Angela Fox, Chrysalis’ lead counsellor and Sally Griffiths, group facilitator
People who want to understand and conquer their food cravings or eating disorders are being urged to sign up for Flintshire’s only specialist eating disorder workshops.
The courses will offer advice and support to people experiencing symptoms such as an obsession with weight and body shape, binge eating, and not being in control of food intake. Attendees will also learn strategies to assist in overcoming eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia and binge eating.
The workshops, held by eating disorder specialists Chrysalis, will provide an additional dimension compared to traditional support groups, with an educational element accompanying each session.
Information about eating disorders will be supplied to make sense of cravings and concerns people may have. The workshops will also allow attendees to explore their feelings and give them the opportunity to meet and discuss with others their experiences and ask questions.
And it’s the exploration aspect of the workshops that Chrysalis’lead counsellor, Angela Fox, is confident will attract attendees.
Angela, a qualified counsellor who is studying for an MA in counselling and also holds a diploma in eating disorders, said: “I have received feedback that attending support groups is very beneficial, but I believe that the Chrysalis workshops offer a holistic approach in addition to the normal group support.
“Our group sessions will not only allow people to talk about their experiences but they will also provide an understanding of what it is they are going through and why.”
The initial workshops will focus on binge eating and bulimia and will run for 10 weeks starting on 23 April. Workshops covering anorexia will begin in June. The Chrysalis team has strengthened its credentials after attending an eight-day course with the National Centre for Eating Disorders in London.
The sessions will take place at its offices in Mold, Flintshire, and referrals are not necessary.
Angela said: “Eating disorders are more prevalent than people think and they affect people of all ages.
“There isn’t a single cause and anything can trigger it. They are not just caused by peer pressure and the desire to look like celebrities.
“Life’s difficulties such as bereavement, divorce and illness can all result in individuals expressing themselves through food, either by under or overeating.
“The Chrysalis workshops will help those suffering from eating disorders to change their eating habits and take back control of their food intake.”
Chrysalis offers a wide-range of counselling services including for victims of domestic abuse and people suffering from anxiety and depression.
Places are limited on the eating disorder workshops, which cost £20 per session, and are allocated on a first-come first-served basis. To book your place email a&[email protected] or call Angela or her colleague Sally on 01352 706280.
