Exploring consumer and carer experiences of a therapeutic group yoga program for eating disorder recovery: a qualitative pilot study

Abstract

Eating disorders remain complex and costly conditions, and while evidence-based treatments address behavioural and weight-related symptoms, they often neglect embodied aspects of recovery. This study examined consumer and carer experiences of an 8-week Yoga for Eating Disorder Recovery intervention (YEDRi) offered within a regional eating disorder service. A constructivist realist qualitative design was used to recruit twelve consumer–carer pairs (mean age = 17 years); ten completed the program and undertook post-program semi-structured interviews. Template Analysis guided iterative coding, stakeholder templates, and team consensus. Four themes characterised participant experiences. Getting to the Mat showed mixed motivations and early hesitations. On the Mat revealed physical, psychological, and relational benefits. Off the Mat demonstrated how yoga practices supported daily regulation and strengthened family connection. Beyond the Mat identified safety-enhancing features and practical recommendations for future programs. Therapeutic yoga was experienced as a safe and valuable adjunct to treatment, offering benefits in emotional regulation, embodied awareness, and family connection. Carer-inclusive yoga programs show promise within eating disorder care and merit further investigation across settings and stages of recovery. Trial registration: The trial was registered through the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) (trial ID: ACTRN12625000274471). Many young people with eating disorders want to move their bodies, but exercise can feel unsafe or overwhelming during treatment. Families also carry a heavy emotional load, often feeling stressed, isolated, and unsure how to help. This study explored what it was like for young people and their carers to take part in an eight-week therapeutic yoga program offered alongside regular treatment. Young people said yoga felt gentle, safe, and different from the pressured or exhausting exercise they had experienced in the past. They described feeling calmer, more connected to their bodies, and better able to manage difficult emotions. Carers were surprised to find the sessions also helped them feel more grounded and supported. Doing yoga together strengthened family relationships. Many families continued practising at home, using breathing and grounding techniques during stressful moments. Young people appreciated having their carer with them, and carers valued sharing an activity that wasn’t focused on food or treatment. Overall, yoga offered a supportive space for movement, connection, and emotional wellbeing. Families felt it complemented standard treatment and would be helpful for others at different stages of recovery.