Ready to add trauma-focused mental healthcare to your bariatric practice?
What They’re Saying
Is the Psychological Assessment just the Beginning?
BARIATRIC ASSESSMENTS AND WEIGHT LOSS
TRAUMA-FOCUSED COUNSELING
Some studies have shown an increase in post-operative suicide risk. It can be very difficult for individuals to reach their weight loss treatment goals when they are harboring emotional baggage. This program focuses on helping the patient explore their mental health needs pre and post op. Patients will have an opportunity to explore past pains, tell their story in a safe place, as well as experience cognitive restructuring. Integrating Behavioral Health into the treatment plan gives the patient a better chance of success due to the mind-body connection and it enhances the whole person. Childhood Trauma has also been linked to obesity.  This program will benefit patients who have past trauma and are struggling with their weight loss journey. Patients will be given the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences). Many individuals that have completed Bariatric surgery have past trauma that needs to be addressed so the patient can start the healing process. According to the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, there are many misconceptions. There are many that succeed in their weight loss journey and some that fail. Exploring risks and mental health barriers are needed to address problem areas for greater success. ​Additional services include, providing ongoing support services to patients to continue to encourage them on their journey. Counseling services are being offered on behalf of Abundance of Hope Counseling Service owned by Chikeitha Owens Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Bariatric Counselor Certified by the American Association of Bariatric Counselors. Also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. ​ ​ ​​
What if your patient presented requesting Bariatric surgery because they are struggling with losing weight? They go through the protocol and meet the pre-requisites but this patient is struggling with so much more. They may look good on the outside and may have even alleviated some metabollic concerns but this whole time are emotionally torn on the inside. What if this patient was a single mother, raising kids, had no self-care, experienced childhood neglect, had low or no self-esteem, experienced past verbal abuse, emotional abuse, childhood trauma, currently experiencing job stress, spiritual detachment, emotional eating, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, afraid to look in the mirror, loving heart, helper, giver, never felt the love returned, relationship problems, health and metabolic diseases associated with being overweight (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc). How many patients have made it through the clearance but truly needed so much more? Maybe they just needed a safe space and more time to open up but creating this space takes time and it was never offered. How would you feel if you could Help your patients get the support they needed along with encouragement that focused on helping them get back to their true selves? That helped them get back to being able to love themselves for who they are and not worry about what others think. That gave them the tools to feel more fulfilled so that they can have joy and acceptance about their wellness and their overall life. That helped them learn how to manage negative and obsessive thoughts and take back control. That helped them alleviate stress and provided them with coping skills to manage symptoms.
REFLECTIONS
Let’s collaborate to add comprehensive mental health support to your weight-loss packages. Through The Abundance Experience, we provide trauma-informed counseling, psychological evaluations, and emotional wellness programs tailored to bariatric patients. Prefer to refer your patients? We make it easy with seamless referrals and ongoing collaboration designed for your practice.
Services
Introducing The Abundance Experience for Patients:
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Our signature program, The Abundance Experience, is designed to support bariatric patients every step of the way, from decision-making to post-surgery adjustments. Here's what we offer:
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Comprehensive Psychological Evaluations
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Prepare patients emotionally and mentally for bariatric surgery with in-depth evaluations tailored to their unique needs.
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Trauma-Informed Counseling
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Address past traumas and emotional challenges that may impact patients’ weight-loss journey.
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Healing from the Inside Out Program
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A 12-week virtual program combining emotional resilience training, food/mood therapy, and self-image support.
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Heal Out Loud Support Groups
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Monthly support groups where patients can share their experiences, connect with others, and receive ongoing guidance.
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Food and Mood Therapy
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Help patients build healthier relationships with food by addressing emotional eating patterns and triggers.
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Body Image and Confidence Workshops
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Empower patients to embrace their new bodies and overcome struggles with self-esteem.
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Post-Surgery Emotional Adjustment Support
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Individual and group counseling to help patients navigate emotional and lifestyle changes after surgery.
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​For Bariatric Professionals:
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In addition to The Abundance Experience for patients, we partner with clinics, surgeons, and dietitians to provide these essential services:
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Obesity Sensitivity Training
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Equip your team to create a welcoming, non-judgmental environment for patients.
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Trauma-Informed Care Workshops
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Help your staff recognize and address the emotional impacts of trauma in patient care.
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Collaborative Care Model
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Seamlessly integrate counseling services with your practice to provide a comprehensive approach to patient health.
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Dedicated Referral System
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Easily refer patients to The Abundance Experience for specialized mental health and emotional support.
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Patient and Family Education
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Host workshops to educate patients and their families about managing emotional and mental health throughout their bariatric journey.​
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Leave your details below, and we’ll provide additional information about The Abundance Experience and our services for patients and professionals. Together, we can help patients achieve emotional and physical wellness while supporting your team’s success.
SERVICES
Pre-Surgical Mental Health Assessment
Trauma Focused
Bariatric Counseling
Doctors and Insurance Companies Require a Mental Health assessment Prior to Weight loss surgery. Trauma-Focused Bariatric Mental health counseling is available.
12-Week Module -W-A-I-T Management Trauma Focused/ Solution Focused Counseling Program "Healing From the Inside Out"
Offers the needed Psychosocial education and support for continued success for patients on their journey.
Accountability Peer to Peer Program
Patients will have access to Join our Accountability Peer to Peer Program.
"Heal Out Loud" Monthly Support Group
Patients will have a sense of support and realize that they are not alone on their weight loss journey.
Personal Trainer
Patients can connect with a Personal Trainer to help them stay accountable, tone up, and keep the weight off.
Dietician
Patients can work alongside a Dietician to help them develop a healthy eating lifestyle change.
MTV MENTAL HEALTH ACTION DAY EVENTS
NETWORK
Ashley Nicole
Certified Master Trainer by the National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT)
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Zee Powell
Charlotte Lester
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Dianne Robinson LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
WALK
INITIATE
APPROACH
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CONTACT US
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Opening Hours
Monday – Friday 9AM – 7PM