Proudly supported by
The Butterfly Foundation
in partnership with Sportsgirl



Parent Education Support Program (PESP)
Dates to be advised.   (Costs $88 per person or $132 per couple) 
  
The aim of this program is to educate and raise awareness of your loved one's eating disorder.  Previous group members have found the sessions to be of great value in their understanding of an eating disorder and coping mechanisms.  There will be presentations by health professionals from the field of eating disorders and a personal story also. 

The sessions are interactive, in a safe and confidential setting which allows you to speak about your concerns and gain support and information.

We also welcome siblings to the program who are over the age of 18. 

Overeating/Binge Eating
The next 20-week self-help group will commence in early 2011 from 6.30pm to 9.00pm at Leederville.  (Costs: $330.00) 

This is not a weight loss program.  The aim of the group is to look at the emotional aspects of overeating.


Anorexia/Bulimia
The next 20-week self-help group will commence in early 2011 from 6.30pm to 9.00pm at Leederville.  (Costs: $330.00)

These groups have been adapted to cover all stages of recovery.  The groups are facilitated by women who have recovered from an eating disorder and offer support and advise based upon their own experiences of recovery.

 

Step Down Program

Is for women who have previously attended one of the 20-week self-help groups.  It is a support group and will be held in October/November at a central location.  Costs to be advised. 

 

Contact 9300 1566 or info@womenshealthworks.org.au for further information or to register for any of the programs.


 The Body Esteem Program Guided Self-Help Groups

The Body Esteem Program (BEP), unique in Western Australia, offers self-help groups for women aged 18 years and over living with an eating disorder such as Anorexia Nervosa/Bulimia Nervosa and Overeating/Binge Eating Disorder. 

The BEP self-help groups are not treatment groups, but provide an environment in which women have access to strategies and support which will be helpful in making positive change around eating-related difficulties.

Groups are held weekly, and are facilitated by two women who have experienced and recovered from their own eating disorder.

How We Can Help 

Each woman in the Body Esteem Self-Help Group has an eating disorder such as Anorexia Nervosa / Bulimia Nervosa or Overeating / Binge Eating.

A Self-Help Group is different to a therapy group or treatment group. Self-help means that you set your own goals and take responsibility for learning and making changes at your own pace.

You will be supported and guided in this process by the facilitators and the group.

The Body Esteem self-help group is a safe space where you can talk about anything related to your eating disorder with women who understand and empathise with you.

Who are the Facilitators? 

The groups are facilitated by women who have recovered from an eating disorder themselves

We will share our own stories of having an eating disorder, and offer support and strategies based upon our own experiences of recovery.

All the group facilitators receive on-going training and professional supervision in their work.

What Happens in a Group? 

The Body Esteem Self-Help Program runs one night a week for 20 weeks.

The group is closed, which means no new participants can join after the group has been running for two weeks.

Each week different issues are explored that relate to eating disorders and recovery, and you will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of your eating experiences and behaviours.

You will also have the opportunity to develop skills and try out different strategies for making positive changes around your eating.

The Group will participate in discussion and activities, and you will be given homework tasks and reading materials.

There is Always Hope... 

Women who participate in Body Esteem Self-Help Groups often find that they feel less ashamed, less isolated and feel more confident and hopeful about the future. Many women have participated in the groups and have made positive changes to their lives. Here are a few of the things they have had to say...

“How would you describe your experience of participating in this Body Esteem 20-week self-help group?”

  •  “It’s been enjoyable and difficult and confronting and enlightening.  It’s been a safe place to come and be me.”
  •  “A life-changing, life-saving experience.”
  •  “Amazing, it’s been so insightful and rewarding and helped me gain a deeper understanding of myself.  It’s been hard and scary also.”
  •  “Life changing in becoming more aware about myself, my actions and reactions in regards to my relationship with food.  It was intense and often uncomfortable - but the discomfort necessary in this self exploration process.”
  •  “Overall it has been the best help I have received for treatment for my ED.  It most importantly taught me that I can get out of this cycle by using different tools/strategies.  Other thing that I’ve learnt was that support from people who have the same experience is powerful in the way that it makes you realise you’re not the only one - makes getting better more realistic.”
  •  “An amazing 20 weeks of self discovery, growth, self acceptance and opportunity to challenge my ‘negative’ thought patterns.”

Other Things Participants Have Said About the Program?

  •  “I can discuss my eating disorder with others.  I’m not ashamed of it anymore, or embarrassed by it.”
  •  “The girls have helped me realise I am not alone in my thoughts.”
  •  “My thoughts seem to be lessening.  I still have them, but am more able to control them.”
     “I have now started to eat three meals a day and a snack in between.  You need to survive.”

How Much Does It Cost? 

Participation costs $330 for the 20 week program. A schedule of payments can be negotiated.

More Information 

If you would like further information about the Body Esteem Program or would like to be placed on our waiting list for future groups please contact us on 9300 1566 or click here (info@womenshealthworks.org.au).