CBT for weight management and body image concerns. Overcome emotional eating and self-sabotage Most weight-loss programs only focus on making short-term changes.
They don't address how to deal with triggers, cravings, emotional eating or deal with deep rooted behaviours and thoughts that have led to weight gain. Most people know what they have to do in order to lose weight, but they don't know how to stick to any kind of programme. Losing weight is not just a physical process of eating less and moving more. It is also a mental process. On the programme you will re-wire your brain based on neuropsychology, CBT and Mindfulness. Not only will you feel full of energy, you will also gain confidence and start believing in yourself and your ability to make lasting changes. You will be able to stop blaming yourself and beating yourself up, as you start to think and behave in a way that allows you to achieve your goals. A fit and healthy body needs a fit and healthy mind, and I will work with you using Cognitive Behavioural tools (CBT) to help you lose weight for the last time. What is included in the programme:
* 8 x 1 hour private consultations helping you kick-start your journey to a healthy
lifestyle.
*Step by step guide helping you change the way you relate to food, overcome cravings and put an end to yo-yo dieting.
*I will show you how you can stop to that negative voice in your head that has been sabotaging your weight loss in the past.
*You will have the opportunity to learn how to stop self-sabotaging your efforts to a healthy lifestyle, based on the most successful method to permanent lifestyle changes based on international research.
*We will work together on overcoming your triggers and how to stay motivated.
*We will also work on emotional eating and how to stop it.
*You will get a healthy nutritional plan which will fit in with your lifestyle and I will show you how you can implement it into your daily routine, one step at a time.
*The programmes main focus is changing your mindset and stopping self sabotage, however, you will also get recipes and meal planners.
* And finally - you get the Mind over Body Weight Management manual, which is full of helpful tips and worksheets helping you on your journey to permanent lifestyle changes.
MEET THE FOUNDER, SUSI LODOLA
I help my clients become free from the yo-yo diet trap and change their relationship with food forever. The end goal is for my clients to end blaming themselves and experience shame about body shape and food choices. Instead they find peace with how they look, accept realistic goals, and focus on healthy behaviour rather than how many calories/points or syns they eat. I understand that to lose weight and keep it off you need more than to “eat less & move more”. I learned that through my own experience, as I went through most of my life trying out the latest diets which promised to help me lose weight. I counted calories, points and syns, I cut out whole food groups, detoxed and drank shakes. I did lose weight on most of those plans, but I found it difficult to sustain and very soon the weight came back on, and then some more on top of it.
————–
The thing is, I knew exactly what I should eat and what I shouldn’t. Most of what I ate was healthy, home-cooked food. However, I was an emotional eater, and I found that is the case with most people who come to see me for weight loss. I started to gain weight in my late 20’s after I had my first child. The weight was slowly creeping up every year and after my 3rd child was born, I decided to work from home part-time and focus on raising my 3 children. I was lucky to be able to do that and I really enjoyed being at home with them. However, I also missed going to work outside the home, and I also missed interacting with other people.
————–
I later learned that emotions such as guilt and stress caused me to reach for sugary foods and more weight was gained. Emotional eating provides short lived relief from uncomfortable emotions, as we try to buffer and suppress them. The relief is short lived and very quickly followed by more emotions such as guilt, self doubt and self-loathing. This is a vicious cycle that can go on for a very long time unless it is addressed. I was feeling stressed, frustrated and guilty because I missed work. I was also living in South Africa at the time, where I had no family support around me during a time when the children were small. I would turn to chocolate, looking to make myself feel better. Deep down I knew that this is not going to help but I was thinking “just a little bit won’t make a difference”.
————–
Later on in life, when I went to college to study Psychology and Psychotherapy, I had to undergo counselling as part of my studies (50 sessions to be precise). I then discovered that I did hold strong associations with chocolate going back to my childhood and that chocolate had become my “go to” when experiencing difficult emotions.
————–
During my studies in Psychology, Psychotherapy and a Master in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy & Motivational Interviewing, I learned how Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is applied to help change behaviours and thought patterns. This is key to achieving lasting behaviour changes that lead to sustainable weight loss. Once I started applying the principles of CBT to myself, I started to lose weight without having to “diet” or count points, calories or syns.
————–
My own experience of weight gain and weight loss, combined with my studies, led me to developed the “Mind over Body Weight Management Programme™”. This programme is evidence-based and applies CBT tools and techniques which not only equip you to achieve weight loss and a healthy lifestyle, but also to help you achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. Hope to work with you soon and help you achieve your health goals. Susi x
05/08/2024
For today's Irish Independent I have written an article where I talk about the increasing body image issues I’m seeing in my clinic.
Over the past few years, I’ve seen a noticeable rise in the number of clients in my clinic struggling with body dissatisfaction and disordered eating patterns. This is not just an isolated issue; it’s deeply rooted in the sociocultural portrayals and language that dominate our media and our everyday conversations.
Social media, influencers, and popular culture continue to push unrealistic standards, with phrases like “Bikini Body”, "Join weightloss program to get Body Beautiful" and “Shred for Your Wedding” becoming alarmingly common.
But it’s not just the media; in our day-to-day conversations, we often make casual comments about our own weight, point out body parts we’re unhappy with, or remark on someone else’s weight loss or gain. Unfortunately, these conversations frequently happen in front of our children, who absorb these messages and may grow up with the same unhealthy focus on appearance.
Many people of all ages find themselves caught in a cycle of negative self-perception and negative self-talk, driven by the relentless pursuit of an impossible ideal.
It’s crucial that we start changing this narrative. Instead of focusing on appearance and fitting into a specific mold, we should be promoting health, well-being, and self-compassion.
We all have the power to shift the conversation towards a more positive and supportive dialogue that encourages acceptance and celebrates the diversity of all body types, rather than commenting on your own or other people bodies.
28/07/2024
26/02/2024
For today's Irish Independent I have been interviewed about how to support your teen through an eating disorder.
This article offers insight into the vital role caregivers can play in supporting teenagers navigating the challenging journey of an eating disorder.
Eating disorders among teens are more than just about food; they're complex conditions intertwined with issues of control, self-esteem, and identity. As we spotlight this critical issue this week, the article aims to equip caregivers with some suggestions on how to support their teens.
Recent studies and trends are showing a worrying increase in eating disorders among teens, not just here but all over the globe. It seems like a mix of factors is behind this rise. Teens today are facing more stress than ever, grappling with mental health issues, feeling the pressure of social media, and navigating shifts in how we live and what's expected of us in society.
It's a conversation we must continue to foster, to ensure that every young person feels seen, heard, and supported.
It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. But what can you do if your child has developed an eating disorder? During eating disorder awareness week, we talk to counsellor and psychotherapist, Susi Lodola, who treats a range of mental health issues in children, including bulimia and binge eating, usin...
29/12/2023
19/11/2023
Here is a recording of my radio interview this week about food addiction.
Food addiction is a controversial topic, and there is ongoing debate about its validity as a distinct diagnosis. Many experts argue that disordered eating behaviors can be better understood through other frameworks, such as binge eating disorder or compulsive eating.
While it lacks a universally accepted definition, it is characterised by a set of behaviours and symptoms that bear similarities to addiction. Individuals dealing with food addiction often find themselves trapped in a cycle of intense cravings for specific foods, typically those high in sugar, fat, or salt. These cravings can become all-consuming, making it challenging to exert control over one's eating habits.
Key signs of food addiction is the inability to stop eating, even when an individual is not hungry or has consumed a substantial amount of food. Despite being aware of the adverse consequences, such as weight gain or health issues, they continue to consume food.
This loss of control is one of the most distressing aspects of food addiction, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and frustration. Other signs include sleeping problems, fatigue, isolating, thinking about food all the time.
Listen back to the interview for more information on the topic.
If you need any help with food addiction/disordered eating or binge eating please get in touch.
07/11/2023
Thanks to Geraldine Walsh Writing Services who asked me to contribute to her excellent series on for the The Irish Times today.
Food addiction is a controversial topic, and there is ongoing debate about its validity as a distinct diagnosis. Many experts argue that disordered eating behaviours can be better understood through other frameworks, such as binge eating disorder or compulsive eating.
While it lacks a universally accepted definition, it is characterised by a set of behaviours and symptoms that bear similarities to addiction. Individuals dealing with food addiction often find themselves trapped in a cycle of intense cravings for specific foods, typically those high in sugar, fat, or salt. These cravings can become all-consuming, making it challenging to exert control over one's eating habits.
A key signs of food addiction is the inability to stop eating, even when an individual is not hungry or has consumed a substantial amount of food. Despite being aware of the adverse consequences, such as weight gain or health issues, they continue to consume food. This loss of control is one of the most distressing aspects of food addiction, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and frustration.
The article can be found in today's Irish Times.
06/11/2023
🌺 Have a look at our new self-directed online programme and take a confident step towards overcoming emotional eating.
With a foundation in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), this course will help you identify the psychological patterns behind your eating choices.
🌺Through a series of thoughtfully structured sessions and lots of supportive resources like videos, workbooks and worksheets, you'll learn at your own pace.
🌺Put an end to the cycle of guilt and shame linked with stress eating and move towards a more balanced and conscious relationship with food and your emotions.
I highly recommend tuning in to the Pat Kenny Show replay for an eye-opening segment on weight loss. Prof O'Shea and Dr. Crotty provide a wealth of scientific insights that debunk the myth of weight loss merely being about calories in and calories out.
If you've ever felt shame, guilt, or desperation about your weight, this discussion is a must-listen. It will provide you with everything you need to know about the true science of weight loss, dispelling quick fixes and easy solutions.
Remember, be kind to yourself.
When should we talk to people about being overweight? To discuss with Pat were Dr Mick Crotty GP Gp specializing in obesity and Professor Donal O’Shea HSE Clinical lead on obesity.
02/06/2023
In today's Irish Independent I contributed to Katie Byrne's article which is looking at a husband who is not sure how he should approach the topic of weight with his wife without hurting her.
This is a very topical conversation, as there is a fine line between "fat shaming" and wanting to help someone achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Further great insights are provided by Dr Finian Fallon and Obinski.
In this dilemma the husband says that his wife's weight has a real impact in their chemistry and s*x life.
Weight gain often leads to a vicious cycle where one’s self-esteem is affected, leading to more emotional distress, often resulting in further weight gain. It frequently has a negative impact on a person’s body image, which can in turn affect their s*xual desire.
It’s important to recognise that weight management involves a complex interplay of environmental, biological and psychological factors.
It's a very interesting article, and I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on this dilemma.
During my work as a Psychotherapist/CBT Therapist I have met many women helping them with life's challenges. One issue that repeatedly came up is the challenges women face during midlife.
There are many option now for women to help them with physical and mental symptoms. We have put together a very special retreat for women who are looking for an evidence based non-medical approach to help you with feeling disconnected from your body, hot flashes, sleeping problems, and dealing with mental challenges such as anxiety, low mood and loss of self-confidence?
Our exclusive retreat is tailored specifically towards women in all stages of menopause and beyond. Join us for 7 nights in stunning Santorini and experience a unique combination of Yoga, Mindfulness and CBT Coaching to help you reconnect with your body and overcome those pesky mental challenges.
We're so excited to bring this opportunity to you and help you renew and connect with like-minded women. Our retreat is all about finding inner balance and having a good laugh along the way. Come on this journey with us and refresh your mind, body and soul.
Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect with yourself and other women in a breath-taking location.
We have created an Instagram account were we will post all the details over the coming weeks and Marina is on location in Santorini and will be sending us fabulous videos and photos to get you excited for this amazing trip.
I have been working on an exciting new project over the past few weeks.
The inspiration for it came to me a couple of years ago when I was on holidays in Santorini. There I met a wonderful Yoga teacher, Marina Gourneli, and she helped me with a few Yoga practices (I Iove Yoga, but I am really not great at it 😊), in the most wonderful setting in Santorini.
I have been working for many years helping women achieve life balance, find confidence and overcome unhelpful and limiting beliefs in my work as a CBT-Psychotherapist.
So Marina and I came up with the idea to combine our experience and bring a retreat like no other, combining Yoga, Mindfulness, CBT Coaching and Massage therapy, addressing physical and mental challenges that are related to the Menopause and beyond.
The Yoga practices will cater for all levels, so even if you have never tried Yoga, this is your opportunity to work with a wonderful teacher.
The benefits of combining Yoga, CBT and Mindfulness:
Yoga is an exercise that also has a mental/emotional focus. Yoga postures regulate your breath which invokes a relaxation response leading to reduced stress activation in your body which calms your nervous system.
Mindfulness practice helps you to calm the busy mind and bring your awareness to the present moment. It helps you to become aware of your thoughts, the stories that are floating in your mind.
CBT is the link that will help you challenge your unhelpful thoughts and beliefs of which Yoga and Mindfulness practice have helped you to become aware of.
We have created a fantastic programme that will also include Island excursions, a boat trip around the island of Santorini, dinner in beautiful Greek restaurants and some surprises.
I am really excited for this retreat and I have put a link to the website in the linktree in my bio for more info.
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to Mind over Body Weight Management Programme:
I understand that to lose weight and keep it off you need more than to "eat less & move more". I learned that through my own experience, as I went through most of my life trying out the latest diets which promised to help me lose weight.
I counted calories, points and syns, I cut out whole food groups, detoxed and drank shakes. I did lose weight on most of those plans, but I found it difficult to sustain and very soon the weight came back on, and then some more on top of it.
The thing is, I knew exactly what I should eat and what I shouldn't it. Most of what I ate was healthy, home cooked food. However, I was an emotional eater, and I found that is the case with most people who come to see me for weight loss.
I started to gain weight in my late 20’s after I had my first child. The weight was slowly creeping up every year and after my 3rd child was born, I decided to work from home part-time and focus on raising my 3 children. I was lucky to be able to do that and I really enjoyed being at home with them. However, I also missed going to work outside the home, and I also missed interacting with other people.
I later learned that emotions such as guilt and stress caused me to reach for sugary foods and more weight was gained. Emotional eating provides short lived relief from uncomfortable emotions, as we try to buffer and suppress them. The relief is short lived and and very quickly followed by more emotions such as guilt, self doubt and self-loathing. This is a vicious cycle that can go on for a very long time unless it is addressed. I was feeling stressed, frustrated and guilty because I missed work. I was also living in South Africa at the time, where I had no family support around me during a time when the children were small. I would turn to chocolate, looking to make myself feel better. Deep down I knew that this is not going to help but I was thinking “just a little bit won’t make a difference”.
Later on in life, when I went to college to study Psychology and Psychotherapy, I had to undergo counselling as part of my studies (50 sessions to be precise). I then discovered that I did hold strong associations to chocolate going back to my childhood and that chocolate had become my “go to” when experiencing difficult emotions.
While studying, I also learned about Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and how it is applied to help to change behaviours and thought patterns, which is the key to achieving lasting behaviour changes that lead to sustainable weight loss. Once I started applying the principles of CBT to myself, I started to lose weight without having to “diet” or count points, calories or syns.
My own experience of weight gain and weight loss, combined with my studies, led me to developed the “Mind over Body Weight Management Programme”. This programme is evidence based and applies CBT tools and techniques which not only equip you to achieve weight loss and a healthy lifestyle, but also to help you achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.
What is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for weight loss?
Weight loss is complex, and research tells us that eating healthy and exercising is not enough to successfully lose weight and keep it off. We have deep-rooted emotional associations with eating and these have a huge impact on how and what we eat. Diet and weight loss programmes that focus only on food and exercise are missing a vital component – they do not look at getting your mindset right to keep you motivated and successful in the long term.
CBT provides you with a set of tools that will change the way you think and therefore the way you behave around food. Changing behavior, in particular long-term, habitual patterns, takes practice and this programme will support you throughout to help you make those changes. The tools are for life and applying them consistently will enable you to maintain a healthy weight.Losing weight and keeping it off is a skill. It's like learning a new instrument, you will have to practice in order to master it. The more you practice, the better you get at it. Would you expect to be playing the piano perfectly after practicing for a few weeks???
On the Mind over Body programme, you will learn the skill of weight loss, based on proven, cutting-edge psychology tools and techniques - but you will have to actively practice it in order to be successful!
