Therapists in Washington, GA
![Photo of Fulani A. Doughty, LPC, NCC, CRC, ICAADC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a27ce92-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Fulani A. Doughty
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CRC, ICAADC, ACS
Verified Verified
Washington, GA 30673
Welcome to our practice! If you would benefit from "talk therapy" and are looking for a discreet, comfortable and cozy place to obtain confidential and targeted counseling services (individual, group, couples or family) from competent and caring counselors, you have found the right place! We provide holistic behavioral health services to all ages. Additionally, if you prefer, you may obtain (technology assisted) distance counseling/coaching services from Dr. Doughty.
Welcome to our practice! If you would benefit from "talk therapy" and are looking for a discreet, comfortable and cozy place to obtain confidential and targeted counseling services (individual, group, couples or family) from competent and caring counselors, you have found the right place! We provide holistic behavioral health services to all ages. Additionally, if you prefer, you may obtain (technology assisted) distance counseling/coaching services from Dr. Doughty.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Cindy Foster - MindBody Stress Reduction Programs, LLC, LCSW, NBCCH, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c1ad35d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
MindBody Stress Reduction Programs, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, NBCCH, ACSW
Verified Verified
Martinez, GA 30907
Imagine yourself discovering or reclaiming the innate healing potential that resides within you." I am trained in traditional "talk" psychotherapy and "mindbody" therapy. - Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Psychotherapist & Stress Reduction Consultant with 40 years of experience. -Trained in Mindfulness-Based Therapy & Meditation. - Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. -National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist & Diplomat. - Trained to work with a wide range of issues. People seek my help for emotional healing & regulation, eliminate negative habits, improve focus, move through life transitions, trauma recovery &/ or improve other personal & professional issues.Individual treatment programs provided. Individualized hypnotherapy for stop smoking, enjoy weight loss, stop phobias & anxiety reactions. Customized recordings available.
Imagine yourself discovering or reclaiming the innate healing potential that resides within you." I am trained in traditional "talk" psychotherapy and "mindbody" therapy. - Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Psychotherapist & Stress Reduction Consultant with 40 years of experience. -Trained in Mindfulness-Based Therapy & Meditation. - Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. -National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist & Diplomat. - Trained to work with a wide range of issues. People seek my help for emotional healing & regulation, eliminate negative habits, improve focus, move through life transitions, trauma recovery &/ or improve other personal & professional issues.Individual treatment programs provided. Individualized hypnotherapy for stop smoking, enjoy weight loss, stop phobias & anxiety reactions. Customized recordings available.
![Photo of Tara Arnold, PhD, LCSW, CEDS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f0fe082c-42ee-4d1f-9034-2690285f2399/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tara Arnold
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, CEDS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30324
I am so glad that you are here and seeking change. Connection is the cornerstone of good therapy, and as a person, I am very compassionate, warm and engaging. I work with high achieving, highly driven, people who would like to deepen their experience of connection in life; both to themselves and others. No matter how our lives appear on the outside, many of us feel emotionally lonely and emotionally unsatisfied. I believe that through understanding and awareness, we can move towards becoming our true selves and experience life more deeply. We can learn to connect more fully with ourselves and others and transform our lives.
I am so glad that you are here and seeking change. Connection is the cornerstone of good therapy, and as a person, I am very compassionate, warm and engaging. I work with high achieving, highly driven, people who would like to deepen their experience of connection in life; both to themselves and others. No matter how our lives appear on the outside, many of us feel emotionally lonely and emotionally unsatisfied. I believe that through understanding and awareness, we can move towards becoming our true selves and experience life more deeply. We can learn to connect more fully with ourselves and others and transform our lives.
![Photo of Alan Behrman - Alan Behrman & Associates, PC, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b2c1b28-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
While active listening is an important skill for a therapist, listening can only go so far. All of the therapists here believe that what sets us apart from many other therapists is the fact we actually help you help yourself make the necessary changes in your life by giving you techniques, tools, skills, and guidance to achieve your goals. You'll almost always walk out of a session with a new technique or two that you can go home and start using immediately. All eight of our therapists are highly trained, personable, and ready to give you the stills and techniques you need.
While active listening is an important skill for a therapist, listening can only go so far. All of the therapists here believe that what sets us apart from many other therapists is the fact we actually help you help yourself make the necessary changes in your life by giving you techniques, tools, skills, and guidance to achieve your goals. You'll almost always walk out of a session with a new technique or two that you can go home and start using immediately. All eight of our therapists are highly trained, personable, and ready to give you the stills and techniques you need.
![Photo of Gathering Precious Stones Llc, LPC, CPCS, NCCH, CAMS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47b322e8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Gathering Precious Stones Llc
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CPCS, NCCH, CAMS
Verified Verified
McDonough, GA 30253
It is my passion to help others find the value in their lives; while discovering the core of life's issues. Over 20 years experience in the field. I offer a non-judgement space for healing, for children, adolescents, and adults.
It is my passion to help others find the value in their lives; while discovering the core of life's issues. Over 20 years experience in the field. I offer a non-judgement space for healing, for children, adolescents, and adults.
![Photo of Aleta L. Sisson - Aleta L. Sisson, MA, LPC, LCMHC, LCPC, MA, LPC, LCMHC, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ff8f246-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Aleta L. Sisson, MA, LPC, LCMHC, LCPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCMHC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Cleveland, GA 30528
I am licensed in GA, VT, & MT, practicing for 33 years. I specialize in treating Post-traumatic Stress DO using EMDR, a trauma therapy which transforms lives, allowing people to put the past in the past and live fully in the present. I am certified as an Emotionally Focused Couple’s therapist (EFT), the only research supported couples therapy. I assist with traumatic grief from sudden loss, which completely disorients and is rarely understood. To empower clients, I emphasize overall health & the benefits of optimal nutrition, exercise, & stress reduction, actions they can take on their own to improve their lives.
I am licensed in GA, VT, & MT, practicing for 33 years. I specialize in treating Post-traumatic Stress DO using EMDR, a trauma therapy which transforms lives, allowing people to put the past in the past and live fully in the present. I am certified as an Emotionally Focused Couple’s therapist (EFT), the only research supported couples therapy. I assist with traumatic grief from sudden loss, which completely disorients and is rarely understood. To empower clients, I emphasize overall health & the benefits of optimal nutrition, exercise, & stress reduction, actions they can take on their own to improve their lives.
![Photo of Jennifer Wood - Jennifer Wood Counseling LLC, LPC, BCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd615738-f08a-49fe-9883-057cd34a92c7/2/320x400.png)
Jennifer Wood Counseling LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, BCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Athens, GA 30606
I help people with managing relationships, involving trauma and childhood neglect. I also work with clients who do not have negative past experiences, but simply want to improve the relationships they have. I provide a warm environment for exploring areas of concern, and I am committed to hearing the spoken and the unspoken, as well as helping you make meaningful connections in your life. As a therapist who is Christian, I also enjoy making spiritual connections and giving encouragement to one's faith journey. I am also comfortable maintaining a safe secular space for you to share your struggles openly and honestly.
I help people with managing relationships, involving trauma and childhood neglect. I also work with clients who do not have negative past experiences, but simply want to improve the relationships they have. I provide a warm environment for exploring areas of concern, and I am committed to hearing the spoken and the unspoken, as well as helping you make meaningful connections in your life. As a therapist who is Christian, I also enjoy making spiritual connections and giving encouragement to one's faith journey. I am also comfortable maintaining a safe secular space for you to share your struggles openly and honestly.
![Photo of Rich Williams: Board Certified Hypnotherapist, CHT, NLP, LMT, CNMT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/409816ac-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rich Williams: Board Certified Hypnotherapist
CHT, NLP, LMT, CNMT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30324
Are you feeling lost or stuck? I am passionate about making a real lasting difference in your life, and inspiring you to develop tools to move towards your goals in a flexible, gentle and supportive way. I approach the mind/body from an integrative and holistic point of view that combines eastern, western and energy medicine philosophies; my experience has shown that when this approach is used strategically you may heal the root causes and find deeply profound transformational healing. My goal is to help with any physical, mental, or emotional imbalance that may come up so that you can get back to living and loving life!
Are you feeling lost or stuck? I am passionate about making a real lasting difference in your life, and inspiring you to develop tools to move towards your goals in a flexible, gentle and supportive way. I approach the mind/body from an integrative and holistic point of view that combines eastern, western and energy medicine philosophies; my experience has shown that when this approach is used strategically you may heal the root causes and find deeply profound transformational healing. My goal is to help with any physical, mental, or emotional imbalance that may come up so that you can get back to living and loving life!
![Photo of Tracy Gantlin-Monroy, MA, MDiv, LPC, BSP, SE, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6d485c48-7534-45d4-b5f2-d1d6ef7cda07/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tracy Gantlin-Monroy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MDiv, LPC, BSP, SE
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30315 (Online Only)
As the 1st Black female Brainspotting trainer in the world, I seek to humanize mental health struggles, representation and champion therapy to everyone as the path to normalizing/living a healthy, active, fulfilling life. Freedom, self-confidence, courage, a healthy sense of self; what's stopping you? Barriers to acceptance exist, often buried deep within the layers of experience, trauma, divorce, unmet needs, unhealed hurts, depression, anxiety, less than desired self esteem, family systems, unhealthy relationships, anger, feelings of being misunderstood, symptoms of diagnosis, poor communication skills and the list goes on.
As the 1st Black female Brainspotting trainer in the world, I seek to humanize mental health struggles, representation and champion therapy to everyone as the path to normalizing/living a healthy, active, fulfilling life. Freedom, self-confidence, courage, a healthy sense of self; what's stopping you? Barriers to acceptance exist, often buried deep within the layers of experience, trauma, divorce, unmet needs, unhealed hurts, depression, anxiety, less than desired self esteem, family systems, unhealthy relationships, anger, feelings of being misunderstood, symptoms of diagnosis, poor communication skills and the list goes on.
![Photo of Kaye Elizabeth Davis - Easy Does It Counseling Services Sole Proprietor, LPC, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f1de818-f19b-4ac2-ac72-221e17bbdd05/1/320x400.jpeg)
Easy Does It Counseling Services Sole Proprietor
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Watkinsville, GA 30677 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Kaye, and I am here to assist you in your journey. I have been in counseling and coaching combined for over 12 years. In my previous job, I was a collegiate basketball coach, but I have experience working with all ages. I believe that others would consider me as driven, affirming, energetic, and having a sense of humor. I look forward to beginning this journey with you and want you to know how courageous you are for taking this step for therapy!
Hello! My name is Kaye, and I am here to assist you in your journey. I have been in counseling and coaching combined for over 12 years. In my previous job, I was a collegiate basketball coach, but I have experience working with all ages. I believe that others would consider me as driven, affirming, energetic, and having a sense of humor. I look forward to beginning this journey with you and want you to know how courageous you are for taking this step for therapy!
![Photo of Brandon Santan, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4bc05a65-e1f1-48d1-8b1f-0654df3542e2/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Brandon Santan is a licensed professional counselor and Ph.D. level therapist who considers himself a general mental health and relationship therapist. Dr. Santan specializes in anxiety issues, such as generalized anxiety, OCD, and phobias. Dr. Santan also specializes in addictions and relationship distress. Dr. Santan has a holistic and person-centered approach to counseling that relies on the CBT family of therapeutic modalities during treatment.
Dr. Brandon Santan is a licensed professional counselor and Ph.D. level therapist who considers himself a general mental health and relationship therapist. Dr. Santan specializes in anxiety issues, such as generalized anxiety, OCD, and phobias. Dr. Santan also specializes in addictions and relationship distress. Dr. Santan has a holistic and person-centered approach to counseling that relies on the CBT family of therapeutic modalities during treatment.
![Photo of Natasha B LaMarr - The Wives Inc., EdD, LPC, CPCS, EMDR, CST, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f8e905c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
The Wives Inc.
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC, CPCS, EMDR, CST
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30308
I am committed to helping individuals, couples and families reach their fullest potential by equipping them with the tools/skills to thrive and live their best life. My goal is to assist my clients to be able to overcome past traumas, insecurities, negative relationship habits and other negative patterns that hinder their ability to create and maintain healthy relationships. I also enjoy helping couples prepare for marriage or work through marital issues that all couples experience at some point and time in their marriage such as communication issues, conflict resolution, sexual issues, betrayal, infidelity, and incompatibility.
I am committed to helping individuals, couples and families reach their fullest potential by equipping them with the tools/skills to thrive and live their best life. My goal is to assist my clients to be able to overcome past traumas, insecurities, negative relationship habits and other negative patterns that hinder their ability to create and maintain healthy relationships. I also enjoy helping couples prepare for marriage or work through marital issues that all couples experience at some point and time in their marriage such as communication issues, conflict resolution, sexual issues, betrayal, infidelity, and incompatibility.
![Photo of Olivia Chante' Frazier, MS, LPC, NCC, ASFA PT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c0cfca3-73fb-4d4f-b586-e62ce6bf0043/1/320x400.jpeg)
Olivia Chante' Frazier
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, ASFA PT
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30033 (Online Only)
Olivia Chanté Frazier is the founder of “Transform You,” which is a private practice specializing in exercise and nutrition-based interventions for treating mental health. I am a LPC, Personal Trainer, Nutrition and Mindset coach. I am a Georgia native and have been practicing in the mental health field since 2002. I thrive on helping others break out of unhealthy patterns to feel empowered and strong. I assist clients in learning the importance of incorporating physical movement and nutrition into their lives as a healthy coping skill to managing their mental health and overall well-being.
Olivia Chanté Frazier is the founder of “Transform You,” which is a private practice specializing in exercise and nutrition-based interventions for treating mental health. I am a LPC, Personal Trainer, Nutrition and Mindset coach. I am a Georgia native and have been practicing in the mental health field since 2002. I thrive on helping others break out of unhealthy patterns to feel empowered and strong. I assist clients in learning the importance of incorporating physical movement and nutrition into their lives as a healthy coping skill to managing their mental health and overall well-being.
![Photo of Maria Gomez Soler, LMFT, MBA, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4972d7ea-c21e-4559-87bd-e0ddcb5dfe78/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maria Gomez Soler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MBA, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30308 (Online Only)
Sometimes it feels as if we lost our way; our closest relationships are a constant source of conflict and loneliness, and we struggle to find true connections, clarity, confidence, hope, and peace. It does not need to be that way. You can be seen and loved for who you really are, and you can count on yourself and others through the ups and downs of life. I enjoy guiding people through that journey to become their best selves and to enjoy fulfilling relationships.
Sometimes it feels as if we lost our way; our closest relationships are a constant source of conflict and loneliness, and we struggle to find true connections, clarity, confidence, hope, and peace. It does not need to be that way. You can be seen and loved for who you really are, and you can count on yourself and others through the ups and downs of life. I enjoy guiding people through that journey to become their best selves and to enjoy fulfilling relationships.
![Photo of David Wright - Atlanta Coaching & Hypnotherapy Associates, MD, MBA, MM, MHSA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f65c2289-186e-474d-a6bb-ad0dbf2fb148/2/320x400.jpeg)
At Atlanta Coaching & Hypnotherapy Associates (ACHA), Atlanta's Top Life Coaching, Self Improvement/Development & Hypnotherapy practice, we use Life Coaching, Hypnotherapy, & Cognitive Behavioral Therapies to help you overcome challenges w/ Life Direction, Indecision, Insomnia, Anxiety/Worry, Panic Attacks, Racing Thoughts, Destructive Cycles/Emotional Ruts, Grief, Depression, ADHD & Trauma. We'll help you move beyond just talking about your problems. Visit our website & see our 100+ client reviews! Let's start breaking bad habits & crushing comfort zones today! Check out the "Fresh Start with Dr David" Podcast. It's FREE.
At Atlanta Coaching & Hypnotherapy Associates (ACHA), Atlanta's Top Life Coaching, Self Improvement/Development & Hypnotherapy practice, we use Life Coaching, Hypnotherapy, & Cognitive Behavioral Therapies to help you overcome challenges w/ Life Direction, Indecision, Insomnia, Anxiety/Worry, Panic Attacks, Racing Thoughts, Destructive Cycles/Emotional Ruts, Grief, Depression, ADHD & Trauma. We'll help you move beyond just talking about your problems. Visit our website & see our 100+ client reviews! Let's start breaking bad habits & crushing comfort zones today! Check out the "Fresh Start with Dr David" Podcast. It's FREE.
![Photo of Heather I Kotler, LCSW, MPH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cf9ba01-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
For people who have faced extraordinary difficulties, navigating the ups and and downs of everyday life can be a challenge. As a therapist who specializes in working with people dealing with addiction or anxiety or those who suffered a personal trauma, my goal is to help men, women, and teens who struggle with those issues learn the skills to not just get by, but to grow and thrive.
For people who have faced extraordinary difficulties, navigating the ups and and downs of everyday life can be a challenge. As a therapist who specializes in working with people dealing with addiction or anxiety or those who suffered a personal trauma, my goal is to help men, women, and teens who struggle with those issues learn the skills to not just get by, but to grow and thrive.
![Photo of Dr. Terry Samuels, PhD, MS, CDBT, CPCS, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ee96ba5-7610-49e9-b8b7-f43eca0ad07c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Terry Samuels
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MS, CDBT, CPCS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Jonesboro, GA 30236
Terry Samuels earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in December 1994 from Armstrong Atlantic University. Terry obtained his Master of Public Administration degree in December 1996 from Georgia State University. Terry obtained his Master of Professional Counseling degree in December 2015 from Grand Canyon University. Terry completed a 10-month internship at Intown Psychological Associates and completed the hours required for his associate license. Terry is a fully licensed therapist in the state of Georgia (LPC011391). Terry obtained his doctorate in psychology from Grand Canyon University in November of 2023.
Terry Samuels earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in December 1994 from Armstrong Atlantic University. Terry obtained his Master of Public Administration degree in December 1996 from Georgia State University. Terry obtained his Master of Professional Counseling degree in December 2015 from Grand Canyon University. Terry completed a 10-month internship at Intown Psychological Associates and completed the hours required for his associate license. Terry is a fully licensed therapist in the state of Georgia (LPC011391). Terry obtained his doctorate in psychology from Grand Canyon University in November of 2023.
![Photo of Jennifer Hope - Flourish Family Therapy, MS, LPC, CCAADC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/592ed88d-260b-4e7f-9f39-6d79ca47eee1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Flourish Family Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CCAADC
Verified Verified
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
At Flourish Family Therapy, we strive to provide our clients with the greatest possible care. We only offer experienced therapists that empower all our clients to flourish and reach their potential. We don't believe in a cookie cutter, one size fits all approach. Our therapists and administrative staff are dedicated to creating a custom experience for each individual that walks through our doors. Your new future begins now and we're looking forward to helping you achieve your treatment goals.
At Flourish Family Therapy, we strive to provide our clients with the greatest possible care. We only offer experienced therapists that empower all our clients to flourish and reach their potential. We don't believe in a cookie cutter, one size fits all approach. Our therapists and administrative staff are dedicated to creating a custom experience for each individual that walks through our doors. Your new future begins now and we're looking forward to helping you achieve your treatment goals.
![Photo of Delton W. De Vose, PhD, LPC, ACS, CCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/477c10d3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Delton W. De Vose
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, ACS, CCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Martinez, GA 30907
As a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience, I have found the use of proven techniques such as CBT and EMDR are effective strategies that help my clients best cope with challenges, improve their relationships, and achieve their goals. Over the years, I have provided clinical services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, active duty soldiers, and veterans with the following challenges: alcohol/drugs, focusing, impulsiveness, difficulties managing anger or anxiety, trust violations, depression, PTSD, domestic violence, sex, pornography, low self-esteem, weight gain/loss, and relationship challenges.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience, I have found the use of proven techniques such as CBT and EMDR are effective strategies that help my clients best cope with challenges, improve their relationships, and achieve their goals. Over the years, I have provided clinical services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, active duty soldiers, and veterans with the following challenges: alcohol/drugs, focusing, impulsiveness, difficulties managing anger or anxiety, trust violations, depression, PTSD, domestic violence, sex, pornography, low self-esteem, weight gain/loss, and relationship challenges.
![Photo of Patria Baugh, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a5ba23ff-c389-4c12-b4c8-632f3dbafc2e/1/320x400.jpeg)
At times things can become so overwhelming that it can create one developing unhealthy habits such as overeating, arguments in relationships, and difficulties at work. There are also cultural factures that can hinder mental health growth, and learning how to appropriately incorporate some cultural practices in therapy can be beneficial. Being a single parent, serious medical diagnosis, self-esteem, and major transitions, can also cause a lot of distress, and learning how to apply distress tolerance and using interpersonal effectiveness tools for a healthy communication can help reduce/decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
At times things can become so overwhelming that it can create one developing unhealthy habits such as overeating, arguments in relationships, and difficulties at work. There are also cultural factures that can hinder mental health growth, and learning how to appropriately incorporate some cultural practices in therapy can be beneficial. Being a single parent, serious medical diagnosis, self-esteem, and major transitions, can also cause a lot of distress, and learning how to apply distress tolerance and using interpersonal effectiveness tools for a healthy communication can help reduce/decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
See more therapy options for Washington
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.