ABSTRACT
The issue of body image is often something that elicits anxiety in both patients and staff. Patients reported that talking about their bodies will make them feel worse and the slow pace of change can be dispiriting. Staff comment that they feel ill equipped to address such issues and again experience concern that they will further distress the individual. This group was developed in response to reflections by staff and patients on an inpatient eating disorder unit. BodyWise is an eight session, structured group with clear agendas for each session. In a study undertaken across three eating disorder services, patients who took part in BodyWise groups reported improvements in shape and weight concerns compared to a control group. BodyWise aims to provide a structured and safe space for individuals to begin and explore their thoughts about body image. The focus is on raising awareness, rather than active change.
