Lived Experience Sessions

Organisation / Service

Eating Disorders Queensland

Lived Experience Sessions provide a non-therapeutic, practical and social support from someone who understands lived experience. It gives hope to clients and the opportunity to practice the skills learnt in therapy in a safe and supportive space. 

Clients are offered ten sessions which can take place either face-to-face or via telehealth.

A session may involve:

• Validating shame, trust & self-worth
• Building sense of interests and identity beyond the eating disorder
• Unpacking greater meaning and quality of life into the recovery process
• Managing triggers from the family & environment
• Exploring and understanding values
• Meal and snack support
• Sharing tips for relapse prevention
• Identifying and working towards recovery goals

National Strategy Standards and Actions

Psychosocial and Recovery Support

Standard 1: People experiencing eating disorders and their families/supports have access to psychosocial and recovery support services and programs, according to their needs.

Action 1.2: Clinical services to include psychosocial and recovery support providers in the multidisciplinary
care team where appropriate.

Action 1.4: Psychosocial and recovery service providers to ensure that programs and services are available
for people experiencing eating disorders and their families/supports.

Workforce

Standard 3: There is a skilled and diverse Lived Experience workforce operating across the system of care, including in governance, leadership, consultation, and direct care roles.

Action 3.1: Organisational and service leaders to endorse and build organisational readiness to support the leadership and work of eating disorder Lived Experience workers within their organisation/service, recognising Lived Experience workers as integral partners in the system of care.