Therapists in Chattanooga, TN
![Photo of Katie Burns, MEd, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42e700a8-aef7-4d84-b003-72ada1c96b33/2/320x400.jpeg)
Katie Burns
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37408
Over the past 13 years, I have worked with a variety of challenges ages 5 to 75. With a double Masters degree in School Counseling and Mental Health, I have a unique training background. Skilled in relationship counseling that reaches family, school and personal issues, I would like the opportunity to talk with you more about how my training and experience can assist you or your family. When you can't look on the bright side, I will sit with you in the dark. Life is difficult. Sometimes we need the help of others who have walked through difficult things themselves and have walked this journey with others.
Over the past 13 years, I have worked with a variety of challenges ages 5 to 75. With a double Masters degree in School Counseling and Mental Health, I have a unique training background. Skilled in relationship counseling that reaches family, school and personal issues, I would like the opportunity to talk with you more about how my training and experience can assist you or your family. When you can't look on the bright side, I will sit with you in the dark. Life is difficult. Sometimes we need the help of others who have walked through difficult things themselves and have walked this journey with others.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Julius Melvin Jefferies, ASDCS, ELD, C-GC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b3ad879-c873-4a00-b7da-e5de0c266094/2/320x400.jpeg)
Julius Melvin Jefferies
Licensed Professional Counselor, ASDCS, ELD, C-GC, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37923
Julius M. Jefferies is a Clinical Mental Health Therapist serving the Knox County area of Tennessee with specialties in a wide range of individual, couple, and group therapy interventions. His clinical experience in the last 25 years has focused on holistic, solution-focused therapy for both adolescents and adults who are living with autism, crisis, psychological disorder, trauma, and grief. Julius earned a Masters of Mental Health Counseling from Freed-Hardeman University followed by specialty certifications in Grief Counseling, Autism Disorder Specialist intervention, and as an End of Life Doula.
Julius M. Jefferies is a Clinical Mental Health Therapist serving the Knox County area of Tennessee with specialties in a wide range of individual, couple, and group therapy interventions. His clinical experience in the last 25 years has focused on holistic, solution-focused therapy for both adolescents and adults who are living with autism, crisis, psychological disorder, trauma, and grief. Julius earned a Masters of Mental Health Counseling from Freed-Hardeman University followed by specialty certifications in Grief Counseling, Autism Disorder Specialist intervention, and as an End of Life Doula.
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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.