Mind over Body Weight Management Programme

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.

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.

https://www.independent.ie/life/health-wellbeing/health-features/advice-for-supporting-your-child-through-an-eating-disorder/a1042626055.html?

Advice for supporting your child through an eating disorder 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...

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.

🌺 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.

https://susilodolacounselling.com/product/19804/

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.

The importance of changing our attitudes towards obesity 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.

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.

Here is a link to the full article
https://www.independent.ie/life/can-i-tell-my-wife-her-pandemic-weight-gain-is-impacting-our-s*x-life-without-hurting-her/a578888250.html

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.

Follow us now on to stay connected.


Susi Lodola Counselling Psychotherapist & Cognitive Behaviour Therapist

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.