Psychotherapy is a mental health discipline often used in addition to the traditional weight-loss program of exercise and nutrition for overweight people. Psychotherapy addresses unhealthy behaviors that contribute to weight gain and gives people insight into how to stop self-sabotaging so they can lose weight and keep it off. There are several different types of therapeutic techniques aimed at understanding the underlying reason for weight gain and methods to improve body image and self esteem, which result in long-term weight loss.
Definition
Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy or counseling. Psychotherapy addresses problems that are causing an individual distress. Psychotherapy can take place between a therapist and a client, or a therapist may facilitate group therapy sessions. In psychotherapy the therapist addresses thoughts, feelings, and problematic behaviors, and helps the client learn healthy behaviors and coping skills.
Journaling
According to the American Psychological Association, journaling helps clients identify stressful situations that cause overeating. Once the client understands what stressful situations cause overeating, they learn to replace eating with positive behaviors to lose weight.
Identification of past events
Psychotherapists address the root cause of overeating so clients modify their behavior and lose weight. Dr. Myles Faith indicated that weight problems can arise in adulthood from childhood food restrictions and negative associations to food. Another common problem for overweight women is sexual assault. According to Dr. Gwendolyn Pla, many overweight women have been sexually assaulted and unconsciously use their weight as a way to protect themselves with physical distance. After the client understands how she negatively viewed food and or gained weight to protect herself, she learns how to change her attitude about food.
Insight
Psychotherapists use their experience to bring insight into a client's use of food to cope with pain. According to Pla, overweight people use food as a drug to temporarily relieve anxiety or depression. Once a client understands how he uses food as a coping mechanism, he learns how to replace food with positive behaviors, which ultimately results in weight loss.
Support
Psychotherapists provide encouragement and support to help clients continue to lose weight. Instead of focusing on losing large amounts of weight, psychotherapy encourages clients to feel good about implementing incremental positive lifestyle changes. In psychotherapy clients receive ongoing support and resources to help clients continue to lose weight and keep it off.
Behavioral therapy
Psychotherapists use behavior therapy to bring awareness to poor eating habits so clients consciously choose healthy food which results in weight loss. Psychologists also address depression, anxiety and emotional eating to help clients replace their use of food for comfort with supportive groups, family and friends.
Group therapy
Psychotherapy often includes group therapy meetings. Group therapy involves peer encouragement and support to help clients gain a realistic body image. Group therapy may include multiple modalities to get in touch with the body, including, dance, art, poetry, psychodrama and music therapy.
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