Body Image / Eating Disorders
I have developed a Tool which records the client's feelings at the start of therapy, the higher the score the greater negativity and time spent in that modality. This enables me to measure the effectiveness of my therapeutic programme in a dynamic and powerful way throughout the process. This is hard evidence that my programme of healing and change really works in a short time frame of 6 weeks. All it takes is full participation in the programme.
The following table is an extract of data from clients with initial issues of stress, anxiety, depression, various addictions including weight issues, IBS, relationship and bereavement issues, as well as work related, lack of confidence and self-esteem, and academic related issues, who completed my 6 week therapy programme between February 2008 and June 2009. The table shows significant improvements in 8 key areas.
Average score at start of therapy. |
Average score after 4/6 weeks of therapy |
% improvement |
|
| Trying to please other people. | 68 |
29 |
57% |
| Thinking about the past. | 66 |
25 |
62% |
| Thinking about the future. | 65 |
55 |
16% |
| Thinking about revenge. | 22 |
10 |
55% |
| Thinking negative about self. | 71 |
25 |
64% |
| Thinking about regrets & failure. | 59 |
20 |
66% |
| Worrying. | 77 |
34 |
56% |
| Trying to control other people. | 39 |
18 |
53% |
The small improvement in 'Thinking about the future' is infact a mixed result, in that many clients report that their thoughts about their future after the 6 week therapy programme is brighter and more positive; whereas the score at the start of therapy was from a negative view point.
Concern about one’s appearance is normal and understandable as studies have shown that attractive people have distinct advantages in a modern society.
- Attractive children are more popular
- Attractive applicants often get the job.
- Attractive defendants are found guilty less often.
- Attractive people are often seen (irrationally) possessing other desirable characteristics like intelligence, competence, social skills, confidence, and even moral virtue. (The good princess is always beautiful and the wicked step-mother ugly.)
It is therefore, not surprising that physical attractiveness is overwhelmingly important to us. What we see when we look in a mirror will depend upon many factors some of which include; gender, age, ethnic group, sexual orientation, mood, state of our health, what we watch on TV, what we read, whether we are married or single, in a relationship or not, childhood experiences, even what we eat or drink.
Research indicates that women are more critical of their appearance than men. Men tend to look at themselves and are pleased with what they see or they are indifferent. Women see the flaws and exaggerate them; men often do not see the flaws and over-estimate their attractiveness. Men will tend to keep their negative feelings about their image 'bottled-up' using other addictive habits to compensate; like alcohol, depression, not talking or socialising.
Being over concerned or obsessed with body image is detrimental to a balanced and healthy view of life, limiting the individual, causing self-esteem issues, lack of confidence and the ability to reach their potential.
People who suffer with eating disorders such as Anorexia or Bulimia suffer with a distorted view of their bodies. This view is within their perception, and has been created by the individual, and their interpretation of their experiences.
At Mind For Life we have a unique programme that has helped many people who have suffered loss enabling them to come to terms with their loss and revitalise their lives with new opportunities. The corner-stone of the programme is the Dynamic Thought Transfer Technique TM plus our methods of teaching. We do not have any magic formulas or special powers, we do not tell people how to live their lives … what we do is guide, teach, support, and encourage; if the client fully participates in the programme, then they will develop enthusiasm and curiosity about this Earth Experience, valuing health. Every person who has fully participated in the programme has created new opportunities in their lives … without exception.
