Find An Eating Disorder Therapist in Oshawa, ON.

Disordered eating patterns are common in north America and, of course, they are still more prevalent among teen females and women than among teen males and men. Numerous factors contribute to the development and reoccurance of disordered eating patterns, including, negative body image, low self-esteem, stress and relationship struggles, intellectual and cognitive reasoning and media and social learning. Combining narrative, cognitive-behavioural individual and family therapy (in a collaborative teamwork approach among family, therapist and other healthcare providers) is the most effective strategy to reduce health risks through healthier relationship, exercise and eating thoughts and habits

While I do not offer support for eating disorders, at Psychotherapy Collective, we have other therapists who are well positioned to support you. 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 you may be engaging in disordered eating. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with a member of our team today https://www.psychotherapycollective.ca/our-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.

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!

It is rarely about food! People suffering from eating disorders or disturbed eating habits tend to feel judged by themselves or others, the need to be perfect, depressed, anxious, emotionally overwhelmed, or a sense of lack of control. As a psychologist who obtained an undergraduate degree in Nutritional Science from McGill University, I focus on addressing the biological, psychological, and social aspects of eating problems in sessions. I use cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to help clients effectively regulate their feelings, understand the role of thoughts played in eating problems, and learn strategies to cultivate relationships.

Eating Disorders are a mental health problem, and it can be treated. They involved a combination of other mental health problems – social and environmental, psychological, and biological factors. that needs professional help. Sometimes, Eating Disorders are called “Co-occurring Mental Health Problems.” Such conditions may include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, obesity, unregulated thought patterns, OCD, and ADHD. I use psychotherapy and medication techniques to control the symptoms of Eating Disorders. Some evidence-based techniques, including the use of CBT, Mindfulness, and medications.

If your relationship with food has taken over, whether that is compulsive or emotional eating or a genuine struggle to lose weight, I can help you understand it and change it. One honest note so you can choose well. Because I am in private practice and am neither a physician nor part of a medical facility, I do not treat anorexia or bulimia, which need medical oversight. For food addiction and weight concerns, I have been a psychologist since 1986. I am based in Calgary and see clients across Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick by secure video. Book a session now: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14249112