RIPE

RIPE Group is a 16 week specially developed treatment and support program for people with Eating Disorders.

What you will find on this page:

General information

How many participants:	6-8 people in a group.
Age range:	All ages are welcome (over 18).
Length of the program:	1.5 hours a week for 16 weeks (Weekly attendance is expected).
Cost:	$55-$65 per session (including GST).
Location:	Abbotsford Convent (Melways Ref: 44 G5).
Dates:	Please contact us for group dates as they start regularly.
Times:	Groups are offered in the evening.
Treatment approach:	A structured treatment program facilitated by a counsellor and a dietitian.
Type of therapeutic approach:	ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), Mindfulness skills, Nutritional Counselling, Mindful Eating and Appetite awareness training.

Is the group suitable for me?

This group is suitable if you are experiencing one or more of the following:

If you regularly binge eat, feel out of control, guilty or ashamed about bingeing; or
If you use measures such as vomiting, fasting, diet pills, laxatives or excessive exercise to compensate for the food you eat after binges.

Please call us to discuss your suitability if you are unsure or have any questions.

Top

Who is the group unsuitable for?

What can I expect from the group?

A relaxed environment in which you can readily share all of your problems and issues around food and eating with people experiencing similar struggles;
Learn strategies to enhance motivation for recovery;
Develop strategies to reduce and delay binge eating and better manage your food and eating behaviours;
Learn to recognise the links between food, eating and emotions;
Begin to explore self-esteem and how to enhance it;
Identify and developing support networks to aid your recovery;
Explore a variety of relaxation techniques and ‘self-care’;
Hands-on activities and challenges; and
Relapse prevention and developing plans for managing your Eating Disorder when the group finishes.

I'm interested, what do I do now?

Contact us by phone, SMS or email. If we don’t answer, leave a message, we will get back to you ASAP;
Next, a chat on the phone (all contact with RIPE is confidential) to see if the group would be right for you and answer any questions you may have; and
Then we make an appointment for a one on one assessment before the group starts.

Weight loss and dieting

This group’s primary objective is therapy not weight loss;
Our emphasis is on discovering your most healthy weight using positive eating strategies; and
We do not support dieting as it exacerbates your illness and prolongs recovery.

Facilitators:

Fiona Sutherland, M.Sc. (Nut&Diet), M.D.A.A
Fiona is an accredited practicing dietitian who specialises in Eating Disorders and Eating Behaviour. Fiona has many years experience in a wide variety of settings from private Eating Disorders Clinics to major sporting clubs. Fiona greatest passions are traveling and watching the Mighty Pies at the MCG.
Sarah Harry, B.A., Grad Dip (Counselling), Q.M.A.C.A
Sarah is a registered counsellor who specialises in the area of Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating. Sarah has experience in individual and group counselling and also works with health professionals delivering training in how to manage Eating Disorders. Sarah has a dog called Chilli who is working on his degree in pet therapy.

Top