Weight Loss Therapists in East Windsor, NJ

Photo of Dr. Shirin Zarqa-Lederman, PhD, MA, MCIS, LPC, LCADC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Shirin Zarqa-Lederman
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MA, MCIS, LPC, LCADC
Verified Verified
East Windsor, NJ 08520  (Online Only)
’m Dr. Shirin Zarqa-Lederman, a licensed counseling psychologist (LPC, LCADC) specializing in trauma and community psychology. I work with clients navigating complex trauma tied to cultural identity, generational struggles, or substance use. My clients seek a safe, compassionate space to reclaim resilience and strengthen connections. I provide culturally responsive care locally and globally, empowering individuals to heal, grow, and foster a sense of purpose and belonging within themselves and their communities through my New Jersey-based practice.
’m Dr. Shirin Zarqa-Lederman, a licensed counseling psychologist (LPC, LCADC) specializing in trauma and community psychology. I work with clients navigating complex trauma tied to cultural identity, generational struggles, or substance use. My clients seek a safe, compassionate space to reclaim resilience and strengthen connections. I provide culturally responsive care locally and globally, empowering individuals to heal, grow, and foster a sense of purpose and belonging within themselves and their communities through my New Jersey-based practice.
(732) 875-0985 View (732) 875-0985
Photo of Jenni Rispoli, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jenni Rispoli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Windsor, NJ 08520  (Online Only)
In my practice, I provide psychotherapy for people presenting with a wide variety of difficulties. My areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting difficulties, and self- esteem. I provide a supportive environment in which we work together to discover obstacles to happiness and fulfillment and how to remove them. I assist clients in investigating the history of their struggles as well as current contributing factors to create a plan for successful change. Using insight oriented psychotherapy, along with cognitive-behavioral approaches, I work with clients to empower them to change their own lives.
In my practice, I provide psychotherapy for people presenting with a wide variety of difficulties. My areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting difficulties, and self- esteem. I provide a supportive environment in which we work together to discover obstacles to happiness and fulfillment and how to remove them. I assist clients in investigating the history of their struggles as well as current contributing factors to create a plan for successful change. Using insight oriented psychotherapy, along with cognitive-behavioral approaches, I work with clients to empower them to change their own lives.
(609) 604-5485 View (609) 604-5485
Photo of Judy Ann Goldman, BA Psyc, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Judy Ann Goldman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BA Psyc, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
East Windsor, NJ 08520
Although quite wonderful, sometimes being human is HARD. I'm licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with over 20 years full-time, clinical experience. I utilize evidence-based modalities to assist clients in finding new ways to better manage emotions, bring balance back, and help when things get rough. My client's ages range from early adulthood through the elderly, 20-80+. i work with individuals, couples and families in a safe, collaborative environment of self-discovery and growth.
Although quite wonderful, sometimes being human is HARD. I'm licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with over 20 years full-time, clinical experience. I utilize evidence-based modalities to assist clients in finding new ways to better manage emotions, bring balance back, and help when things get rough. My client's ages range from early adulthood through the elderly, 20-80+. i work with individuals, couples and families in a safe, collaborative environment of self-discovery and growth.
(609) 834-4623 View (609) 834-4623
Photo of Richard Tiburzi Heid, PhD, Psychologist
Richard Tiburzi Heid
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
East Windsor, NJ 08520
My supportive and thoughtful approach to psychotherapy involves helping clients to take a look at themselves and their choices to determine whether their personal styles are working for them. In this way, clients become more aware of how they relate to others and how to make healthy choices to reduce and better manage stress, improve mood, and enhance relationships. Identifying maladaptive patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, and making changes in those patterns, helps people to live more rewarding and satisfying lives. Therapy is a process in which people learn to live more adaptively and with more personal fulfillment.
My supportive and thoughtful approach to psychotherapy involves helping clients to take a look at themselves and their choices to determine whether their personal styles are working for them. In this way, clients become more aware of how they relate to others and how to make healthy choices to reduce and better manage stress, improve mood, and enhance relationships. Identifying maladaptive patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, and making changes in those patterns, helps people to live more rewarding and satisfying lives. Therapy is a process in which people learn to live more adaptively and with more personal fulfillment.
(609) 545-2095 View (609) 545-2095

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Barry Wolfson - Hypnosis Counseling Center, MS, Counselor
Hypnosis Counseling Center
Counselor, MS
Not Verified Not Verified
1 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08542
With offices in Flemington, Princeton and Livingston, NJ, King of Prussia, PA clients are treated for Weight Loss, Smoking, Anxiety, Confidence Building, Stress Management, Fears and Phobias, Insomnia, Test Taking, Public Speaking, Sports Improvement, Self-Hypnosis, Panic Attacks, Self-Esteem, Sales Motivation, Behavior Modification,Childbirth, Study Habits and Migraine Headaches.
For over 37 years, The Hypnosis Counseling Center of New Jersey has been a full-service counseling center, using both traditional counseling methods and the art of hypnotherapy in both private and group settings, in person or on the phone. Our clientele is quite diverse; we have worked as consultants for the State of New Jersey and we have tailor-made programs for Fortune 500 corporations; we regularly hold adult education seminars, work with hospitals and fitness centers, and we meet with individuals, just like your neighbor or you, who want to better their lives.
With offices in Flemington, Princeton and Livingston, NJ, King of Prussia, PA clients are treated for Weight Loss, Smoking, Anxiety, Confidence Building, Stress Management, Fears and Phobias, Insomnia, Test Taking, Public Speaking, Sports Improvement, Self-Hypnosis, Panic Attacks, Self-Esteem, Sales Motivation, Behavior Modification,Childbirth, Study Habits and Migraine Headaches.
For over 37 years, The Hypnosis Counseling Center of New Jersey has been a full-service counseling center, using both traditional counseling methods and the art of hypnotherapy in both private and group settings, in person or on the phone. Our clientele is quite diverse; we have worked as consultants for the State of New Jersey and we have tailor-made programs for Fortune 500 corporations; we regularly hold adult education seminars, work with hospitals and fitness centers, and we meet with individuals, just like your neighbor or you, who want to better their lives.
(908) 448-2850 View (908) 448-2850
Photo of Jaime Feldman - Accredited Hypnosis Counseling, PhD, DCH
Accredited Hypnosis Counseling
PhD, DCH
Verified Verified
Manalapan, NJ 07726
Specialties: Stop Smoking, Weight Loss (Gastric Band Hypnotherapy), Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Phobias, Educational Enhancements, Sports Enhancements, Career Motivation, Hypnotherapy Life Coaching, Behavior/Anger Management, Relationship Therapy, Grief & Bereavement Therapy, Sexual Dysfunctions, Hypnotherapy for Children, Immune System Enhancements, Self Confidence/Self Esteem, Finding Lost Objects. Alcohol & Drug Addiction, Medical Hypnosis. Dr. Jaime Feldman is one of the Top Hypnotherapists in the country. He has been on the Montel Williams show 4 times. Dr. Feldman teaches some of the most revolutionary techniques in Hypnotherapy, including speaking to the sub-personalities that cause a specific problem.
Specialties: Stop Smoking, Weight Loss (Gastric Band Hypnotherapy), Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Phobias, Educational Enhancements, Sports Enhancements, Career Motivation, Hypnotherapy Life Coaching, Behavior/Anger Management, Relationship Therapy, Grief & Bereavement Therapy, Sexual Dysfunctions, Hypnotherapy for Children, Immune System Enhancements, Self Confidence/Self Esteem, Finding Lost Objects. Alcohol & Drug Addiction, Medical Hypnosis. Dr. Jaime Feldman is one of the Top Hypnotherapists in the country. He has been on the Montel Williams show 4 times. Dr. Feldman teaches some of the most revolutionary techniques in Hypnotherapy, including speaking to the sub-personalities that cause a specific problem.
(848) 233-4313 View (848) 233-4313
Photo of Jessica Renee Blanding-Coleman, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica Renee Blanding-Coleman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540  (Online Only)
If only life were as easy as scrolling through counselor profiles. Let me help you bring healing and understanding to life's difficulties so you can move past them and into a better mind space. I am experienced in all areas of mental health, but I am highly effective in treating stress, anxiety, and depression. In addition to working with those experiencing difficult life transitions such as loss and divorce, I also enjoy working with women's issues such as infertility, postpartum conditions, parenting issues, and adjustments dealing with weight loss.
If only life were as easy as scrolling through counselor profiles. Let me help you bring healing and understanding to life's difficulties so you can move past them and into a better mind space. I am experienced in all areas of mental health, but I am highly effective in treating stress, anxiety, and depression. In addition to working with those experiencing difficult life transitions such as loss and divorce, I also enjoy working with women's issues such as infertility, postpartum conditions, parenting issues, and adjustments dealing with weight loss.
(215) 883-8263 View (215) 883-8263
Photo of Lesley A Allen - Lesley A. Allen, Ph.D., PhD, Psychologist
Lesley A. Allen, Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08540
I work with individuals struggling with emotional distress (depression, anxiety, anger), health-related problems (eating disorders, weight loss, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, health anxiety, somatization, and psychosomatic conditions) and relationship difficulties.
Over the past 20+ years, I have been working with adults, adolescents, and children in individual, couples, and family therapy. I listen closely to my clients to understand their current problems and related symptoms, thoughts, and feelings. I work collaboratively with clients to investigate the history of their struggles and to create a plan for change. Using cognitive, behavioral, and emotion-focused approaches, I aim to facilitate healing, growth, and change. Having spent much of my career as a scientist-practitioner, my clinical work is informed by empirical findings. My treatment approach is reasoned, compassionate, and practical.
I work with individuals struggling with emotional distress (depression, anxiety, anger), health-related problems (eating disorders, weight loss, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, health anxiety, somatization, and psychosomatic conditions) and relationship difficulties.
Over the past 20+ years, I have been working with adults, adolescents, and children in individual, couples, and family therapy. I listen closely to my clients to understand their current problems and related symptoms, thoughts, and feelings. I work collaboratively with clients to investigate the history of their struggles and to create a plan for change. Using cognitive, behavioral, and emotion-focused approaches, I aim to facilitate healing, growth, and change. Having spent much of my career as a scientist-practitioner, my clinical work is informed by empirical findings. My treatment approach is reasoned, compassionate, and practical.
(609) 975-9970 View (609) 975-9970
Photo of Nasya Breach, PsyD, Psychologist
Nasya Breach
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08540
There are times in life when we encounter pressures and difficulties that not only challenge our ability to cope and adapt in healthy and effective ways, but that also leave us feeling either out of touch with, and/or out of alignment with our truest, most authentic selves. Our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and well-being can often suffer as a result. As a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training and expertise in treating issues related to physical health and spirituality, I am deeply passionate about providing evidenced-based psychotherapy that respects and honors the whole person.
There are times in life when we encounter pressures and difficulties that not only challenge our ability to cope and adapt in healthy and effective ways, but that also leave us feeling either out of touch with, and/or out of alignment with our truest, most authentic selves. Our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and well-being can often suffer as a result. As a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training and expertise in treating issues related to physical health and spirituality, I am deeply passionate about providing evidenced-based psychotherapy that respects and honors the whole person.
(609) 557-3418 View (609) 557-3418
Photo of Julie Collins, MA, CHP, CRNC
Julie Collins
MA, CHP, CRNC
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
As a body-centered practitioner, I bring a holistic, mindful approach- somatic, experiential and collaborative. My aim is helping you access wisdom and resources already existing in your body, heart, mind; blending them with new information and experience for a new way forward. Through various modalities, I'll help you deepen self-awareness; explore, study, discover, choose, embody and express yourself more genuinely and fully. Whether struggling with habitual thought/behavior patterns, chronic mood states or health concerns leaving you feeling confused, frustrated, or alone, I'll help you meet and transform these challenges into new possibilities for experiencing life in more satisfying, nourishing ways.
As a body-centered practitioner, I bring a holistic, mindful approach- somatic, experiential and collaborative. My aim is helping you access wisdom and resources already existing in your body, heart, mind; blending them with new information and experience for a new way forward. Through various modalities, I'll help you deepen self-awareness; explore, study, discover, choose, embody and express yourself more genuinely and fully. Whether struggling with habitual thought/behavior patterns, chronic mood states or health concerns leaving you feeling confused, frustrated, or alone, I'll help you meet and transform these challenges into new possibilities for experiencing life in more satisfying, nourishing ways.
(267) 983-5211 View (267) 983-5211
Photo of Samantha Ellis, MEd, LPC, LAC, NCC, PMH-C, Licensed Professional Counselor
Samantha Ellis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, LAC, NCC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
My ideal clients are moms struggling with anxiety and looking for support through their transition to motherhood. These women are looking for encouragement and need support as they learn to trust their own intuition.
My ideal clients are moms struggling with anxiety and looking for support through their transition to motherhood. These women are looking for encouragement and need support as they learn to trust their own intuition.
(609) 804-5019 View (609) 804-5019
Photo of Fidel Loverton - Psychotherapy; Addiction; Psychological Counseling, LCADC, LPC, CRS, FAPA, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Psychotherapy; Addiction; Psychological Counseling
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LCADC, LPC, CRS, FAPA
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
Practices that include modalities with Eclectic theoretical orientation. Counseling everyone regardless of background purely on presenting health issues. Using integrative approach to whole person restoration of functioning. Mindfulness, Cognitive,Logotherapy, Motivational Interviewing. Transfigurative Hypnotherapy is strictly for pain management, sleep disorder, anxiety and relaxation. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). We proudly embrace the ethical values of the APA, AACC, ACA and NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors) that respectively advice counselor to practice within their competencies (training).
Practices that include modalities with Eclectic theoretical orientation. Counseling everyone regardless of background purely on presenting health issues. Using integrative approach to whole person restoration of functioning. Mindfulness, Cognitive,Logotherapy, Motivational Interviewing. Transfigurative Hypnotherapy is strictly for pain management, sleep disorder, anxiety and relaxation. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). We proudly embrace the ethical values of the APA, AACC, ACA and NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors) that respectively advice counselor to practice within their competencies (training).
(732) 983-5313 View (732) 983-5313
Photo of Marsha N. Shapiro, MSW, LCSW, BCD, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marsha N. Shapiro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BCD, LLC
Verified Verified
Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852  (Online Only)
I offer respectful, affirmative treatment in a safe, comfortable environment. Establishing a trusting, caring relationship with the people I work with is of the utmost importance to me. I see Children, Adolescents and Adults. Depression and other Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Phobias, PTSD, Relationships, Parenting, Separation/Divorce, Adult Survivors of Incest/Sexual Abuse, Sexuality, Women's and LGBTQ issues, Stress and Anger Management, Loss/ Bereavement, Eating and other Compulsive Disorders, Learning/DevelopmentalChallenges and Acute/Chronic Illness, Life Coaching and Individual Consultation Services are my areas of specialization.
I offer respectful, affirmative treatment in a safe, comfortable environment. Establishing a trusting, caring relationship with the people I work with is of the utmost importance to me. I see Children, Adolescents and Adults. Depression and other Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Phobias, PTSD, Relationships, Parenting, Separation/Divorce, Adult Survivors of Incest/Sexual Abuse, Sexuality, Women's and LGBTQ issues, Stress and Anger Management, Loss/ Bereavement, Eating and other Compulsive Disorders, Learning/DevelopmentalChallenges and Acute/Chronic Illness, Life Coaching and Individual Consultation Services are my areas of specialization.
(732) 979-2767 View (732) 979-2767
Photo of Rama Jiandani - Rama\'s Counseling Center Inc., LCSW, SAP, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rama\'s Counseling Center Inc.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SAP, MSW
Verified Verified
Kendall Park, NJ 08824
I specialize in counseling to individuals and families coping with relationship issues, parent-child issues, and extended family issues that are exacerbated by alcohol and substance abuse.
I specialize in counseling to individuals and families coping with relationship issues, parent-child issues, and extended family issues that are exacerbated by alcohol and substance abuse.
(732) 391-1215 View (732) 391-1215
Photo of Chloe L Colosimo, LPC, LCADC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Chloe L Colosimo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Monroe Township, NJ 08831
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over 25 years of experience specializing in addictions and trauma. I works primarily with individuals ages 13 and over facing challenges related to depression, anxiety/panic disorder, mood and personality disorders, interpersonal problems, self esteem, PTSD, trauma, grief, life transition, adjustment issues, stress management and substance abuse.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over 25 years of experience specializing in addictions and trauma. I works primarily with individuals ages 13 and over facing challenges related to depression, anxiety/panic disorder, mood and personality disorders, interpersonal problems, self esteem, PTSD, trauma, grief, life transition, adjustment issues, stress management and substance abuse.
(609) 375-0989 View (609) 375-0989
Photo of Jillian Krutansky, Pre-Licensed Professional
Jillian Krutansky
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Jamesburg, NJ 08831
Accepting new clients! In life, we will all face obstacles. My goal as a therapist is to help you learn more about yourself and come up with ways to overcome these obstacles - ways that actually work. I utilize various modalities, but Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) are the modalities I most frequently draw from. I believe that not all therapeutic modalities work for everybody, and as such, I adapt according to my clients' needs. I have experience working with children over 8, teenagers, and adults.
Accepting new clients! In life, we will all face obstacles. My goal as a therapist is to help you learn more about yourself and come up with ways to overcome these obstacles - ways that actually work. I utilize various modalities, but Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) are the modalities I most frequently draw from. I believe that not all therapeutic modalities work for everybody, and as such, I adapt according to my clients' needs. I have experience working with children over 8, teenagers, and adults.
(732) 561-5514 View (732) 561-5514
Photo of Jennifer L Hilligus, MA, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer L Hilligus
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Monroe, NJ 08831
Hello! My name is Jennifer Hilligus. I am a counselor and an educator. My approach to counseling is tailored to each individual, couple or family. I feel strongly that we must work to understand our patterns of thinking in order to identify why we feel and act the way that we do. During the therapeutic process, we will study your personal traits and patterns and develop ways to achieve all of your counseling goals. You can do it. I can help.
Hello! My name is Jennifer Hilligus. I am a counselor and an educator. My approach to counseling is tailored to each individual, couple or family. I feel strongly that we must work to understand our patterns of thinking in order to identify why we feel and act the way that we do. During the therapeutic process, we will study your personal traits and patterns and develop ways to achieve all of your counseling goals. You can do it. I can help.
(609) 952-5798 View (609) 952-5798
Photo of Rebecca Nir, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rebecca Nir
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
My ideal client is female, male, or nonbinary and is kind and generous, has good ethics, and loves to help others. They have been experiencing low self-esteem and have been numbing out emotions through food, technology, work, or other distractions. Their numbing-out practices have held them back from being their authentic self, productivity with work, maintaining healthy and loving friendships and relationships, having enough energy, and their overall self-esteem. They are ready to commit to putting in the work in therapeutic services to help them develop and maintain healthier coping skills.
My ideal client is female, male, or nonbinary and is kind and generous, has good ethics, and loves to help others. They have been experiencing low self-esteem and have been numbing out emotions through food, technology, work, or other distractions. Their numbing-out practices have held them back from being their authentic self, productivity with work, maintaining healthy and loving friendships and relationships, having enough energy, and their overall self-esteem. They are ready to commit to putting in the work in therapeutic services to help them develop and maintain healthier coping skills.
(848) 360-3434 View (848) 360-3434
Photo of Jessica Steuber, Pre-Licensed Professional
Jessica Steuber
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Jamesburg, NJ 08831
I like to think of counseling as a collaboration with my clients to navigate the complexities of their inner world and external circumstances. As a compassionate, empathetic, and accepting individual, I strive to cultivate a safe space where clients feel empowered to embark on their inner exploration. Witnessing my clients' awakening to their resilience and strength, as they courageously tackle their challenges, brings me immense fulfillment and gratitude.
I like to think of counseling as a collaboration with my clients to navigate the complexities of their inner world and external circumstances. As a compassionate, empathetic, and accepting individual, I strive to cultivate a safe space where clients feel empowered to embark on their inner exploration. Witnessing my clients' awakening to their resilience and strength, as they courageously tackle their challenges, brings me immense fulfillment and gratitude.
(973) 310-6711 View (973) 310-6711
Photo of Dr. Julia King, PsyD, MBA, RYT 200, Psychologist
Dr. Julia King
Psychologist, PsyD, MBA, RYT 200
Verified Verified
Monroe, NJ 08831  (Online Only)
Anxiety has hijacked your life. You’re really good at imagining the worst case scenario. Your mind is excellent at anticipating the future, and at replaying things that have already happened. You question whether you are good enough and often feel self-conscious. You overthink everything. And your body buys in to this story – heart racing, shallow breathing, your stomach in knots. All of this worry is overwhelming. It impacts almost every aspect of your life. It prevents you from doing what you want to do, from living the way you want to live. Your life is becoming smaller and smaller … AND YOU’VE HAD ENOUGH.
Anxiety has hijacked your life. You’re really good at imagining the worst case scenario. Your mind is excellent at anticipating the future, and at replaying things that have already happened. You question whether you are good enough and often feel self-conscious. You overthink everything. And your body buys in to this story – heart racing, shallow breathing, your stomach in knots. All of this worry is overwhelming. It impacts almost every aspect of your life. It prevents you from doing what you want to do, from living the way you want to live. Your life is becoming smaller and smaller … AND YOU’VE HAD ENOUGH.
(732) 631-8352 View (732) 631-8352

See more therapy options for East Windsor

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.