For Health Professionals

• to receive regular written progress reports for every client; the reports are brief, practical and easy to read
• to hear from us on the phone (or email if it suits you better) to collaborate with you on issues that will practically benefit your client
• to receive practical psychological feedback on how we think you can help your patient (e.g., organising a medication review or which strategies you should remind and reinforce when you see the patient in your clinic)

I do my very best to offer clients an appointment within one week and often within 48 hours depending on client availability and flexibility. I manage to do this because of my philosophy of doing myself out of a job which means, as much as realistic, I see people within 10 sessions*, not week after week year after year.

* More sessions are often required for people suffering from Anorexia Nervosa

Louisa sees no more than 4 patients per day, much lower than many private psychology clinics. She does this intentionally, to allow sufficient time and energy to offer the highest quality service possible. Furthermore, she only see patients who have a primary problem related to eating. Louisa knows eating inside and out!

Obesity is a growing problem in Australian society and bariatric surgery is the only intervention that appears to aid sustained weight loss among obese individuals. The success of bariatric surgery can depend on how patients cope with the procedure and adjust to the associated changes. Health psychologists are in the perfect position to contribute to the team in assisting clients with these changes and helping improve outcomes.

Dr Louisa can:

• Help your patient decide if bariatric surgery is an option they would like to pursue
• Provide strategies to manage anxiety and fear associated with surgery
• Make sure your patients are measuring and understanding their progress during weight loss using DEXA scanning
• Teach your patients how to sustain dietary restrictions and physical activity requirements – it is more than willpower
• Facilitate adjustment to the changes in their thoughts, feelings, relationships and body image associated with major weight loss