Weight loss therapy and weight loss support groups

Weight loss means improved health, better relationships, increased self esteem and confidence, and an improved overall mood. Weight Loss Counseling is an extremely important component of any weight loss program. With most diet plans and popular weight loss programs, individuals regain most if not all of the weight lost within 3 years. The reason is: Dieters aren’t effectively given the tools to learn new skills.

Weight loss counseling in conjunction with a structured food plan can not only help you lose weight, but more importantly, improves the likelihood of maintaining your weight loss long term. Weight maintenance is often the most difficult part of the process.

We use therapeutic techniques provided through weight loss support groups and individualized weight loss therapy in our highly specialized NJ practice. Through our lifestyle intervention process, you will develop new skills to overcome habits that get in the way of your ability to lose weight and maintain your success, such as emotional eating, binge eating, negative body image, low self esteem and lack of self control. Therapy can also address other related mental health conditions including eating disorders, depression, anxiety, addiction and relationship problems, as they can influence how we feel about ourselves and how we use foods to manage our feelings. Although psychotherapy can be hard work, our therapeutic approach is upbeat and constructive so the process can also be fun. The weight loss therapy you will receive at Associates in Medical Weight Management is designed to be targeted and time limited but the results are intended to last a life time!

Read on to learn more about our therapeutic approaches and how weight loss counseling can benefit you…

About Donna Woody, LCSW, and the weight loss counseling she does.

Therapeutic approaches utilized in weight loss counseling

Examining attitudes about food

Food is an important part of all our lives. Our views about food are learned early in life through our interactions with our own families. Eating patterns evolve from our social relationships and environment; dining with friends and eating good foods should be a pleasurable experience. However, sometimes we eat to relieve stress and soothe feelings; this can be a problem. Using food to “self-medicate” as a way to alleviate bad feelings can lead to weight gain and obesity. Obesity affects our physical, mental and spiritual health along with our overall well-being. Dieting without a solid support system can be difficult because dieting in itself can be socially isolating and stressful. This can be an even more difficult endeavor if you already feel stressed when you start dieting. One way to make the weight loss process easier is through weight loss therapy, which can help you improve interpersonal relationships and gain a positive spin on experiences you would previously find stressful.

One of the goals of weight loss counseling is to help you understand your own relationship and beliefs about food and eating. Often people don’t feel comfortable talking about their weight-- and their food choices --because it is an extremely sensitive and personal matter. At Associates in Medical Weight Management, our counseling staff is experienced in helping you feel comfortable exploring these personal issues. A Psychodynamic Approach to weight loss therapy helps you explore your family of origin and past relationships and how the past impacts your current interactions with others and general daily level of functioning. Through psychodynamic therapy we help you gain personal insight so you can capitalize upon positive behaviors and decrease counterproductive behaviors and habits.

Learning how to navigate away from dieting pitfalls

Some obstacles that dieters encounter during their weight loss journey include loss of motivation and focus, self-sabotaging behaviors and not being prepared for “high-risk” situations. These everyday life experiences can make it difficult for you to resist temptation.

Scientific research has firmly established that the most effective approach to weight loss and lifestyle intervention is through a process called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT incorporates education into the therapy to teach you new skills and strategies to change the way you think and behave, effectively putting a plan into place. The weight loss therapy provided in our specialized New Jersey practice incorporates CBT and other therapeutic techniques into its weight loss program.

Staying focused with ongoing motivation and support

Many individuals start a diet feeling motivated but in a short time find themselves slipping back into old habits, such as making poor food choices, overeating, eating larger portions, excessively snacking, emotional and/or stress eating and compulsive eating. This can lead you to can get off track from your weight loss program and can ultimately lead to an overall feeling of being out of control. Before this deteriorates into an “I’ll start again tomorrow” cycle where tomorrow never materializes, weight loss counseling can help you break this cycle before you get to the point where you’ve completely abandoned your diet. Mindfulness Techniques are one strategy used to decrease stress, learn to be in the moment and improve focus so you can stay motivated and don’t return to bad habits.

Learning new skills that last a lifetime

We believe your weight isn’t your fault and understand the challenges you face staying focused and motivated in your weight management efforts. Dieters often know what they should be doing --so even If you have struggled in the past, you simply may not have learned how to implement the skills needed to succeed in the weight loss process. For example, if you wanted to learn how to play piano you would take lessons and practice to eventually be able to play beautiful music. You wouldn’t expect to just sit down and be able to play Bach! Just the same, you shouldn’t expect that incorporating a healthier lifestyle is an innate, automatic process. We think learning to lose weight and maintaining weight loss requires education, dedication and practice, just like learning any new skill. At Associates in Medical Weight Management we are committed to providing you with the tools needed to change the overall course of your life.

Having a plan if you get off track

First of all, we are all human beings and are neither perfect nor infallible. Relapse is a common component of the process of change. If you are learning to play a new instrument and become frustrated with your progress, you shouldn’t give up. Eventually, with some practice, you will master the instrument. The same holds true for dieting; if you haven’t been able to follow your diet perfectly and become frustrated, just remember that dieting isn’t an all or nothing process. It is about progress not perfection --and ultimately learning to live a healthier lifestyle. At Associates in Medical Weight Management, we anticipate for relapse and put contingency plans into place as a safety net. So don’t give up- learning to live a healthier way takes 3 P’s: practice, patience and perseverance --eventually you will become a master of weight control.

Getting back on track

If you have already gotten off the dieting track and want to start again but just haven’t been able to get back, don’t be hard on yourself. Congratulate yourself for finding your way to our webpage and reading this far! Through our counseling process, we will help you rediscover your course and renew your commitment to yourself by using a clinically proven therapeutic technique called Motivational Interviewing. Motivational Interviewing is a process in which you explore your ambivalence about making changes so you can pursue the goals that are important to you so you can get back on track.

Call for an appointment for weight loss therapy in Morristown, NJ

Weight loss counseling through individual and group therapy

Our weight loss therapy sessions are designed to help you overcome the obstacles that are getting in the way of your dieting success. Our individual and group sessions are designed to be fun, hands on and proactive. We believe in “positive solutions” and teaching you to look at things with a new perspective.

For more information, call our office to speak to a member of our weight loss counseling staff.

Weight Loss Support Groups – You Don’t Have To Do It Alone

Research shows that group therapy is a successful model for weight loss therapy. The reason is: Group therapy has been shown to be effective in addressing social behaviors such as eating (we eat in the company of others). At Associates in Medical Weight Management, we have designed weight loss support groups that utilize behavior modification techniques to teach participants how to overcome emotional eating, decrease binge eating behaviors, manage hunger and cravings and instill healthy eating habits.

Group support adds to the enjoyment of the weight loss process by helping participants connect with others who also share similar weight related issues. Weight loss therapy, provided in a group setting, is perfect for you if you believe you could benefit from all the therapeutic techniques offered in our New Jersey center but would also like the support of a social network. People who are overweight can experience discrimination, struggle with interpersonal relationships and feel socially isolated. An advantage of a weight loss support group is in how it helps you address interpersonal issues and gain confidence in yourself as you are guided along your weight loss journey.

Our weight loss support groups are designed to be a non-threatening and safe environment. The prospect of group therapy doesn’t need to be considered intimidating. Our therapist is sensitive to working within your comfort level of participation. When participating in weight loss support groups you will meet other individuals who will become a part of your support system and you will soon realize you aren’t alone. Individuals participating in group therapy become trusted peers as they mentor each other and work towards common goals. Dieters often improve their weight loss outcomes with the support of weight loss partners.

Weight loss group therapy sessions are held weekly for an hour and a half. Each session provides a new cognitive behavioral skill along with an opportunity to exchange new ideas, discuss challenges you face and offer and receive strategies for success.

Call to join one of our weight loss support groups

Why live another day dissatisfied with your weight and lifestyle when you don’t have to?

We are committed to your success as you embark on a life altering journey. Don’t go at it alone when you can benefit from the guidance and expertise of a certified therapist to help you plot your course. No matter how you approach weight loss therapy, whether in individual or group therapy, you will experience a sense of accomplishment and improved self esteem as you reach weight loss milestones. As you practice your new eating habits you will gain confidence in your ability to continue to live in a healthier way for the rest of your life.

About Donna Woody, LCSW, and the weight loss counseling she does.



	Weight loss therapy and weight loss support groups Weight loss means improved health, better relationships, increased self esteem and confidence, and an improved overall mood. Weight Loss Counseling is an extremely important component of any weight loss program. With most diet plans and popular weight loss programs, individuals regain most if not all of the weight lost within 3 years. The reason is: Dieters aren’t effectively given the tools to learn new skills. Weight loss counseling in conjunction with a structured food plan can not only help you lose weight, but more importantly, improves the likelihood of maintaining your weight loss long term. Weight maintenance is often the most difficult part of the process. We use therapeutic techniques provided through weight loss support groups and individualized weight loss therapy in our highly specialized NJ practice. Through our lifestyle intervention process, you will develop new skills to overcome habits that get in the way of your ability to lose weight and maintain your success, such as emotional eating, binge eating, negative body image, low self esteem and lack of self control. Therapy can also address other related mental health conditions including eating disorders, depression, anxiety, addiction and relationship problems, as they can influence how we feel about ourselves and how we use foods to manage our feelings. Although psychotherapy can be hard work, our therapeutic approach is upbeat and constructive so the process can also be fun. The weight loss therapy you will receive at Associates in Medical Weight Management is designed to be targeted and time limited but the results are intended to last a life time! Read on to learn more about our therapeutic approaches and how weight loss counseling can benefit you… About Donna Woody, LCSW, and the weight loss counseling she does. Therapeutic approaches utilized in weight loss counseling Examining attitudes about food Food is an important part of all our lives. Our views about food are learned early in life through our interactions with our own families. Eating patterns evolve from our social relationships and environment; dining with friends and eating good foods should be a pleasurable experience. However, sometimes we eat to relieve stress and soothe feelings; this can be a problem. Using food to “self-medicate” as a way to alleviate bad feelings can lead to weight gain and obesity. Obesity affects our physical, mental and spiritual health along with our overall well-being. Dieting without a solid support system can be difficult because dieting in itself can be socially isolating and stressful. This can be an even more difficult endeavor if you already feel stressed when you start dieting. One way to make the weight loss process easier is through weight loss therapy, which can help you improve interpersonal relationships and gain a positive spin on experiences you would previously find stressful. One of the goals of weight loss counseling is to help you understand your own relationship and beliefs about food and eating. Often people don’t feel comfortable talking about their weight-- and their food choices --because it is an extremely sensitive and personal matter. At Associates in Medical Weight Management, our counseling staff is experienced in helping you feel comfortable exploring these personal issues. A *Psychodynamic Approach* to weight loss therapy helps you explore your family of origin and past relationships and how the past impacts your current interactions with others and general daily level of functioning. Through psychodynamic therapy we help you gain personal insight so you can capitalize upon positive behaviors and decrease counterproductive behaviors and habits. Learning how to navigate away from dieting pitfalls Some obstacles that dieters encounter during their weight loss journey include loss of motivation and focus, self-sabotaging behaviors and not being prepared for “high-risk” situations. These everyday life experiences can make it difficult for you to resist temptation. Scientific research has firmly established that the most effective approach to weight loss and lifestyle intervention is through a process called *Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT incorporates education into the therapy to teach you new skills and strategies to change the way you think and behave, effectively putting a plan into place. The weight loss therapy* provided in our specialized New Jersey practice incorporates CBT and other therapeutic techniques into its weight loss program. Staying focused with ongoing motivation and support Many individuals start a diet feeling motivated but in a short time find themselves slipping back into old habits, such as making poor food choices, overeating, eating larger portions, excessively snacking, emotional and/or stress eating and compulsive eating. This can lead you to can get off track from your weight loss program and can ultimately lead to an overall feeling of being out of control. Before this deteriorates into an “I’ll start again tomorrow” cycle where tomorrow never materializes, weight loss counseling can help you break this cycle before you get to the point where you’ve completely abandoned your diet. *Mindfulness Techniques* are one strategy used to decrease stress, learn to be in the moment and improve focus so you can stay motivated and don’t return to bad habits. Learning new skills that last a lifetime We believe your weight isn’t your fault and understand the challenges you face staying focused and motivated in your weight management efforts. Dieters often know *what* they should be doing --so even If you have struggled in the past, you simply may not have learned *how* to implement the skills needed to succeed in the weight loss process. For example, if you wanted to learn how to play piano you would take lessons and practice to eventually be able to play beautiful music. You wouldn’t expect to just sit down and be able to play Bach! Just the same, you shouldn’t expect that incorporating a healthier lifestyle is an innate, automatic process. We think learning to lose weight and maintaining weight loss requires education, dedication and practice, just like learning any new skill. At Associates in Medical Weight Management we are committed to providing you with the tools needed to change the overall course of your life. Having a plan if you get off track First of all, we are all human beings and are neither perfect nor infallible. Relapse is a common component of the process of change. If you are learning to play a new instrument and become frustrated with your progress, you shouldn’t give up. Eventually, with some practice, you will master the instrument. The same holds true for dieting; if you haven’t been able to follow your diet perfectly and become frustrated, just remember that dieting isn’t an all or nothing process. It is about progress not perfection --and ultimately learning to live a healthier lifestyle. At Associates in Medical Weight Management, we anticipate for relapse and put contingency plans into place as a safety net. So don’t give up- learning to live a healthier way takes 3 P’s: practice, patience and perseverance --eventually you will become a master of weight control. Getting back on track If you have already gotten off the dieting track and want to start again but just haven’t been able to get back, don’t be hard on yourself. Congratulate yourself for finding your way to our webpage and reading this far! Through our counseling process, we will help you rediscover your course and renew your commitment to yourself by using a clinically proven therapeutic technique called *Motivational Interviewing. Motivational Interviewing is a process in which you explore your ambivalence about making changes so you can pursue the goals that are important to you so you can get back on track. Call for an appointment for weight loss therapy in Morristown, NJ Weight loss counseling through individual and group therapy* Our weight loss therapy sessions are designed to help you overcome the obstacles that are getting in the way of your dieting success. Our individual and group sessions are designed to be fun, hands on and proactive. We believe in “positive solutions” and teaching you to look at things with a new perspective. For more information, call our office to speak to a member of our weight loss counseling staff. Weight Loss Support Groups – You Don’t Have To Do It Alone Research shows that group therapy is a successful model for weight loss therapy. The reason is: Group therapy has been shown to be effective in addressing social behaviors such as eating (we eat in the company of others). At Associates in Medical Weight Management, we have designed weight loss support groups that utilize behavior modification techniques to teach participants how to overcome emotional eating, decrease binge eating behaviors, manage hunger and cravings and instill healthy eating habits. Group support adds to the enjoyment of the weight loss process by helping participants connect with others who also share similar weight related issues. Weight loss therapy, provided in a group setting, is perfect for you if you believe you could benefit from all the therapeutic techniques offered in our New Jersey center but would also like the support of a social network. People who are overweight can experience discrimination, struggle with interpersonal relationships and feel socially isolated. An advantage of a weight loss support group is in how it helps you address interpersonal issues and gain confidence in yourself as you are guided along your weight loss journey. Our weight loss support groups are designed to be a non-threatening and safe environment. The prospect of group therapy doesn’t need to be considered intimidating. Our therapist is sensitive to working within your comfort level of participation. When participating in weight loss support groups you will meet other individuals who will become a part of your support system and you will soon realize you aren’t alone. Individuals participating in group therapy become trusted peers as they mentor each other and work towards common goals. Dieters often improve their weight loss outcomes with the support of weight loss partners. Weight loss group therapy sessions are held weekly for an hour and a half. Each session provides a new cognitive behavioral skill along with an opportunity to exchange new ideas, discuss challenges you face and offer and receive strategies for success. Call to join one of our weight loss support groups Why live another day dissatisfied with your weight and lifestyle when you don’t have to? We are committed to your success as you embark on a life altering journey. Don’t go at it alone when you can benefit from the guidance and expertise of a certified therapist to help you plot your course. No matter how you approach weight loss therapy, whether in individual or group therapy, you will experience a sense of accomplishment and improved self esteem as you reach weight loss milestones. As you practice your new eating habits you will gain confidence in your ability to continue to live in a healthier way for the rest of your life. About Donna Woody, LCSW, and the weight loss counseling she does.








Associates in Medical Weight Management Dr. Leah F. Solomon \| Donna Woody LCSW 95 Madison Avenue, Suite 304B Morristown, NJ 07960 phone: 973-267-5577 \| fax: 973-290-7521 \| E-mail: bariatricmedicine@gmail.com about weight loss doctor Leah Solomon, MD \| FAQ \| prescription Weight-Loss Medications weight loss support groups, counseling and therapy \| medical weight loss center home page helpful resources \| media \| contact Associates in Medical Weight Management Copyright©2007 Dr. Leah Solomon, MD. Morristown, New Jersey All Rights Reserved Web design by Jessica Schreiber SEO by Rank Magic