Find An Eating Disorder Therapist in Ontario, CA.

Anorexia bulimia or obesity depicts the spectrum of problems associated with food and body image. Anxiety and depression can be at the root of the problem, but obsessive-compulsive disorder and an impulse to control ones environment can also play a part. In other words, an eating disorder is often a symptom of a much deeper issue and often involves an enabler. Eating disorders can be fatal as the person with the problem slowly becomes malnourished or dehydrated. This makes getting counseling essential in order to save a life.

I believe forming a healthy self-image requires change and healing on several layers. Constructive and healthy behavioral changes need to be implemented, as well as understanding the underlying factors that are contributing to the disorder. Only focusing on the behavior may result in temporary change, but the true healing will not be complete until the deeper issues are addressed. Too often those struggling with eating disorders do so alone, with no one aware of what they are fighting with. Therapy is a safe place to explore and process through the painful and private layers of intense self-criticism, as well as find support for the day to day (and sometimes moment to moment) hurdles.

Eating disorders benefit from the same or similar approach used for all addictive behaviours. One of the main therapeutic approaches I use is Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. The relationship to food can be quite complex involving societal or cultural pressures, self-image, past traumas, addictive non-nutritious junk food, media images, social media pressures, bullying. Shame and guilt need to be addressed along with peer pressures. The most common eating disorders are: Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, Pica, Rumination Disorder, Avoidance/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Orthorexia, Purging Disorder etc. The benefits of therapy are enhanced self-image, health and well-being.

Eating disorders are most often experienced by those who have survived some type of trauma in their lives. As a trauma therapist, I treat many clients who have disordered eating habits. This can include an unhealthy relationship with food, an unhealthy or negative body image, and even those who binge eat for stress. We all struggle with our weight or self-image at some point in our lives, but therapy is the best place to find a path forward. You don't have to suffer long term with these body image issues. Instead I will help you find your own unique path toward your body confidence. If you are embarrassed about your body in any way, bring that information to therapy and we will get started!

My approach to eating disorder therapy emphasizes a holistic understanding of the individual in the context of relationships, phase of life, and physical health. By integrating various therapeutic techniques tailored to the unique needs of each client, I aim to uncover the underlying emotional factors contributing to the eating dysregulation. Clients benefit from this personalized approach as it not only addresses the symptoms but also fosters resilience, self-awareness, and healing in a supportive environment. My approach encourages a sustainable recovery by empowering you to develop healthier relationships with food and yourself, promoting overall well-being.

All of us find ways to "take the edge off" of difficult feelings. Loneliness, anxiety, and stress can make us feel scared and out of control. We all search for comfort in these painful times. From infancy, being cared for and cared about has often meant being fed. Ideally, we are not only fed with food, but emotionally attended to as well. But for some of us, food has always been paired with feeling soothed and comforted. It makes sense that we would turn to food to calm ourselves even now. But it doesn't have to be this way. Together we can get to the heart of what hurts, and learn other ways to feel safe and comforted. It is possible to feel full, even when your stomach is empty.

Eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions. They can be very serious conditions affecting physical, psychological and social function. Types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, other specified feeding and eating disorder, pica and rumination disorder.

An eating disorder is not a lifestyle choice. An eating disorder is a serious and often fatal illnesses that causes serious disturbances to a person’s eating behaviors, physical health, and relationships. Obsessions with food, body weight, and shape may also signal an eating disorder. The sooner someone struggling with this illness, or displaying behaviors and attitudes consistent with these disorders, can get connected to help, the better. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. As with any illness or psychological disorder, these problems will not go away on their own; without clinical support they often only escalate dangerously.

I help people with eating disorders overcome their concerns with feeding and eating by assisting them in developing and maturing their minds intellectually, emotionally, and psychologically. I appreciate the unique complexities involved in developing and interrupting eating disorder tendencies and recognize how early experiences impact the mind and the body. Rich insight and sustained change over time can be found by working in a psychodynamic fashion.

In January of 1996, I began my recovery from my eating disorder. Helping others that suffer from the relentless addictions of compulsive overeating, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia is one of the most meaningful aspects of my work. Through a combination of insight oriented therapy, designed to uncover the root of your disordered eating, and behavioral counseling, we can make the kind of progress that will free you from the bondage of food addiction. I've been where you are and I know how hard it is to even begin exploring the possibility of getting counseling. I can promise you a judgment free environment with counseling that offers compassion and empathy.

Eating disorders are caused by compulsive issues stemming from buried feelings in wounds at the core of the personality. Wounds are filled with old depression, anger or anxiety and they must be released for helathier lifestyles. Rigid rituals and control issues hold us back, often limiting how truly connected we are to ourselves and to others. Why have a secret! Use tools to deal more effectively with buried feelings causing the compuslive patterns. Eating disorders limit how nourishing your life is!

I help clients overcome addictive relationships with food. Like all addictions, the behavior is the tip of the iceberg, used to cope with underlying thoughts and emotions. Through collaborative conversations, clients gain insight into underlying concerns, gaining coping skills to more effectively navigate these issues. I draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI), helping clients achieve a sense of freedom and control over their lives, leading to long-term change.

Portion control and/or nutrition is simply not enough. We need to uncover root causes, process trauma, find emotional peace, identify strengths, increase confidence, and find overall healing at a pace that is comfortable and effective. Your eating disorder does not define you. Let us help you find victory over food and all of its wacky, illegitimate power. You can learn more about us at www.HealPlayLove.org

While most eating disorder issues are treated by cognitive behavioral methodologies or specialized outpatient/inpatient programs, Grey Matters International and the work of Kevin J. Fleming, PhD provide relief first and foremost for the brain of one suffering from an eating disorder----without giving them medication. We believe that the neural circuitries responsible for the compulsive behaviors with eating are not necessarily only a neurotransmitter issue but of overused neural networks that affect the harmonization, balance, and decisions of the whole brain. Contact kevin@kevinfleminphd.com or 877-606-6161 to learn more about this safe and effective alternative.