Personal Recovery Space (previously called Individualized Support Service)
The Looking Glass Foundation is pleased to offer our third peer support program: a 24/7 digital support service designed to help those struggling with any eating disorder or disordered eating find their way to recovery. Personal Recovery Space or PRS (previously called Individualized Support Service or ISS) invites participants to confidentially post their experiences, issues, or questions and receive prompt responses and support from well-trained LGF volunteers — all under the oversight and mentorship of our ED Therapist.
This new service differs from our Online Peer Support (OPS) chat program in that it is available around the clock, rather than just at scheduled times. Responses are not in "real time", but they can be much more personal and in-depth than in the chats, where support is group-based.
PRS offers empathetic, personalized, and confidential support to anyone fourteen years or older who wants to recover from an eating disorder. It is provided at no charge and can continue for as many weeks or months as is helpful.
The program provides each participant with their own personal, secure, and confidential online forum that is shared with 2-3 trained Looking Glass volunteer mentors. After initial introductions, participants can post whenever they want, 24/7, and the assigned volunteers will usually respond within 24 hours (or within 48 over the weekend).
While peer support is not therapy, Personal Recovery Space helps participants to remain focused on their recovery. Every individual is different, and the support is personalized based on the often multi-faceted aspects of their eating disorder, where they are in their recovery, and what other treatment or support they are receiving. The idea is to support individuals as they go through the ups and downs along their own recovery path. Many Personal Recovery Space volunteers know first hand that recovery is possible, and that each individual's struggles are unique. Our support is for the whole person, and not just the eating disorder.
This program is suitable for a wide range of experiences: those getting help for the first time; those currently waitlisted for other treatment; those who wish to augment other forms of treatment; or those who have come a long way in their recovery, but want support with relapse management. Frequent, confidential, pro-recovery encouragement and support from an empathetic person with a deep understanding of what it means to struggle with this disorder can make all the difference in sustaining real recovery.
*Please note that all participants must be medically and psychiatrically stable.
Here's how just a few Personal Recovery Space participants describe their experience:
"Writing tonight in my forum has helped. I think I’m going to be okay this evening. Thanks for listening."
"I just have no other outlet for these thoughts; no one who understands or wants to hear it. Thank you."