People come for counselling when they find that their eating disorder is out of control -- they try to regain a healthy relationship with food and find they can't do it on their own.

 Eating disorders are usually progressive and can be resolved through knowledge and dedication.  I have worked with hundreds of eating disordered people -- anorexic, bulimic, and bingeing/overeating (with or without purging) and find that they obtain relief through a combination of treatment methods.

Many clients have told me that they are ashamed of their problem and feel as if they alone have the condition.  In fact, when under stress it is normal to look for coping mechanisms and many people are eating disordered, at times, during their lifetime.

See the Binge Eating Disorder page for more information about that condition.

What Causes An Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders begin as coping mechanisms, often during times of particular stress, and as the disorder develops it takes on a life of its own.

The disorder is not primarily about food, but is rooted in personal history, emotional issues, and societal influences.

Together, the client and counsellor -

• identify and resolve emotional issues that fuel the disorder
• identify cognitive distortions that sap energy and keep the client caught in the cycle
• implement cognitive and behavioural changes that will increase confidence and energy
• learn alternative ways of dealing with stress and anxiety
• foster a healthier relationship with food.

Other Support

Studies show the people recover from eating disorders most effectively when they get support from a variety of professional sources.  This is particularly important for the person who is suffering from anorexia or bulimia.

As a therapist,  I emphasize the emotional roots of the disorders so that the client can make and maintain positive changes.

 It's also important to regain regular eating patterns and, in some cases, an in-patient program may be necessary to jump-start this process.  This type of program has to be accessed through a physician.  The in-patient programs don't replace eating disorders counselling, but work well as a part of the recovery plan.

 Seek a Registered Dietician who is educated about eating disorders and discuss your concerns with a physician so that medication can be prescribed, if you and your doctor agree that it would be helpful.