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Eating Disorder Therapy for Young Women and Adults
“It’s not the perfect body if it’s a nightmare to maintain”
Alex Light
Living with an Eating Disorder or Disordered Eating
Living with an eating disorder (ED) or disordered eating (DE) can feel incredibly isolating, exhausting, and often confusing. While eating disorders can sometimes start with an innocent attempt to lose weight - especially in a culture obsessed with appearance and dieting - dieting can spiral out of control into restrictive eating, binging, and/or compensating behaviours. This can leave you feeling obsessed with body image and body checking and feeling rather bad about yourself more often than not.
It’s also important to note that EDs are spectrum disorders. Many clients have said to me that they’re not sure if they’re ‘sick’ enough to get help or truly have a problem. Please hear me when I say, that if you feel like you’re struggling with food or body image, you absolutely deserve support!
If you’re looking for some insight into where you might be at, you might want to check here:
Recovery is Personal
Recovery is a deeply personal journey, and every path is unique. It’s important to approach the road back to balance and wellness with kindness and understanding—wherever you are right now, it’s okay. Your journey is yours, and it matters, and it’s important that you feel supported and equipped as you make changes.
Eating disorders are often tied to our self-esteem, confidence, and self-concept (how we see ourselves showing up in the world). A helpful way to think of the “Eating Disorder” is as a part of you - but not who you are at your core. We all have many parts to ourselves, and the ED part developed as a result of a set of personal triggers and then stays around because it’s helpful in some way. All our parts have positive intentions. For some, eating disorders serve as a way to manage feelings and disappointments. It’s important to recognize that you’ve done the best you could with the tools you have — and that’s something to acknowledge, not judge. But while the eating disorder might be helpful, it’s also important to recognize the costs.
If you’re reading this, you probably know what those costs look and feel like all too well. Eating disorders and disordered eating can take over many parts of your life. The harsh voice in your head—the ED critic—can be one of the toughest to deal with. It can pull you away from living the way you truly want to live, in alignment with your values and what matters to you. EDs steal our time, mental energy, and can cause us to miss out on relationships and events.
Eating disorders affect all people in many different ways. Healing isn’t a one-size-fits-all process—it has to be as unique as you are. That’s why I offer personalized care that is inclusive of all bodies and mindful of how different challenges, like trauma or social inequities can impact recovery.
“To say eating disorders are biological illnesses and not include the impact of oppression, diet culture, weight stigma, trauma, etc., in contributing to eating disorders discounts people’s lived experiences.”
Dr. Rachel Millner, Therapist
Understanding Eating Disorders:
A Guide for Parents
Eating disorders, like anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder, can have serious impacts on both the physical and emotional well-being of young people. These conditions often go hand in hand with other mental health challenges, like anxiety and depression. Things like societal pressures, past trauma, or personal struggles can play a big role in their development. But the good news is, early intervention and the right treatment can make a huge difference in your child's recovery.
I’m here to help guide you through this journey with compassion and care. Whether you’re just starting to look for answers or you’re already exploring treatment options, I’m here for you. If you’d like, we can schedule a complimentary consultation call where I can answer any questions you might have about your next steps in seeking help for your child. And if I’m not the right fit for your child’s needs, I’m happy to provide recommendations for other trusted resources that can help.
My Approach: Evidence-Based Therapy
n my practice, I use a variety of proven therapies to support recovery, such as Family-Based Therapy (FBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Positive Psychology. These therapies are tailored to fit your child’s unique needs, helping them develop healthier relationships with food and their bodies.
I believe in treating the whole person – not just the symptoms of the eating disorder, but also the underlying causes. It’s about fostering long-term resilience and well-being.
Family Involvement: A Key to Recovery
Your involvement is crucial in your child’s recovery. I work closely with families to create a supportive environment that promotes healing. I’ll help you understand the challenges your child is facing, offer guidance on how to support them, and also make sure you have the support you need too – because this journey can be tough on everyone.
Ready to take the next step?
Frequently Asked Questions
Busting Common Myths About Eating Disorders
If you have any questions I can answer for you, please reach out for a free 20-minute consultation, or, if you’re ready to book an appointment, I look forward to meeting you!
Truth
Myth
Eating disorders are a choice.
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that involve many factors. They’re not a choice – they’re often the result of a combination of psychological, social, and genetic factors.
Truth
Myth
Only young women get eating disorders.
Eating disorders can affect individuals of any age, gender, or background. No one is immune.
Truth
Myth
You can tell if someone has an eating disorder by their appearance.
Eating disorders don’t always have visible signs. They can affect people of all body types, and someone may be struggling without it being immediately obvious.
Choosing the Right Therapist for Your Child
Finding the right therapist for your child is an important decision, and I’m here to make that process easier for you. My approach is comprehensive and compassionate, ensuring your child gets the support they need to thrive.
If you’re ready to talk, schedule your complimentary consultation call today – I’m here to help guide you and your family through this process with care and understanding.
