Therapy Sessions - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can therapy help with weight loss?
The efficacy of therapy as a method for achieving weight loss has been extensively researched. The research literature on the psychosocial aspects of obesity has a long history dating back to the nineteenth century. The first empirical studies attempted to find commonalities in the psychological profiles of obese persons. No ‘obese personality’ was ever identified, however. Contrary to common stereotypes and assumptions, obesity is not strongly associated with depression or any abnormal personality characteristics.
The causes of obesity are multifactorial, due to a complex interaction between genetic, behavioral–psychosocial, and environmental factors. Behavioral factors, such as dysfunctional eating habits and low levels of physical activity, are typically key variables and are among the main modifiable causes closely related to obesity. Because obesity is related to psychological variables, clinical psychological interventions and psychotherapies are key elements to engage patients in lifestyle modification and motivate them to achieve weight loss.
What are the most effective therapies to help with weight loss?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is traditionally recognized as the best established treatment for Binge Eating Disorder and the most preferred intervention for obesity. A recent systematic review and analysis confirms there is a significant effect of CBT interventions for weight loss and weight maintenance. However, by itself, CBT does not always necessarily produce successful weight loss. Other therapeutic protocols, such as enhanced CBT, enhanced focused CBT, behavioral weight loss treatment, therapeutic education, acceptance and commitment therapy, clinical hypnotherapy, and other evidence-based behaviour change techniques can help address the underlying psychological patterns underlying weight issues. An integrative psychological treatment approach that combines these methods is often the most effective.
Can a psychologist help with motivation?
Yes, psychological treatment can help uncover internal blocks, clarify goals, and support behavioural change through structured and targeted therapeutic techniques.
What type of therapy helps with motivation?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and clinical hypnotherapy are all effective tools for enhancing motivation and facilitating change.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) developed in the 1980s helps individuals to motivate to embrace change. The aim of MI is not to persuade or coerce patients to change – instead the objective is to explore and resolve an individual’s ambivalent feelings – that is the state of having simultaneous conflicting reactions, beliefs, or feelings towards some object or behaviour. Most clients seeking treatment or change are somewhat ambivalent about it: they want it, and they don’t. While some come already convinced that something has to change, others come reluctantly or grudgingly, coaxed by their loved ones. MI accepts that patients may be at differing stages of readiness and helps resolve uncertainties and hesitancies that can impede their desire to change of a certain behaviour or habit.
MI has proven to be effective in the treatment of a broad range of behavioural problems and diseases. For example, research studies have shown that MI is effective for weight loss; exercise behaviour; substance abuse, and smoking cessation. MI integrated with CBT is an effective treatment for problem gambling and control of alcohol consumption.
How can motivation affect behaviour?
A key distinction drawn in the psychology of motivation is between autonomous motivation and controlled motivation. While both autonomous and controlled motivation energize and direct behaviour, when people are autonomously motivated, they experience volition – their actions feel a result of their own choices. Controlled motivation, in contrast, is when one’s behaviour is a function of external reward or punishment, including factors such as an approval motive or avoidance of shame. When people are controlled, they experience pressure to think, feel, or behave in particular ways.
An enormous amount of research has confirmed that, in many domains of life, autonomous motivation and controlled motivation lead to very different outcomes, with autonomous motivation tending to yield greater psychological health and more effective performance. It also leads to greater long-term persistence in maintaining change toward healthier behaviours. For example, in relation to eating regulation, appearance-focused, relative to health-focused, individuals have been found to have less optimal outcomes. Studies have found that appearance-focused (but not health-focused) eating regulation is related positively to disordered eating symptoms (e.g. binge eating).
How does CBT work?
CBT is a structured psychological treatment that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours, supporting long-term improvements in habits, self-regulation, and mood. CBT explores the links between thoughts, emotions, and behaviour and is used to treat a wide variety of mental health disorders, including depression, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and body dysmorphic disorder.
CBT is based on the notion that people’s emotions and behaviours are influenced by their perceptions of events. It is not the situation that determines what people feel but rather the way in which they construe the situation. In other words, how people feel is determined by the way in which they interpret situations rather than by the situations per se. CBT aims to alleviate distress by helping patients to develop more adaptive cognitions and behaviours. It is the most widely researched and empirically supported psychotherapeutic method.
Can psychology help with behaviour change?
Research shows that a number of techniques can help people overcome important willpower problems that often limit goal attainment. One such technique exploits the “fresh start effect.” Identifying “landmarks” – e.g. a new job, relationship, home, or the start of a new year or month can create the opportunity to locate past failings to a different era and induce people to take a big-picture view of their lives, and so motivate aspirational behaviours – e.g., deciding to diet or reduce alcohol consumption.
“Temptation bundling” is another method that helps people to resolve want-should conflicts – when deciding between what you want for instant gratification (e.g. watching a TV show) and what you should choose to gain long-term benefits (going to the gym to work out). Studies show that learning how to “bundle” consumption of pleasurable indulgence with less tempting options providing health benefits can improve self control and significantly boost adherence to virtuous behaviours.
What are the root causes of anxiety?
Anxiety can arise from unresolved emotional experiences, chronic stress, traumatic events, or habitual patterns of worry—psychological treatment helps address these underlying causes directly. There is also a genetic component to anxiety – lifelong susceptibility to anxiety can be determined by the combined influence of genetic and environmental factors on early development
Does hypnotherapy work for anxiety?
Yes, clinical hypnotherapy is best used as part of an integrative treatment approach to reduce anxiety by inducing relaxation, and a sense of calm and control reshaping patterns of fear and avoidance.
How can therapy help me with my anxiety?
Psychological treatment combining CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, and clinical hypnotherapy can relieve symptoms, build emotional resilience, and equip individuals with tools for long-term anxiety management. DBT has also been shown to be effective in treating clients with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
What are the main causes of depression?
Depression often results from a combination of psychological, emotional, and situational factors, including stress, trauma, and negative thought patterns—all of which can be addressed through focused psychological treatment.
Can I receive depression therapy online?
Yes, psychological treatment for depression – and other conditions – is available online and can be just as effective as in-person sessions, offering flexibility and comfort without compromising quality of care.
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