Healing together — how peer support transforms recovery
“Isolation is the glue that holds an eating disorder in place.”
—Maine, Margo D., Karen L. Samuels, and Mary Tantillo. 2015. “Eating Disorders in Adult Women: Biopsychosocial, Developmental, and Clinical Considerations.” Advances in Eating Disorders 3 (2): 133–43.
Recovery from an eating disorder can feel like an uphill battle—especially when faced alone. At Ianthe House, we believe that connection is the antidote to isolation. Peer support offers a lifeline of shared experience, mutual understanding, and encouragement in moments of doubt. Together, we create a recovery environment where vulnerability becomes strength, and healing is a shared journey.
Our Recovery Circle participants have experienced this firsthand. In just six weeks, women in our pilot program reported a 31% increase in social support seeking—a key predictor of long-term recovery.
“It feels like I’ve been looking for something like this for a very long time.”
What Makes Peer Support Unique?
Connection That Builds Trust
In our Recovery Circles, trust forms naturally. Small, therapist-led groups of 4–6 women meet weekly, providing a safe space to share experiences, reduce shame, and foster openness. This trust-building dynamic becomes the foundation for sustainable recovery. Research shows that affiliative identity—a sense of belonging to a meaningful group—predicts lower eating disorder symptoms by reinforcing social support and positive health norms.
“Just a beautiful, strong, and inspiring group. I felt so safe to say things I’ve never said out loud.”
Shared Growth and Accountability
Recovery isn’t a solo pursuit. In peer support, each voice matters—insights, encouragement, and challenges are shared, making progress feel less daunting. With collective accountability, every milestone becomes a shared celebration.
⤷ Recovery Circle impact in numbers
18% improvement in overall recovery scores.
23% growth in autonomy, self-mastery, and active tackling of challenges.
42% increase in overall well-being among our Recovery Circle participants.
“When I first opened my results, I couldn’t believe it. I feel completely different now, and the data shows that.”
The Psychological Benefits of Peer Support
1. Breaking the Silence of Eating Disorders
Isolation fuels disordered behaviours. Peer support dismantles shame by allowing stories to be shared in a non-judgmental space. Openness dissolves isolation, replacing it with understanding and validation.
A Family Practice study underscores the importance of social connections in recovery, stating that embedding individuals in supportive groups significantly improves long-term outcomes.
“Hey, I feel very compelled to thank you again for giving me this opportunity to get better. I really can’t see it as anything other than a miracle that you gave me this chance to heal.”
2. Building Emotional Resilience
Regular interactions in a supportive group setting teach emotional regulation, boundary-setting, and effective communication—critical tools for navigating recovery and preventing relapse.
⤷ Impact on self-mastery
EFT (Emotion-Focused Therapy) in our program helps rewire stress responses, reducing anxiety and emotional eating.
“I’ve been tapping and meditating my way through difficult moments, instead of restricting. I would just be doing old patterns if it wasn’t for what I’ve learned from my time with Ianthe House.”
3. Learning Through Shared Experience
Each participant brings unique perspectives and coping strategies, expanding everyone’s recovery toolkit. Lived experience bridges the gap between clinical knowledge and daily challenges.
“The step-by-step approach takes you on a journey. Having daily reminders made me feel cared for and supported.”
Peer Support in Action at Ianthe House
1. Recovery Circles: Where Connection Begins
Our Recovery Circles are the heart of Ianthe House. These intimate groups meet weekly for 9–12 months, fostering deep trust and shared resilience.
⤷ Recovery Circle impact in numbers
Improved support-seeking behaviours by 31% within six weeks.
Members experience less disordered eating and increased self-efficacy.
“I’ve started to remind myself to eat properly throughout the day. It’s about being conscious of how I’m implementing these tools in the moment.”
2. Co-Living Homes: Connection in Daily Life
For those seeking a more immersive recovery experience, our co-living homes provide 24/7 peer support. Shared meals, group wellness activities, and casual conversations seamlessly blend structure and spontaneity, making recovery a lived experience.
3. Online Communities for Continuous Support
Recovery doesn’t stop when sessions end. Our online peer support groups allow participants to stay engaged, seek advice, and share wins—creating an ongoing lifeline beyond in-person meetings.
The Evidence Behind Peer Support
Research That Validates Connection
Studies consistently show that peer-supported recovery significantly improves outcomes. Participants in peer groups report higher levels of emotional well-being and lower relapse rates compared to those in isolated treatment.
⤷ Proven Results from Our Pilot Program
31% increase in social support-seeking within six weeks.
18% improvement in overall recovery metrics.
Quality of life scores rising by 17%, reinforcing the effectiveness of our model.
“Having consistent messaging has been invaluable. When I’m obsessing, even a small message can pull me out of that mindset.”
Experience the Power of Peer Support
Recovery is stronger together. At Ianthe House, peer support offers more than just connection—it creates lasting change.
Join a Recovery Circle or explore our co-living options today.
“These women are so incredible. They are high achieving, they are intelligent, they are beautiful, they are capable, — they are so strong, because every day is a challenge most will never fully comprehend.”
