Mindful eating group

The Mindful Eating Group is a group program for people experiencing difficulty controlling their eating

What is the Mindful Eating Group?

The Mindful Eating Group is an 8-session program suitable for people with overeating, emotional, or binge eating difficulties. The program takes a psychological approach to managing emotions and eating behaviour and supporting self-acceptance. The program integrates evidence-based treatment approaches including mindfulness, interpersonal therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. The group is intended to be a safe space, allowing participants to gain support and understanding from others who may share a similar struggle.

How many people will be in the group?

There will be 6 - 10 participants in the group.

Program Dates

Currently taking expressions of interest

Program Outline

The program comprises 8 X 2-hour group sessions covering the following topics and themes:

Understanding your emotional or binge eating pattern
The psychology behind dieting, body image and self-esteem
Mindful skills, hunger and fullness signals, calm control over food choices and eating habits
Mindful movement, body awareness, and cultivating self-compassion
Skills to manage difficult emotions and relationships
Self-care rituals and planning for the road ahead

Each session includes an education component, time for sharing and reflection, and mindfulness and other experiential exercises. Practice of skills in between session is an important part of the program.

Session 8 is a follow up session held 4-6 weeks later with the aim to reconnect and consolidate learnings.

Is the Mindful Eating Group suitable for me?

You will be invited to attend an individual assessment session prior to the group starting to discuss your eating concerns and determine if the program is likely to be suitable to you. Generally, the program may be suitable if you have:

- concerns about your overeating, emotional eating or binge eating

- body image concerns or feel like your experience in your body is holding you back in life

- a desire to address some of the psychological or emotional issues that may be related to your eating behaviours

- a desire and willingness be part of supportive group; and

- a degree of commitment or willingness to try something different

The group is not suitable for people who are experiencing anorexia nervosa, acute psychosis, or substance use, or other difficulties that may interfere with a person’s capacity to participate safely in the group. If you have questions, feel free to ask.

Fees

The cost of the Mindful Eating Group program is:

$595* (or $495* concession rate for full time students and healthcare card holders). This is a program fee that covers the 8 X 2-hour group sessions
$180* (or $160* concession rate) for an initial 90-minute assessment session
$40 materials pack including mindfulness CD

*Medicare rebates are available for eligible participants for both individual and group sessions.

For more information about the Mindful Eating Group or to express your interest, contact the facilitators:

Suzette Goldwasser 0490 667 063 goldwasserpsychology@gmail.com

Rebecca Wickham 0409 256 089 rebeccaleewickham@gmail.com