University Group Reaches Out To Support Women

       “This group is for people who have body image concerns, like they're trying to resist silly diets, over exercising, or criticism from society,” Jane Maxwell, Truman counselor and creator of W.I.S.E., said. “They're resisting that thin ideal.”

      Millions of people are experiencing eating disorder problems. The National Eating Disorders Association states that in the United States there are about ten million females and one million males who battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.

      Maxwell, who has a doctoral degree in community counseling, created W.I.S.E. to show women  on campus that eating disorders are dangerous and that they do not have to be controlled by appearance or what others think.

       “I see a lot of young women who limit themselves so much because of appearance,” Maxwell said.

      Maxwell also says there are many factors as to why women have body image issues. Not only are body image issues caused by peers, the media, or the over-bearing father; but, it is also the competitive nature that Truman creates in its students.

      “Here the standards are higher,” Maxwell said. “The people who come here, not always, but they tend to have these very high standards of themselves and have had this idea that they have to do well. It’s a big part of their identity.”

      Two years ago, Maxwell posed the idea of a body image program to the UCS’s director, Brian Krylowicz. They both are big fans of group therapy and thought this would be an excellent way besides the individual sessions to address some issues. Krylowicz, who is a licensed psychologist, said W.I.S.E. is there not for women with anorexia or bulimia, but for smaller problems with body image.

      “The group isn't for people with serious eating disorders because we take care of them in the individual sessions,” Krylowicz said. “This is a group where girls go to help each other in dealing with problems like the scale went up a notch or they don't like their flabby arms.”

      “It’s the sharing and support from each other, that’s where the healing comes and people are able to see they're not alone in this,” Maxwell said about the effect of a group session.

      Each week the group discusses different topics such as self acceptance, media influences and food. Right now the group only consists of five members. Maxwell says she wishes the group was bigger but she had a hard time getting the word out.

       “I suppose there are lots of reasons people don't show,” Maxwell said. “Either they didn't see the flyer or they don't have time because Truman students are pushed to the max. I think one of the biggest reasons is they don't want to come forth and share because there is something about these body image things and opening up that’s scary, it’s too personal.”

      Maxwell tried to advertise the group by using Facebook, the Women’s Resource Center (WRC), and a letter to Truman’s paper, the Index. With all her advertising efforts the group remained small and Maxwell feels it is due to the tough, personal subject matter. Maxwell will be continuing the group in the spring semester and hopes it can grow.

The WRC is the most involved Truman organization that helps promote W.I.S.E. since they are so closely related.

       “I know that we've had a few people talk to us about eating disorders,”said Angela Carter, director of the WRC. “We've seen that that is around and we've pointed people to W.I.S.E. to deal with those issues.”

      Carter said the WRC looks at body image issues for women and in October they sponsor an event called “Love Your Body” with a message for women to love themselves for who they are. During each of these events, Carter said they advertise for W.I.S.E. with flyers. Carter said the WRC is proud to have a support group like W.I.S.E. on Truman’s campus.

      “I think W.I.S.E. is a really good way to handle the situation of body image concerns,” Carter said. “It builds a community of people dealing with this and it kind of sets up a support network which is really a powerful thing to have.”

      The return of W.I.S.E. in the spring semester will add more than discussion. Maxwell said she hopes to do fun activities and even have guest speakers come talk to the group.

      “It is confidential so anything that is shared there, it stays there,” Maxwell said. “It’s a very safe place and no one is going to criticize you.”