Licensed Professional Counsellor, Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Admitting that an eating disorder has developed is a very brave and courageous step. By engaging in this first step you are already beginning your recovery process. Many individuals are in denial about their eating disorder and only acknowledge their problematic behaviours once their health is severely impacted. Since the behaviours of an eating disorder are unique across individuals, the treatment plan too, is unique.
In therapy, we largely explore the meaning that you give to the eating disorder, how you developed your relationship with food, and the purpose that the eating disorder served in your life. Once you gain a deeper understanding of the cause of the eating disorder, my hope is that you view yourself through a nonjudgmental lens, which is a crucial step in the healing process.
In order to help you overcome the eating disorder, I also use a variety of therapy models, such as narrative therapy in order to separate the disorder from the person. Once you perceive the issue as separate from the self, you are more likely to activate your self-healing capacities, which is important for experiencing change and growth. I also use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for challenging some of the thoughts that you may have about food. Once you gain insight into your personalized history of the eating disorder, as well as the resources that you have for overcoming dysfunctional eating patterns, you move further into your journey to recovery.