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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.
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What are the signs of an eating disorder in children and teens?Some signs to look out for include drastic changes in weight, obsession with food or body image, withdrawing from social activities, or sudden changes in eating habits. If you're noticing any of these, it's a good idea to reach out for support.
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Can eating disorders be cured?While eating disorders can be really tough to overcome, recovery is absolutely possible. It takes time and support, but the focus is on long-term well-being and building resilience.
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How can I best support my child?The most important thing is offering emotional support, encouraging treatment, and educating yourself about eating disorders. Family involvement is key, and I’ll work with you every step of the way to help you feel confident in your role.
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!
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.
