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Body Image Support Group
We will be running our Body Image Support Group again starting January 31st through April 18, 2023. This group will run Tuesdays virtually from 4-5pm. This group is intended for any and all individuals struggling with body image concerns as a result of systemic and sociocultural factors including but not limited to diet culture. This group will be led by Licensed Professional Counselor & Clinical Supervisor, Sarah Adler, along with one of our Clinical Social Work interns from UW-Madison. Sarah specializes in providing eating disorder treatments as well as anxiety-based treatments.
This group uses the workbook created by Rachel Sellers and Mimi Cole to deconstruct diet culture, learn how to respect, nourish, and care for the whole self. Members will work with co-facilitators to extinguish body shame and move towards body
acceptance and kindness. Members are encouraged but not required to have a copy of A Body Image Workbook for Every Body by Rachel Sellers and Mimi Cole. Co-facilitators will provide handouts to those who do not have access to the book, as well as
supplemental materials throughout the duration of the group.
Cost: $55/session. There is a $75 deposit to attend the group that is fully refundable with completion of the group or with drop out prior to the 2nd session. Insurances accepted: Quartz, GHC, Optum/United Healthcare, Evernorth, Cigna, Health Partners of MN, WEA Trust, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, Aetna, Multiplan, PHCS, Health EOS. If you do not have any of these insurances, you would be responsible for paying out-of-pocket. Please verify with your insurance that you have coverage to attend groups
using the billing code 90853.
This group uses the workbook created by Rachel Sellers and Mimi Cole to deconstruct diet culture, learn how to respect, nourish, and care for the whole self. Members will work with co-facilitators to extinguish body shame and move towards body
acceptance and kindness. Members are encouraged but not required to have a copy of A Body Image Workbook for Every Body by Rachel Sellers and Mimi Cole. Co-facilitators will provide handouts to those who do not have access to the book, as well as
supplemental materials throughout the duration of the group.
Cost: $55/session. There is a $75 deposit to attend the group that is fully refundable with completion of the group or with drop out prior to the 2nd session. Insurances accepted: Quartz, GHC, Optum/United Healthcare, Evernorth, Cigna, Health Partners of MN, WEA Trust, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, Aetna, Multiplan, PHCS, Health EOS. If you do not have any of these insurances, you would be responsible for paying out-of-pocket. Please verify with your insurance that you have coverage to attend groups
using the billing code 90853.
Lunch Support Group: An Eating Concerns Group
Join us in this weekly virtual group led by Christy Killips, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, who maintains areas of expertise that include but are not limited to: malnutrition, eating disorders, infant/pediatric feeding difficulties, failure to thrive, picky eating, irritable bowel disorder (IBD) as well as Crohn's or UC, gastroparesis, post bypass patients, food allergies, diabetic management, nutrition support (tube feeds, IV nutrition), nutrition during and after cancer treatment, and transitions in care (i.e. hospital to home).
The group will start February 1st and continue weekly on Wednesdays from 12-1 the first two weeks of the month and Thursdays at 12-1 the last two weeks of the month (months with 5 weeks we would just do Thursday for 3 weeks). The group will be limited to 8 participants per group. She will be providing reliable informational resources and strategies to critically evaluate nutrition information through an evidenced-based lens supported by current research while incorporating intuitive eating principles and adhering to the healthy body at every size approach to nutrition based support.
Christy will address nutrition misinformation,provide a safe, inclusive environment providing social support and connection for those struggling to maintain consistent nourishment. She will also create space to engage in opportunities where members are able to challenge worries or anxieties related to social exposure around meal times. This will assist in normalizing eating with others, validating those fears, and empowering members to create a new experience related to meal time with others.
Christy will present nutrition related information, tips, and/or skills in each group covering but not limited to the following topics: Fiber, Carbohydrates, Protein, Fats, Calcium, Vitamin D, Iron, Antioxidants, Organic vs non-organic, Movement Myths, Self care, Food Safety, Osteoporosis, Anemia, Gluten myths, and more. Christy will engage members in celebrating wins/growth for the week, nutrition education, reflection/processing, and more.
Participants will be required to:
Cost: $55/60 minutes; Insurances accepted: Quartz, GHC, Evernorth, Cigna, Health Partners of MN, The Alliance/UMR, SHIP, Aetna, Multiplan, PHCS, Health EOS. If you do not have any of these insurances, you would be responsible for paying out-of-pocket. Please verify with your insurance that you have coverage to attend groups using the billing code 97804 for a nutrition group. There is a late cancellation (less than 24 hour notice) and missed group fee which is the full cost of the group that cannot be charged to your insurance and would be run through your credit card on file. Participants need to be signed up with completed intake paperwork 24 hours prior to the group.
The group will start February 1st and continue weekly on Wednesdays from 12-1 the first two weeks of the month and Thursdays at 12-1 the last two weeks of the month (months with 5 weeks we would just do Thursday for 3 weeks). The group will be limited to 8 participants per group. She will be providing reliable informational resources and strategies to critically evaluate nutrition information through an evidenced-based lens supported by current research while incorporating intuitive eating principles and adhering to the healthy body at every size approach to nutrition based support.
Christy will address nutrition misinformation,provide a safe, inclusive environment providing social support and connection for those struggling to maintain consistent nourishment. She will also create space to engage in opportunities where members are able to challenge worries or anxieties related to social exposure around meal times. This will assist in normalizing eating with others, validating those fears, and empowering members to create a new experience related to meal time with others.
Christy will present nutrition related information, tips, and/or skills in each group covering but not limited to the following topics: Fiber, Carbohydrates, Protein, Fats, Calcium, Vitamin D, Iron, Antioxidants, Organic vs non-organic, Movement Myths, Self care, Food Safety, Osteoporosis, Anemia, Gluten myths, and more. Christy will engage members in celebrating wins/growth for the week, nutrition education, reflection/processing, and more.
Participants will be required to:
- Eat lunch during this time.
- Bring/prepare their own lunch
- No active safety concerns (i.e. self-harm, suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation)
- Sustain medical stability
- >18.5 kg/m^2 BMI,
- no or limited lab abnormalities,
- no significant weight loss (15 pounds or more) in the last 3 months
- Members to be working with at least 1 provider (i.e. therapist or dietitian) outside of meal group
Cost: $55/60 minutes; Insurances accepted: Quartz, GHC, Evernorth, Cigna, Health Partners of MN, The Alliance/UMR, SHIP, Aetna, Multiplan, PHCS, Health EOS. If you do not have any of these insurances, you would be responsible for paying out-of-pocket. Please verify with your insurance that you have coverage to attend groups using the billing code 97804 for a nutrition group. There is a late cancellation (less than 24 hour notice) and missed group fee which is the full cost of the group that cannot be charged to your insurance and would be run through your credit card on file. Participants need to be signed up with completed intake paperwork 24 hours prior to the group.
Normalizing Uncertainty and Increasing Tolerance through ACT
This is a virtual group led by Tim Abendroth utilizing the 6 core principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to improve your tolerance of the uncertain moments of life with confidence. Additionally, Tim will incorporate skills and information from Russ Harris's book The Happiness Trap. This group will go through steps on how to utilize ACT principles, practice ways in which to use them, and provide time to process with other peers in the group.
Tim is trained in Marriage and Family Therapy as well as Sex Therapy, ACT, and more. He engages in both group and individual counseling at Synergos while also training colleagues.
This virtual group will start Wednesday, February 1st and continue every Wednesday over 9 weeks for 60 minutes from 4-5pm.
Cost: $55/60 minutes; There is a $75 deposit to attend the group that is fully refundable with completion of the group or with drop out prior to the 2nd session. Insurances accepted: Quartz, GHC, Optum/United Healthcare, Evernorth, Cigna, Health Partners of MN, WEA Trust, The Alliance, SHIP, and UMR. If you do not have any of these insurances, you would be responsible for paying out-of-pocket. Please verify with your insurance that you have coverage to attend groups using the billing code 90853.
This is a virtual group led by Tim Abendroth utilizing the 6 core principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to improve your tolerance of the uncertain moments of life with confidence. Additionally, Tim will incorporate skills and information from Russ Harris's book The Happiness Trap. This group will go through steps on how to utilize ACT principles, practice ways in which to use them, and provide time to process with other peers in the group.
Tim is trained in Marriage and Family Therapy as well as Sex Therapy, ACT, and more. He engages in both group and individual counseling at Synergos while also training colleagues.
This virtual group will start Wednesday, February 1st and continue every Wednesday over 9 weeks for 60 minutes from 4-5pm.
Cost: $55/60 minutes; There is a $75 deposit to attend the group that is fully refundable with completion of the group or with drop out prior to the 2nd session. Insurances accepted: Quartz, GHC, Optum/United Healthcare, Evernorth, Cigna, Health Partners of MN, WEA Trust, The Alliance, SHIP, and UMR. If you do not have any of these insurances, you would be responsible for paying out-of-pocket. Please verify with your insurance that you have coverage to attend groups using the billing code 90853.
Ditch the Diet Mentality
Are you always trying to lose weight? Do you feel that you need to change your body in order to be happy? Do you stress about food choices and never know what is the “right” choice? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please join us for a 2 part series to learn how the diet mentality may actually be hurting your health rather than helping. Start 2023 with a new approach to Health and Wellness with this two-part virtual series on February 16th at 6-7:30 pm and March 2nd at 6-7:30 pm.
Part 1: Why Diets Don’t Work on 2/16 will include the following: why restrictive diets don’t work long term, problem with BMI as a health indicator, what does a healthy relationship with food look like, restricted eating vs gentle nutrition, signs of disordered eating & exercise, and more!
Part 2: Embracing an Anti-Diet Mentality on 3/2 will include the following: a fighting back against the negative effects of diet culture, accepting your set point, getting started with intuitive eating, understanding health at every size, how to start working towards an improved body image, and more!
These are virtual groups led by Karin Ballard, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist & Pediatric Nutrition Specialist. Karin has been a dietitian for over a decade and has worked with individuals of all ages with a variety of health concerns, including gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, diabetes, sensory feeding difficulties, disordered eating recovery, and food allergies. She has a passion for helping individuals cultivate a positive relationship with food, mind, and body through embracing the principles of Intuitive Eating. People of all ages often struggle with mixed messages about what it means to be “healthy."
Cost: $82.50/session. Insurances accepted: Quartz, GHC (requiring prior authorization to attend), Evernorth, Cigna, Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, and UMR. If you do not have any of these insurances, you would be responsible for paying out-of-pocket. Please verify with your insurance that you have coverage to attend groups using the billing code 97804. We require 24 hour notice of withdrawal from the group to avoid charge for the full session fee. You do not need to attend both groups.
Finding Your Breath
This workshop is led by Sarah Peters (she/her). She infuses years of experience as a trauma-informed occupational therapist with the practice of Yoga to share the gift of movement, connection, and healing. Her passion for sharing healing wisdom and holding nurturing space leaves an open invitation to explore a path of awareness and mindful movement. Her workshops are grounded in knowledge of movement patterns, anatomy, neuroscience, and the subtle body.
This workshop is for those who have heard “take a deep (or full) breath” and your response is “yeah, right, I wish”. In all seriousness, for those who have experienced anxiety, traumatic stress, chronic pain, pelvic floor issues, or recovering from illness this is for you. Holding our breath or breathing shallow is a common stress response that can become a persistent way of breathing that keeps us in a cycle of pain and angst. In this workshop we are going to explore the respiratory diaphragm and core connections. You will leave with several different strategies that you can begin implementing right away that empower you to feel at home in your breath and body.
This workshop is Saturday, February 11th from 11-1230pm in our wellness center. You need to sign up at least 48 hours before the workshop to allow us proper preparation. There is free parking in our lot. Take the elevator to the 3rd floor and our wellness center will be to the left.
Cost: $30
What to bring with you:
- Comfortable clothing
- We have bolsters, blocks, mats, and chairs available in the wellness center
- Any additional supports that bring you comfort and support while sitting or laying down
Stress Management through Acupressure First Aid
Our Clinical Acupressurist, Erin Selbee, will be running a 90 minute workshop teaching you how to utilize the Seva Stress Relief Protocol to safely use a variety of pressure points at home to relieve the aches and pains you may be experiencing on a daily basis. Erin will incorporate both education & experiential exercises to help you find relief from stress.
This workshop is February 22nd from 530-7pm in our wellness center. If you are unable to attend in person, please contact us for possible alternative options. You need to sign up at least 24 hours before the workshop to allow us proper preparation. There is free parking in our lot. Take the elevator to the 3rd floor and our wellness center will be to the left.
Cost: $30
Yoga for Stress Management
Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical poses, controlled breathing and meditation. Numerous studies have shown that yoga helps reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure and lower heart rate. Yoga can enhance the practitioner's mood and overall sense of well-being. Whether it’s tightness in the shoulders, tension through the spine, or a seemingly never-ending headache, stress manifests itself in our bodies in various ways. Yoga, with its focus on breathing and mindful movement can be the ultimate form of stress relief.
This 90-minute workshop led by Dale Kaufman on Saturday, March 11th from 11-1230pm in our wellness center will incorporate meditation, stress relieving yoga poses, stress management strategies, relaxing music and aromatherapy to calm the nervous system. This class is suitable for all levels of yoga practice.
You need to sign up at least 48 hours before the workshop to allow us proper preparation. There is free parking in our lot. Take the elevator to the 3rd floor and our wellness center will be to the left.
Cost: $30
What to bring with you:
Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical poses, controlled breathing and meditation. Numerous studies have shown that yoga helps reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure and lower heart rate. Yoga can enhance the practitioner's mood and overall sense of well-being. Whether it’s tightness in the shoulders, tension through the spine, or a seemingly never-ending headache, stress manifests itself in our bodies in various ways. Yoga, with its focus on breathing and mindful movement can be the ultimate form of stress relief.
This 90-minute workshop led by Dale Kaufman on Saturday, March 11th from 11-1230pm in our wellness center will incorporate meditation, stress relieving yoga poses, stress management strategies, relaxing music and aromatherapy to calm the nervous system. This class is suitable for all levels of yoga practice.
You need to sign up at least 48 hours before the workshop to allow us proper preparation. There is free parking in our lot. Take the elevator to the 3rd floor and our wellness center will be to the left.
Cost: $30
What to bring with you:
- Comfortable clothing
- We have bolsters, blocks, mats, and chairs available in the wellness center
- Any additional supports that bring you comfort and support while sitting or laying down