weight loss and group meetings

Some weight loss programs (most notable Weight Watchers) utilize group meetings as part of the accountability/behavior modification strategies inherent to their program. I have found that many people choose to remain "anonymous" during their weight loss efforts. We have attended health fairs at malls and other venues and note that many overweight people will not stop by our booth, not because they are not interested, but rather, because they are self-conscious. I have also noted over the years that there are a significant number of our weight loss patients who do not tell their friends/family/colleagues that they are doing our program. Why? Fear that they will be viewed as "weak", not being able to lose weight on their own, or fear that if the "fail" they will be looked at as "losers".

Many psychological issues are involved associated with weight control problems. Sometimes hearing other people's struggles/issues and how they adapt can be quite helpful towards your own efforts. Serotonin-Plus has not held any "live" group discussion forums, and me, being the old guy who doesn't twitter, facebook, link-in or text very much wants to offer a live (no, not a webinar or chatroom) group meeting venue for our patients. This will, of course, be free of charge to anyone who is or has been in our program. The meeting will be facilitated by a graduate student, Kymberly Posner, who is working towards her graduate degree in counseling. The last name may ring familiar and if not, then you are clearly NOT invited to participate.

Kym has been taking many courses in graduate school that are preparing her very well to lead groups in discussions. I hope she will not blush too much if she reads this, but the reason she has been offered this role is not because of her last name, but rather because of her 4.0 course track record, her invitation to join Mason's graduate honor society in counseling, and her exemplary performance in her group counseling classes. Having said all of this, it is important to note that she is not a licensed clinical counselor and has no accreditation. Her facilitating role will be strictly as a layperson, and we do not want anyone to think that a board certified psychologist or licensed counselor will be leading these group meetings.

Logistics? The group will be limited to 6-8 people, will be conducted initially for 60-90 minutes, location will be the waiting room in our Burke office, healthy refreshments will be provided, you will need to sign a release that you understand that Kym is not a licensed psychologist or counselor, and it will be conducted on a weekday evening at 730PM. When will it start? As soon as we get feedback and interest. Interested? Write me at: drposner@spdiet.com

I am proud of the "free" services we are providing such as our group walks, health and wellness seminars at Springfield Country Club, nutritional counseling and now the offering of group meetings. These services are a great accompaniment to your weight loss efforts, and this is what separates our program from any other in the area. We are not just dispensing pills, giving B-12 shots, or trying to sell you supplements and prepackaged foods. We are providing you with an incredible array of services!