Find An Eating Disorder Therapist in Amherstburg, ON.

EMDR Therapy has been shown to be very effective when treating an individual who is struggling with an eating disorder. With eating disorders, often there can be underlying reasons and experiences which need to be processed. Expressive Art is another great way for people to work through unprocessed emotions. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy teaches people how to look at how our beliefs and thoughts are linked with behaviour, and what we can do to change behaviour.

Eating disorders can threaten physical health as well as mental health and may be associated with other disorders such as trauma, self esteem and body dysmorphia. I work from a comprehensive/holistic approach to eating disorders and often use the potent tool of hypnosis when working with these issues. I provided a safe and supportive environment in which to address these sensitive issues.

Eating disorders are not really about food. They involve complex emotional issues that have significant impact on ones physical, emotional and social health. If you are preoccupied with your weight, focused on body image, size, or shape, compelled to perform specific rituals around food, obsessive about food, or deem foods as “safe” or “unsafe” to eat or uncomfortable participating in social activities involving food (such as getting dinner with friends) you may be engaging in disordered eating. I offer free consultations to answer your questions and help you determine if therapy will be beneficial for you. I look forward to hearing from you.

I have worked with clients who have presented with troubled eating behaviours and body dysmorphia. My competency in this specialization is in supporting clients during the very early stages of the development of eating disorders where they struggle with their bodies and eating, but have not fully developed (diagnostically) an eating disorder. I have also helped clients who are in remission and recovery of eating disorders. However, the scope of my practice is limited to my competencies and I am not able to help clients who are actively struggling with an eating disorder (diagnosed) because in those cases a holistic team of medical practitioners should be involved to ensure safety.

I work with your negative body image, from the inside out. "The negative image is understood as a dissociated and shame-based “part” of the personality in need of understanding and compassion, achieved via mindful awareness, “parts” dialogue and trauma processing. Our first step will be to create a healthy separation between the "observing" or aware Self and the part(s) absorbed in the eating disorder via mindful awareness. Once this separation between the "whole" self and part of self is established, the Gestalt polarity tradition (empty chairs) is utilized to develop understanding of the shame-based part. This leads to developing more love and compassion for yourself. You are enough!

As a therapist specializing in eating disorders, I believe in the transformative power of therapy to heal both mind and body. Through our sessions, we delve into the underlying emotional, psychological, and relational factors contributing to the disorder. By fostering a safe and non-judgmental space, we explore the complex relationship individuals have with food, body image, and self-worth. Through evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness practices, clients learn to challenge harmful thoughts and behaviors, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and rebuild a positive sense of self.

At Atlas Therapy, we understand the intricate nature of eating disorders. Our approach revolves around the biopsychosocial model, carefully considering the interplay of biological, cognitive, and environmental factors. With utmost compassion, we meet our clients where they are in their journey, supporting their progress at a pace that fosters both health and happiness.

I help clients overcome addictive relationships with food. Like all addictions, the behavior is the tip of the iceberg, used to cope with underlying thoughts and emotions. Through collaborative conversations, clients gain insight into underlying concerns, gaining coping skills to more effectively navigate these issues. I draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI), helping clients achieve a sense of freedom and control over their lives, leading to long-term change.

The benefits of receiving therapy for eating disorder(s) with us begins with the supportive and non-judgmental space we provide that explores the underlying causes and triggers of the disorder. There is help for individuals to develop a healthier relationship with food and their bodies. We can implement new strategies to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs related to body image and self-worth. Additionally, therapy can address the co-occurring mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, that may contribute to the eating disorder. We provide tools and coping mechanisms to manage triggers and develop a sustainable recovery plan.