Weight Management Therapy in Knoxville, TN

Jessica stepped on the scale again. Since she was a child, her weight had always been an issue. People would make comments, but the worst part was the voice in her own head. Three times now, she had lost more than 50 pounds, but then, within a year, she had gained it all back. Jessica had tried every diet, every fad, every exercise program. She was out of options, but she was not alone. Many people can relate to Jessica. Many men and women know what it is like to work hard, trying to eat well and exercise regularly—only to see little results. Many people have also found the help they needed through working with a mental health professional. Instead of working hard to keep up with the latest health craze, counseling focuses upon people’s relationship with their own body. When people come to a different mindset—healthy view of themselves and their body—they are often empowered to lose the weight they need to lose for their health.

“I think there’s so much emphasis on body image and results and outcome, but really what you should be after is to be healthy and to feel good about yourself.”
—Abby Wambach

Sometimes, the answer for weight management is working with a nutritionist or a trainer. However, people are whole beings. Their minds and their bodies are connected. If people want to change their body, they may need to change their mind as well. Weight management therapy focuses upon an individual’s mind—the attitudes and beliefs that may be hindering a healthy relationship with their body. Many people who have struggled with their weigh have found that therapy—as well as the gym—is the place where they re-established a healthy mindset about their own body.

That is why Thriveworks Knoxville offers counseling for weight management. We have worked with many clients who are tired of dieting and contentious relationships with their bodies. Our therapists have helped them come to a healthier place—both physically and emotionally.

Obesity in America

If you are struggling with your weight, you are not alone. Being overweight or obese is a growing problem among America’s adults and children. Consider these statistics from the Centers for Disease Control:

• 20 percent of adults in American (ages 20 and older) are obese.
• 20 percent of adults in America are overweight.
• 20 percent of kids ages 12-19 are obese.
• 17 percent of kids ages 6-11 are obese.
• 9 percent of kids ages 2-5 are obese.

These numbers do not just represent challenges on the scale. Many people who are obese or overweight face struggles that no one sees. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges can be the root cause of the struggle with weight. Often, people associate eating disorders with being too thin, but people who are overweight or obese can also struggle with an eating disorder. A mental health professional can often help people resolve these foundational issues to their overall well-being.

Counseling and Body Image

When someone wants to lose weight, why should they schedule an appointment with a therapist as well as with a trainer? There are a number of benefits that mental health therapy can give to people in their weight management journey. Skilled mental health professionals, as already discussed, may be able to help identify and resolve any underlying mental health challenges that are impeding healthy weight management. Further, mental health professionals can also promote a holistic approach to weight management.

Following a strict formula for dieting can feel restrictive and leave people defeated or yo-yoing between weight gain and loss. Mental health professionals have a different focus. Instead of following rules, therapy can help people focus upon healthy relationship with their own body. They can involve confronting negative beliefs as well as promoting positive beliefs.

When people are struggling with their weight, negative thought patterns can be undermining their progress. They may be telling themselves untrue things like…

• I need to punish myself for overeating.
• I was so good today, I’ll reward myself with a treat.
• I will never feel comfortable in my own body.

Often, people believe these without knowing how much power these untrue thoughts can have in their lives. Skilled therapists can often help people raise their awareness of these thoughts and equip them to guide their mind toward healthier thinking patterns. For example, when working with a therapist, people often learn how to…

• Motivate themselves with healthy goals (not punishments and rewards).
• Develop self-awareness so that they can distinguish between their true voice and unhealthy voices.
• Coping skills for dealing with life’s challenges without food.
• Be resilient and bounce back after an eating or exercise mistake.

These goals reach far beyond following strict rules about what to eat or what not to do. Instead, these goals promote a healthy view of oneself, one’s body, food, and exercise.

Scheduling an Appointment at Thriveworks Knoxville for Weight Management Therapy

If you are tired of being jerked up and down by the latest diet or exercise fad, you may be ready to meet with a mental health professional. If so, the counselors at Thriveworks Knoxville are ready. When you contact our office, one of our scheduling specialists will answer your call and help you make an appointment. New clients often have their first session the following day. We accept many insurance plans, and we offer evening and weekend appointments. Let’s get started. Call today.