Support Groups

Although a support group is not meant to replace formal medical treatment, it can be a powerful tool for those recovering from an eating disorder, as well as for their loved ones. Below is a partial list of support groups in Tennessee.

NOTE: EDA groups are not sponsored by EDCT. Please e-mail us with the names of additional groups that can be listed on this page.

For Families

Families Supporting Families (FSF) was started by Eating Disorders Coalition of Tennessee as a free support group created by families, for families. The groups are for parents, siblings, and friends who have a loved one battling an eating disorder. Groups currently meet in Chattanooga, Nashville, Knoxville and Memphis.

Knoxville-area FSF
When: Alternating Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Moonpointe, a Focus Center for Eating Disorders (2210 Sutherland Ave, Ste 108, Knoxville, TN) Cherokee Mills Center - enter bldg. by the "2210" sign and proceed to the first door on left

Contact: Denise Cutshaw, LPC/MHSP at (865) 525-1099 ext. 15

Memphis-area FSF

When: 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Kingsway Christian Church (7887 Poplar Ave., Room 102, Germantown, TN 38138)
Contact: Gina Prigoff, Ph.D. at (901) 268-4964

Nashville-area FSF

When: 1st and 3rd Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
Where: EDCT office (2120 Crestmoor Rd, Ste 3000, Nashville, TN 37215)
Contact: Kathy at (615) 665-0105 or Connie at (615) 269-5709

Chattanooga FSF

When: 4th Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Solace Clinic (3097 South Broad St., Chattanooga, TN 37408)
Contact: Jan Sherbak at (423) 752-5207, Ext. 6

For Individuals

COLLEGE-ORIENTED EATING DISORDER (CO-ED) SUPPORT GROUP
This eight-week group is designed for college-aged women who struggle with disordered eating and body image concerns. Participants will learn coping strategies that will help them manage stress and navigate the college environment in healthful ways. The group is facilitated by Kelly Flanagan, MSW, and Courtney Cuden, who will graduate with her MSW in May 2012.

When: Meets every other Wednesday from September through December 2011 (begins Sept. 7, 2011).
The Fall 2011  group is now full, but registration for Spring 2012 is open. Email Courtney for more information.
Where: EDCT office (2120 Crestmoor Rd, Ste 3000, Nashville, TN 37215)
Contact: Courtney Cuden
 

MEMPHIS-AREA SUPPORT GROUP
When: 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Kingsway Christian Church (7887 Poplar Ave., Room 102, Germantown, TN 38138)
Contact: Gloria Siegel, Ph.D. at (901) 685-2148

EATING DISORDERS ANONYMOUS (EDA)
Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA) is a free peer-to-peer support group for people who have, think they may have, or are in recovery from an eating disorder.

EDA on Tuesdays
When: Tuesdays from 8-9 p.m.
Where: The Integrative Life Center (1104 16th Ave South Nashville, TN 37212)
Contact: First-time attendees are encouraged to contact Michelle.
 
EDA on Saturdays

This EDA group is not affiliated with EDCT or run by EDCT staff.
When: Saturdays from 10-11 a.m.
Where: EDCT office (2120 Crestmoor Rd, Ste 3000, Nashville, TN 37215)
Contact: First-time attendees are encouraged to contact Julie at (615) 406-8968 or NashvilleEDA@aol.com.

EDA on Sundays
When: Sundays from 4-5 p.m.
Where: Buchannan House at Brentwood United Methodist Church (309 Franklin Rd, Brentwood, TN 37027)

Contact: First-time attendees are encouraged to email Courtney.

Colleges/Universities

Below is a partial list of indivdiuals who have identified themselves as points-of-contact at their respsective colleges/universities. Ask us how you can list a resource at your school.
 
Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green)
WKU Counseling Center
Contact: Betsy Pierce
Phone: (270) 745-3159
Fax: (270) 745-6976
 

Lipscomb University (Nashville)
Lipscomb Counseling Center

Contact: Ashley Dumas, M.MFT, LMFT
Phone: (615) 966-5737
Fax: (615) 966-7066

University of Tennessee (Knoxville)
Department of Nutrition
Contact: Karen Wetherall, MS, RD, LDN
Phone: (865) 466-7002

Vanderbilt University (Nashville)
Vanderbilt University Psychological and Counseling Center
Contact: Christy Carey, LMSW
Phone: (615) 322-2571

Vanderbilt Wellness Center
Contact: Becky Spires, MEd, Assistant Director of Wellness Programs
Phone: (615) 343-0538

Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center
Contact: Katie Garcia, Program Coordinator
Phone: (615) 322-4843