Photo of Donetta D. Quinones, PhD, MS, LMHC, LPC, Counselor
Donetta D. Quinones
Counselor, PhD, MS, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77056  (Online Only)
During the therapeutic process, I challenge clients with the statement that I am "Daring You to Be YOU!" This challenge of personal acceptance is designed to help individuals to evaluate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to determine what is hindering them from achieving their goals. As clients go through the therapeutic process, they learn to develop the intimacy (in-to-me-I-see) needed to develop the strength to face life's challenges. The ideal client wants therapeutic support in acknowledging personal triggers, defining happiness, developing healthy relationships, and identifying areas for personal development.
During the therapeutic process, I challenge clients with the statement that I am "Daring You to Be YOU!" This challenge of personal acceptance is designed to help individuals to evaluate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to determine what is hindering them from achieving their goals. As clients go through the therapeutic process, they learn to develop the intimacy (in-to-me-I-see) needed to develop the strength to face life's challenges. The ideal client wants therapeutic support in acknowledging personal triggers, defining happiness, developing healthy relationships, and identifying areas for personal development.
(888) 332-4166 x101 View (888) 332-4166 x101
Photo of Dr. Annette E. Brissett, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Annette E. Brissett
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77056
Be inspired to transform your life in positive ways. I am a licensed Psychologist in private practice, with expertise in psychotherapy and clinical assessment. I offer a trusting and supportive professional environment, treating such issues as: anxiety, mood, depression, trauma, crisis, relationships, stress, personality issues and chronic health concerns. Having lived internationally and trained broadly, I have a unique perspective on how best to guide individuals, couples and families towards achieving lifelong well being. I view therapy as a supportive partnership, built on trust, professionalism and integrity.
Be inspired to transform your life in positive ways. I am a licensed Psychologist in private practice, with expertise in psychotherapy and clinical assessment. I offer a trusting and supportive professional environment, treating such issues as: anxiety, mood, depression, trauma, crisis, relationships, stress, personality issues and chronic health concerns. Having lived internationally and trained broadly, I have a unique perspective on how best to guide individuals, couples and families towards achieving lifelong well being. I view therapy as a supportive partnership, built on trust, professionalism and integrity.
(281) 612-7949 View (281) 612-7949
Photo of Ayesha Lakhani, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC, CART, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ayesha Lakhani
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC, CART
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77056
Drawing on a desire to help people overcome obstacles in their personal relationships, my professional work involves counseling individuals and families in order to achieve conflict resolution and better communication. As a neutral third party, I am better able to identify the challenges my patients face and facilitate positive change. Working with families, it is essential to foster a high level of trust between the therapist and family members. Mutual respect and open communication are essential to the therapeutic process. Engaging patients at their level, I help people find the change that they desire and the strength within themselves to achieve that change.
Drawing on a desire to help people overcome obstacles in their personal relationships, my professional work involves counseling individuals and families in order to achieve conflict resolution and better communication. As a neutral third party, I am better able to identify the challenges my patients face and facilitate positive change. Working with families, it is essential to foster a high level of trust between the therapist and family members. Mutual respect and open communication are essential to the therapeutic process. Engaging patients at their level, I help people find the change that they desire and the strength within themselves to achieve that change.
(281) 724-4296 View (281) 724-4296
Weight Loss Therapists

What is the relationship between weight management and mental health?

Mental health can be significantly influenced by one's physical health, so overall improvements in one's quality of life as a result of improved physical functioning from weight loss can have an overall positive impact on an individual's mental health and allow them to engage more readily in everyday activities. In addition, many strategies used to manage weight, such as exercise and maintaining a healthy diet, are also associated with reducing the symptoms of common mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Individuals may also benefit from the improved self-esteem and self-efficacy that can come with successful weight management.

What is the psychological approach to losing weight?

While there are no specific therapy modalities specifically for weight loss, common psychological therapies can be highly effective in helping clients make lasting lifestyle changes. This may be called the "psychological approach" to weight loss because it does not rely on physical interventions, such as medication or weight loss surgery, to help clients lose weight. Weight loss counseling can be used in addition to or instead of such physical interventions. Some clients simply seek therapy to address the challenges that may accompany weight loss in general, including negative thoughts surrounding their body, disordered eating patterns, or difficulty completing daily tasks as a result of their weight challenges. In such cases, therapists will often utilize behavioral coaching or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to help clients understand how their thoughts may be influencing their diet and physical activity patterns.

What type of therapy is commonly used in weight loss counseling?

Weight loss counseling often involves a combination of therapy and psychoeducation. Common techniques used by weight loss counselors include journaling, thought diaries, and other Cognitive Behavioral Therapy strategies that encourage clients to consider how their feelings about their weight loss impact their mental health. Weight loss counselors may also teach clients mindfulness exercises, which can be used by clients during and after eating to be more aware of physical cues from their body surrounding eating. Some clients looking for weight loss therapy may also benefit from group therapy approaches, which utilize the power of social connection and accountability to help clients adhere to their weight loss plan.

Is therapy recommended for individuals undergoing bariatric surgery?

While therapy is not a requirement for individuals undergoing bariatric surgery, many individuals undergoing weight loss surgery may benefit from seeing a counselor. Prior to surgery, counselors can help clients decide whether surgical weight loss is a good fit for them and assist in surgery preparation. Post-surgery, counselors can assist clients with the psychological component of maintaining their weight loss, as well as help clients navigate any postoperative pain. Throughout the surgical process, therapists can help clients process body-image challenges that may come with dramatic changes in weight, as well as manage symptoms of anxiety or depression that may accompany the major life changes bariatric surgery can bring.