Comfort food has its name for a reason; there’s something about a warm plate of carbs that is soothing. But when we start to turn to food as the major problem solver in our lives, it can lead to health problems and body image issues. Talking with a therapist about compulsive eating helps you identify why you eat when and what you do, and to develop tools to build healthier eating habits.

How can a therapist help with weight loss?

Talking with a therapist about weight loss can help you identify how your weight is impacting your life. Together, you and your therapist work to uncover the root causes of why you aren’t achieving your weight loss goals. Then, you can develop strategies that will change your mindset and allow you to feel better about yourself and your weight loss journey.

Causes of overeating include:

• Unresolved trauma
• Anxiety or depression
• Busy lifestyle
• Boredom and overthinking
• Distorted thinking and beliefs

Eating great food activates the pleasure center of our brains, making it a seemingly easy substitution when we’re feeling unfulfilled or out of sorts. Talking with a therapist can help you identify why you’re continuously reaching for your favorite snack. Then, you and your therapist work together to address root causes of overeating. By changing your mindset, rewiring your brain and getting a new perspective, you can take real steps to achieve your goals.

Erena DiGonis, LCSW, PLLC is a certified health coach.

When should I seek therapy for weight loss?

Talking with a therapist about your weight loss journey can give you practical tools that help you create a healthy lifestyle and reach your weight loss goals. Instead of relying on fad diets and fast weight loss tricks, working with a therapist allows you to develop strategies that actually work and plans you can actually follow.

When you’re looking for new solutions to weight loss or something fresh to kick-start your weight loss journey, talking with a therapist gives you a new perspective. You can discover the real motivations behind overeating and learn interventions that actually work.