Intensive Behavioral Therapy (IBT) is a form of therapy that focuses on changing specific behaviors through intensive, structured interventions. IBT typically involves highly individualized and targeted interventions, which may include behavior modification techniques, skill-building exercises, and ongoing monitoring and reinforcement.
With a focus on weight loss, IBT uses short, more frequent meetings to serve as a checkpoint of accountability to work on setting small goals and progressive behavioral change.
The goal of IBT is to help individuals develop and maintain health supportive lifestyle behavior changes while reducing or eliminating negative or problematic behaviors.
How often will we meet?
Medicare allows for 22 IBT visits with a registered dietitian in a 12 month period at the following pace:
- One face-to-face visit every week for the first month. The initial visit is about 20-25 minutes, with follow up visits ~15 minutes.
- One face-to-face visit every other week for months 2-6.
- If a 3kg weight loss (6.6 lb) is achieved at 6 months, Medicare will continue to cover face-to-face visits every month for months 7-12.
Classroom Model plus 1:1 coaching
In an effort to embrace both the educational aspect as well as the benefits of offering peer support, Miga is offering group visits each month with multiple topics available for each patient to choose from.
What topics will we talk about?
Some of the topics that may be discussed include:
- Healthy eating habits and portion control
- Balanced and nutritious meal planning
- Reading and understanding food labels
- Identifying and managing emotional eating triggers
- Strategies for dining out and social situations
- Mindful eating techniques
- Developing a sustainable exercise routine
- Monitoring progress and setting realistic goals
Note that these topics are more general, and become more individualized to your needs and experience as you progress through the program.
How often can I sign up for classes?
Patients are able to sign up for up to 2 classes each month with topics of their choosing. Topic offerings will change every month.
What if I still want 1:1 support?
Participants in the IBT Classroom sessions are also eligible for 1:1 Health Coaching support from a registered dietitian to help personalize their IBT experience.
How can I best prepare for my visit?
While there is no “homework” to prepare for your visits, when getting ready for your first visit, be sure that your Zoom account is up and running (allowed permissions for microphone and video). If you are looking for more information on how to use Zoom, use this tutorial here.
If you have received a scale and blood pressure cuff from Miga, be sure to have these set up as well (just turn on and take a reading, that’s it!).
We look forward to working with you on your health goals!