Intimacy therapy can be a great benefit to women undergoing significant and rapid weight loss, according to therapists who say that this is an aspect of obesity that is rarely discussed. Mary Jo Rapini, a psychotherapist at The Methodist Hospital Weight Management Center in Houston, cites the case history of one of her patients as an example in how such therapy can overcome some of the negative mindsets that accompany morbid obesity. At 34 years old and 375 pounds, the patient in question (Ami Ruby) had never been on a date, much less had a boyfriend. Ami Ruby was ashamed of her body, and avoided any type of intimacy - even with family and lifelong friends. Rapini says that intimacy therapy is critical for patients like this who undergo rapid weight loss.
Ruby underwent bariatric surgery which was successful in lowering her weight but Rapini said she then had to learn how to accept and appreciate her new body in order to enjoy close relationships with others. According to Rapini, Ami Ruby was too accustomed to using food to "medicate" herself in tough social situations. Rapini added that people who are obese are also often socially regressed (not having matured at the same rate as others).
Rapini quickly points out that intimacy is not sex. Intimacy is sensuality, sexuality, love and wishing good will on another. Ami Ruby has lost 100 pounds and wants to lose 100 more, and meanwhile she's learning to appreciate the power of touch, eye contact and compliments - all things she missed out on until now.
Source: Methodist Hospital
