Body Esteem Program - Australian Women's Health Conference ...

Body Esteem Program – Healing through Sharing Stories.
A community based peer facilitated self help program for women with eating disorders.
discussion and activities (issues such as self image, body image, loneliness,
perfectionism, relationships, relapse, sexuality and decision making). Each group is
facilitated by two women who have experienced and recovered from an eating
disorder. The facilitators provide support and guidance based upon their own
experiences.
2. A support and information program for parents/partners and family members who
have loved ones suffering from an eating disorder. This program provides education
and insight into the experiences and difficulties experienced by sufferers, and are
delivered over eight weekly sessions (of 90 minute duration). Key stakeholders and
service providers across public and private mental health services in WA, who
specialise in eating disorders provide presentations and allow opportunities for
participants to ask questions and interact with each other in a supportive and
developmental environment.
3. A ‘Step-Down’ program for participants who have completed the peer facilitated self
help program and are needing additional support to assist in the maintenance of
recovery. This program is only available to those who have completed the initial
program and are wanting/needing further support to assist them in refraining from
returning to destructive and harmful thinking patterns and behaviours.
The Body Esteem Program – A snapshot of the 20 week program
• The emphasis of the BEP is upon women accepting responsibility (and credit!) for
effecting positive change in their own lives. It is also about the sharing of support
and guidance between women who are, and who have experienced similar
difficulties.
• Facilitators guide their groups through a series of themes, group activities and
homework tasks.
• Each group session runs for 2 and a half hours and has a regular structure: opening
circle, theme discussion/evaluation of homework task; work time; closing circle.
• Each group has a cut off of 15 participants. Experience has shown us that optimum
numbers for group dynamics and retention sits at approximately 8 – 10 participants.
• The group celebrates the end of the program by sharing a meal together at a local
restaurant. This is a significant achievement for all members of the group and this
event enables the participants to gain practical experience of engaging in an event
which has previously been far too terrifying to contemplate.
BEP – an integrated approach to best practice
• The BEP promotes an environment of safety, respect and one that is free from any
judgement. It provides an opportunity for role modeling and the visualisation that
recovery can be achieved. Choices can be made that can lead to the retention of positive
emotional health and wellbeing for the women it serves.
• Results of the continual improvement processes gained from consumers, presenters,
facilitators, key stakeholder agencies as well as administrative staff has ensured ongoing
content review, policy development and program accessibility. Referral pathways are
continually updated.
• Continual liaison and negotiation with key stakeholders has meant that WOMEN’S
Healthworks has established a fundamental place within eating disorder services in
Western Australia, as well as at a national level.