Components Matter!

In addition to thorough assessment and treatment planning, Body Matters offers: ·

Body Matters has also developed a structured 12-week intensive out-patient (IOP) program conducted in a caring, safe environment where adolescents can become aware of their feelings and learn to manage life’s issues without using food to cope.

Our goal is for program participants to steadily improve their physic­al and emotional wellbeing in a non-judgmental environment that emphasizes peer acceptance and support. Our top priority is to promote a strong sense of self-worth while building healthy minds and bodies. Body Matters employs a non-diet approach including group support, family therapy and education, nutrition counseling and exercise guidance.

 

Assessment Matters

In order to create an individualized treatment plan for each IOP participant, Body Matters has created a thorough assessment process that encompasses its key components. The following assessments help Body Matters gain an inclusive understanding of each participant:

  1. Individual and family assessment with one of our therapists
  2. Nutrition assessment with our Registered Dietician
  3. A family feedback and recommendation session

Support Matters

“Lean On Me” is a weekly support group conducted as part of the adolescent intensive out-patient program. It is designed to help participants support one another in the process of physical and emotional change. Throughout this group process, participants will gain a greater understanding of the specific factors contributing to their weight issues. With the guidance of skilled therapists and feedback from peers, they will learn coping skills they can use to be successful. As a result, participants will achieve a more positive self image, learning how to define and accept themselves outside of their size and shape. 

 

Family Matters

Family involvement is essential when addressing the issue of obesity in each participant’s progress. Body Matters believes that by involving the whole family in treatment, each participant’s chance of success is significantly increased. Therefore, over the 12-week program, parents are required to participate in six family therapy sessions.

Free bi-monthly parent support groups are led by one of our therapists. Also, monthly multi-family field trips will be planned to help get families moving together. These groups are optional, but strongly encouraged.

 

Nutrition Matters

Our nutrition philosophy is based on a non-diet approach toward healthy eating. In addition to the initial nutrition assessment, each participant will meet with a Registered Dietician at least 2 times per month. Tools such as menu planning and addressing obstacles help develop skills necessary to facilitate a healthy balanced lifestyle.

Moving Matters

Physical activity is vital to the process of overcoming obesity. Activity may be integrated into the Program in a variety of ways. Participants are strongly encouraged to “get moving” with program peers and with their families. This is a huge opportunities to build relationships!