Find An Eating Disorder Therapist in Oakville, ON.

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.

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.)

Eating disorders can take over an individual’s life and make it difficult for them not to focus on their physical appearance and how to take back control of their lives by controlling their bodies. Fortunately, with counselling and the focus on coping skills, an individual is able to get control of their lives and bodies without having to engage in the behaviours they associate with their eating disorders. With the help of counselling, you can find freedom.

The Refuge's team views eating disorders (like addictions) compassionately, as a symptom of unresolved emotional pain or trauma. Our therapists can support you in the journey towards processing and healing the underlying hurts that are resulting in disordered eating as a coping strategy. Together, we can build the 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.