Eating Disorder, Disordered Eating, and Body Image Therapy

Anorexia can feel like a constant battle with food, your body, and your own thoughts. You may be living with an intense fear of gaining weight, restricting what you eat, or pushing yourself to exercise in ways that feel hard to slow down. Even if others express concern, it might still feel impossible to see your body clearly or believe you are “sick enough” to deserve help. Beneath these patterns, there is often pain, perfectionism, or a deep need for control. With compassionate therapy and supportive nutrition care, you can begin to nourish your body safely, soften the critical thoughts, and move toward healing at a pace that feels steady and supportive.

Bulimia can feel like being trapped in a painful cycle of overeating followed by purging, strict restriction, or promises to “start over” tomorrow. You might experience intense guilt or shame after eating and feel desperate to undo it, even when part of you knows the cycle is exhausting and distressing. These patterns often develop as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, self-criticism, or a deep fear of weight gain. You deserve support without judgment. In therapy, we gently explore what keeps the cycle going, build healthier ways to manage emotions, and help you move toward a more stable, compassionate relationship with food and your body.

Binge Eating Disorder can feel overwhelming and confusing. You may find yourself eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, often feeling disconnected or out of control, followed by shame, guilt, or self-criticism. Unlike other eating disorders, binge eating is not followed by purging, which can leave you feeling stuck and frustrated with your body. These episodes are often a way of coping with stress, loneliness, numbness, or difficult emotions. In therapy, we work to understand what triggers the binges, reduce shame, and build steadier, more compassionate ways to meet your emotional and physical needs so you can feel more in control and at peace with food.

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, or ARFID, can look like extreme pickiness, fear of certain foods, low appetite, or avoiding food due to texture, smell, choking concerns, or past negative experiences. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not driven by body image or fear of weight gain, yet it can still affect your health, energy, and daily life. You may feel frustrated, misunderstood, or embarrassed about how hard eating feels. In therapy, we take a gentle, non-judgmental approach to understand your specific challenges, reduce anxiety around food, and gradually expand your sense of safety and flexibility with eating at a pace that feels manageable.

Eating disorders can become more intense or resurface after pregnancy as your body and life shift rapidly in the postpartum period. Many parents struggle with distressing thoughts about food, body image, or weight that interfere with daily functioning and emotional well‑being, and these challenges can be linked with increased anxiety and mood changes after birth. With compassionate, evidence‑based support you can address disordered eating patterns, rebuild a healthier relationship with food and your body, and feel more grounded and confident in your transition to parenthood

Struggling with body image can feel like carrying a constant inner critic that never quiets down. You might find yourself comparing your body to others, avoiding mirrors or photos, feeling uncomfortable in clothes, or believing your worth depends on your appearance. These thoughts can take up a lot of emotional space and impact your confidence, relationships, and daily life. In therapy, we gently explore where these beliefs began, challenge unrealistic standards, and help you build a more compassionate, respectful relationship with your body so you can feel more at ease and present in your life.

For neurodivergent individuals, including those who are autistic, have ADHD, or experience sensory sensitivities, eating challenges can look and feel different. Sensory overwhelm, texture or taste aversions, executive functioning difficulties, rigid routines, or interoceptive differences can all impact eating patterns in ways that are often misunderstood. You may have felt judged or pressured to “just try harder,” when in reality your nervous system experiences food and hunger cues differently. In therapy, we take a neurodiversity-affirming approach that respects how your brain works. Together, we focus on increasing safety with food, reducing shame, supporting regulation, and building practical strategies that align with your needs rather than forcing you into unrealistic expectations.

Supporting someone you care about who is struggling with an eating disorder can feel confusing, scary, and at times helpless. You may worry about saying the wrong thing, feel frustrated by behaviours you do not fully understand, or carry fear about their health and safety. It is common to experience a mix of love, concern, and exhaustion. In counselling, we help you understand how eating disorders function, learn supportive communication strategies, set healthy boundaries, and care for your own well-being. You do not have to navigate this alone, and with guidance, you can show up in ways that are compassionate, informed, and sustainable.