Psychotherapy, Counselling & Community Support Services in Cornwall
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Weight Loss 'Life Group'
Who is it for?
This group is for any adult wanting to lose weight and change how they look and feel about themselves, food and exercise. You can be of any age, sex and weight to join this group, however please note that we will not support unhealthy weight loss (i.e. who clearly do not need to lose weight, have anorexia, body dismorphia etc) at this particular group.
What is it for?
This is the question that we will be asking YOU. One of the first exercises is for each of you to create personal outcomes and goals that are both realistic and achievable; we will then make some overall group outcomes for a common goal.
Ongoing Support's outcome for the group is around sharing our knowledge and experiences (both us and you) and for the community as a whole to make healthy choices, to have increased self-worth, self-confidence and happiness.
Please note that our outcomes do not come with the requirement for you to be in a dress size 10, or indeed to lose a particular amount of weight. Our main focus is for you to be happy with yourself and what ever goals you choose to set for yourself.
What the group is ...
The groups are run on a weekly basis and are for 2 hours. Currently we will be running groups in St Austell at Trewoon Village Hall, Bodmin at Hillside Court, and Truro (venue to be finalised). There will be refreshments provided at each group.
There are no time limits of how long you can attend for, and you can use this group alongside any other weight loss programme that you may also be doing. We will be running the group for an initial 12 weeks as a closed group (no new members), and then become an open group (new members will be free to join at any time).
The first 12 weeks are a mixture of Therapy, education, and practical exercises:
Therapeutic
There is a large therapeutic aspect to the group, which will enable you to resolve any issues that may be connected to being overweight, or not feeling comfortable with yourself. By exploring your patterns of behaviour, emotional responses, your core beliefs and values, and the choices that you make for yourself, you can change your outlook on life, your lifestyle and yourself.
Educational
Sharing what you already know about yourself, food, health and exercise
within the group, will enable you to gain new knowledge and skills, and find out what has and hasn't worked for others.
Sharing our personal knowledge of personality, human behaviour, communication and theories will give you practical knowledge on the ‘what, why, where, when and how’ to living a healthy and happy life. We will also be inviting experts to come along and share their knowledge on other subjects, such as nutrition, relaxation and exercise etc.
Using practical exercises
Everybody has a tool kit, but we don't always have a full set of tools to do the job (like trying to smash down a wall with a screw driver). By learning certain exercises you will be adding to your own tool kit, and improving your knowledge about yourself. So imagine being able to turn your stress off as quickly as pressing off a light switch, and taking away your cravings for certain foods. Sound good? It really is possible to re-wire your own brain so that you are in control of your life, not just for 5 minutes, but for life!
Following the 12 weeks the group will be more self-supporting and therapeutic, and a space to practice all the exercises and the new skills that you have learned. Any new members will have done the initial 12 weeks prior to joining.
What the group is not ...
This is not a diet group! There are no scales, no competitions to see who can lose the most weight, no calorie counting, and no shaming and blaming. Any group member who displays competitive and/or shaming and blaming behaviour will be asked to leave the group.
How much will it cost?
The full cost is £15.00 per person, per group. If you are on benefits then the cost will be between £5.00 and £10.00, depending on the type of benefit you are receiving and your level of income.
How do I join?
Just contact me (Dena) to register your interest, and I will set up an initial (free) meeting for you to ask any questions and decide whether the group is for you (if you are on any benefits, in order for us to assess how much you will pay for each group you will need to bring any proof of benefit with you).
