Find An Eating Disorder Therapist in West Vancouver, BC.

Eating disorders benefit from the same or similar approach used for all addictive behaviours. One of the main therapeutic approaches I use is Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. The relationship to food can be quite complex involving societal or cultural pressures, self-image, past traumas, addictive non-nutritious junk food, media images, social media pressures, bullying. Shame and guilt need to be addressed along with peer pressures. The most common eating disorders are: Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, Pica, Rumination Disorder, Avoidance/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Orthorexia, Purging Disorder etc. The benefits of therapy are enhanced self-image, health and well-being.

Eating disorders are an unhealthy pattern, used by a healthy individual, to deal with an issue. Together we explore what the issue is about. We don't talk about food a lot, but about what lies beneath. In most cases the person has difficulties of emotional regulation, which are then transferred on the corporal level. Once the client becomes aware of that, we slowly unwrap the issue and the feelings involved.

Eating disorders are often an expression of emotional distress and an unclear or negative sense of self. We explore the emotions and family patterns and relationships that might be contributing. Then we move from emotional understanding to action - we explore what is within the client's control and what is outside of their control - from there we determine in a concrete way the nature of the next steps.

Many forms or disordered eating are related to emotional eating. Somewhere along the line you have learned to soothe stress and overwhelm using food. Whether you're a binger or grazer, you are most likely familiar with feeling either in deprivation mode (you're dieting or restricting) or failure mode. Failure mode, feeling helpless and powerless in your attempts to control your eating behaviour can lead to bulimia, food addiction and binge eating. As an addictions counsellor I have specialized in Eating Disorders. Using a blend of cognitive behavioural therapy and somatic psychotherapy, I will help you change your eating patterns, stop disordered eating and develop a relapse prevention plan.

Making the first appointment to treat an eating disorder takes courage. It can feel overwhelming to talk about the problem and discover ways to change. I create a safe environment to talk about the fears and worries connected to eating disorders. Some common eating challenges include anorexia, bulimia, over eating, emotional eating, binge eating and over exercising. My practical approach will help you discover new ways of coping and promote long term change.

I am able to help clients dealing with anexoria, bulimia or binge eating. By helping clients look at how and why they use food for control, reward, stress management or to deal with other emotions they can begin to change their maladative relationship with food. With some in office techniques and some out of office homework clients can have radical change in their lives. Enjoying food is one of life pleasures.

I have worked with a number of clients to support their healing journey from an eating disorder. Some clients prefer processing their stuck emotions with the EMDR treatment while others prefer to lean into exploring self-compassion and grow their innate sense of self-worth through slower paced talk therapy while finding ways to befriend their body. I customize my approach based on the client's preference and need, we go slow and make sure not to overwhelm the nervous system while increasing it's capacity together. You are not alone.

While most eating disorder issues are treated by cognitive behavioral methodologies or specialized outpatient/inpatient programs, Grey Matters International and the work of Kevin J. Fleming, PhD provide relief first and foremost for the brain of one suffering from an eating disorder----without giving them medication. We believe that the neural circuitries responsible for the compulsive behaviors with eating are not necessarily only a neurotransmitter issue but of overused neural networks that affect the harmonization, balance, and decisions of the whole brain. Contact kevin@kevinfleminphd.com or 877-606-6161 to learn more about this safe and effective alternative.

If you’ve struggled with disordered eating, you are all too familiar with compulsive behavior, obsessive thoughts and a disconnect from the body. You may also have a constant need for control while at the same time feeling a frightening and exhausting loss of all control. Please know that none of this is your choice, but rather is a state of stress and overwhelm while you do your best to feel better. I have nothing but compassion for the distress that comes with food-related challenges, and you have my commitment to help you care for the difficult underlying emotions involved. Together, we will create a safe space to move towards healing and a safe relationship with food and the body.

Issues related to food and body-image, eating or not eating, perfectionism, or overall fixation on appearance can flood your reality to the point where they consume you. These kinds of issues often arise to serve a function, or fulfill a purpose, in your inner, psychological world. They can be a way to cope, to try to heal hurt parts of yourself, to maintain control in uncontrollable situations. Sometimes, they can be related to adverse childhood experiences and developmental trauma—though all the jargon may not apply or do justice to your individual context. Together, we can find a way to manage your thoughts and behaviors and take steps to address anything that may be underlying them.

I have worked with many clients who have eating disorders. My clients have been helped a great deal by understanding what food represents for them. Often it is the form that they have chosen to express their unconscious self hatred and loathing. I help clients uncover the purpose for their eating disorder. It is usually not about the food. It is about how they feel when they have used food in a punitive manner. My clients learn to view food from a different perspective that is more practical and not self punishing. As my clients gain appreciation and understanding for themselves, the need to do self harm diminishes.

Our highly trained therapists utilize evidence-based techniques, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to address the underlying emotional and psychological factors associated with eating disorders. With CBT, clients are guided to identify and challenge their distorted thoughts and beliefs about food, body image, and self-worth. By replacing these negative patterns with healthier perspectives, individuals can cultivate a more positive relationship with themselves and their bodies. DBT offers a comprehensive toolkit for clients to manage their emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and enhance interpersonal skills.