Find An Eating Disorder Therapist in Oakville, ON.

Eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, binge eating, and compulsive eating as well preoccupation with weight and shape are quite common in our culture and can be devastating and complex. Often there are severe consequences in terms of productivity, relationships and health. The good news is that it is possible to find our way out of an eating disorder. Whether through individual, family or group therapy, counsellors can assist us in changing our perceptions and behaviours and develop healthy self-esteem, communication, coping skills and emotional well being. (If we could have done it on our own... we would have by now.)

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!

Eating disorders are connected to the value that society puts on appearance. In North American and European cultures, the ideal is to be thin. Being overweight is obvious to the world and viewed by society as a shameful condition. This is a demoralizing position to be in. Eating disorders are predominantly an issue for women, who naturally go through changes in their weight. But this is also an issue for men, who can hurt just as deeply if they feel unworthy of love by virtue of their appearance. My approach is to help people feel good from the inside out. I recognize that weight issues can be the source of shame, bullying and marginalization. These are often the areas we work on in therapy.

My focus is on examining the underlying trigger-experience of early on-set traumas which unresolved often lead to the symptoms of Eating Disorders. My approach is to help you move through this with immediate daily self-calming strategies that helps with an understanding of the meaning of food as "addictive" or repulsed in this complex psycho-social dynamic. It involves using an Assertive "Voice" quelled that needs expression. Establishing daily eating habits is the core of the change that would promote a cognitive shift from the self-image script set during the traumatic experience to newly-learned behaviours that would re-align with the revised and positive and affirming new script.

Eating Disorders are best followed by a medical doctor, due to the complex emotional, physical health and mental health issues involved. I only work with eating disorder clients once their condition has been medically managed. I work specifically in the area of anxiety/depression management, attitude adjustment, acceptance, self esteem and healthy lifestyle choices. If you or your loved one has an eating disorder it is important that you first seek proper medical attention by your M.D. and health professional team.

Eating disorder can overshadow your life, stealing the joy and self-respect. I have worked with many who struggled with eating disorders and disordered eating and yes, it is possible to fight it and move beyond it. In the therapy with me you become aware of your strengths, your limitations and areas that need strengthening. You discover you are not alone and let the guilt and shame sweep away and become stronger. You learn how to create healthier boundaries, recognize triggers and become emotionally and mentally stronger.

The Refuge's team views eating disorders (like addictions) compassionately, as a symptom of unresolved emotional pain or trauma. We can support you in the journey towards processing and healing the underlying hurts that are resulting in disordered eating as a coping strategy. Therapy can build emotional regulation, distress tolerance and impulse management skills on the inside that can reduce the reliance on unhealthy eating patterns on the outside, so that pain isn't so overwhelming. We can also explore body image, negative self-talk, self-criticism, shame, discomfort "being in your body", and help restore a sense of self-worth, self-compassion and resiliency.

Dr. Van Blyderveen has over seven years of experience working with clients who have struggled with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and body dissatisfaction. Treatment typically integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) approaches. Family Based Therapy (FBT) is offered for youth struggling with an eating disorder.

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.