As discussed in the description of clinical hypnotherapy, weight loss becomes easy and even enjoyable when feelings of hunger and craving go away forever. No more "yo-yo" effect.
Conventional responses to obesity are dieting, and in extreme circumstances, surgery. Neither gets to the cause of the compulsive over-eating which has led to obesity. Treatment of obesity is complex and the subject of my doctoral project.
I help the client to find strategies to deal emotionally with the process of weight loss. We explore stress and weight gain, the benefits of relaxation tools, strategies to understand and conquer emotional eating and cravings, dealing with a changing body image, adapting to healthier lifestyle choices and exercises, among other important issues.
Psychotherapy opens our perceptions to the meanings behind our beliefs and patterns of behavior, that in turn comprise the roles we take in our lives. My job is to help you integrate these perceptions and access these meanings, so you can expand your life by creating new roles.
In helping people manage weight loss, I draw from experience in psychoeducation groups at the VA hospital. I start by understanding each person's lifestyle and challenges with weight. Using proven methods like talking about motivation and changing behaviors, we set goals together and create a plan that includes healthy eating, new habits, and regular exercise.