Beyond Appearance, Supportive Group Therapy with Stefanie Scott ​

How much time and energy do you spend evaluating your body, looking in the mirror, comparing yourself to others, or avoiding social activities? We are so much more than our outward appearance, yet we spend considerable amounts of energy and time focusing on “fixing” it. This can feel overwhelming and limit our experience. The good news is it doesn’t have to!

What is the group about?
Beyond Appearance provides a supportive space to explore the stories and beliefs we hold about our bodies and our self worth. Our work together will focus on reducing body image distress, understanding the origins of our narratives, identifying learned patterns, and cultivating practices that allow more joy and connection in our lives
 
Who is it for?
The groups are open to teens, young adults, and adults. These patterns often begin at a young age and continue through adulthood.

When and where?
There are two eight week in-person groups forming at Willamette Sky Counseling (1600 Oak St. Eugene, OR) 
- Thursdays, March 13th - May 1st, 5:30p.m. - 6:30p.m. (Ages 18 and above)
- Sundays, March 16th - May 4th, 12:00p.m. - 1:00p.m. (Ages 16-18)
- Individual sessions with Stefanie are also available.
​ 
How much does it cost?
PacificSource Community Solutions (OHP) accepted, or $40 per group session.

I'm interested, but I have more questions!
Through this eight-week psychoeducation and processing group you will gain a greater awareness of your relationship with your body, identify the systems and experiences of influence, and learn new ways of interacting with yourself and the world in a compassionate and empowering manner.
 
Can you go a bit deeper into what will be covered?

• Checking in with yourself. Often, we are not aware of just how much time and energy that we put into self-evaluating activities. We will identify behaviors (mirror-checking, sizing, comparing, limiting social activity), thinking patterns (“if..” “when..”, negative self-talk, and emotions (embarrassed, lonely, angry, longing). 
• Understanding the narratives. We may find ourselves repeating learned or created stories about our self-worth, appearance, exercise, and food choices. We will uncover the origins of our stories and how they may continue to be influenced. (What have we learned from our parents, family, social circles, beauty sellers, systems of power?)
• Seeing your whole-ness. We are each unique individuals! When we make room for non-appearance related activities, where do we find joy? What abilities do we possess? What can we contribute? Who are we as whole, authentic, worthy people?
• Creating actions that are empowering: We will learn the tools to notice appearance behaviors in the present moment and pivot from self-judgement to self-empowerment. We will form actionable steps and have a chance to practice new ways of relating to ourselves and others.
• What methods will be used? We will use supportive dialogue, education, expressive art, and journaling. You will be able to interact with the material in the way that is comfortable for you, creating a safe and collaborative place for healing.

Sounds great, how do I sign up? 
Reach out to [email protected] or call 541-600-2034. Or email the workshop instructor, Stefanie, at [email protected].
 
Stefanie Scott is a Professional Counselor Associate experienced in leading groups and individuals in treating body image distress, patterns of disordered eating, social anxiety, relationships, stress reduction, and life transitions. Sessions are collaborative in a safe, compassionate, and productive environment to support you in feeling engaged, heard, and understood. Professional Counselor Associate, Oregon R10077, Supervisor: Mindi Barta, LPC, C3787.

---