In the meantime…
…you can start here
Waiting for therapy can feel a little difficult, especially when you’ve already made the decision that you want things to change.
While you’re waiting to get started, there are some small things you can do that may help you begin moving towards recovery. I’ve put together some resources, information and practical tools that you might find useful in the meantime.
You don’t need to do everything, and you definitely don’t need to have recovery figured out before we meet. Think of this page as a starting point. You may pick something that feels manageable, have a look around, and take what feels useful for you (or not, up to you).
Recovery doesn’t have to begin with a huge change. Sometimes it starts with one small step in a different direction.
I hope you find something here that helps.
Eating Disorders Queensland (EDQ) offers a range of practical, supportive services for people experiencing or recovering from an eating disorder, as well as for the people supporting them.
EDQ offers services for people aged 16 and over across Queensland, including individual coaching, workshops, peer support groups and other opportunities to connect with people who have lived experience of eating disorders.
While the North Queensland EDQ hub is in Cairns, support is provided to Townsville via telehealth (phone and online).
You can self-refer to EDQ, so you don't need a referral from a GP or another health professional to get started.
The Centre for Clinical Interventions (CCI) offers a range of free, evidence-based self-help resources for people experiencing eating disorders. Their Break Free From ED self-help program is based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders and takes you through practical steps towards recovery.
These resources can be a useful place to start if you’re waiting for therapy, want to learn more about eating disorders, or would like some practical strategies to begin working on recovery yourself. You don’t need to work through everything at once. Start with what feels manageable and take it one step at a time.
The Butterfly Foundation offers a range of free support and resources for people experiencing eating disorders, as well as their families, carers and support people. This includes support groups, programs and a National Support Line that you can access by phone, online chat or email.
You can contact the Butterfly National Support Line on 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673).
Butterfly also offers Single Session Support, a free one-hour phone session with a trained practitioner. It can be a helpful option if you’re not quite ready to start ongoing therapy, or if you’re unsure what your next step should be. The session can help you understand how an eating disorder is affecting your life, identify some positive changes you can make now, and build motivation to take the next step towards treatment.
You don’t have to wait until things get worse before reaching out. Butterfly can be a good place to start if you’re looking for some support, connection or guidance while you work out what comes next.
The InsideOut eClinic offers free, evidence-based online programs and tools for people (aged 16 and over) experiencing eating disorder symptoms.
A great option if you’re looking for free, evidence-based support that you can access from home.
Self-Help Books
