The overall purpose of this group session is to introduce the members to each other and set the foundation for strong, positive group dynamics and cohesion. Laying the foundation for strong, positive group cohesion is imperative because higher quality group cohesion is associated with better treatment outcomes (Pisetsky et al., 2015). The group session will begin with an icebreaker activity to introduce members. It will then move to a discussion about group rules, expectations and other technical detail of the group (informed consent, purpose, confidentiality, etc.). The discussion will then transition to more therapeutic and personal topics including individual personal goals, fears and hopes related to the group, …show more content…
The session will begin with addressing the influence of media on women ages 14-18 years. We will discuss the “thin ideal” portrayed in mass media and how this negatively influences self-worth (Thompson & Heinberg, 1999). Other factors of body image we will discuss include gender, self-esteem, social support, pressure from family and teasing (Ata, Ludden, & Lally, 2007). After a thorough discussion of media, family, and friends’ influences on body image, we will work on restructuring negative thoughts about self-worth with questions, discussion, and …show more content…
• In addition, members will log what they eat and the thoughts related to what they ate for the week. We will discuss and evaluate faulty thinking surrounding food and replace distorted thoughts with positive and realistic thoughts. We will use a CBT worksheet to help reframe thinking (Vivyan, 2010b).
Session Six – Termination
In this session, the overall goal is to share what members learned throughout these 16 weeks of therapy and to talk about life outside of group therapy. We will specifically address topics we covered in therapy such as coping with anxiety and depression, distorted thoughts of food and negative body image. Reviewing what members have learned and sharing what changes members have already made will foster feelings of hope as the group comes to an end. We will address and discuss members’ fears and apprehensions about ending group therapy and make appropriate referrals for group members if necessary.
Group goals, questions, materials, handouts
• Review topics and handouts discussed throughout the 16 week group therapy sessions.
• Provide members with a supportive resource guide covering all topics discussed in