Proudly serving clients for 10+ years
Making the commitment to seek therapy for an eating disorder or disordered eating is an act of courage. It can take years to make that first call and sometimes just the thought of discussing your experience can seem overwhelming. Feelings of intense shame are common. In my work with clients struggling with eating disorders, creating an emotionally safe counselling environment is my first priority. Counselling progresses at a pace that is comfortable for you.
In my downtown Vancouver and virtual counselling offices, I meet with clients struggling with:
I occasionally work with clients with anorexia, providing they are also under medical care for their eating disorder. My practice is focused on working with adults.
Many people turn to counselling when they feel that their life has been hijacked by obsessional thoughts about food, body size or feelings of profound worthlessness. These thoughts interfere with people’s ability to live their lives normally, and can range from “get me off of this emotional roller coaster” to “I want to die.” Yet, if there is the desire for emotional peace and an end to emotional pain, there is hope. This is what motivates recovery.
Counselling is an important pillar of recovery, helping to:
There are a number of psychological approaches to treating disordered eating. In my practice, I primarily utilize a client-centred approach which draws from internal family systems therapy, harm reduction principles, mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). As with any issue I help with, I always look for client’s strengths and seek to mobilize them in the face of adversity.
Counselling is not a substitute for comprehensive eating disorders treatment. Rather, it is one key piece of the puzzle. Recovery is accelerated with a multidisciplinary team in your corner. For this reason, I always recommend that clients be under a physician’s care (or to find one if you don’t have one) and that people be assessed by a body-inclusive registered dietician (RD) with a experience in eating disorders.
Clients that choose to work with me also understand that I take a body acceptance and body-trust®️ approach and do not promote or support dieting, including diet plans and apps that masquerade as being “healthy living” but are actually just another diet.
If you are ready to change and want to take a step forward, I welcome you to contact me today. I look forward to meeting you or addressing any questions you may have.
The book links on this page are Amazon Associate links; if you choose to make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission which I use to fund my low-cost counselling resource lists. Your support is greatly appreciated.
The title describes the book perfectly. Understanding body liberation and the practices that free us from the tyranny of dieting. My favourite book on the topic.
Hard-hitting look at the diet orthodoxy and strategies for living in a fat-phobic world. Author is a journalist and anti-diet registered dietician.
From the authors that coined the term intuitive eating, and then went on to write about it in this book, introduces the reader to intuitive eating and how to make it real.
Sensible discussion of the practice of person-centred intuitive eating. Realistic, not idealistic take on eating mindfully.
How to eat mindfully and intentionally. Because the late author was a Buddhist monk, this book may have more appeal to those with Buddhist leanings.
List of private master’s-level counsellors, or their interns, offering subsidized counselling. Updated quarterly.
Call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse 24/7. Other professionals available through this line include after-hours pharmacists, exercise professionals and dieticians
Web-based learning of DBT skills. Particularly useful for those without access to individualized programming, or to supplement an existing group DBT program.
Resource list, updated quarterly.
App developed by the folks at Anxiety Canada to help manage anxiety symptoms and promote relaxation.
BC-based organization offering prevention initiatives and intervention programs for those suffering from eating disorders and their families.
A resource list of lower-cost professional counselling options in Vancouver. Corrections and suggestions welcome.
National database for help in locating a registered dietician in your area.
Provides extensive information on eating disorders and food/weight preoccupation. Offers a telephone helpline: 1-866-633-4220
Online self-help program for depression and anxiety, using cognitive behavioural principles (CBT).
