Weight Loss Therapists in Valencia, CA

Photo of Penny Randall - Circle One Hypnotherapy & Shamanic Healing, CHT, Rev
Circle One Hypnotherapy & Shamanic Healing
CHT, Rev
Verified Verified
Valencia, CA 91355
I assist my clients with a wide variety of issues: grief /loss, unhappiness, forgiveness of self/others, relationship/communication strategies, insomnia, stress reduction, smoking cessation, performance, menopause, weight loss, eating disorders, fears and phobias, confidence/self-esteem, procrastination, ADHD, pain management, fertility, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, IBS, and other blocks.
Energy follows thought. What are your thoughts? Do you have self-defeating negative mental chatter? Do you have habits, fears, perceptions, beliefs, attitudes, which hinder you from being "all you can be"? As a hypnotherapist I use hypnosis as part of a multidisciplinary approach to help my clients rewrite the stories in their sub-conscious mind. I also employ my 30 plus years as a Shamanic Healer to assist my clients in being all they were created to be. Reiki and Chakra balancing are also employed when appropriate. Powerful assistance comes with Past Life Regression and Soul Retrieval.
I assist my clients with a wide variety of issues: grief /loss, unhappiness, forgiveness of self/others, relationship/communication strategies, insomnia, stress reduction, smoking cessation, performance, menopause, weight loss, eating disorders, fears and phobias, confidence/self-esteem, procrastination, ADHD, pain management, fertility, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, IBS, and other blocks.
Energy follows thought. What are your thoughts? Do you have self-defeating negative mental chatter? Do you have habits, fears, perceptions, beliefs, attitudes, which hinder you from being "all you can be"? As a hypnotherapist I use hypnosis as part of a multidisciplinary approach to help my clients rewrite the stories in their sub-conscious mind. I also employ my 30 plus years as a Shamanic Healer to assist my clients in being all they were created to be. Reiki and Chakra balancing are also employed when appropriate. Powerful assistance comes with Past Life Regression and Soul Retrieval.
(818) 532-5436 View (818) 532-5436
Photo of Gwen Staples, MA, LMFT, CCTP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gwen Staples
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CCTP
Verified Verified
Valencia, CA 91355  (Online Only)
If you are feeling stuck due to a traumatic past that you are struggling to deal with and you need an empathetic, knowledgeable, experienced professional to help you navigate through the broken and dysregulated pieces then email me today. Trauma can show up in so many different ways from depression, anxiety, self-harming behaviors, dysfunctional relationships, and so much more. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional it is my goal to not only assist you in the process of healing but to help you establish coping skills to manage distress and maintain appropriate self-care so that you can obtain peace and emotional well being.
If you are feeling stuck due to a traumatic past that you are struggling to deal with and you need an empathetic, knowledgeable, experienced professional to help you navigate through the broken and dysregulated pieces then email me today. Trauma can show up in so many different ways from depression, anxiety, self-harming behaviors, dysfunctional relationships, and so much more. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional it is my goal to not only assist you in the process of healing but to help you establish coping skills to manage distress and maintain appropriate self-care so that you can obtain peace and emotional well being.
(424) 332-1658 View (424) 332-1658
Photo of Zack Reed-Fier, MA, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Zack Reed-Fier
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Valencia, CA 91355
Are you a people-pleaser? Feeling anxious, fatigued, or unmotivated? Are you burned out from chronic pain / illness? Are you or your loved ones repeating patterns & wishing you could break the cycle? Maybe life just feels more stressful than usual. Sometimes, we aren't sure what causes our distress, but we can sense we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or success. Even when we know the cause, change can still feel impossible. That's where I come in. My job is to listen, help you understand the root causes of your difficulties, break unwanted patterns, and teach you practical tools to help you change your life.
Are you a people-pleaser? Feeling anxious, fatigued, or unmotivated? Are you burned out from chronic pain / illness? Are you or your loved ones repeating patterns & wishing you could break the cycle? Maybe life just feels more stressful than usual. Sometimes, we aren't sure what causes our distress, but we can sense we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or success. Even when we know the cause, change can still feel impossible. That's where I come in. My job is to listen, help you understand the root causes of your difficulties, break unwanted patterns, and teach you practical tools to help you change your life.
(707) 306-4768 View (707) 306-4768
Photo of Megan Murphy Cross, MA, LPCC
Megan Murphy Cross
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Valencia, CA 91355
Are you struggling to truly change? Are you tired of negative thoughts, painful memories, imposter syndrome, self-esteem, or decreased motivation? Do you fall into patterns in relationships, friendships, or work and wish you could break the cycle? Sometimes, it isn't obvious why we do the things we do, but we can sense we're not our most authentic or successful self. Even when we know the cause of our distress, changing our behavior can still be hard. That's where I come in. My job is to listen without judgment, pressure, or bias and help you examine the root causes of your challenges to create the change you want in your life.
Are you struggling to truly change? Are you tired of negative thoughts, painful memories, imposter syndrome, self-esteem, or decreased motivation? Do you fall into patterns in relationships, friendships, or work and wish you could break the cycle? Sometimes, it isn't obvious why we do the things we do, but we can sense we're not our most authentic or successful self. Even when we know the cause of our distress, changing our behavior can still be hard. That's where I come in. My job is to listen without judgment, pressure, or bias and help you examine the root causes of your challenges to create the change you want in your life.
(747) 322-4338 View (747) 322-4338
Photo of Julia Young - Caring Connected, AMFT, APCC, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, Marriage & Family Therapist
Caring Connected
Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, APCC, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Valencia, CA 91355
Are you feeling disconnected, stressed, stuck, scared, or angry? Are you repeating relationships, patterns, or situations and wishing you could break the cycle? Maybe life feels more frustrating or stressful than usual. Sometimes we aren't sure what causes our distress, but we know we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or success. And even if we know what the issue is, change can feel impossible. That's where our team of qualified professionals can help. Our job isn't to judge you or your choices, it's to help you understand the root causes of your issues and work together to create a custom plan for change.
Are you feeling disconnected, stressed, stuck, scared, or angry? Are you repeating relationships, patterns, or situations and wishing you could break the cycle? Maybe life feels more frustrating or stressful than usual. Sometimes we aren't sure what causes our distress, but we know we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or success. And even if we know what the issue is, change can feel impossible. That's where our team of qualified professionals can help. Our job isn't to judge you or your choices, it's to help you understand the root causes of your issues and work together to create a custom plan for change.
(707) 317-6092 View (707) 317-6092
Photo of Thia Jolie Kulma (Formerly Spezialy), MA, LMFT, ATR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Thia Jolie Kulma (Formerly Spezialy)
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
Valencia, CA 91355
Are you unhappy with what you see in the mirror? Are you afraid of being fat or worried about your weight? Does your weight determine your mood? Do you count calories, exercise to burn calories, or purge after you eat? Do you eat when you're upset or does food give you comfort? Do you feel controlled by food? If you are feeling controlled by thoughts, fears, and worries about food, weight, and appearance, you might feel frustrated, depressed, anxious, confused, and lonely. I provide special counseling services to help you understand why you are thinking and feeling this way...
Are you unhappy with what you see in the mirror? Are you afraid of being fat or worried about your weight? Does your weight determine your mood? Do you count calories, exercise to burn calories, or purge after you eat? Do you eat when you're upset or does food give you comfort? Do you feel controlled by food? If you are feeling controlled by thoughts, fears, and worries about food, weight, and appearance, you might feel frustrated, depressed, anxious, confused, and lonely. I provide special counseling services to help you understand why you are thinking and feeling this way...
(661) 430-0917 View (661) 430-0917
Photo of Heather DeAngelis Hambleton, LCSW-R, LCSW, CEAP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Heather DeAngelis Hambleton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, LCSW, CEAP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Valencia, CA 91355
ADHD can make you stuck. It can make you feel like you're walking through life in 3 feet of water. Every. Single. Day. Maybe you're a professional working in an environment that makes deadlines and productivity feel unreachable because it was designed for a different brain than yours. Or you're the parent of a struggling teen, often wondering to yourself what you can do to make them feel better. Or perhaps you're a college student, trying to balance the academic and social demands around you. Regardless, you live in a constant state of overwhelm. It’s enough to make you want to scream. Or cry. I'm here to help...
ADHD can make you stuck. It can make you feel like you're walking through life in 3 feet of water. Every. Single. Day. Maybe you're a professional working in an environment that makes deadlines and productivity feel unreachable because it was designed for a different brain than yours. Or you're the parent of a struggling teen, often wondering to yourself what you can do to make them feel better. Or perhaps you're a college student, trying to balance the academic and social demands around you. Regardless, you live in a constant state of overwhelm. It’s enough to make you want to scream. Or cry. I'm here to help...
(661) 464-0689 View (661) 464-0689
Photo of Julie Laws, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julie Laws
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Valencia, CA 91355
NOMINATED, SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR 2013, BY THE PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKER'S ASSOCIATION, LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPT. OF MENTAL HEALTH. I have extensive experience related to all adolescent issues along with family therapy. I have a strong background in dealing with substance abuse issues. I provide effective strategies to cope with any mood related problems. I had additional training at USC focusing on school related problems. I have experience in working with individuals who have experienced some form of trauma.
NOMINATED, SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR 2013, BY THE PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKER'S ASSOCIATION, LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPT. OF MENTAL HEALTH. I have extensive experience related to all adolescent issues along with family therapy. I have a strong background in dealing with substance abuse issues. I provide effective strategies to cope with any mood related problems. I had additional training at USC focusing on school related problems. I have experience in working with individuals who have experienced some form of trauma.
(661) 263-4802 View (661) 263-4802
Photo of Ella Armine Weiss, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ella Armine Weiss
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Valencia, CA 91355
Do you struggle with feeling nervous or down much of the time? Are you having trouble falling or remaining asleep? These are signs of anxiety and depression, and they are very treatable. However, when left untreated, both can be debilitating and overwhelming. Anxiety and depression can manifest in many ways, affecting the kinds of decisions you make, which in turn affects the quality of your life.
Do you struggle with feeling nervous or down much of the time? Are you having trouble falling or remaining asleep? These are signs of anxiety and depression, and they are very treatable. However, when left untreated, both can be debilitating and overwhelming. Anxiety and depression can manifest in many ways, affecting the kinds of decisions you make, which in turn affects the quality of your life.
(661) 990-9143 View (661) 990-9143
Photo of Stefanie Lucia, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Stefanie Lucia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Valencia, CA 91355
Are you struggling with identity? Feeling worthless or like an imposter? Are you snapping at loved ones over little things? Or repeating relationships, patterns, or situations, and wishing you could break the cycle? Sometimes, we aren't sure what causes our distress, but we can sense we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or success. That's where I come in. My job is to listen, help you understand the root causes of your issues, break unwanted patterns, and teach you practical tools to change your life. Therapy isn't always easy, but neither is the distress you're feeling now. And it's ok to need help; we all do.
Are you struggling with identity? Feeling worthless or like an imposter? Are you snapping at loved ones over little things? Or repeating relationships, patterns, or situations, and wishing you could break the cycle? Sometimes, we aren't sure what causes our distress, but we can sense we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or success. That's where I come in. My job is to listen, help you understand the root causes of your issues, break unwanted patterns, and teach you practical tools to change your life. Therapy isn't always easy, but neither is the distress you're feeling now. And it's ok to need help; we all do.
(707) 708-4461 View (707) 708-4461
Photo of Andrew D. Greif, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Andrew D. Greif
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Valencia, CA 91355
It takes a great deal of courage to embark on an experience of bettering one’s life. I feel honored to be a part of that process. Clients arrive in therapy for a myriad of different reasons, but most of all, seem to have a very clear goal of bettering their lives. I truly enjoy collaborating with Clients to make this happen, and strive to give my Clients tools to use many years into the future. I work with children, adolescents, adults and couples with a variety of presenting issues, including anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders, relationship issues and addiction.
It takes a great deal of courage to embark on an experience of bettering one’s life. I feel honored to be a part of that process. Clients arrive in therapy for a myriad of different reasons, but most of all, seem to have a very clear goal of bettering their lives. I truly enjoy collaborating with Clients to make this happen, and strive to give my Clients tools to use many years into the future. I work with children, adolescents, adults and couples with a variety of presenting issues, including anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders, relationship issues and addiction.
(661) 312-0860 View (661) 312-0860
Photo of Linda K. Laffey, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Linda K. Laffey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Valencia, CA 91355
Would you like to take control of your life? With the global pandemic at hand and things changing on a daily basis, taking control seems nearly impossible these days. We can. Do you repeatedly find yourself in relationships that hurt? Does pain from your past keep you from enjoying your life now? If so, I can help you learn to stop the pattern and start enjoying life. Change is possible, and you do not have to go on living in pain. We can work together to identify what is preventing you from living your life the way you have always wanted to, and with my training and experience, I can help you get where you want to go quickly.
Would you like to take control of your life? With the global pandemic at hand and things changing on a daily basis, taking control seems nearly impossible these days. We can. Do you repeatedly find yourself in relationships that hurt? Does pain from your past keep you from enjoying your life now? If so, I can help you learn to stop the pattern and start enjoying life. Change is possible, and you do not have to go on living in pain. We can work together to identify what is preventing you from living your life the way you have always wanted to, and with my training and experience, I can help you get where you want to go quickly.
(805) 375-5860 View (805) 375-5860
Photo of Alexander Karimi - SCV Counseling Center, LMFT, MA, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
SCV Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
Valencia, CA 91355
Childcare is provided during your session. Bring the kids to spend time at our Kid's Room, while you get treatment from our therapists. With over 20 therapists there is always one that will match your requirements. All of our therapists hold a minimum of a master's degree in a psychology-related field that qualifies them with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to provide counseling/therapy in California. Sessions are available in-person as well as online via telehealth. We are accepting new clients now and can get you an appointment within 2-3 days. Open every day apart from Sundays, from 10:30 AM to late evening.
Childcare is provided during your session. Bring the kids to spend time at our Kid's Room, while you get treatment from our therapists. With over 20 therapists there is always one that will match your requirements. All of our therapists hold a minimum of a master's degree in a psychology-related field that qualifies them with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to provide counseling/therapy in California. Sessions are available in-person as well as online via telehealth. We are accepting new clients now and can get you an appointment within 2-3 days. Open every day apart from Sundays, from 10:30 AM to late evening.
(661) 485-3456 View (661) 485-3456
Photo of Thao T Taylor, PsyD, Psychologist
Thao T Taylor
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Valencia, CA 91354
How would you like to live your life? What changes do you want to make? What's stopping you from making them? If you find that you're asking yourself these questions, let me help you figure out the answers. I know I can help you and/or your loved ones find the solution that will work for you. Your goals are yours to create. I generally go at your pace to support you realize goals and to facilitate the metamorphosis that is taking place.
How would you like to live your life? What changes do you want to make? What's stopping you from making them? If you find that you're asking yourself these questions, let me help you figure out the answers. I know I can help you and/or your loved ones find the solution that will work for you. Your goals are yours to create. I generally go at your pace to support you realize goals and to facilitate the metamorphosis that is taking place.
(818) 284-4006 View (818) 284-4006
Photo of Linda Rivadeneyra, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Linda Rivadeneyra
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Valencia, CA 91354
HeIlo! Welcome! This is safe zone. LGBTQ+ affirmative. Let’s meet to get acquainted with one another. I like to help clients heal and grow. Some of the issues my clients experience are Depression, Anxiety, Interpersonal, ADHD, Abuse, and Trauma. I work with clients who have dysfunctional family backgrounds, have survived various types of abuse, and are struggling with dealing with family members or others, and/or are recovering from their childhoods. Also I help with work stress, life changes, and transitions. I have personal experience with a lot of issues I help others address, in addition to years of experience.
HeIlo! Welcome! This is safe zone. LGBTQ+ affirmative. Let’s meet to get acquainted with one another. I like to help clients heal and grow. Some of the issues my clients experience are Depression, Anxiety, Interpersonal, ADHD, Abuse, and Trauma. I work with clients who have dysfunctional family backgrounds, have survived various types of abuse, and are struggling with dealing with family members or others, and/or are recovering from their childhoods. Also I help with work stress, life changes, and transitions. I have personal experience with a lot of issues I help others address, in addition to years of experience.
(661) 469-4808 View (661) 469-4808
Photo of Stuart Yasukochi, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Stuart Yasukochi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Valencia, CA 91355
Not accepting new clients
Are you feeling disconnected? Stressed, anxious, tired, or angry? Are you or your loved ones repeating behaviors, relationships, or situations, and wishing you could break the cycle? Maybe little things feel more frustrating or overwhelming than usual. Sometimes, we aren't sure what causes our distress, but we can sense we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or success. And even when we know the cause, change can still feel impossible. That's where I come in. My job is not to judge you--it's to listen, help you understand the root causes of your difficulties, and teach you practical tools to help change your life.
Are you feeling disconnected? Stressed, anxious, tired, or angry? Are you or your loved ones repeating behaviors, relationships, or situations, and wishing you could break the cycle? Maybe little things feel more frustrating or overwhelming than usual. Sometimes, we aren't sure what causes our distress, but we can sense we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or success. And even when we know the cause, change can still feel impossible. That's where I come in. My job is not to judge you--it's to listen, help you understand the root causes of your difficulties, and teach you practical tools to help change your life.
(661) 493-8902 View (661) 493-8902

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Dr. Gloria Hudson, PsyD, MA
Dr. Gloria Hudson
PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
I am Dr. Gloria Hudson, a mental health expert here to help you, whether you're struggling with anxiety or depression or are just plain unmotivated with your current life circumstances. I am a trained psychologist, so professionally, I see behavior through a therapeutic lens; I work with clients to alchemize original wounds into assets, challenge cognitive distortions, building an organic and authentic coaching relationship that's not forced or framed to look or feel pragmatic. The goal is for each session to meet you where you are, in a non-judgmental manner, and to be better than when you first walked into my office.
I am Dr. Gloria Hudson, a mental health expert here to help you, whether you're struggling with anxiety or depression or are just plain unmotivated with your current life circumstances. I am a trained psychologist, so professionally, I see behavior through a therapeutic lens; I work with clients to alchemize original wounds into assets, challenge cognitive distortions, building an organic and authentic coaching relationship that's not forced or framed to look or feel pragmatic. The goal is for each session to meet you where you are, in a non-judgmental manner, and to be better than when you first walked into my office.
(661) 485-5164 View (661) 485-5164
Photo of Susette A Gonzalez, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Susette A Gonzalez
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91350  (Online Only)
Are you a woman suffering from the trauma of betrayal or narcissistic abuse? Do you struggle with low self-esteem or the "people pleasing syndrome"? Do you tend to look for love in all the wrong places? Do you lack confidence and have trouble asserting yourself? Do you have trust issues? Do you harbor feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and self-doubt, or become depressed, anxious, bitter, angry, or resentful? If so, you're not alone......
Are you a woman suffering from the trauma of betrayal or narcissistic abuse? Do you struggle with low self-esteem or the "people pleasing syndrome"? Do you tend to look for love in all the wrong places? Do you lack confidence and have trouble asserting yourself? Do you have trust issues? Do you harbor feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and self-doubt, or become depressed, anxious, bitter, angry, or resentful? If so, you're not alone......
(661) 621-3062 View (661) 621-3062
Photo of Angela Marie Claffey, PsyD, Psychologist
Angela Marie Claffey
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
My name is Dr. Claffey and I am a clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, poor body image, and low self-esteem. I am the founder of the Well Christian Counseling Center and our mission is to cultivate wellness in our patients' spirit, mind, and body. I have a special place in my heart to help adolescents that currently struggle with managing their mental health. As a therapist, I will guide you through the spaces of your soul that have been wounded and avoided for the purpose of healing. The ultimate goal of therapy is to equip you to live abundant life of wellness. Welcome to The Well.
My name is Dr. Claffey and I am a clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, poor body image, and low self-esteem. I am the founder of the Well Christian Counseling Center and our mission is to cultivate wellness in our patients' spirit, mind, and body. I have a special place in my heart to help adolescents that currently struggle with managing their mental health. As a therapist, I will guide you through the spaces of your soul that have been wounded and avoided for the purpose of healing. The ultimate goal of therapy is to equip you to live abundant life of wellness. Welcome to The Well.
(661) 402-9098 View (661) 402-9098
Photo of Greer R. Hansen - Dr. Greer R. Hansen, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Greer R. Hansen
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Newhall, CA 91321  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist (Psy.D). I approach my work with warmth, compassion, and hope. I value you- your time, your strengths, your efforts, your growth. I believe that you already have the wisdom and inner resources that you need to create the change you seek in your life. My job is to help you clear out the emotional clutter that is keeping you from feeling your best. We will work together to understand your history and develop practical tools so that you can live with joy and ease.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist (Psy.D). I approach my work with warmth, compassion, and hope. I value you- your time, your strengths, your efforts, your growth. I believe that you already have the wisdom and inner resources that you need to create the change you seek in your life. My job is to help you clear out the emotional clutter that is keeping you from feeling your best. We will work together to understand your history and develop practical tools so that you can live with joy and ease.
(818) 593-0158 View (818) 593-0158
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.