Counseling Center

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Current Students

Special Programs

Body Acceptance Resources & Education (B.A.R.E.)

B.A.R.E. is an outreach program sponsored by the University of of Miami Counseling Center which aims to promote positive body image among male and female UM students.  BARE also works to prevent eating disorders and encourage moderate, healthy eating and exercise practices among members of the student community.

B.A.R.E.'s planning committee is comprised of students, faculty and staff from various organizations and departments throughout the university, including The Counseling Center, The Center for Women's and Men's Resources, Commuter Student Affairs, Multicultural Student Affairs, Residence Life, Volunteer Services, The Wellness Center, Body Image for Girls and Guys (BIGG), Greek Life, Student Government, and The Graduate Student Association.  The committee manages and organizes several events on campus as well as ongoing outreach programs.

If you are interested in supporting B.A.R.E.'s activities, would like to have B.A.R.E. provide programming or resources for your organization or event, or would just like more information about B.A.R.E., please contact Advisor, Dr. Pam Deroian at (305) 284-5511.

 
Signs and Symptoms Of Eating Disorders

In a culture obsessed with thinness and dieting, it can be difficult to recognize when a person's thinking or behavior has become dangerous. With the number of people with eating disorders on the rise, it is likely that you, a family member or someone you know may show some of the following signs and symptoms.

 
A Person With Anorexia... A Person With Bulimia... A Person With A Binge Eating Disorder...

  • Is thin and continues to get thinner

  • Diets even though he/she is not overweight

  • Has a distorted body-image feels fat even when he/she is thin

  • Loses or experiences thinning hair

  • Talks excessively about food, cooking or dieting

  • Engages in binge eating

  • Uses the bathroom frequently after meals

  • Reacts to stress by overeating

  • Experiences frequent fluctuations in weight

  • Has depressive moods

  • Eats large amounts of food when not physically hungry

  • Eats rapidly

  • Eats to the point of feeling uncomfortably full

  • Often eats alone because of shame or embarrassment

  • Has a history of marked weight fluctuations
 
How Do I Help A Friend?

DO

  • Create a safe environment for them to talk about their eating.

  • Encourage the person to seek help from a physician and/or counselor.

  • Encourage reaching out to a trusted adult if they refuse professional help.

  • Expect to be rejected for the person to be mad or upset with you at first; this being the first time they are confronted with the eating disorder and the person may feel embarrassed or frightened at first.

  • Be patient --this is a long process and a difficult issue.

  • Express your concern and desire to help.

  • Plan your approach carefully-- use "I" statements instead of "You" statements.

  • Speak with compassion and concern. Model positive actions.

  • Be aware of your own eating patterns and beliefs-- take a look at your own "fear of fat", attitude toward weight, body shape, and dieting.

  • Provide specific information for help (resources, brochures, books).

  • Increase personal responsibility for behavior.

  • Be willing to spend time listening and talking about related personal problems.

  • Attempt to discuss your feelings.

DON'T

  • Don't take any action alone. Get help.

  • Don't try to solve the problem for them They need a qualified professional.

  • Don't blame them for doing something wrong or tell them they are acting silly.

  • Don't gossip about them.

  • Don't focus on weight, the number of calories being consumed or particular eating habits.

  • Don't make comments about a person's appearance. Concern about weight loss may be interpreted as a complement and comments about weight gain may be seen as criticism.

  • Don't be afraid to upset them. Talk with them.

  • Don't reject or ignore them; they need you.

  • Don't get involved in a power struggle around eating or other symptoms.
 
Resources for the Mind, Body and Spirit
 
On-Campus Resources

Counseling Center
Assessments, Individual and Group Therapy Seminars on request
(305) 284-5511

Student Health Services
General Medicine and Medical Management Assessments
(305) 284-5927
Chartwells, Dining Services
Nutrition Information
(305) 284-2715		 Wellness Center
Tony Musto, M.S., Exercise Physiologist Nutritional and Exercise Guidance
Ashley Falcon, Asst. Director, Health Education
(305) 284-4310
The Center for Women's and Men's Resources
Referral Agent and Information (305) 284-4310
Off Campus Resources

For information and referrals to off-campus specialists, please make an appointment at the Counseling Center at (305) 284-5511 or the Health Center (305) 284-5927.
B.A.R.E. Web Links