Kinwell was founded on the idea that the best primary care is a conversation. Typically, this conversation is one-on-one with a clinician in the comfort of our clinics or the security of an online virtual appointment. Kinwell is now expanding the conversation with online group sessions in which patients learn and share new skills for healthy living.
Dr. Kathleen Tonti-Horne and Health Coach Heidi Beer offer an Introduction to Lifestyle Medicine that provides a holistic approach to managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Behavioral health clinician Alix Jansma offers a variety of Coping Skills Classes for patients facing challenging emotional situations. Both programs benefit from the unique qualities of the group sessions.
The group dynamic
“Group settings are incredibly helpful,” said Dr. Kathleen Tonti-Horne. “When a patient with a problem participates in a group, and the person right in front of them has the same problem, their isolation goes away. They realize they are not the only ones facing a challenging health situation.”
Over time, this shared sense of belonging builds into genuine trust and empathy. “Patients realize by the second or third session that the other members of the group care about them, and they care about the rest of the group,” said Tonti-Horne. “The group’s shared humanity takes on a life of its own and helps every patient. It’s not just about the information I present as a clinician, but about the experiences and approaches the group shares. Each patient learns from everyone in the group, not just the clinician.”
Lifestyle medicine course
Kinwell’s lifestyle medicine course offers weekly classes based on the American College of Lifestyle Medicine’s six pillars of good health: a whole food diet, physical activity, stress management, avoiding risky substances, restorative sleep, and social connection. Over the course of seven to eight weeks, patients learn the importance of modest changes to their dietary and exercise habits.
“We don’t talk about change as a diet or losing weight, but how we make choices and how we manage our health,” said Tonti-Horne. “People who are overweight or have diabetes know they need to lose weight. They don’t need to hear it. Our course is about each patient taking care of themselves and partnering with their clinician, so they are not in this journey alone and don’t feel overwhelmed.”
Behavioral health classes
Kinwell’s behavioral health program uses a slightly different format, offering a variety of classes that patients can pick and choose from. Topics range from navigating difficult situations, to regulating intense emotions, and solving problems effectively. While some patients opt for the entire series, others pick only the classes most relevant to their needs. Both lifestyle medicine and behavioral health programs lean into the benefits of the group setting.
“Being able to identify with others in the group is one of the most important aspects of these sessions,” said Tonti-Horne. “Everyone in the group is working on the same issues, day-to-day, and everyone is sharing their experiences and ideas. The group takes on a life of its own, digesting the information and feeding it back to one another. Everyone’s confidence increases and they believe they really can make meaningful changes.”
Supporting each other
In the supportive environment of a group visit, participants find a safe space to discuss their struggles and setbacks. “When life knocks us off our center, it’s hard to stay on our healthiest routine and not just binge on Ben & Jerry’s,” added Tonti-Horne. “We talk about barriers that are keeping you from doing what you know you need to do. This is a safe space to talk about difficult experiences. One of the most important aspects of a group is simply understanding, ‘I am not alone.’”
Kinwell’s group appointments are available to established patients. Ask your clinician if the lifestyle medicine course or behavioral health classes are right for you. To establish care, click on the Clinics page to find a location near you, or call 833-411-5469. Kinwell primary care accepts Premera Blue Cross and LifeWise health plans.
