Find An Eating Disorder Therapist in Oakville, ON.

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.

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 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.

Our relationship with food is inescapable. Overeating/denial patterns reflect an effort to combat isolation and the absence of equilibrium in relational dynamics. We are biologically engineered for connection and resonance. When that basic need is not met, we strategize survival in unique ways. By addressing all levels of experience, you can track the sequences relating to choice and absence of choice, be more present to your own emotions, cultivating a deeper connection with your body and yourself which naturally progresses into empowered relationships. Family members can learn to connect and resonate effectively, reducing isolation and creating the longed for feeling of belonging.

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.)

Has food become the only thing you can control? Do you obsess about body image, how much you eat, and how many calories you can take in to reduce, or increase your weight? Have family or friends expressed concern over the extent of your weight loss, or weight gain? Do you feel powerless around food, and want to decrease the power you allow it to have on you?

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.

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.