Meet The Professional – Kim Rutherford BA. PSYCHDIP
Therapist: Kim Rutherford BA. PSYCHDIP
Specialism: Functional Nutritionist
Contact: [email protected]
As a registered Bariatric Psychotherapist (sleeved in 2021) Author of the 8Wise Mental Wellness approach, I offer coaching and therapy on how to manage the psychological challenges pre and post-surgery. In addition to the bariatric specific support I also focus on the co-occurring conditions that may have had an impact on obesity and also risk weight regain post-surgery, such as: stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, imposter syndrome, dysfunctional eating habits and difficult relationships.
Pre-Surgery Consultation
A pre-surgery consultation is highly recommended at CFBS, to help you understand the psychological foundations of your initial weight gain. It is common for many bariatric patients to have an extensive history of dysfunctional eating habits or an unhealthy relationship with food, which if not dealt with can increase the risk of weight regain post-surgery. This risk is increased further if the bariatric patient is unaware of their psychological foundations and have not started to address it or develop the necessary tools needed to manage it post-surgery.
During a pre-surgery consultation, your weight loss history and relationship with food will be examined to identify the high risk areas and decide if there is a need for any additional support. This approach enhances the patients ability to manage the long term psychological challenges that are common with a bariatric lifestyle, maximising weight loss potential and reducing weight regain risks. You will also be given tools to support your psychological and physical recovery in the post-operative weeks, where lifestyle change can be challenging.
Post-Surgery Consultation
Bariatric surgery requires a commitment and motivation to develop new, long term, healthier habits that support the weight loss and weight maintenance goals of the patient. The surgery itself is understood as a tool that works at its best when supported by other tools, such as; developing an effective mindset, learning alternative coping mechanisms to food, managing life’s stressors, overcoming dysfunctional eating habits, implementing effective mental health and wellbeing strategies and building self-confidence and self-esteem.
Every human mind and body is different, many patients will not know how they will react to a bariatric life until they start living it. But common issues experienced amongst bariatric patients are; stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, fear of failure, binge eating, emotional eating, body dysmorphia, relationship breakdowns and managing neurodivergent symptoms linked to food. This is just a short insight into the issues we aim to address through the psychological support sessions.
During your post-surgery consultation, your current mindset will be established and potential risk areas established. Tools and techniques will be provided to help with overcoming the psychological challenges and reducing the risks associated with weight regain after the initial wright loss period.
