Join us for the Getting Your Groove Back: Sex, Stress, Body Image Issues, and Cancer series in Spring Lake, MI.
“Getting Your Groove Back” is an 8-session Sexual Wellness Enhancement & Enrichment Training Program for survivors.
Join us for the “Getting Your Groove Back: Sex, Stress, Body Image Issues, and Cancer” mind-body medicine series at the Absenger Cancer Education Foundation that starts on Saturday, February 21, 2015 (3-5pm). Click here to download the full workshop flyer.
“Getting Your Groove Back: Sex, Stress, Body Image Issues, and Cancer” Background
“Getting Your Groove Back” is an 8-Week Sexual Wellness Enhancement & Enrichment Training Program (SWEET) for survivors of, and women with breast and gynecological cancers. The program is based on Baker’s master’s thesis. Baker and Absenger wrote an article about SWEET, published in the peer-reviewed journal Sexual and Relationship Therapy.
The SWEET Difference
Sexual Wellness Enhancement and Enrichment Training incorporates targeted sexuality education into didactic portions of supportive group sessions. You’ll be introduced to exercises that target body image issues and sexual wellness themes such as body image visualizations, genograms, and couples breathing. Other activities are geared toward communication building, and self-appreciation (Baker & Absenger, 2013).
Workshop Objectives
- You’ll learn from an eclectic model that assumes that no single modality is going to fit every concern or even every person with a common concern
- You’ll learn from a broad educational base, dynamic group interaction
- You’ll be able to build a toolbox from which you can select the best tool for your self-care needs
- You’ll learn how to incorporate the latest, cost-effective, evidence-based interventions
How Do You Benefit?
- Increase positive sexual adjustment and coping skills
- Improve intimate supportive communication around body image issues
- Improve couples’ supportive communication
- Rediscover loving ground with your partner
- Reduce negative mood
Your Hosts
Alexzandria Baker, M.Sc, Ph.D.(c), Relationship Coach and Clinical Sexologist
Please join Alexzandria to explore the world of relationships, intimacy, and holistic sexual wellness. Alexzandria holds an M.Sc. in Mind-Body Medicine and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Humanistic Psychology at Saybrook University. In private practice as a sexuality coach and educator, Alexzandria incorporates mind-body skills in the work with persons, couples, and groups for a more holistic approach to sexual wellness.
Barbara Carlson, B.Sc., Artist, Yogi, and Peer Navigator Survivor
Barbara is a lifelong West Michigan resident who has been diagnosed with breast cancer twice (2007 & 2009). Barbara is passionate about helping you using art, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to foster self-awareness, reduce anxiety, and potentially increase self-esteem. Barbara believes that the creative process is essential to human beings and that creativity is a process; a journey.
When Does the Series Start?
Saturday, February 21, 2015, 3-5 pm
The series runs on eight consecutive Saturdays, meeting at the same place (see below) and time.
Where is “Getting Your Groove Back: Sex, Stress, Body Image Issues, and Cancer” Taking Place?
This program is facilitated by Alexzandria Baker, M.Sc., Ph.D.(c) via secure videoconference from Athens, Georgia. The program is co-facilitate by Barbara Carlson, Peer Navigator, and cancer survivor. You are going to be at the Absenger Cancer Education Foundation right here in Spring Lake, Michigan:
17212 Van Wagoner Road | STE A
Spring Lake, MI 49456
United States
There are a few promising studies indicating that video conferencing is a practical and efficient means of delivering group support. One study examined an 8-session, 4-week telemedicine group for 18 subjects with alcohol use disorders. The participants showed good attendance and attrition that was comparable to that expected with conventional in-person treatment.
Participants found the treatment highly credible and reported high levels of satisfaction with the video conferencing intervention. Research participants, 82% of them, would recommend the program to a friend or family member. This study concluded that using video conferencing for service delivery to this population can be done and is accepted by participants (Frueh et al., 2005).
Group support delivery via video conference, contrary to some initial fears, is not reported to feel cold or impersonal. In fact, University of Nebraska Medical Center staff says, “It is as though they are in his office.” (Krupa, 2010).
Cost
- $80 for Members (covers all eight sessions)
- $160 Nonmembers (covers all eight sessions)
Space is Limited. Registration is Required.
For more information Email or call Werner at (616) 607-7360
ACEF Mission Statement: Focus One | Integration
We will offer instructions in mind-body medicine modalities, right here in Spring Lake, Michigan, for which there is quality scientific evidence. Cancer survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals will be empowered to integrate mind-body medicine modalities safely into cancer survivorship.
Now it is Your Turn!
Get involved in two easy steps that will take less than one minute to complete:
Step 1: Share With Your Family, Friends, and Colleagues
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Thank you!
References:
Baker, A. C., & Absenger, W. (2013). Sexual Wellness Enhancement and Enrichment Training (SWEET): A hypothetical group model for addressing sexual health and wellbeing. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 1–15. doi:10.1080/14681994.2013.770142
Frueh, B. C., Henderson, S., & Myrick, H. (2005). Telehealth service delivery for persons with alcoholism. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 11(7), 372–375. doi:10.1258/135763305774472060
Krupa, C. (2010, November 22). Reaching the remote: Telemedicine gains ground. Retrieved from amednews.com web site at http://www.amednews.com/article/20101122/profession/311229933/4/
