Weight Loss Therapists in Seal Beach, CA

Photo of Leslee Miller, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Leslee Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Seal Beach, CA 90740  (Online Only)
We specialize in a variety of areas including EMDR (for resolving trauma, both recent and long-standing), sex addiction, weight loss surgery, mood disorders and couples therapy.
SCHEDULE A TELEMENTALHEALTH APPOINTMENT ONLINE NOW at https://schedulewithLesleeMiller.as.me. Sugarhouse Counseling Center serves clients in both Utah and California. We have therapists who are compassionate and sensitive. Evening appointments are available. Whether you are experiencing an immediate crisis, wanting to deal with ongoing difficulties, or would like increased insight, we are here to assist you. We work with individuals, couples and families. We accept many insurance plans. We work with people of all faiths. In addition, we have therapists who have special insight regarding specific needs/ concerns of LDS clients.
We specialize in a variety of areas including EMDR (for resolving trauma, both recent and long-standing), sex addiction, weight loss surgery, mood disorders and couples therapy.
SCHEDULE A TELEMENTALHEALTH APPOINTMENT ONLINE NOW at https://schedulewithLesleeMiller.as.me. Sugarhouse Counseling Center serves clients in both Utah and California. We have therapists who are compassionate and sensitive. Evening appointments are available. Whether you are experiencing an immediate crisis, wanting to deal with ongoing difficulties, or would like increased insight, we are here to assist you. We work with individuals, couples and families. We accept many insurance plans. We work with people of all faiths. In addition, we have therapists who have special insight regarding specific needs/ concerns of LDS clients.
(801) 895-3428 View (801) 895-3428
Photo of Debbie A. Freeman, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Debbie A. Freeman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 26 years of experience. As a former Director of Clinical Services and current adjunct professor, I have trained hundreds of upcoming therapists in both the science as well as the art of providing quality, enriching therapy. I am dedicated to helping you to "process" through your challenges allowing you to build healthier relationships and having a successful life. The hardest step is getting started, so feel free to reach out and we can have a conversation. Because of my experience I will be able to zero in on what you need and the best path forward.
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 26 years of experience. As a former Director of Clinical Services and current adjunct professor, I have trained hundreds of upcoming therapists in both the science as well as the art of providing quality, enriching therapy. I am dedicated to helping you to "process" through your challenges allowing you to build healthier relationships and having a successful life. The hardest step is getting started, so feel free to reach out and we can have a conversation. Because of my experience I will be able to zero in on what you need and the best path forward.
(615) 656-8663 View (615) 656-8663
Photo of Dean Leav - Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist
Men's Issues - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
(323) 417-9393 View (323) 417-9393
Photo of Dean Leav - Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist
Men's Issues - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
(909) 318-1937 View (909) 318-1937
Photo of Dean Leav - Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist
Men's Issues - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
(657) 214-3099 View (657) 214-3099
Photo of Dean Leav - Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist
Men's Issues - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
(310) 742-9232 View (310) 742-9232
Photo of Evelyn K Co, MFT, ATR-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Evelyn K Co
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Seal Beach, CA 90740
I have provided mental health services for a wide variety of disorders and diverse populations of children and adults for over 20 years. I am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in multiple states. I use a holistic approaches to facilitate therapeutic change. I infuse my work with elements from evidenced-based interventions, behavioral, cognitive, experiential and psychodynamic therapies, and art therapy. My therapeutic work facilitates the individuals' desired changes using traditional and non-traditional methods, such as art therapy, EMDR, neurofeedback, mindfulness, and interpersonal process therapy.
I have provided mental health services for a wide variety of disorders and diverse populations of children and adults for over 20 years. I am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in multiple states. I use a holistic approaches to facilitate therapeutic change. I infuse my work with elements from evidenced-based interventions, behavioral, cognitive, experiential and psychodynamic therapies, and art therapy. My therapeutic work facilitates the individuals' desired changes using traditional and non-traditional methods, such as art therapy, EMDR, neurofeedback, mindfulness, and interpersonal process therapy.
(323) 403-4831 View (323) 403-4831
Photo of Dawn Therese Dominguez - Windows of Hope Counseling Center, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Windows of Hope Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Welcome! We offer individual, couples and family counseling in a warm and comfortable environment! We help individuals and couples work through difficult life experiences in a nurturing and loving way, and assist your process offering compassionate communication practices and tools to work through even the most difficult life situations. We specialize in couples counseling, grief counseling, blended family counseling, anger management counseling, substance abuse counseling, depression counseling, anxiety counseling, self improvement counseling & personal growth counseling. We offer a safe space for you to share and heal!
Welcome! We offer individual, couples and family counseling in a warm and comfortable environment! We help individuals and couples work through difficult life experiences in a nurturing and loving way, and assist your process offering compassionate communication practices and tools to work through even the most difficult life situations. We specialize in couples counseling, grief counseling, blended family counseling, anger management counseling, substance abuse counseling, depression counseling, anxiety counseling, self improvement counseling & personal growth counseling. We offer a safe space for you to share and heal!
(310) 928-2319 View (310) 928-2319
Photo of Beth Nadel, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Beth Nadel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740  (Online Only)
If you're reading this it is because you have the courage to seek guidance and support to deal with the current challenges in your life. Therapy creates an opportunity to find healthy ways to cope, to empower and to heal. I work with individuals experiencing depression and or anxiety. Life presents problems that we see as obstacles but they can also be opportunities for growth and change. Therapy helps see solutions and options and to learn how to make better choices for yourself and your loved ones. In addition, because animals are an important part of my life and maybe yours, I offer consultations and letters for support animals.
If you're reading this it is because you have the courage to seek guidance and support to deal with the current challenges in your life. Therapy creates an opportunity to find healthy ways to cope, to empower and to heal. I work with individuals experiencing depression and or anxiety. Life presents problems that we see as obstacles but they can also be opportunities for growth and change. Therapy helps see solutions and options and to learn how to make better choices for yourself and your loved ones. In addition, because animals are an important part of my life and maybe yours, I offer consultations and letters for support animals.
(562) 230-0002 View (562) 230-0002
Photo of Nicole Kristine Thorn, PhD, Psychologist
Nicole Kristine Thorn
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740  (Online Only)
Personal discovery and growth is one of life's greatest challenges but also provides one of life's greatest rewards. Through my own healing journey to address childhood trauma, I did many years traditional talk therapy. While I found this to be helpful, it wasn’t until I discovered somatic experiencing (SE) therapy that I began to experience a deep settling in my body and mind in a relatively short period of time. This settling of the nervous system can lead to a newfound sense of feeling present and engaged in life. One gains more capacity to experience positive emotions, tolerate negative emotions without becoming overwhelmed.
Personal discovery and growth is one of life's greatest challenges but also provides one of life's greatest rewards. Through my own healing journey to address childhood trauma, I did many years traditional talk therapy. While I found this to be helpful, it wasn’t until I discovered somatic experiencing (SE) therapy that I began to experience a deep settling in my body and mind in a relatively short period of time. This settling of the nervous system can lead to a newfound sense of feeling present and engaged in life. One gains more capacity to experience positive emotions, tolerate negative emotions without becoming overwhelmed.
(562) 735-6318 View (562) 735-6318
Photo of Rhonda L Mason, PhD, Psychologist
Rhonda L Mason
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Welcome to the next fulfilling chapter in your life! I understand we all want to be happy, healthy, have emotionally satisfyng relationships, and live prosperous lives! My approach to helping people is mulitfacted. Through providing a safe, collaborative, and supportive environement I help people understand and change their perceptions, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors within the context of their family of origin and current realtionships. I understand people having the courage and taking the time to invest in their personal growth and development expect results. I work tenaciously to meet their expectations and treatment goals!
Welcome to the next fulfilling chapter in your life! I understand we all want to be happy, healthy, have emotionally satisfyng relationships, and live prosperous lives! My approach to helping people is mulitfacted. Through providing a safe, collaborative, and supportive environement I help people understand and change their perceptions, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors within the context of their family of origin and current realtionships. I understand people having the courage and taking the time to invest in their personal growth and development expect results. I work tenaciously to meet their expectations and treatment goals!
(714) 752-3968 View (714) 752-3968
Photo of Deborah Bernal, BSN, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Deborah Bernal
Marriage & Family Therapist, BSN, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Seal Beach, CA 90740
I work with those who are having difficulty or trouble in relationships or in relating to a difficult person. You will find me easy to talk with as together we find solutions for your difficulties. I will encourage you as I walk beside you to systematically discover the answers that you already have within. I will not force or push but gently challenge you to become your best. This journey of counseling will have a beginning and an end. We will be a team every step of the way. I look forward to meeting with you. Let's get started. You will find the help you are seeking.
I work with those who are having difficulty or trouble in relationships or in relating to a difficult person. You will find me easy to talk with as together we find solutions for your difficulties. I will encourage you as I walk beside you to systematically discover the answers that you already have within. I will not force or push but gently challenge you to become your best. This journey of counseling will have a beginning and an end. We will be a team every step of the way. I look forward to meeting with you. Let's get started. You will find the help you are seeking.
(714) 905-5934 View (714) 905-5934
Photo of Seany Renfrow, PsyD, BCC, CDM, Psychologist
Seany Renfrow
Psychologist, PsyD, BCC, CDM
Verified Verified
Seal Beach, CA 90740
I help people regain the feeling of hopefulness. Our work in therapy can help you feel the energy, enthusiasm and optimism that was part part of your identity. With therapy you will begin to feel a sense of connection and closeness with loved ones. You are not alone. With the support I can offer, you will likely feel the joy and peace that should be part of life. Therapy will help you feel empowered, live life more fulfilling and with greater ease. In my practice, I specialize in assisting people in overcoming feelings of sadness, loneliness and anxiety.
I help people regain the feeling of hopefulness. Our work in therapy can help you feel the energy, enthusiasm and optimism that was part part of your identity. With therapy you will begin to feel a sense of connection and closeness with loved ones. You are not alone. With the support I can offer, you will likely feel the joy and peace that should be part of life. Therapy will help you feel empowered, live life more fulfilling and with greater ease. In my practice, I specialize in assisting people in overcoming feelings of sadness, loneliness and anxiety.
(562) 984-0848 View (562) 984-0848
Photo of Jennifer N Yates, MC, LMFT, CLE, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer N Yates
Marriage & Family Therapist, MC, LMFT, CLE
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740
If you are looking to achieve more balance in your life, you are in the right place! You will experience healing, growth and change on your therapeutic journey with me. I believe it takes a great deal of courage to seek help, and I am here for you with genuine care and compassion. I have 25 years of experience in working with individuals, adolescents, and families. I will work with you from a holistic standpoint as I firmly believe that the mind and body are connected, and that there are tools within you that we can access together to guide you.
If you are looking to achieve more balance in your life, you are in the right place! You will experience healing, growth and change on your therapeutic journey with me. I believe it takes a great deal of courage to seek help, and I am here for you with genuine care and compassion. I have 25 years of experience in working with individuals, adolescents, and families. I will work with you from a holistic standpoint as I firmly believe that the mind and body are connected, and that there are tools within you that we can access together to guide you.
(562) 573-9798 View (562) 573-9798
Photo of Jennifer C Cohen, MACL, LMFT, C-IAYT, RYT 500, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer C Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MACL, LMFT, C-IAYT, RYT 500
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My general frame work is that you cannot separate the body from the mind nor can you separate a person from their life time of experiences, therefore working with all of these systems is a highly effective way to improve happiness, decrease anxiety and stress, and increase coping skills to manage life with more ease and improved relationships. Now offering emergency Intensive Couples Counseling! I work well with individuals and couples who are seeking to learn more holistic ways to address their emotional and relational challenges whether they be family of origin issues, trauma, chronic illness, anxiety, or depression.
My general frame work is that you cannot separate the body from the mind nor can you separate a person from their life time of experiences, therefore working with all of these systems is a highly effective way to improve happiness, decrease anxiety and stress, and increase coping skills to manage life with more ease and improved relationships. Now offering emergency Intensive Couples Counseling! I work well with individuals and couples who are seeking to learn more holistic ways to address their emotional and relational challenges whether they be family of origin issues, trauma, chronic illness, anxiety, or depression.
(562) 454-0709 View (562) 454-0709
Photo of John Edward Martin, PhD, MA, Psychologist
John Edward Martin
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740
I work with individuals and couples in the areas of conflict, stress, anger control, PTSD, depression and anxiety, as well as marital distress and breakdown. My primary approach combines evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, with motivational as well as spiritual approaches to change. I also work with veterans and others dealing with traumatic memories, with the assistance of my trained and certified service dog - a gentle black Labrador. I am a certified professional trauma therapist and conduct evaluations and treatment for PTSD, and a certified professional life coach, and can work remotely via Internet in for a lower fee
I work with individuals and couples in the areas of conflict, stress, anger control, PTSD, depression and anxiety, as well as marital distress and breakdown. My primary approach combines evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, with motivational as well as spiritual approaches to change. I also work with veterans and others dealing with traumatic memories, with the assistance of my trained and certified service dog - a gentle black Labrador. I am a certified professional trauma therapist and conduct evaluations and treatment for PTSD, and a certified professional life coach, and can work remotely via Internet in for a lower fee
(877) 651-3370 View (877) 651-3370
Photo of Laura Pinegar, PhD, Psychologist
Laura Pinegar
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Not accepting new clients
After over twenty years in practice I have extensive experience in treating anxiety and depression secondary to life stress and transitions. Many of my clients are struggling with difficult relationships where they need to learn new methods of communicating, identify reoccurring and destructive patterns, or make decisions to either more fully commit to or let go of their partners. I focus on therapy to generate coping skills to deal with the changes that challenge us through our lifespan, such as separation, divorce, infertility, birth, family conflict, death or loss of a loved one, retirement, empty nest, and aging issues.
After over twenty years in practice I have extensive experience in treating anxiety and depression secondary to life stress and transitions. Many of my clients are struggling with difficult relationships where they need to learn new methods of communicating, identify reoccurring and destructive patterns, or make decisions to either more fully commit to or let go of their partners. I focus on therapy to generate coping skills to deal with the changes that challenge us through our lifespan, such as separation, divorce, infertility, birth, family conflict, death or loss of a loved one, retirement, empty nest, and aging issues.
(562) 239-4330 View (562) 239-4330

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Beth Barish, PhD, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Beth Barish
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803
"Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it." (Rumi) Life can feel like an obstacle course, with roadblocks and detours on your path. Change is inevitable and can sometimes be extremely challenging. How do you hold yourself during tough times? Do you suffer with fear, anxiety or depression? What is your body telling you? What beliefs do you hold about yourself? What did your Soul come here to experience? I believe that life is a sacred journey. I invite you to begin this journey of self exploration.
"Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it." (Rumi) Life can feel like an obstacle course, with roadblocks and detours on your path. Change is inevitable and can sometimes be extremely challenging. How do you hold yourself during tough times? Do you suffer with fear, anxiety or depression? What is your body telling you? What beliefs do you hold about yourself? What did your Soul come here to experience? I believe that life is a sacred journey. I invite you to begin this journey of self exploration.
(714) 482-6421 View (714) 482-6421
Photo of Kathleen Offley, LMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kathleen Offley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90803  (Online Only)
I believe it’s important to create safe spaces and containers for others to heal, to express and to remember who they truly are. Working in the realms of personal growth and transformation, I offer complete presence as I hold space for you to connect with your own healing intelligence and re-connect with your deeper intuitive knowing and wisdom. Whether you are looking to dive deep into healing work, feeling like you want to make a change and need support getting unstuck or going through a mid-life transition, I offer one-on-one wisdom based psychotherapy, personalized coaching and mentoring.
I believe it’s important to create safe spaces and containers for others to heal, to express and to remember who they truly are. Working in the realms of personal growth and transformation, I offer complete presence as I hold space for you to connect with your own healing intelligence and re-connect with your deeper intuitive knowing and wisdom. Whether you are looking to dive deep into healing work, feeling like you want to make a change and need support getting unstuck or going through a mid-life transition, I offer one-on-one wisdom based psychotherapy, personalized coaching and mentoring.
(562) 247-4600 View (562) 247-4600
Soul Restoration Project
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90803
Are you looking for counseling that integrates your Christian faith into the healing process? Are you looking for a therapist who can both understand the issue you struggle with as well as your spirituality? The Soul Restoration Project is a group of Marriage and Family Therapists (licensed and pre-licensed) who help individuals and couples find hope and healing. With nine therapists on staff we have a number of areas of expertise including: sexual addiction, relationship issues, eating disorders, couples therapy, grief, trauma, depression, anxiety and parenting.
Are you looking for counseling that integrates your Christian faith into the healing process? Are you looking for a therapist who can both understand the issue you struggle with as well as your spirituality? The Soul Restoration Project is a group of Marriage and Family Therapists (licensed and pre-licensed) who help individuals and couples find hope and healing. With nine therapists on staff we have a number of areas of expertise including: sexual addiction, relationship issues, eating disorders, couples therapy, grief, trauma, depression, anxiety and parenting.
(714) 702-1730 View (714) 702-1730
Weight Loss Therapists

What is the relationship between weight management and mental health?

Mental health can be significantly influenced by one's physical health, so overall improvements in one's quality of life as a result of improved physical functioning from weight loss can have an overall positive impact on an individual's mental health and allow them to engage more readily in everyday activities. In addition, many strategies used to manage weight, such as exercise and maintaining a healthy diet, are also associated with reducing the symptoms of common mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Individuals may also benefit from the improved self-esteem and self-efficacy that can come with successful weight management.

What is the psychological approach to losing weight?

While there are no specific therapy modalities specifically for weight loss, common psychological therapies can be highly effective in helping clients make lasting lifestyle changes. This may be called the "psychological approach" to weight loss because it does not rely on physical interventions, such as medication or weight loss surgery, to help clients lose weight. Weight loss counseling can be used in addition to or instead of such physical interventions. Some clients simply seek therapy to address the challenges that may accompany weight loss in general, including negative thoughts surrounding their body, disordered eating patterns, or difficulty completing daily tasks as a result of their weight challenges. In such cases, therapists will often utilize behavioral coaching or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to help clients understand how their thoughts may be influencing their diet and physical activity patterns.

What type of therapy is commonly used in weight loss counseling?

Weight loss counseling often involves a combination of therapy and psychoeducation. Common techniques used by weight loss counselors include journaling, thought diaries, and other Cognitive Behavioral Therapy strategies that encourage clients to consider how their feelings about their weight loss impact their mental health. Weight loss counselors may also teach clients mindfulness exercises, which can be used by clients during and after eating to be more aware of physical cues from their body surrounding eating. Some clients looking for weight loss therapy may also benefit from group therapy approaches, which utilize the power of social connection and accountability to help clients adhere to their weight loss plan.

Is therapy recommended for individuals undergoing bariatric surgery?

While therapy is not a requirement for individuals undergoing bariatric surgery, many individuals undergoing weight loss surgery may benefit from seeing a counselor. Prior to surgery, counselors can help clients decide whether surgical weight loss is a good fit for them and assist in surgery preparation. Post-surgery, counselors can assist clients with the psychological component of maintaining their weight loss, as well as help clients navigate any postoperative pain. Throughout the surgical process, therapists can help clients process body-image challenges that may come with dramatic changes in weight, as well as manage symptoms of anxiety or depression that may accompany the major life changes bariatric surgery can bring.