Doctors, with us or not?
YES … NO … BUT …
Here we go …
By Justine (HNZ) & Trish (CHA)
In our work with clients struggling with weight, anxiety and other issues, one of the biggest myths we keep coming up against is that people who are in larger bodies must be overeating or not moving enough. That’s often the assumption—not just from society, but from healthcare professionals too. But the reality we’ve seen again and again is quite different.
As practitioners, we work closely with people who are doing everything right. They’re eating well, they’re active, and they’re deeply committed to change. And yet, they are stuck with little or no results.
It’s Not Just the Mindset—It’s the Body
For many of our clients, nervous system dysregulation is a big piece of the puzzle. Their bodies are stuck in survival mode, and in that state, holding onto the problem can be a protective mechanism. In these cases, interventions like hypnosis can make a noticeable difference by calming the nervous system. But there are also cases where that still isn’t enough. And that’s when we know it’s time to bring in a doctor.
When Therapy Isn’t Enough: Referring Back to the GP
There have been many times I (Justine) have had to gently say to a client, “I want you to go back to your doctor and fight for your health. Ask for a full thyroid panel. Ask to check your cortisol. Let’s rule things out.” More often than not, that suggestion brings tears.
Why? Because they’ve already been to the doctor. They’ve already been told, “You just need to eat better” or “You need to exercise more.” Some have been dismissed, belittled, or treated like they're lazy.
That kind of medical gaslighting leaves a scar.
But every single time we’ve pushed someone to advocate for themselves—and they’ve gone back for proper tests—they’ve found something. Every. Single. Time!!
Better Together: Therapists + Doctors = Real Change
One of the most powerful tools in a therapist’s toolkit is the ability to observe patterns—emotional, behavioural, and even physical—over time. We often spend an hour or more with clients each week, unlike the 10-minute window a GP gets. We notice subtle shifts that may not be apparent in a short consultation.
But that doesn’t mean we’re here to replace doctors. It means we need to be working alongside them. We bring complementary insights that can support a more accurate and timely diagnosis.
In fact, Justine recently shared a study where patients were asked to input their symptoms into a large language model (AI system), and the AI diagnosed them 30% more accurately than when a doctor input the symptoms. Why? Because the patients included everything they were experiencing—not just what the doctor considered relevant. It just shows that when people are heard, better outcomes follow.
It’s Okay to Get a Second Opinion
We’ve both had clients who needed a second opinion to get the right help. Trish shared a powerful story of a woman who came in for hypnosis, but her symptoms just weren’t shifting. So we created a reverse referral—essentially a summary she could take to the doctor explaining everything we’d observed.
Thankfully, she got a compassionate GP who listened. The diagnosis? Manic bipolar disorder. She had no idea. She was 46 years old and had lived her whole life without knowing. Now, with the right treatment, she’s thriving.
And yes, it’s confronting when we suspect something more serious—Trish once had a client who revealed dangerous intentions toward a partner during a session. That’s a red flag we can’t ignore. Therapy was paused and a medical referral made. Later, that same client ran into her on the street and said, “You saved my life.” The diagnosis? Borderline personality disorder.
Do We Lose Clients When We Refer to Doctors?
Yes, sometimes we do. Sometimes the doctor dismisses our input and the client disappears. But if that person found the help they needed, even if we’re no longer part of the journey, we’ve done our job.
The Role of Hope—and the Danger of Dismissal
Placebo research shows that even the belief that something will help can create real change in the brain. That’s why antidepressants often feel effective at first—it’s the hope that heals. But when hope fades, symptoms return. We need to understand that people often don’t need to be fixed—they need to be heard.
Being dismissed by a doctor can be traumatic. Especially when someone knows deep down that something isn’t right. Starting over with every new GP, repeating the same story again and again, only to be met with blank stares or rushed advice—that’s its own kind of harm.
Our Message to Therapists
If you’re a therapist, don’t be afraid to trust your gut. If a client’s issue isn’t shifting in the way it normally would—refer on. Get those tests done. Advocate for them. Give them the language and confidence to ask for what they need. It’s not a failure. It’s ethical. It’s caring.
Final Thoughts
Weight issues are complex. They’re emotional, physiological, and deeply individual. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. And while therapy and mindset work are powerful tools, we must acknowledge the role of the body, biology, and proper medical testing in that process.
Our best work happens when we support clients holistically—body, mind, and medical.
Let’s stop pretending it’s one or the other.
Let’s work together.
Would you like me to format this for a website blog post or add a call-to-action at the end?
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It’s incredibly frustrating when you’re doing all the right things and not seeing results. This is often a sign that something deeper may be happening in the body—like hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, or nervous system dysregulation. We recommend working with both a therapist and a trusted GP to explore possible underlying medical causes.
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Not at all. A responsible therapist understands their role and knows when to collaborate with medical professionals. If your progress stalls or symptoms suggest a physiological issue, a good therapist will refer you to a doctor for further testing. It’s not a dismissal—it’s part of a holistic approach to your wellbeing.
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While every person’s needs are different, we often recommend asking your GP to check: A full thyroid panel (not just TSH) Cortisol levels Insulin resistance Sex hormone balance Vitamin D and B12 * These can help uncover hidden contributors to weight retention or metabolic issues.
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You’re not alone—many of our clients have had this experience. If you’re being dismissed or not feeling heard, it’s okay to get a second opinion. We can also help you prepare for your next appointment with a clear summary of what you’ve tried and observed so far, which often makes it easier to advocate for yourself.
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Not at all. The goal isn’t to choose between therapy and medicine—it’s to combine them. A good therapist will support you through medical testing and treatment and help you process any emotional or psychological impacts along the way. We’re here to be part of your team, not compete with it.
