Find An Eating Disorder Therapist in St Jacobs, ON.

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.

As a therapist specializing in eating disorders, I believe in the transformative power of therapy to heal both mind and body. Through our sessions, we delve into the underlying emotional, psychological, and relational factors contributing to the disorder. By fostering a safe and non-judgmental space, we explore the complex relationship individuals have with food, body image, and self-worth. Through evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness practices, clients learn to challenge harmful thoughts and behaviors, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and rebuild a positive sense of self.

Eating disorders benefit from the same or similar approach used for all addictive behaviours. One of the main therapeutic approaches I use is Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. The relationship to food can be quite complex involving societal or cultural pressures, self-image, past traumas, addictive non-nutritious junk food, media images, social media pressures, bullying. Shame and guilt need to be addressed along with peer pressures. The most common eating disorders are: Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, Pica, Rumination Disorder, Avoidance/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Orthorexia, Purging Disorder etc. The benefits of therapy are enhanced self-image, health and well-being.

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.)

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.

[I OFFER VIDEO SESSIONS THROUGHOUT ALBERTA AND ONTARIO]. I work with clients who are addicted to food and/or who are wanting to lose weight. I do not work with people with anorexia or bulimia because I am in private practice and I am neither a physician nor do I work in a medical facility. I have, however, been a psychologist since 1986. I specialize in addictions. If you would like to see me, book now by visiting https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14249112

Eating disorder recovery is a transformative journey towards a healthier relationship with food and yourself. Through a supportive and non-judgmental therapeutic process, we will work together to develop healthier habits, improve body image, explore emotional triggers, and restore your overall well-being. If you are on the path to eating disorders recovery, reach out today for a free consultation.

A sense of self is easily interrupted by stress, change, and trauma. Maybe you feel like you have never really known yourself and have always been focused on others. Or, maybe, you feel like you have lost a sense of self due to big changes in your life. This could all be tied in with how you feel about your body, especially if it has gone through a change as well. We can offer support for this, including help for: • Body image concerns • Low self-esteem or self-worth • Questioning self-purpose and plan • People pleasing, rescuing and fixing • Chronic guilt, regret and shame

When life feels chaotic and out of control, it is common to turn to food as a means of regaining a sense of power. I believe that the journey towards healing starts with cultivating a loving relationship with oneself and the body. My approach focuses on exploring the messages you have received about your body and understanding the societal constructs of femininity and masculinity that may be influencing your self-perception. Together, we will work on honoring your unique self and discovering the beauty within that goes beyond external appearances. By addressing the underlying emotional and psychological aspects of the eating disorder, we can develop healthier coping mechanisms.

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.

Eating disorders can threaten physical health as well as mental health and may be associated with other disorders such as trauma, self esteem and body dysmorphia. I work from a comprehensive/holistic approach to eating disorders and often use the potent tool of hypnosis when working with these issues. I provided a safe and supportive environment in which to address these sensitive issues.

I can support you when dealing with emotional and disordered eating and help you with behavioural changes towards healthy eating patterns, including shifting from shame to empowerment, calming the nervous system, regulating emotions without turning to food, and assisting you in reestablishing physical cues for fullness and hunger and replacing the inner critic with self-compassion. Trauma-informed clinical tools will help you improve your relationship with food and your body.

I have worked with clients who have issues stemming from trauma/abuse and self-esteem. Together we take the necessary steps to change. We will use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to understand the emotional disturbances that stem from eating disorders. I also believe in utilizing additional social service networks to assist in this approach if deemed necessary.

Eating disorders often occur alongside depression and anxiety. I view eating disorders as a symptom of deep and painful emotions, often linked to trauma, stress, or grief/loss. In our work together we can address your eating disorder in relation to your family of origin and current relationships and also address any anxiety or depression that may be occurring. The goal is to better understand the role eating disorders play in helping one to cope with the painful emotions that arise due to trauma, depression, anxiety and/or early life family of origin disruptions.

Struggling to live in a body that does not feel comfortable or safe to you is a journey that can be painful and overwhelming. I want you to know that you are enough, and so is your body. We can build skills and practices that help and support you to become comfortable and loving towards your body. Let's work together so you believe your body is a good body too.

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!