For parents, it is emotionally draining to watch a child suffer from an eating disorder and difficult to know how to communicate effectively with him or her. The Canadian chapter of the non-profit organization Project HEAL, headed by Montrealer Ashley Tritt, has begun a monthly support group for the family members of individuals with eating disorders.

Each 90-minute session is facilitated by Randi Fogelbaum, director of the Eating Disorders Program at McGill University, and will include a presentation as well as a question-and-answer period where Tritt, who is a former anorexia patient, and her mother will share their experiences. Tritt said she began the support group when she realized that there were few resources available specifically for parents.

“Eating disorders are often talked about behind closed doors,” Tritt said. “But parents have so many questions. They are all wondering what to do, what to say, what not to say, and how to help.”

The free sessions are run once a month on Monday evenings at the Westmount YMCA, 4585 Sherbrooke St. W. For more information or to sign up, email canada@theprojectheal.org.

For more information on Project HEAL, visit theprojectheal.org.