Find An Eating Disorder Therapist in Lakeshore, ON.

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.

If you are struggling with body image, compulsive and/or disordered eating, or a distorted sense of self, I can help you restore a healthy relationship with your body. My approach works on building acceptance and increasing love, care, and enjoyment in your unique body. I utilize evidence-based interventions which help to increase sense of sense and self-worth, address distorted thought patterns, improve coping, and assist in establishing healthier lifestyle factors to support whole body wellbeing.

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.

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.

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.

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 be some of the most disheartening and frustrating mental health diagnoses to experience. ED's at their core aren't about food, but instead avoidance, anxiety, control, and trauma. Successful treatment relies on examining what you are trying to avoid and providing skills that allow for tolerance and emotional regulation. Recovery from your eating disorder IS possible!

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.