Join Gloria Lucas of Nalgona Positivity Pride and Wednesdae Reim Ifrach of Rainbow Recovery present a 3 part intensive training on managing the conversation of Weight Loss in Weight Neutral Care. Meeting Monday 7th, Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th from 7:30pm to 9:30pm EST.
Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking event focused on exploring the complex dynamics of weight loss conversations within the context of harm reduction and person-centered care. In this Part 2 session, we will delve deeper into the challenges faced by both providers and individuals with lived experiences when weight loss becomes a priority.
Themes To Be Explored
Reconciling opposing truths:
In a world where weight loss is known to be ineffective yet can offer a sense of safety in a fatphobic society, how can we navigate the conflicting truths that have the potential to both protect and harm individuals? We will delve deeper into this conundrum and discuss strategies for finding common ground.
The illusion of safety:
Safety is often elusive in an inherently unsafe world, and being fat or possessing multiple marginalized identities further compounds the lack of safety. We will engage in an open dialogue to understand the challenges faced by clients in maintaining safety and explore ways to address them.
The least harmful approach:
Various approaches to weight loss will be discussed, including over-the-counter and prescription diet pills, medical interventions like Ozempic, exercise, and dietary changes. We will thoroughly examine the risks and benefits of each approach and consider factors such as affordability, accessibility to diverse healthcare professionals, and individual needs.
Individualizing care:
Every client is unique, and their circumstances necessitate personalized considerations. We will explore how to tailor weight loss conversations based on factors such as medical stability, therapy engagement, and harm reduction practices. Attendees will gain insights into navigating these complex dynamics on a case-by-case basis.
The role of therapy, HAES, and intuitive eating:
We will delve into the potential benefits and drawbacks of incorporating Health at Every Size (HAES) and intuitive eating frameworks into therapy. We will also address the influence of privilege and personal circumstances on the effectiveness of these approaches. Alternative concepts such as mechanical eating and mindful eating will be explored as well.
Cultivating compassion, curiosity, and empathy:
Participants will learn strategies for fostering compassion, curiosity, and empathy when clients express a desire for weight loss. We will delve into the importance of maintaining person-centered care while upholding our own values and beliefs, facilitating a more supportive and inclusive therapeutic environment.
Integrating lived experiences:
The event facilitators, a bariatric surgery survivor, and a person living with bulimia and practicing harm reduction will share their personal journeys and reflections on fatness and anti-fatness. Attendees will be encouraged to bring their own lived experiences to the table, fostering a safe space for open discussions and a deeper exploration of these important topics.