Body image class a real-life experience for psychologists

Jacquelyn Curtis

Ms Cubillo said the workshops gave her the chance to see how the principles she learned worked in reality Photo: Michelle Khoo

14 June 2006: A unique series of workshops designed to encourage a positive approach to body image has allowed clinical psychology masters students the opportunity to practice their skills.

Positive Bodies: loving the skin you're in is the first of its kind to promote positive body image for both men and women from the general community .

Six clinical masters students have been involved in both hosting and running the workshops as well as undertaking research required to prepare three sessions. The 'hands on' exercising of their skills will be evaluated by four graduate diploma students.

Program coordinator and psychology lecturer, Vivienne Lewis, said positive body image can significantly affect a person's well being.

This is a sentiment echoed by Carmen Cubillo, a psychology tutor and one of the clinical masters students involved in running the workshops.

"Culture has a big impact on body image," she said. "The media and social things like teasing can really affect a person's body image.

"This is a great program created upon evidence-based research which allows the group to work together, to share experiences and opinions and encourage positive learning."

Ms Cubillo said in addition to encouraging positive messages about body image, the program has also allowed her to apply research and gain experience working in a group environment.

"In practicing psychology we are taught that thoughts affect feelings, which in turn affect behaviour," she said.

"It was great to see how these principles work in reality."

Ms Cubillo says the feedback from the sessions has all been very positive; and the experience had been an incredible 'learning curve' for her and the other students involved.

"It has been a really rewarding experience. This is a great program and it has really exceeded our expectations."

Dr Lewis plans to take a modified version of the program into primary schools as a way to prevent eating disorders and body image problems in adolescence. She also hopes to run a body image program exclusively for men.