New Women’s Support Group

One of the biggest struggles for women today is the way they view their bodies.

According to a Glamour magazine survey that asked young women  how many times they were critical of their bodies during the span of day, "a whopping 97 percent admitted to having at least one "I hate my body" moment." This statistic, along with many others, proves that young women need help in order to accept and love their bodies.

According to Ann Kearney-Cooke, Ph.D., a Cincinnati psychologist, "It has become such an acceptable norm to put yourself down that if someone says she likes her body, she is the odd woman out." Since colleges around the nation are magnets for young people, college groups need to be formed in order to help America's population of young women.

Thankfully, Western is ready to step up to the challenge. A new women's support group will be coming next month, and each and every young lady on campus is invited to join.

The new group is not just going to focus on body image issues. According to Kara Pileggi, a counselor at Western's Student Health & Counseling Services, the group will meet each Thursday from 3 p.m to 4:20 p.m., and will focus on self-esteem, relationships and body image.

Each free session will help young ladies cope with any physical or mental issues they are having in their lives, whether it is something as simple as lack of style, or as complex as an abusive relationship.

Pileggi, who has worked at Western for four years and has helped with previous support groups, holds high hopes for the women's support group this year. The collection of women, led by Pileggi and an intern, will focus on counseling and will support each woman that joins. The members will form special, trusting bonds with Pileggi and the other participants, and lives may even be saved.

As recorded by the American magazine U.S. News & World Report, 58 percent of the students attending Western are female. The university is ready for a group that supports the health and happiness of its female population.

To find out more about the new Women's Support Group at Western, see posters all around campus. Pileggi also hopes  to introduce the idea to young women in classes such as psychology around Western. Resident Assistants will also be on the lookout for potential members and will educate their residents about this amazing opportunity.

Pileggi will be speaking to her regular clients that may need extra support. She hopes the support group will have at least eight members. "Two is the minimum number of members, but we are looking for five to eight participants," states Pileggi. Keep an eye out for more information around campus; the group is hoping to start on Feb. 2.

If you are interested, contact the Student Health & Counseling Services to sign up for an intake that will allow Pileggi and other group leaders to get to know you. Get ready for a life-changing group of women that will bring self-acceptance and womanly support to many young ladies in Monmouth.