What the Heck Is Group Care?

What the heck is group care, and why would I want to do it?

Women have been telling me for years that they desire more interaction with other women. Many women feel isolated in their busy lives.

In addition, more women are suffering with chronic illness than ever before. Thyroid problems, anxiety, depression, period irregularities, endometriosis, metabolic syndrome, stomach pain, joint pain, insomnia, infertility and gastrointestinal disturbances are more the norm than the exception.

Have you tried seeking care for your concern? Didn’t find what you were looking for?

I propose there is a mismatch between what you may be seeking and what is commonly available. “Medical care” is not “healthcare”. 

Sterile, generic, impersonal care based on medications and procedures does not attract us or give us hope. Of course, we are appreciative of acute care when we need it. But, day to day, it doesn’t feel like that honors our healing power within. It can be depressing. It just doesn’t feel right. Is it too much to expect our health care to feed our soul?

Our health is an interaction of our biology, social interaction and psychology. Our current medical system is created around disease. This singular focus on our biology 1) expects illness and 2) does not take into consideration the other parts of who we are. Are you looking for answers conventional medicine couldn’t give you? Do you crave a setting and care model that nourishes you personally?

What would that look like? A health care setting that addresses us socially and psychologically, as well as biologically? It would need to be warm, inviting and safe. A place where we could be ourselves, where we could give and get ideas and support. We could share what we know from our journey thus far. We could learn from others.

There is such a thing. Group visits are shared appointments. Group visits bring people together to sit in circles and connect as humans in the same way we have for millennia. There is time to tell what is going on with you, and time to hear others. There is time to brainstorm and consider various approaches. There is support and accountability. The facilitator is a health care professional who offers evidence-based information to promote healing and restoration of health.

This is not a new concept. Perhaps you’ve heard of The Daniel Plan, and Centering Pregnancy. These are examples of highly successful group visit models. When existing group models are paired with functional medicine, it’s a recipe for true, lasting transformation.

Whatever your goal, accessing healthcare in a group can supercharge your progress. Being socially connected is as much a part of healthy lifestyle as eating right and exercising. In groups, we are transforming health outcomes together.

At 13th Moon Functional Medicine for Women, I offer individual care as well as group care. So far the first “Lose Weight, Naturally!” group is charging ahead and doing great. In the near future I expect to offer groups for those dealing with thyroid, anxiety, period irregularities, fertility, preconception, 1st year postpartum and any other topics you would like to see addressed. 

In addition to support and accountability, one of the greatest aspects of group care is the cost. Since multiple people are sharing the same “appointment”, you get more care and time for less cost as compared to individual care. Groups will typically consist of 2-6 people. Visits are generally 1.5-2 hours each, and run for 4-8 weeks at a time. Gatherings will be virtual or in-person as indicated by Covid guidelines and participant preference. 

Contact me to tell me what group you’d like to see next, or to learn more about the next Lose Weight, Naturally! group.