I lost 100lbs and currently kept it off for eight years (I started August 15, 2012). I know the challenges of wanting so desperately to change but being unable to do so. I also know the constant mind chatter that plagues people who want to improve their health but just can't seem to do so. As a therapist, I take these issues and challenges very seriously, and work with clients to successfully find ways to manage their weight and health.
I remember at my heaviest weight, I wanted to talk to someone who had been there, done that & understood I so badly wanted to change and my frustration at not changing. I wanted someone who could quiet my mind when it worried about my weight and help me gain control of my body and life. I know what it's like to start losing weight, only to abandon the effort shortly thereafter. If you repeat that pattern and put your health and quality of life at risk, then you likely feel that there are issues that need to be addressed psychologically - I can help!
Finally, I absolutely love what I do, and I hope it shows in every session that I have with my clients.
Client Focus
Session Format: Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Jewish clients.
Treatment Approach
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Gestalt Therapy Encourages awareness of thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment. It helps people integrate different parts of themselves for wholeness.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Combines mindfulness practices with CBT to prevent depression relapse. It helps people notice thoughts without judgment and respond more calmly.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee 150
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- I can offer a sliding scale to a few clients on an as-needed basis
- Accepts Insurance
- Most insurance offered by Extended Health Care Benefits
Education & Credentials
Brian Baumal Registered Psychotherapist (RP)
- Male
- License # 3731
- Licensed in Ontario
- Practicing Since 2010
Brian Baumal Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Toronto, ON M4M 2S3 and Toronto, ON M4M 2S3
- Available Online for residents of Ontario
- Online Therapy Details: Zoom Skype FaceTime
I offer "been-there-done-that" weight loss empathy & strategy! One of the most important questions I help you answer is "How will this time be different and work long-term?" Chances are you have tried numerous times to lose weight, and they have not worked.
Weight, health and body image issues involve many psychological issues such as emotions, depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, bipolar, addictions & disordered eating. I gently connect those issues to your weight loss efforts.
Though weight loss and health are very serious issues, I like to keep my sessions approachable and affable. A good dose of humour is as important as a good dose of wisdom. Bundle the two together, and clients can come away from sessions feeling hopeful about themselves. At the same time though, good therapy follows a framework and there is a very strong logic to the process. This makes therapy a comforting and effective experience.
With COVID, all sessions are phone/online. Evenings, weekends and rush appointments available, and my services are covered under private insurance!