Therapy for Eating Disorders
What you may be experiencing:
Eating Disorders (EDs) can affect all genders, ages, abilities, and backgrounds. They can manifest in a variety of ways and can be influenced by a number of factors including biological, psychological, social/cultural influences, or exposures to trauma. New research is showing that eating disorders are on the rise in Canada with a significant increase in hospitalizations. We know that eating disorders are not a choice.
While symptoms can vary across the different diagnoses within this category, some common threads are seen: negative image towards yourself self and your own body (in the form of thoughts, sensations, or feelings). All or nothing (aka black or white) thinking can also be commonly experienced.
EDs can include restriction of food or liquids as an attempt to reduce body weight, purging or compensatory behaviours such as overexercise, calorie counting, or laxative use, or patterns of binge eating. The National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) of Canada is an excellent resource to learn more about different types of EDs and ED treatments available.
How we can help:
We understand that EDs are still highly stigmatized so we always aim to create a safe space for our clients to explore and discuss their unique experiences. We use evidence-based approaches and treatment methods including CBT-E (Enhanced) and DBT-ED (DBT adapted for Eating Disorders) that are considered to be effective in reducing symptoms and severity. As EDs are complex and multifaceted, we often work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic, individualized, and safe treatment of our clients.
We understand the importance of identifying levels of care of our clients. Some clients may respond well to psychotherapy and outpatient treatment, whereas other clients with severe or life threatening symptoms may require a higher level of care. Our therapists are trained to assess these needs and can provide appropriate and supportive referrals when needed.
Though eating disorders can have life threatening and serious complications, they can be treated through individualized and comprehensive treatment. Recovery is possible.
After working with us:
Outcomes and goals are individualized and specific to each and every client and therefore cannot be guaranteed. However, it is our hope that throughout the course of treatment, you will be able to experience positive and meaningful life changes.
Imagine a life where you are reducing or eliminating past harmful behaviours such as restricting food or liquids, purging, bingeing, or engaging in overexercise. A future version of yourself that can identify and challenge the negative thoughts associated with body image distress or ED behaviours.
Imagine a future with healthy coping skills and strategies to responds to life’s inevitable stressors. A version of yourself with an improving body image, a higher self-esteem and sense of self-worth.
