3rd Scandinavian Pediatric Obesity Conference - Idefics study

SOFT Introduction Day for Free
when you register for 3 rd SPOC 2008.
Sign up on for a special introduction day in the SOFT model
(Standardized Obesity Family Therapy) at the Childhood
Obsity Unit, on March 5, 2008. Meet the multidisciplinary team,
visit the center and learn about SOFT.
All this for free when you register for 3 rd SPOC 2008,
March 6-7 in Malmö, Sweden.
SOFT
SOFT is an effective and proven family therapy model that focus on the simple
and most effective solutions in order to effect positive change on the lifestyle of
obese children and adolescents – right now.
Standardized Obesity Family Therapy
How do I register
Mark the fi eld “SOFT Introduction Day March 5, 2008”,
when you register on the SPOC
website: www.childhoodbesity.info
There is a limited number of places, so make
sure to register soon.
What is SOFT
SOFT is a treatment model used to help obese children and adolescents
aged 4 to 18. This family therapy-based method is solution-focused,
which means that it aims to find solutions rather than to emphasize
problems. The therapist’s tool is the professional counseling session,
with a clear structured form in which the therapist is constantly aware
of where the session is going. The purpose of the counseling session is
to lead the way, based on the child’s needs, to a process of change that
occurs in sma l steps. The point of departure is a focus on the personal
resources of the child and the family, which strengthens the child’s selfesteem
and enables the child to find the path to a healthy weight,
supported by family, therapists, and other important individuals in the
child´s world. It is essential to avoid making the child or family feel guilt;
rather, a l e forts made should be respected and rewarded. Humility
and encouragement are the main features of the supportive treatment
provided in the SOFT model. The treatment focuses on everything from
exercise and die to self-esteem and family structure. A medical assessment
is the foundation and requirement of treatment.
What is the background of SOFT
The SOFT model was formulated and developed for 20 years by
pediatrician Dr. Carl-Erik Flodmark. He and psychologist MSc Torsten
Ohlsson carried out a study a the Child and Adolescent Center at
University Hospital, Malmö, which showed that family therapy is an
e fective method for treating obese children (Flodmark, Pediatrics,
1993). A treatment program was developed based on the findings of
this study to provide care within the framework of a pediatric practice.
In 2001 Dr. Flodmark opened a regional center for treatment of obese
children in Malmö – Childhood Obesity Unit. The working model was
further modified and developed with the assistance of Ywonne Peterson,
behavioral scientist and solution-focused brief therapist, as we l as other
team members a the Childhood Obesity Unit (pediatrician, pediatric
nurse, registered dietitian, sports expert and psychologist).
What makes
SOFT a successful model
The SOFT model .
• is an evidence-based treatment model.
• is flexible and can therefore be used in di ferent activities.
• is cost-e fective because few treatment sessions are required.
• emphasizes positive solutions.
• focuses on the present and looks to the future.
• is developed for a multidisciplinary team.
For more information about the SOFT model:
www.bravikt.info
w w w. b r a v i k t . i n f o
Dates to remember
Abstracts submission:
October 8 th 2007
Abstracts acceptance/
rejection
notification letter:
November 12 th 2007
Early registration fee:
before December 3 rd 2007
Regular registration fee:
before February 4 th 2008
Childhood Obesity Unit
Entrance 108, 2 nd Floor • University Hospital, Malmö S–205 02 • Sweden
Phone: +46 (0) 40 33 83 00 • Fax: +46 (0) 40 33 83 21
E-mail: barnovervikt@skane.se • www.bravikt.info