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As you begin your research into binge eating help, you’ll likely come across facilitators who offer different types of support (like coaching, counselling or therapy), as well as different levels of support. 

To learn about the different types you’ll want to read this guide: Which Type of Binge Eating Support is Best for Me: Counselling, Therapy or Coaching?

On this page, however, we’ll be exploring the main advantages and disadvantages of 1-1, group and self-paced support so that you can decide which is best for you right now… 

One-to-one (1-1)

This is the highest level of support you can receive. Because you're working directly with your counsellor, therapist or coach, they can completely tailor their support to you and your unique needs. 

1-1 advantages

• Sessions focus on your specific challenges and goals. 
• You have accountability from your facilitator to show up and take action.
• They can help you find the tools and techniques that most benefit you. 
• Sessions can often be arranged at times convenient for you. 
• With a good facilitator, you might feel that you are being truly seen and heard and as vulnerable as this can be, it can also be incredibly healing. 
• Because of all of the above, you likely have the highest chance of binge eating recovery. 

1-1 disadvantages

• It comes with the highest level of investment. 
• You may have to wait for space to become available and their session times may not be convenient for you. 
  

Group

Self-paced

This level is usually an online programme made up of videos and tasks which you complete at your own pace. It’s unlikely that any of the content will be tailored to you but it can be a really effective way of making huge progress in your recovery with less of an investment. 

Self-paced advantages

• It comes with the lowest level of investment. 
• It’s an amazing way to work with the top / your most desired counsellor / therapist / coach etc without paying a lot or having to wait for them to become available. 
• You can start working through the content as soon as you sign up. 
• It’s completely flexible around your schedule and you can work through the programme at your own speed. 
• You’ll often have long term access to the programme so you can revisit areas if needed.

Self-paced disadvantages

• Because support is more general, you may not get the level of help that you need. 
• There may be parts of the programme that are irrelevant to you. 
• You may not be able to get help with questions and challenges that come up for you. 
• There is a lack of accountability from others and more of a need for self-motivation.
  

Some final thoughts

As someone who has received 1-1, group and self-paced support I want to add that no one is necessarily better than the other. We are all unique and need different support depending on where we are in our journey. You’ve got to look at the advantages and disadvantages as part of the bigger picture, including what type of support you want as well as who you’d like to work with.

The “who” is specifically important. Getting binge eating support is a vulnerable thing and you want to make sure that you feel like you’re being truly understood and held in that support.

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health issue. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.