Pre-WLS counseling & Diff. case

[Julie Kolzet, PhD]

Hi All,

My experience with pre-WLS counseling in my private practice has been wholly positive. One patient was "on the fence" for several months. Together, and, with regular sessions, she made a decision to go ahead and proceed the surgery route. I found motivational interviewing (MI) techniques where key to assisting this patient to arrive at a decision. I have attached some questions from the MI book by Miller and Rollnick which help evoke change talk. Maybe you all have these questions but I figured I'd attach them...

As for difficult cases, I recently recommended in a report that a patient continue her psychotherapy with an outside provider to address her depression and trauma history, along with issues relative to adherence to the dietary regiment that will be necessary after the surgery. To reiterate, this patient was in therapy with someone else prior to coming to me for an evaluation. I guess this makes things easier.
Julie Kolzet, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist

30 E. 76th St., 6th Fl.

(Between Madison and Park Ave.)

New York, NY 10021