Positive Bodies: Love the Skin You're In
and
Real Men:Real Bodies

Third year running

Want to stop obsessing about your perceived body flaws and feel more confident about yourself  and your body? Well come along to this six week course on how to change how you think and behave towards your body.

This programme has been designed by Dr Vivienne Lewis, a psychologist and expert in body image and well being. Groups are facilitated by trained psychology clinical masters students at the University of Canberra under her supervision. The programme is based on both Australian and international current research on promoting positive body image There are separate women's and men's groups.

Positive Bodies: Love the Skin You're In is a six week programme for women which includes education about where body image perceptions originate from, how to challenge negative self perceptions and how to engage in healthier behaviours  to increase women's self-esteem.

The men's programme is called Real Men:Real Bodies which is a health and body esteem programme for men. Just like women, men often have 'hang-ups' about their bodies but often don't talk about it. Maybe our biceps are not big enough, our hair is falling out or greying, or we are starting to get 'love handles'. Some would say being concerned about these issues makes men vain or 'sissy' but there is no weakness in having these kinds of concerns or wanting to do something about them.

The Real Men:Real Bodies is a programme for men to discuss these issues in a confidential environment with other men and learn ways to feel better about themselves. The 6 week programme is presented by men, based on the current Australian and international research concerning how to develop a positive body image. It also includes tips on general health and well-being including stress management.

In addition there is a programme for parents and carers who want to promote positive body image and self-esteem in their child of any age.

Please contact Dr Vivienne Lewis on 6201 5687 or Vivienne.Lewis@canberra.edu.au to register your interest.

Some basic tips from Dr Vivienne Lewis on improving your body image

"Treat your body like your best friend. This means accepting complements,focusing on what you like about your body, say nice things to it and give it treats like massage and bubble baths. Also look after your body and mind through exercise, sleep, eating healthy foods and keeping stress levels down."