Exploring and enhancing body image and sexual functioning: a 12 week support group for women

The purpose of this project thesis is to create a twelve week support group for women that focuses on enhancing both body image and sexual functioning. The curriculum covers the five stages of grief and takes women on a journey toward the final stage, body acceptance. The support group also teaches women the possible dangers of poor body image, while educating them on mindfulness and other methods that will lead toward loving one's body. The last few sessions incorporate information on how body image relates to sexual functioning, and allows women to explore their own sexuality. Since women will be in a group among other women, women are also anticipated to enhance interpersonal communication through camaraderie.