The decision to pursue and undergo life changing bariatric surgery is one that should be made thoughtfully and with the help of medical experts.   Our practice is tailored to help you gently and effectively prepare for bariatric surgery then support you to a successful and permanent life style change resulting in weight loss and good health.

Our services include presurgical psychological testing (usually required by insurances who cover the procedure), presurgical counseling and postsurgical follow-up.

Psychological testing results are shared with you in a counseling setting, and--if you choose to receive presurgical counseling--with your counselor.  These results can help you because they can alert you to feelings and behaviors that may sabotage you in your quest to lose weight and change your life style.  The results are also made available to your surgeon. 

Presurgical counseling uses relaxation, visualization, hypnosis, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help you understand--and change--the reasons you eat, your desire to exercise, and the connection between your mind and your body's tendency to hold weight.  It also prepares you for the surgical procedure using relaxation and visualization.  Follow-up counseling is specialized therapy designed to quickly identify and modify emotional blocks to your ability to comply with the needed behavioral and nutritional changes bariatric surgery necessitates.  Optional family therapy offers your family education about the changes in behavioral and relationship dynamics that occur as a result of bariatric surgery.