Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies!

Powers Ferry Psychological Associates, LLC is proud to introduce a new program for children and teens called Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies! This innovative, holistic 12- week psycho-education group helps overweight children from age 9 to 16. It is designed to enhance self-esteem, improve emotional awareness, and increase children’s ability to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Five Program Goals:
1. Learn   the   difference  between   physical   and
    emotional hunger
2. Respond to physical hunger  with  healthier food
    choices
3. Meet emotional needs in effective ways
4. Discover fun ways to be active
5. Accept   and  love  the  body  that  results  from
    doing 1 through 4!

Obesity is a “chronic disease.” Overweight children tend to become overweight adults, increasing their risk for cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Experts agree that we must address these issues early. However, putting children on diets is ineffective and increases the risk of developing binge eating disorder, anorexia or bulimia.

Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies is not just another “eat less, exercise more” standardized, weight-loss program. In addition to addressing nutrition and exercise Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies! focuses on each child’s emotional health and self-esteem, and explores how these factors impact their choices regarding eating, exercise and self-care.

Issues will be explored in small discussion groups with children who are facing similar issues. Social support is essential for overweight children who are often ostracized for their body size. Group work decreases isolation, increases self-esteem and reduces the shame and stigma attached to weight problems.

The Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies! program structure:
Step 1: Initial evaluation with child and parents.
Step 2: Participation in 12 weekly group sessions
Step 3: Parent-therapist meetings to assess progress and “road blocks” to success
Step 4: “Booster Sessions” scheduled as needed to maintain  positive  changes and address new
            issues that arise

Family involvement is also essential for success. The Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies! program requires the active involvement of parents. By incorporating lifestyle changes in the home and modeling a healthy lifestyle, parents can assure that changes are gradual and permanent!

By exploring psychological issues in a group setting and involving family members, Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies! gives overweight children the best chance for a permanent lifestyle change.

Groups are divided into ages 9-12 and 13-16 and may be gender specific.
No more than six participants per group.
The program includes:

Some insurance companies may cover costs of this program. After the initial session, our staff will work with you to help determine your insurance benefits.