Psychological Support for Weight Loss Medications & Bariatric Surgery in Toronto
Providing expert Ozempic and GLP-1 therapy support in Toronto, our clinic helps you address the mental barriers that medical tools alone cannot fix.
Free 30 min discovery call to explore the psychological support you might need.
In-person sessions in Toronto. Virtual therapy across Ontario.
Treatment with our lived expereince, validated CBT and addiction principles lasts for 10-12 sessions.
Covered by most extended insurance plans.
*If residing in Ontario
Weight loss interventions are a big decision. Ensure they are fully effective with the support of psychotherapy.
Many people with food and weight issues understand their problem is both physical and psychological. However, medications and surgery only address the physical – and that is unfortunate.
People have solutions that help their body. But without psychological support, they may not have what they need to succeed in their long-term pursuits.
Meet Our Specialists
Danielle Watson
Registered Psychotherapist,
RP
- Virtual Sessions
Specializing in Eating disorders and grounded in her own recovery journey, Danielle provides expert ongoing care.
Brian Baumal
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, CRPO#3731
- In-Person & Virtual Sessions
Expert Brian built Aliva from his own lived experience, having permanently overcome an eating disorder and sustained a 100-pound weight loss.
Aliva Psychotherapy
How does support for weight loss medication and bariatric surgery work?
Bariatric surgery and weight loss medications have entered the scene as popular and effective tools to manage weight and improve quality of life. And, just like any tool, they are most effective when you learn how to use them right. Often-times, these interventions can be the last resort, and the stakes are quite high in this situation.
People using surgery and medications understand that the psychological issues that got them to this point will remain after surgery or are not simply taken away by weight loss drugs. They also know there is a chance they may not work all the time.
Aliva psychotherapy is here to help you address your psychological concers with eating and your body image so that these state-of-the-art interveions are given the best chance possible to succeed.
The top things we hear our clients say:
- “I’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work. Is surgery or medication a smart next step?“
- “Why is weight loss so hard, even with the use of medication or surgery?”
- “I’m scared about the potential risks and side effects.”
- “I feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.”
- “I’m worried I’ll mess it up.”
According to a clinical study (Toussi et al., 2009), patients who address current and potential emotional factors before beginning a weight loss journey have a higher rate of lasting success. We’d have to agree!
Therapy for weight management, eating disorders*, and food addiction issues – minus the shame, embarrassment, or fear—online sessions across Ontario. Serving downtown Toronto in-person or online.
Who we are
Why Work With Aliva Psychotherapy
Issues with food and body are serious. At Aliva, the first thing we do is just listen because few people truly understand eating issues, including other therapists. Our therapy is approachable, affable and effective. It may even put a smile on your face.
At Aliva Psychotherapy, we don’t give “tips”; we dive deep to uncover the psychological barriers preventing you from seeing results. From fear to procrastination, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help you laugh, cry, and work your way through the toughest food challenges.
If you’ve hit your lowest point with your struggles, or are sick and tired of endless cycles, we offer compassionate guidance and support. Let’s turn your past attempts into valuable lessons, and make this time different together.
We would like to show you how therapy with Aliva can be the most powerful, fun experience you’ve ever had.
Aliva was founded by Brian Baumal, RP, after he permanently lost 100 pounds and recovered from exercise bulimia and binge eating. He’s now Chair of the Sugar and Food Addiction Professionals Network and has been featured on The Food Junkies Podcast and The Kick Sugar Coach Podcast. Danielle Watson, RP joined the team grounded in her own recovery.
Every therapist who works here has done their own recovery with food, weight, or body. That’s the foundation under everything that happens in session.
How Your Recovery Begins
Free Discovery Call (30 min)
Start with a low-pressure conversation to share your story and explore whether our approach feels like the right fit for you.
Matching You with the Right Expert.
We use this initial talk to understand your unique needs so we can match you with the specialist on our team best suited to support your journey.
Starting Your Targeted Treatment.
Once you are matched with your specialist, you will begin a targeted therapy journey focused on the root causes of your struggle. While every journey is unique, our evidence-based approach typically helps clients achieve lasting freedom within 10–12 sessions.
Aliva Psychotherapy
How To Get Started
Take the first step toward living freely as you. Get started with Aliva Psychotherapy in Toronto.
Please email, call us, or send an inquiry via our contact form to request an appointment. We will be in touch within 24 business hours.
Have a question before booking? Send us a message below.
Aliva PsychotherapySupport for Weight Loss Medications or Pre/Post Bariatric Surgery
Aliva Psychotherapy
Together, we can make your weight loss goals a reality.
