BEFRIENDING YOUR BODY PROGRAM (BFYB) ™ ®

Group will run seasonally with a 6 person minimum. If minimum enrollment is not met you will have the option for individual sessions or a full refund. This is a psycho-educational and practice-based experience. It is based on the evidenced-based knowledge of Polyvagal Theory, Interoceptive awareness, self-compassion and mindfulness as well as being framed through the Health At Every Size (HAES) social justice model, respecting the influence and intersection of socio-cultural influences on eating disorder and disordered eating development. This is not a weight loss program. This means that you will be experiencing interplay between education, and personal processing and growth. This process is presented as an intensive 8-week online group setting. Participation in this experience can result in many benefits to you, including improving your self- understanding, self-growth in self-compassion and internal body awareness along with interpersonal relationships and resolution of the specific concerns that led you to seek attendance at a psycho-educational process. During the psycho-educational process, you may also encounter unpleasant feelings or thoughts. You may also make decisions about changes you would like to make in your behaviors and/or relationships. This experience may result in changes that were not originally intended.  Attending a psycho-education process is not a substitute or alternative for individual psychotherapy or inpatient psychotherapy. If you require the names of counselors before, during, or after the psycho-educational process, your facilitators will be happy to provide you with a list of providers. I understand that I am agreeing to participate in a psycho-educational experience that carries with it the potential for positive benefits and/or unpleasant feelings. I understand that I may experience both expected and unexpected changes. I also agree to practice self-care while I participate in this group. If I am feeling overwhelmed, I will slow down, or take a break and step away. I understand that I am free to participate to whatever degree is comfortable for me, and I will not push myself beyond that to meet any perceived expectations of myself or others. I also agree to reach out to the facilitators in between groups if I require extra support. I understand that if I decide that the group is not for me that I will reach out to the facilitators to discuss this ahead of time and I understand that no refunds can be offered as I am securing my spot in the group and am committing to this at this time. I understand that this is not considered, nor a substitute or alternative for individual counseling, and that I am free to participate and am encouraged to participate in my own counseling during, or after this experience. I understand if I am experiencing any increase in eating disorder/disordered eating symptoms that I will reach out locally for individual help. I agree that I will contact 911 or go to my local emergency room if I am experiencing any suicidal thoughts. I understand that this group experience will not provide emergency or crisis services. If needed, the facilitator can give a list of needed resources. I understand that Heather Beahan, MS, Functional Nutrition Alliance Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor (CFNC), BYFB certified teacher/group facilitator will follow the law of therapy and confidentiality in New York. Note that where all precautions will be taken to secure confidentiality that all online groups pose some potential risk in confidentiality. Although guarantees cannot be provided by the group facilitator(s), group members must agree to maintain the confidentiality of other group members. This means that you may not disclose names or other identifying information about group members, nor may you discuss the personal issues and experiences of other members. This includes but is not limited to written posts and pictures on social media forums. Discussing your own experience of being in the group with non-members is acceptable.