3, which means she loves vulnerable conversations, one on one, and helping others. The work she gets to do at Alsana is purpose-driven, it’s a company she credits with “letting her light shine,” which allows her to be herself and truly make a difference.

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Julia Shuster

Transitional Recovery Coach | she/her/hers

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Julia Shuster

Hi, I’m Julia!

I joined the Alsana Admissions Team in November 2021 as a Transitional Recovery Coach. This is an exciting role for me as I have a passion for raising awareness about eating disorders prevention and treatment, and supporting people as they heal their relationships with food and their bodies.

“If you can’t beat fear, do it scared.” – Unknown

Experience

I graduated with a liberal arts degree from the University of New Mexico where I studied Nutrition and Psychology. I believe it was my own recovery journey that not only led me to the work I do now with Alsana but through an array of nourishing opportunities to be of service and give back to the ED recovery community, some of which include:

  • Recovery coaching
  • Size Diversity training
  • Facilitating body image groups and eating disorder support groups
  • Recovery speaking
  • Joyful Movement coaching
  • Eating disorder advocacy
  • Every Body is Beautiful Project graduate
  • Official Body Project Facilitator (through NEDA affiliates)
  • EDRDPro Ambassador
  • Certified trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine

Doing what I love

I consider it a privilege to support folks as they contemplate treatment and reassure them they’re not alone as they make these hard, first decisions about their recovery. Being present with people, offering a safe space to process, and empowering them to hope brings me a lot of fulfillment, both personally and professionally.

My mission is to make treatment as accessible as possible by encouraging individuals to put their whole health first; I feel honored and fortunate to  hold space for people to express their feelings and validate what they’re going through. 

Why Alsana

I was drawn to Alsana because of its innovations in eating disorder treatment and dedication to making recovery not only possible but probable. I have enjoyed being a part of the Alsana community and have been continuously impressed by the quality of the people here.

In my free time

When I am not at Alsana, I enjoy spending time with my dog, Kid, playing the banjo, practicing aerial artistry, and canoeing down the Rio Grande.

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Sara Folsom Thelier, MS, LMFT-A

Senior Outreach Manager | she/her/hers

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Sara Folsom Thelier, MS, LMFT-A

As a Senior Outreach Manager for Alsana, Sara oversees the outreach manager team and supports in regions overseen by multiple outreach directors. Sara is passionate about making connections in the professional community that can help bring clients to care and achieve the lasting recovery they deserve through Alsana’s unique approach to eating disorder treatment. Sara holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. She has experience working with adolescents and adults of all genders and their loved ones at higher level of care settings. Sara is passionate about helping others achieve lasting recovery by promoting healing not only in the individual but also their relationships. In her free time, Sara enjoys cooking, reading a good fantasy novel, and being one of the loudest moms at her children’s sporting events – but most of all enjoys family time with her husband Cedric, two sons – CJ and Dean, daughter – Isabelle, and bonus daughter – Lylie. Sara is local to Fort Worth, TX.

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Molly Dixon

Regional Director of Outreach | she/her/hers

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Molly Dixon

Molly is a mental health professional, licensed to provide psychotherapy in Maryland. She found her passion for mental health during her education at Towson University where she identified her innate need for helping others and promoting the importance of mental wellness and the importance of providing quality, high standard patient care. She furthered her experience at the Johns Hopkins Hospital as a leader of the Patient Experience team while completing her Masters Degree in applied psychology and obtaining counseling licensure.

As Director of Regional Outreach of the mid-atlantic, Molly helps connect healthcare professionals with Alsana to ensure their clients are comfortable in their courageous decision to pursue eating disorder treatment. She is dedicated to providing a personalized experience to both providers and individuals seeking treatment. Molly arrived to Alsana with experience as an outreach professional for mental health and dual diagnosis residential treatment.

Molly has called the DMV area home for over 10 years but is a native of New Jersey. Her goal is to bring awareness of Alsana’s passion and treatment approach to the mid-atlantic region.

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Julia Burke

Regional Director of Outreach | she/her/hers

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Julia Burke

In her capacity as the Director of Regional Outreach, Julia is committed to supporting each professional and their clients’ needs.

Julia holds a special connection with the mission and values of Alsana, as she firmly believes in the possibility of recovery and the importance of communities uniting to achieve lasting well-being. As she puts it, “The mission and values of Alsana truly resonate with me. I’m a firm believer in the potential for recovery and the transformative impact of relationships, knowledge and community support.

Julia’s journey has always been centered around her passion for assisting others. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Educational Studies, and furthered her education with a Master’s in Social Work. Prior to her current role, she served as a dedicated school social worker as well as a psychotherapist in private practice, experiences that reinforced the significance of connection and community.

During her leisure time, you can find Julia at the dog park with her Boston Terrier, Bosco, or cozying up with a good book or HBO series on a stormy day.

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Molly Binenfeld

Therapist | she/her/hers

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Molly Binenfeld

Molly is a Primary Therapist at Alsana’s Westlake Village PHP/IOP location. In this role, she works with clients in individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy and in supportive other work. 

Molly is passionate about working with clients as they explore their core beliefs, challenge social and cultural messages, connect to their values, and create lives that are congruent and fulfilling. She draws from her clinical and lived experience in her work to challenge diet culture and dismantle the systems that perpetuate it. Molly specializes in working with the co-occurring presentation of eating and substance use disorders. 

Prior to becoming a therapist, Molly worked in Financial and Crisis Communications for some of the world’s largest hedge funds and financial institutions. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she previously lived in and worked in New York and Hong Kong before returning to California. In her free time, Molly enjoys traveling, reading, creative writing, and exploring new restaurants with friends. 

Molly received her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy with honors from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Colgate University, where she graduated cum laude. 

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Jennifer Berry, MA, LPC-S

National Director of Family Programs | she/her/hers

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Jennifer Berry, MA, LPC-S

Jennifer Berry received a BS in Public Relations, Marketing, and Communications in 1993 and a MA in Community Mental Health in 2006 both from the University of North Alabama. She received an Alabama license as a LPC in 2009 and the added a supervisory certification, LPC-S, in 2016. In her early career, she worked on-site in schools with children and adolescents. In 2007, she returned to the University of North Alabama providing contract work specifically with a diverse, emerging adult population providing eating disorder support and education. She joined the Division of Student Affairs and Student Counseling Services in 2013 as the Senior Mental Health Counselor providing eating disorder specific treatment including co-occurring disorders, assessment, body image and self-concept, and support groups. In addition, Jennifer provided eating disorder specific psychoeducation programming and presentations in the University setting and in the community.

Until 2022, she also maintained a practice as an outpatient therapist working with a diverse population of adolescents, teens, and adults providing eating disorder specific treatment, body image and self-concept, spirituality, trauma experiences and co-occurring disorders. She then joined the Alsana team in December of that year with a passion for eating disorder recovery, the Adaptive Care Model®, and the holistic approach offered by Alsana.

Outside of work, Jennifer loves being a mother to her son, Brooks and her daughter, Makensie. She enjoys her time boating on the Tennessee River, listening to motivational podcasts and music, and checking off her “bucket” list adventures.

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Katherine C. Jordan, MS, RDN, LDN, CEDRD-S

Director of Clinical Services | she/her/hers

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Katherine C. Jordan, MS, RDN, LDN, CEDRD-S

Katherine interned at Alsana and would leave each day fulfilled from spending time with the amazing clients. Now a dietitian with Alsana, she is inspired daily by clients’ bravery and courage. She also appreciates the cohesive team that pushes her to not only become a more effective dietitian, but also a better person.

Katherine loves supporting clients as they gain a healthy relationship with food. This includes experiencing the enjoyment and nourishment of food in harmony, creating an environment for individuals to trust their bodies as well as the food they use to fuel it. She believes it is an honor that our clients share their story and their recovery journey with us day in and day out. She values seeing clients’ relationships with food transformed and true freedom entering their lives—mind, body, and soul.

Katherine graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Food and Nutrition. As a registered and licensed dietitian nutritionist, she is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Supervisor, a member of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Katherine loves cooking, boxing, traveling, and anything that involves being outdoors. She’s traveled to 11 countries including China, Tanzania, and Cuba.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Alsana Eating Disorder Support Groups

Who is this eating disorder recovery online group intended to help?

  • This group is intended for those actively experiencing an eating disorder or in recovery from an eating disorder.
  • This group is not intended for family, friends, or providers as this may change the dynamic and safety of the group.
  • While people of all motivation levels are welcome, our discussion is pro-recovery, pro-treatment, and HAES-aligned.

What should I expect in this eating disorder recovery online community?

  • The facilitator will admit you into the group, giving a few minutes for everyone to join. The facilitator will then walk through the guidelines to create a safe and supportive environment.  New members are encouraged to use a Zoom emoji so the community can welcome them. The discussion is usually prompted with a quote or topic, though the conversation is flexible and participants can raise their hand (either using Zoom emoji or actual hand on camera) to share. Most people have their cameras on and cameras-on is strongly encouraged to foster community and connection. The meeting is 45 minutes long.

What are the online eating disorder support groups benefits?

  • Feeling less alone
  • Relating to others
  • Reducing shame by normalizing common struggles
  • Safe space to connect with facilitator ensuring guidelines keep the discussion as trigger-free as possible
  • To feel heard and listened to
  • To listen to other’s experiences
  • Brainstorm together solutions or ideas
  • Practice advocating for yourself
  • Practice using recovery-focused language
  • Connection with a recovery-focused community
  • Virtual group makes it accessible to people no matter location

Summer Support Series

FREE SEASONAL GROUP | June 26 – August 7
Meets weekly on Wednesdays | 5:00 PST (7:00 CDT/8:00 EST) 

Alsana’s summer support series is designed for individuals (18+) seeking community and resources to help navigate seasonal eating disorder triggers. This free online eating disorder support group is an opportunity to connect with others in recovery and engage in topic-based discussions with guidance from our multidisciplinary team of facilitators.

Discussion Topics Include:

  • Family Dynamics
  • Hydration, Fuel, and Rest
  • Outdoor Activities for Body Connection and Healing
  • Warm-Weather Diet Culture
  • Coping Strategies for Summer Events
  • Traveling and Eating Disorder Recovery

Meet Our Alsana Summer Support Group Facilitators

Blake Romanini, RN, MSN, MBA

National Nursing Director | he/him/his

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Blake Romanini, RN, MSN, MBA

Blake received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Youngstown State University in 2018, a Masters in Business Administration & Masters in Nursing Leadership from Grand Canyon University in 2020. Before joining Alsana Blake, spent years working in pediatric emergency & an outpatient adolescent eating disorder clinic.

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Alex Marshack

Primary Therapist | he/him/his

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Alex Marshack

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Margot Rittenhouse

Director of Clinical Services | she/her/hers

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Margot Rittenhouse

Margot Rittenhouse is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a firm belief that all individuals have an innate and powerful ability to overcome challenges, grow through struggle, and live purposeful and joy-filled lives. It is this belief that led Margot to dedicate her career to helping those facing mental health challenges to find, and use, this power. Margot received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from American University before further committing to the mental health field and earning her Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John’s Hopkins University. Margot has been a therapist for almost 10 years, treating various, diverse, populations around the globe. Margot’s “passion population” is providing treatment at varying levels-of-care for individuals struggling with eating disorders and body image issues. Margot has also dedicated her knowledge and passion to writing over 1,000 articles for Eating Disorder Hope website and collaborating with Robyn Goldberg, RDN, CEDRD-S to ghostwrite her book “The Eating Disorder Trap: A Guide for Clinicians and Loved Ones.” Margot is trained in the modalities of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Traumatic Stress (SPARCS) and Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM).

Margot is currently the Director of Clinical Services for Alsana, an eating disorder treatment community, and enjoys her role of supporting all Staff in the program to ensure that the most compassionate, inspiring, and effective care is provided for the individuals that walk through their doors.

Outside of work, Margot finds fulfillment in contributing to the Earth and her community and her favorite self-care activities involve exploring nature and historical sites, being present with her loved ones, reading (history & mysteries, especially!), gardening, and going antiquing. Margot is also a certified RYT 200 Yoga Instructor and enjoys supporting others in connecting their mind and bodies and finding power in being whole.

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Molly Binenfeld

Therapist | she/her/hers

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Molly Binenfeld

Molly is a Primary Therapist at Alsana’s Westlake Village PHP/IOP location. In this role, she works with clients in individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy and in supportive other work. 

Molly is passionate about working with clients as they explore their core beliefs, challenge social and cultural messages, connect to their values, and create lives that are congruent and fulfilling. She draws from her clinical and lived experience in her work to challenge diet culture and dismantle the systems that perpetuate it. Molly specializes in working with the co-occurring presentation of eating and substance use disorders. 

Prior to becoming a therapist, Molly worked in Financial and Crisis Communications for some of the world’s largest hedge funds and financial institutions. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she previously lived in and worked in New York and Hong Kong before returning to California. In her free time, Molly enjoys traveling, reading, creative writing, and exploring new restaurants with friends. 

Molly received her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy with honors from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Colgate University, where she graduated cum laude. 

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Carissa Surace, AMFT, LMFT

Director of Clinical Services | she/her/hers

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Carissa Surace, AMFT, LMFT

As the Director of Clinical Services at Alsana Clara, Carissa is inspired by her colleagues’ passion and enthusiasm and loves the collaborative environment. She believes healing happens in community and positive relationships for clients and staff alike.
Previously, Carissa was a residential counselor and a primary therapist at other eating disorder treatment centers and a former lead therapist at Alsana.

Carissa graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and the University of Massachusetts-Boston with a Master of Science in Family Therapy.

In her free time, Carissa enjoys hiking, being outside, and watching The Office on repeat. She also loves spending time with her one-tooth, sassy cat named Wednesday.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Alsana Eating Disorder Support Groups

Who is this eating disorder recovery online group intended to help?

  • This group is intended for those actively experiencing an eating disorder or in recovery from an eating disorder.
  • This group is not intended for family, friends, or providers as this may change the dynamic and safety of the group.
  • While people of all motivation levels are welcome, our discussion is pro-recovery, pro-treatment, and HAES-aligned.

What should I expect in this eating disorder recovery online community?

  • The facilitator will admit you into the group, giving a few minutes for everyone to join. The facilitator will then walk through the guidelines to create a safe and supportive environment.  New members are encouraged to use a Zoom emoji so the community can welcome them. The discussion is usually prompted with a quote or topic, though the conversation is flexible and participants can raise their hand (either using Zoom emoji or actual hand on camera) to share. Most people have their cameras on and cameras-on is strongly encouraged to foster community and connection. The meeting is 45 minutes long.

What are the online eating disorder support groups benefits?

  • Feeling less alone
  • Relating to others
  • Reducing shame by normalizing common struggles
  • Safe space to connect with facilitator ensuring guidelines keep the discussion as trigger-free as possible
  • To feel heard and listened to
  • To listen to other’s experiences
  • Brainstorm together solutions or ideas
  • Practice advocating for yourself
  • Practice using recovery-focused language
  • Connection with a recovery-focused community
  • Virtual group makes it accessible to people no matter location

These groups are not meant as replacement for therapy. Please click the button of the group you are interested in joining to reserve your space. We will need you to fill out a short waiver stating that you understand this is not a replacement for eating disorder treatment.

We will support you in finding your balance, purpose and possibilities. Welcome to Alsana. We are so glad you found us.

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