Guest Speaker (Clinical Psychologist)

Hey guys!! I posted earlier about the J.O.U.R.N.E.Y. of WLS Support Group on Saturday June 18th, but I wanted to post and give you more details about the special guest speaker. Her name is Dr. Beverly Smallwood. She is coming to us from Mississippi and is a clinical psychologist, motivational speaker AND a WLS patient. How exciting!!! Here is a note from a dear friend of mine (and her's) who has had WLS surgery that was posted on another site. I wanted to post to let you know about one of my dearest friends in this life, Dr. Beverly Smallwood, who'll be our featured speaker at support group meeting this Saturday afternoon, 3pm at Medical Center East. Dr Bev is a PhD Psychologist and National Motivational Speaker AND a WLS patient! I've known her for years and have the utmost respect for her - She's also dynamite in a seminar/group setting - I guarantee that you'll leave uplifted, encouraged and loaded for bear!! Here's her synopsis of her session on Saturday: SHAKE IT OFF! - How to Bounce Back After a Setback Beverly Smallwood, Ph.D. Weight loss surgery produces many life miracles . . . but it doesn't miraculously change all of your mental and emotional habits. Despite renewed hope and newfound confidence, life still has a way of throwing you curve balls. People disappoint you, and you disappoint yourself. Relationships may be strained as you make monumental changes after WLS. Further, you can't really turn to your old friend food for comfort and coping. Dr. Bev Smallwood, psychologist and herself a WLS veteran, will share powerful strategies to help you "shake it off" and move on when setbacks and disappointments come. You'll take away such tools as: ~How to prevent the past from robbing you of the present and future; ~How to gain control by giving up control; ~How to make the most of the best and the least of the worst; ~How to stay connected with upbeat people, not beat-up people; ~How to keep yourself from sitting down after a setback; ~How to avoid the danger of anger; ~How to deal with stress by laughing about it now rather than later. ABOUT YOUR SPEAKER, DR. BEV SMALLWOOD Dr. Beverly Smallwood is a licensed psychologist who has been speaking professionally to people across the U.S. and internationally for over 25 years. Her client list includes Fortune 500 companies, healthcare organizations, professional associations, and national governments. Bev also counsels with individuals and families in her psychological clinic, The Hope Center. Her free email newsletter, The Magnetizer, is read by thousands of people around the world. Bev is also frequently featured in the national media. You may have seen her on MSNBC, FOX, CNN, or even Maury Povich. You may have read about her in the New York Times, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, Women First, Better Homes and Gardens, or SELF Magazine. In addition to print appearances, she recently served for a week as SELF Magazine's featured online expert, discussing workplace stress. Dr. Bev understands the weight loss surgery experience first hand. She had surgery in April of 2004. Currently, she's very close to her goal weight, having lost 95 pounds. Sorry for the extended commercial, but I really feel strongly that Bev's time with us all on Saturday is going to do a lot of people a lot of good - and it's all free!! Hope to see you there!! Email me if you need more info or would like to be added to our Yahoo Group or have any questions!!! Thanks- Amanda