Managing Weight in Manassas, VA—Counseling and Therapy
Kim walked out of the dressing room and sighed. Trying on new clothes in a room with multiple mirrors has never been her favorite. In fact, she hates it. Kim has always had a hard time with her body. She tries, but it is not easy. Kim keeps up with the latest nutritional news—staying away from bad foods and eating good ones. She exercises when she is able. Several times, Kim has lost a dozen or so pounds, but she has had trouble keeping it off. Kim’s body struggles are also in her head. She still vividly remembers how her grandma would call her “plump.” That memory, among others, are so defeating. Kim is desperate for something to work for the long-term. She is so tired of yo-yo dieting and feeling bad about herself. Kim does not want to be a super model. She just wants to be healthy and feel comfortable in her own skin. Can you relate? More likely than not, you can resonate with Kim’s struggle on some level. A lot of people probably can because a lot of people struggle to manage their weight. Both men and women can feel at odds with their own body, and to address this challenge, many are scheduling appointments with a trainer and with a counselor. Weight management has both a physical and emotional element. People’s bodies and their minds are important. Often, the emotional component of weight management is the key to long-term success. Unlike fad diets and exercise crazes, counseling for weight management does not focus upon following strict rules, but instead, it emphasizes an overall healthy view of oneself and one’s body.
“I personally battled with my own body image for years. I used to tell myself, ‘You can’t wear anything sleeveless or strapless.’ And all of a sudden I was like, ‘What if I just didn’t send such negative messages to my brain’ and said, ‘wear it and enjoy it?’ And now I’m more comfortable in clothes than ever.”
—Drew Barrymore
The therapists at Thriveworks Manassas are seeing more and more clients who are using counseling as a vital component of their weight management. They are often ready to have a healthy relationship with themselves and see their health in a holistic way.
The Battle with Obesity in America
It is not a surprise that many Americans—both adults and children—are battling obesity. The Centers for Disease control outlines how extensive the problem is. It found that…
Children in the US…
- Ages 12-19: 20 % are obese.
- Ages 6-11: 17 % are obese.
- Ages 2-5: 9 % are obese.
Adults (20 years and older) in the US…
- 20 % are overweight.
- 20 % are obese.
There are a number of ways to measure health: waist size, cholesterol or blood sugar levels, blood pressure, numbers on the scale, and more. These tell the physical story of weight management, but there is another way to tell the story. Behind these numbers are real people who have both a body and a mind. Weight management is not just about the numbers—it’s about the people and helping people find holistic healthy. Sometimes, becoming healthier emotionally can help people become healthier physically.
Counseling for Weight Management
If you are struggling to manage your weight, consider reaching out to Thriveworks Manassas. There are many possible benefits to working with a counselor as well as a trainer. Counseling may help people find the treatment they need for any mental health challenges they are facing as well as give them emotional skills they need to manage their weight.
Finding Treatment. A number of mental health challenges can have adverse effects on the body. Eating disorders can develop regardless of what shape or size an individual is. Similarly, anxiety and depression can throw an individual’s appetite off. Treating these mental health challenges should be top priority in any weight management journey. Skilled therapists often help their clients find the diagnosis and treatments they need to have a healthy mind as well as a healthy body.
Building Emotional Skills. Counseling may also empower people with the emotional skills they need to have a healthy relationship with their own body. For example, people’s own negative, untrue thoughts can hinder their weight management. When people learn to identify these thought patterns, they can change them to positive, true thought patterns. People may tell themselves unhelpful things like…
- I was so good this weekend, that I deserve a treat (using food as a reward).
- I ate too much today. I will skip a meal (using food as a punishment).
- My body and I will never get along.
People can learn to identify these untrue or unhelpful thoughts and instead learn how to…
- Use healthy forms of motivation instead of rewards and punishments.
- Cope with life’s difficulties without turning to food.
- Develop a healthy plan to recover from setbacks.
- Set reasonable expectations for change.
Setting Up an Appointment for Weight Management at Thriveworks Manassas
If you are ready to meet with a mental health professional for weight management therapy, know that Thriveworks Manassas has appointments available. When you contact our office, a scheduling specialist will answer and help you make an appointment. That session may be within 24 hours. We also offer weekend and evening sessions. Many different insurance plans are accepted as well. Call today.
