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It is an innovative concept for the therapeutic treatment of many psychological conditions. It addresses a client's inertia about positive change. For example, a depressed person may know many of the things they need to do to change, but often cannot overcome their physical, psychological and emotional inertia, which can further compound their depression.
The package utilises a combination of structured exercise programs thematically integrated with a group work approach that focusses on change orientated psychological therapy. A further unique feature is the combination of the Group and Gym coordinators, working as a team. The approach combines and extends many elements of already accepted clinical practice, e.g. using Behavioural, Interpersonal and Cognitive strategies throughout the program.
"My extensive clinical experience has recognised a significant increase in the capacity of participants to embrace psychological change when undertaking regular aerobic exercise, particularly in a supportive group atmosphere." - Doug Burke.
Participant reactions to Structured Exercise Programs have been overwhelmingly positive, eg " the best thing that has happened to me for many a year"
Click here for outcome data for exercise programs.
- Participants begin a process of change through a structured and integrated exercise program.
- The program capitalises on the psychological benefits of exercise.
- The exercise and change orientated group work programs focus on integrated psychological themes for the duration of the program.
- The program personnel (i.e. group facilitator and gym facilitator) are trained to work as a team.
Participants will receive:
- 4 Months gym membership: unlimited gym access
- 2 supervised & facilitated sessions of exercise a week
- 12 group work sessions addressing the specific psychological problems of participants
- a participant's manual
- an individual evaluation of psychological and physiological progress
- Individual counselling sessions are also available.
The Funding Organisation will receive:
- A comprehensive integrated group program addressing the problems of the specific client group
- The services of qualified appropriately trained staff for the duration of the program.
- An ideal case management strategy for a wide range of client needs.
- An outsourcing opportunity to enable agency staff to focus on core business, OR the opportunity to train in-house staff to provide the program.
- Accreditation and Facilitators Manual, for those in-house staff who are trained.
- Access to a centralised database for both the individual and the organisation, each with confidentiality safeguards.
- A comprehensive report on group progress, aggregated for the organisation. An individualised and confidential report is provided for participants.
- Customised programs to address the specific needs of the organisation.
Therapeutic Programs: Fitness Integrated Therapy
- Fit2Beat Depression ©
- FIT 2 Manage Anxiety ©
- FIT 2 Return to Work ©
- FIT 2 Survive Trauma ©
- FIT 2 Regain Control of My Life ©
Corporate Training: Fitness Integrated Training ©
- FIT 2 Manage Change ©
- FIT 2 Build Successful Teams ©
- FIT 2 Build Profits ©
Based on past successful clinical experience FIT has developed a treatment concept whereby participants engage in twice weekly structured exercise programs in a group setting, during which their thinking is specifically focussed on overcoming their difficulties, through achieving specific goals.
The physiological gains from the exercise are then reinforced by group sessions, which are thematically linked to the exercise sessions.
The programs are provided by a 2 person team: an exercise physiologist and a group worker/counsellor, who work closely with each participant over the 4 -6 months duration of the programs.
- The structured nature of the programs
- provides routine and consisitency to the participant's lifestyle
- helps overcome personal lack of motivation
- integrates the beneftits of improved personal thinking and physical activity
- Participants have evidence of physiological change from their bodies, before having to risk cognitive change
- Group and gym work increase socialisation
- Individual and team goals are progressively structured into the progress of the program
- Participants will learn about the links between their physiological reactions and subsequent emotional behaviours and reactions
- Participants will learn techniques to help them manage their body's reactions
- Participants will learn techniques to help them positively integrate their physiological and psychological reactions.
 (Blumenthal 1999)
- Recent research shows exercise is an effective way to battle depression and other conditions.
- FIT programs are based on successful experience, using regular exercise to assist Vietnam veterans. (See Outcomes Study)
- One study indicates that exercise is as effective as medication in treating depression. The study also indicated that those relying on medication alone were four times more likely to relapse than those who continue to exercise. (Blumenthal 1999)
- Medication alone does not change how people think - the group thearapy sessions of the FIT program address this.
- Medication either doesn't work or has negative side effects on approximately 1/3 of people and many people also wish to avoid medication - exercise may be an alternative in these cases (Consult your doctor). (Blumenthal 1999)
- Participants are active, rather than passive, in their own treatment, as is often the case when relying solely on medication.
- FIT tackles issues such as lack of motivation, by doing exercise in a supportive group setting.
- FIT recognises the significance and strength of the bodily reactions of those suffering psychological problems. Most other programs just focus on thinking positively and behaviour modification and erroneously expect change will then occur, in all situations. However, if the sufferer is not able to overcome their body's inertia then their negative self-talk is reinforced.
- FIT participants focus on managing their physiological reactions and symptoms, so their body reactions no longer interfere with their thinking, emotional and behavioural changes.
- FIT provides participants with skill and techniques to manage the physiological symptoms of their problems.
- The twice-weekly exercise and fortnightly group sessions improve the socialisation of participants. Many people with depression, anxiety and trauma instinctively isolate themselves and restrict interactions, this reduces their ability to overcome their problems.
- Exercise done individually can be isolating and tedious. Even while exercising people can hook into "loop thinking" ie the repetition of negative self-talk - FIT methodology reduces the likelihood of this thinking by working in groups and by structuring "thinking" activities during exercise sessions.
- FIT methodology is cost effective and provides value for money, in terms of quality client contact.
- FIT methodology is readily adaptable and can be delivered anywhere, even if there is not a gym available. The program only requires access to, and funding for, an accredited team of an exercise facilitator and a group facilitator.
- FIT programs will be thoroughly researched and evaluated. Funding organisations will be provided with outcome data on their participants.
- Chronic conditions are best treated by a longer-term comprehensive program, which produces a change in lifestyle. (There is no "quick-fix" or magic wand).
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