Eating Disorder Counselling

Eating Disorders can have devastating consequences for overall well-being. They can include a range of unhealthy eating habits in terms of both under-eating and over-eating. Professional eating disorder counselling can help you explore what the causes may be so that you can experience a better quality of life. To book a session contact us using the tool to the right or call 613-425-4257.

Counsellors Specializing in Eating Disorders

What Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are fluctuations in a person’s diet or weight that can lead to serious health complications. In some cases, eating disorders can be fatal. For that reason alone, it is important to seek counselling for eating disorders right away.At the core of many eating disorders lie problematic beliefs and ideas about weight and body image, also called Body Image Disorder and Body Dysmorphia Disorder. Confronting these beliefs is crucial to treatment. Often, these conditions may develop alongside depression or anxiety.

Individuals with eating disorders often see their own disorder as a means to an end. Many believe that if they were thinner they would fit in better at school, and that they need to live up to an external standard. They may feel that changing their bodies will make them happier, or alleviate their fears and concerns.

Losing Control

Often, eating disorders are a way for the sufferer to take control of even a small portion of their life. By limiting their food intake, or by binging, people with eating disorders may be reacting against a feeling that their life is out of control.

You may find that your loved one is reluctant or unwilling to seek treatment for their disorder. Getting them to accept that there is an issue is difficult, and it is often the first step our counsellors take. Quick intervention is important when dealing with a client with an eating disorder. The sooner they are treated, the better their chances of recovery. For more information regarding Eating Disorders and their treatment, click here.

Common Types Of Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa – individuals generally see themselves as overweight, even if dangerously underweight

Bulimia Nervosa – frequent eating of abnormally large amounts of food followed by attempts to purge

Binge Eating – eating large amounts of food over short periods of time, a lack of self control

Pica – individuals who crave non-food substances

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) – avoid foods due to lack of interest or to avoid specific sensations

Is Eating Disorder Counselling Right For Me Or My Loved One?

I feel concerned about my loved one’s diet and eating habits
I find myself limiting my food intake or binging on food
I have noticed that my loved one looks malnourished or frail
I feel overly concerned about my body image

If you see yourself or your loved one in the statements above, eating disorder counselling can help. Contact one of our Ottawa-based counsellors using the form on the right.

Related Therapies

– Depression

– Couples Therapy

– Pre-Marital Counselling

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an eating disorder?

An eating disorder is categorized as a mental illness that involves a complex relationship with food, eating, body image, and exercise. An eating disorder often becomes an unhealthy and dangerous preoccupation of someone’s life that can lead to significant physical and emotional trauma if not dealt with.

What is binge eating disorder?

Binge eating involves the consumption of abnormally large quantities of food over a short duration – even when not hungry. Anyone can overeat from time to time, but if this happens regularly its most likely the onset or prevalence of a binge eating disorder.

What is anorexia nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa is the most common eating disorder and its characterized by having an abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of one’s actual appearance and weight.

What is bulimia?

Bulimia is an eating disorder that involves a distorted perception of body image that revolves around self-induced purging or vomiting of meals to obsessively maintain a specific body weight.

How to help someone with an eating disorder?

Family and friends are major support networks for people, especially when they are dealing with difficulties or hardships. Learning as much as you can about the eating disorder will help create an open and honest dialogue where you can better understand what they are going through. We do not advise diagnosing a family member or friend, leave that to the professionals. One of the most effective methods of overcoming an eating disorder is by getting therapy or counselling.