It's Not About the Food: An Integrative Group Therapy Model for Those Struggling with Weight Regulation

Chairs:

Fran Weiss, LCSW-R, BCD, DCSW, CGP, Faculty, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York

An innovative group therapy model combined with the creative use of a technique of drawings and body-orientated therapies for adults with weight regulation problems. The model addresses overeating, overweight, and body image symptomatology as an outgrowth of developmental deficits, affect dysregulation, attachment disturbances, and dissociative self states emanating from developmental trauma.

didactic, sharing of work experiences, demonstration, experiential

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:
1. Identify the clinical considerations of the adult population where weight regulation and body image is a problem.

2. Describe dilemmas and defenses of the conscious and unconscious life of the overweight pt.

3. Identify developmental deficits and dissociative self states related to weight regulation and body image.

4. Compare traditional psychodynamic group work with this integrated approach for weight regulation.

Course References:  

1. Krueger, D. (1989). Body Self and Psychological Self: Developmental and Clinical Integration of Disorders of the Self. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

2. Schore, A. (2003). Affect Dysregulation Disorders of the Self. New York: Norton.

3. Weiss, F. (2004). Group Psychotherapy with Obese Disordered-Eating Adults with Body Image Disturbances: An integrated model. American Journal of Psychotherapy. 58(3), 281-303.