Resilient Recovery Retreat

Those of you on a journey of recovery from an eating disorder at age 50 and beyond are courageous survivors. You have resiliency, inner knowing and a variety of life experiences that have brought you to a unique and powerful stage of discovery and well-being. By coming together with intention for healing and relating with those who share a path with you, you will find validation and community with a circle of survivors who support your successes and struggles.

We invite you to take this opportunity as a gift for yourself, to share with others your experiences in career, caregiving, relationships, and identity combined with the challenges of navigating your course with an eating disorder.

Inspired by our 50+ Support Group and facilitated by Bonnie Brennan, LPC, CEDS-S, CAI, this 2-day retreat honors the wisdom, strength, and experiences of individuals 50+ in recovery from eating disorders, disordered eating, or body image concerns. We invite you to join this in-person retreat, where we will share, experience, and reflect deeper into life in recovery over 50. This June, we will provide loving group discussion, experientials, compassionate tools, the joy of togetherness, and nourishment in the beautiful setting at A Place of Our Own in Denver, Colorado. Space will be limited to keep the retreat intimate.

9am-4pm each day

In-person (local and out-of-state participants welcome)

Cost: $650

If you prefer to pay via check, please contact us at 303-322-3373 or [email protected].

A limited number of scholarship spots will be available.

Thanks to the NextFifty Initiative for making this program possible!

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For questions about this event, contact us at 303-322-3373 or [email protected]

Providing services for older populations has been part of EDF’s programming since 2003. Did you know that 21% of all EDF community members are over the age of 50? Many of these members report feeling relieved to have access to a community where they feel represented and can relate to one another. The population reaching out for any of our services is large and diverse, and we know the same will be true for this retreat. We welcome folks of all genders, races, sexual identities, sizes, religions, abilities, incomes, etc. to sign up. You do not need to be a member of EDF's other programs to join. You must be at least 50 years of age by June 16, 2023 to attend. ​Thanks for respecting the safe space created specifically for older adults on journeys to healing an eating disorder, disordered eating, and body image concerns.

We recognize that disordered eating and body image lie on a spectrum that may not escalate to a clinical diagnosis, and that clinical support and diagnosis are not accessible to everyone. Our services are open to folks in all stages of recovery, and do not require a diagnosis or treatment in order to become part of our community. Our programs also encompass diverse identities and levels of experience. No matter your particular struggle, if you think you could benefit from connection and skills in recovery, we'd love to have you. That being said, this is not a formal treatment program and may not be appropriate for folks who need a higher level of care (please read the next FAQ).

Please note that the Resilient Recovery Retreat is NOT personal therapy or a treatment program. If you are unsure whether you need clinical support, we invite you to check out Project Heal's Free Clinical Assessment Program to see if a higher level of care might be a more appropriate option.

The Eating Disorder Foundation provides non-clinical, community-based, peer support programs. It is important that you arrive to our program in a stable state with the intention of using the retreat for self-regulation, skill building, personal growth, and peer-to-peer connection. This program is intended, in essence, to help you gain a sense of community where you can talk with others who "get it."

During the retreat, you will spend a lot of time in discussion with others, eat meals with your fellow participants, engage in gentle movement, and more. Activities may be subject to change and we encourage you to come with a flexible, open mind. You will be invited to use skills and tools to support your recovery and personal growth. Please be advised that this program is not considered formal treatment for an eating disorder. If you are currently in therapy or treatment for disordered eating or body image, that's great - we just ask that you are in a place in your recovery where you can safely and productively engage in recovery-focused activities with others.

Yes! You do not need to be local to attend; folks from all over are welcome to join us! You are responsible for your own travel and accommodations, and must make sufficient arrangements to be present at EDF by 9AM on June 16th.

Lunch and snacks will be provided on both days of the retreat. Please remember, this involves eating a meal as part of the group and does not involve clinical-level meal support, so you must be at a place in your recovery where this feels ok and safe.

You are responsible for your own breakfast and dinner. Participants are welcome to make arrangements to get together and enjoy some of the food our lovely city has to offer.

Retreat activities will take place at our office, located at 1901 E 20th Ave, Denver, CO 80205. A Place of Our Own is a two-story revamped building that houses EDF’s support and education programs. Designed to be free-flowing and secure, the building also serves as headquarters for our staff and volunteers, and is surrounded by a spacious and inviting garden that’s open to visitors most of the year.

We always suggest arriving a few minutes early your first time here, so we can give you a tour of the facility and answer any questions you might have. You may park in our small parking lot in the alley, or you may use street parking. Please bring a notebook and pen. You are welcome to bring a blanket, water bottle, doodle pad, fidget toy, or whatever you need to feel comfortable. You are welcome to bring your own yoga mat, although we have spares here. We may spend some time outdoors, so layers and sunscreen are good ideas.

Masks are encouraged but not required. Please practice social distancing and remain home if you are feeling unwell. If you are feeling sick or have concerns about getting sick, please consider our virtual support groups or phone availability as alternatives to in-person services.

You should plan to be at 1901 E 20th Ave by 9AM each day. There will be one lunch break per day, plus snack breaks. Activities will run until about 4PM, at which point you are free to relax, explore the city, or socialize with other attendees.

A limited number of scholarship spots are available on a first-come-first-served basis through the scholarship option on the order form. To meet the income-qualified requirement, you must send proof of financial hardship, by e-mail, within 7 days of buying your ticket. As proof of hardship, we will accept proof of enrollment in any other program with income-qualified requirements, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and others. Please do NOT send pay stubs, yearly incomes, lengthy emails describing your personal situation, etc. Only one document is necessary. We will accept documentation of financial hardship at our discretion.

If you prefer to pay via check, please contact us at 303-322-3373 or [email protected].

To make this experience as comfortable and supportive as possible, this retreat is limited to approximately 20 participants. Spots are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. If spots are sold out, please feel free to sign up for the waitlist.

If you are not able to make it, please let us know as soon as possible, no later than two weeks prior to the retreat, so that your spot can be made available to someone on the waitlist. We will refund your ticket, fees excluded, on a case-by-case basis. We cannot guarantee a refund if you cancel within two weeks of the retreat date.

Retreat tickets do not include long distance or local transportation, lodging, breakfast, dinner, travel insurance, or additional activities outside of scheduled retreat hours.

The mission of The Eating Disorder Foundation is to be an effective resource in the prevention and elimination of eating disorders through education, support, and advocacy. Learn more about us at https://eatingdisorderfoundation.org/

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Eating Disorder Foundation, 1901 East 20th Avenue, Denver, United States