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What are Fb Gatherings?

Fb Gatherings are a free weekly spiritual growth group with an emphasis on eating and body image issues. We launched the flagship group at our downtown Franklin, TN office in November of 2007 and have been meeting ever since. The groups recently shifted to a “webcast” format to allow group leaders everywhere to hold Fb gatherings locally, to best serve the needs of their own communities.

 

Who can come?

Generally speaking, Fb Gatherings are designed for women 18 – 98 of all shapes and sizes who think frequently about food, weight, and the size of their bodies. With the launch of our new webcast format, however, some groups may choose to have a special emphasis, such as “teens only”, “pregnant women,” or “women 35+”. Check our listings to ensure you find the right group for you.

 

How do I know if I have eating issues?

We’re glad you asked! Take our eating issues self-tests and find out how you rank.

 

I am in recovery from an eating disorder. Will this help me?

Fb Gatherings are designed to complement your current recovery pursuits, such as therapy, nutrition counseling, mentoring and/or other recovery programs. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, it is important to continue your care outside the group, as nothing can replace one-on-one care by a professional.

 

What if I don’t have an eating disorder? Is this right for me?

While we serve many women who are battling/have battled clinical eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, most people with eating issues fall outside of the technical requirements for disorders like these. This is exactly why Fb got its start. We reach out not only to those who have clinical issues, but also to the millions who need a healthier balance with food and may not realize their issues are worth addressing.

 

What happens at the gatherings?

We begin with introductions and each person sharing the “best and worst” of their previous week. We then have a topical message/teaching via webcast, generally hosted by Fb’s founder Constance Rhodes. The message is followed by answering questions on a discussion worksheet designed to complement that week’s session, as well as a time of guided group discussion.

 

What if I don’t want to talk?

No one is forced to talk. But group participation is strongly encouraged. Gatherings are an opportunity to know and be known by others, which can help reduce feelings of isolation. We grow when we risk vulnerability and offer our perspective to fellow journeyers.

 

Is everyone thin?

No. But there are those who are. In any given Fb group, the participants may vary from significantly underweight to significantly overweight. If you feel you may be triggered by being in a room with women who are thinner (or heavier) than you are, please discuss those feelings with your counselor or therapist before attending to ensure it is a healthy experience for you.

 

I’m not thin. Can I still come?

Absolutely! In fact, most women who struggle with eating issues are NOT thin.

 

Is this a diet program?

Absolutely not! Fb advocates an all-things-in-moderation approach to eating. While we may spend some time talking specifically about nutritional aspects, such as when we bring in guest experts specializing in that field, the majority of what we’ll explore goes much deeper than what and how much we’re eating. We want to get to the “why’s” behind our issues with food, and explore how God fits into our breaking free.

 

Is this a 12-step program?

While we believe in the foundational philosophy of 12-step programs, we believe there can be some unique aspects with eating issues that don’t always fit the 12-step approach. While our groups can work great in tandem with a 12-step program, we are not a 12-step program ourselves. Additionally, Fb Gatherings are designed to be open groups, meaning people can come and go as they please. Such a format is not conducive to a long-term/sequential study program.

 

Is this a therapy group?

Fb Gatherings are designed to be facilitated by lay persons as well as the occasional clinician or therapist. For this reason, the emphasis is on spiritual growth, support and encouragement, leaving group therapy to the professionals.

 

What should I wear?

That is a really thoughtful question.

Dress is casual – but please be modest. Particularly for those of you who know you are at a low weight, please consider that others may be triggered negatively if you wear tight fitting or revealing clothing. For everyone involved, group is not a time to try to be noticed for your physical appearance. It is about getting to the heart, and not letting the outside part distract from that. Tight fitting or revealing clothing (such as short shorts, tight jeans/pants, leggings, tank tops, etc.) should be avoided. We appreciate your attention to this important matter.

 

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is required for group safety. For this reason, upon your first visit each participant will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement.

 

Informed Consent

It is important that you know what the group is, and what it isn’t. Upon your first visit, you will be asked to sign an informed consent form outlining group structure and boundaries. Again, this is for the health of the group and the safety of all involved.

 

Suicide Contingency Agreement

While many who attend Gatherings may never have experienced suicidal thoughts, eating issues and depression often go hand in hand, and can lead to unmanageable feelings at times. For this reason, a suicide contingency agreement is required of all participants at their first session.

 

More Questions?

If you have more questions about Fb Gatherings, contact the host in the area nearest you or email karen.amos@findingbalance.com.