What the heck is Prof. J doing these days?

My bloggy friends, I have been unfaithful to you. I have been spending all of my computer time on Spark People.

This is a weight loss website similar to many others, I am sure. I know it is similar to Weight Watchers. It offers food and exercise tracking, a recipe calculator, advice and information, exercise videos, blogs and support groups. And it's free.

So, two weeks ago, Susan and I joined a group called TOPS club, inc, and we started using Spark People.

In other words, my ass project started in earnest.

This may well be a good combination of programs for me. The TOPS group is something I never imagined I would do. People join together once a week to weigh in, sing songs, report whether they have gained or lost (out loud--in front of everyone), sing more songs, and talk a little about diet and lifestyle changes. It is corny and goofy, and I kind of like it (after I got over feeling uncomfortable and a little superior to it all). And, of course, I like being online and playing with all the tools and corresponding with the folks.
--------------------------------
This morning, I was reading one of the Spark articles, and I came across something called Solution Focused Brief Therapy. I've never heard of this before, and I used to be something of a therapy junky.

Anyway, the idea of this kind of therapy is that the therapist and the client focus on the solution rather than the problem--the future rather than the past. I'm intrigued. Indeed, I think that, if I ever decide to do therapy again, I might try to find someone who practices this technique.

Has anyone of you ever done Solution Focused therapy? Tell me about it!

Comments

thailandchani said…
Aha! Another Spark Person! LOL

I've been on SP for quite a few months now.

As for Solution-Based Therapy, it doesn't work for me. I'm not a "goal directed" sort of person but prefer a more holistic approach.

I'll be interested in hearing what others think about it.


~*
Jodi Anderson said…
A few years back, I belonged to Spark People and enjoyed it quite a bit. Very motivating. About 25 years ago, my mom belonged to TOPS. That worked really well for her.

I'm one of those people that likes to make up their own programs and challenges (although I did participate in the Quantum Wellness cleanse). Anyhow, I have declared October 2-hour workouts/five days a week month.

You may call the men with with coats to take me away now. I am definitely crazy.
No, Professor J., but, from what I've heard, the whole LOA philosophy works this way: you concentrate on what you want, work toward that, not on what you don't want, and, by pushing it away, giving it more power. Downstream, instead of upstream. Sound like this therapy at all?

It appeals to me. I've done enough upsteam dieting over the years. :)
Gina said…
We did Solution Focused therapy about a year ago to help our younger kids cope with the drama of our oldest son's addiction. It worked very well for the three of them (13, 11, and 8 at the time) and it was instrumental in helping my husband and I make some crucial decisions. It didn't help our oldest much. However, he was looking for reasons to justify his problems rather than a solution so he really wasn't a good candidate. I would say that overall it is a fantastic way to deal with a problem that can be resolved. It didn't do much to absolve my guilt but it certainly produced the results we needed.
Mike Golch said…
Taking care of your self first that is what counts. we will be here when you are available. Big time Hugs to you and yours.Mike G. said tht!(It's an A.A.Thing of mine)
we_be_toys said…
Nope, never heard of Spark People, but hey, if it's helping, DO IT!!

I have wondered where you were off to. I actually figured it was school, but I'm kind of glad it was something so pro-active.

So when do we get to see your ass again? (She asked naughtily)
I have heard of it and read about it--it makes a lot of sense to me. If you decide to try it I'd love to hear the report.

Good luck with all the kicking 5k ass!
Hi Prof. J...

Well - as you know, I lost a lot of weight on WW. I've heard of TOPS and it sounds really supportive and positive to me. I'm afraid a group that would sing and be goofy wouldn't go down AT ALL in jolly ole England. Such is their loss. ( I, on the other hand, would probably love it because I'm kind of like that.)

I hope you are well.

love, Kim
JessTrev said…
Never heard of any of it, but you seem happy and focused and into it, so it must be working for ya! Have fun with it.
Anonymous said…
I've never done it, but it sounds good. I'm trying to lose 10 pounds. Ten measley pounds and it's killing me. I don't know why.
Sojourner said…
WOW! I always wondered what TOPS was, have heard of it. GREAT for you KJ that you are doing something so uplifting for you.

I have heard of Solution Focused Brief Therapy and it sounds great for many kinds of issues. But some of the really deep-seated things probably wouldn't respond well to it. Any time we are looking at things from a positive angle, though it has to make a difference.

Love ya, friend!
JCK said…
I really, really like this focus on the future idea.

Your new program sounds like a good match. If it works, it works.
Scout said…
Sorry, I haven't. But what sort of songs do you sing at these things?
Here's a solutions focused blog:

http://solutionfocusedchange.blogspot.com/

I definately use elements, if not entire sessions full of SFT. It blends very well with cog-behavioral. What can we THINK and DO differently to help make change possible.

I recommend TOPS all the time. Glad you're finding it helpful.
I'd go myself except I'd be sitting there with clients. Can't have that, not with the dual-relationship ethics rule.

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