Find An Eating Disorder Therapist in Winnipeg, MB.

Our relationship with food, a necessity of life, can be fraught with internal conflict, particularly when coupled with the nuances of our own self concept, the vulnerability to societal expectations, and the epidemic of feeling powerless or voiceless in our lives. I work with clients to begin to define the relationship-with food, with body, with self. And to support small but continual shifts, in a way that both respects the valid payoffs of maintaining this relationship as is, while also acknowledging the need for change and growth.

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.

This is a disorder that strikes fear and dread into the hearts of parents and into the lives of all who suffer from its effects. After many years and clients struggling with this disorder, I have come to recognize the best strategies and healing techniques to undermine the power of this sometimes overwhelming condition and bring emotional and physical healing.

To be human is to need a sense of control. No one should be left out of their own life, told how or who to be, and then live with constant distortions or confusion about themselves. When, when and how one manages food is a personal matter and must be treated with dignity and respect. Recovery from a chronic or acute eating disorder requires an excellent connection with the therapist, and an ongoing commitment to journey together toward sustained health.

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.

Working in conjunction with your medical professionals, I can support you in helping you understand the roots of your eating disorder, understand your progress through stages of change, and provide you with unconditional support and understanding. Using mindfulness and resources in dialectical behavioral therapy, I will support you in setting goals for shifting your patterns around body image and food.

Eating Disorders can impact someone as negatively as any type of serious addiction. However, unlike addiction treatment plans, food must continue to play a role in your life. My basic goal is to stop further development of any eating problem you may have, and assist you in returning to a healthy lifestyle. The most successful focus is on harm reduction as an overall principle in addressing eating disorders, with the end goal of moving towards complete recovery. I also typically want to establish effective coping skills to reduce the possibility of relapse and sustain the progress you make in therapy.

Self acceptance is so much at the centre of many of our struggles, and I find this particularly true with eating disorders. The battle to accept ourselves as we are, to feel good in our own skin, is as central to recovery as one's relationship with food itself. I work with both the inner struggle to self accept, as well as the related manifestation of disorder.

For many, eating disorders serve as a means to cope with pressures in life that are believed to be beyond their ability to cope. There is no single cause for an eating disorder. Risk factors can include negative body image, low self-esteem, disconnection from others, disallowed self-expression, preoccupation with food, and/or unrealistic family expectations. In therapy, you will begin to identify underlying issues that maintain eating disorders and gain awareness of your strengths and ability to cope, increasing self-esteem and hope.

I have worked with both men and women who have struggled with eating disorders, whether it is anorexia, bulimia, overeating, body issues, or any issue with food that has had a negative affect on life. I believe that early intervention is best. I recognize that individuals with eating disorders are often sensitive, and usually have deep past wounds or thinking issues. I believe in working with this population with both sensitivity and boldness.

Dr. Don Russell understands that disordered eating is a struggle for the whole family. It's roots are deep and just trying harder will not bring lasting success. Dr. Russell has the patience, commitment and skill to bring about lasting change. If you, or a loved one is ready to change a problematic pattern of eating give Dr.Russell a call and begin a journal towards freedom, healing and LIFE.