Table 2.
Summary of the structure for group sessions 1–5 [12].
| Self-Esteem Group | ||
|---|---|---|
| Session Number | Session Outline | Homework Tasks |
| 1 | Introduction and ground rules | Self-awareness exercise to notice triggers for feeling worse about yourself or Antecedent-Behaviour -Consequence (ABC ) diary to identify thinking patterns and behaviours |
| Group mind map: What is self-esteem? (Figure 1) | ||
| Psychoeducation: Branden’s definition of self-esteem (confidence and worth) | ||
| Group discussion: What impacts on self-esteem? | ||
| Complete measures | ||
| Psychoeducation: Link between self-esteem and eating disorders, short and long term consequences of Eating Disorder on self-esteem | ||
| 2 | Check-in and homework review | Notice the poisoned parrot and question it—is it fact or opinion? and/or try covering the cage visualisation |
| Psychoeducation: Blocks to self-confidence; Introducing the poisoned parrot metaphor for self-critical thoughts | ||
| Mind map—impact of listening to the poisoned parrot? | ||
| Cognitive antidote 1: Cover the cage (visualisation) | ||
| Cognitive antidote 2: Questioning the bird brained thinking (thought challenging) | ||
| Psychoeducation: Fact vs. opinion | ||
| 3 | Check-in and homework review | Have a go at neutralising the poisoned parrot using the worksheet or mood tools phone application. |
| Psychoeducation: Introduce categories of unhelpful thinking habits | ||
| Group task: Using scenarios to identify types of unhelpful thinking habits and encourage reflection on individual’s own thinking habits | ||
| Cognitive strategy: Introduce “neutralising the parrot” thought challenging worksheet and work through example scenarios | ||
| 4 | Check-in and homework review | Try self-esteem affirmations and/or Achievement, Closeness, Enjoyment (ACE) log—do you spend time doing things which make you feel good? |
| Building the alternative: Introduce proud peacock metaphor to balance poisoned parrot | ||
| Experiential activity: Guided relaxation incorporating covering the cage visualisation and positive affirmations followed by group discussion: Debrief and reflections | ||
| Cognitive strategy: Introduce positive qualities log, individuals attempt to complete own log | ||
| Behavioural strategy: Discuss impact of behaviour on self-esteem; introduce pleasurable activities and Achievement, Closeness, Enjoyment (ACE) log | ||
| 5 | Check-in and homework review | Take home messages—what will you implement in daily life from this group? |
| Assertiveness strategy: Our rights questionnaire | ||
| Groups discussion—do you live by these rights? | ||
| Psychoeducation: How lack of assertiveness maintains low self-esteem | ||
| Psychoeducation: Introduce 3 communication methods (passive, aggressive, assertive) and assertiveness skills | ||
| Group task: Discuss scenarios or role play—how to apply assertiveness skills | ||
| Complete verbal/written feedback forms and measures | ||
| Check out | ||