Find An Eating Disorder Therapist in Oakville, ON.

When clients are facing an eating disorder, they are facing a condition which affects their health, their identity, and ultimately, their future. When treating an eating disorder then, it is vitally important to support the whole person and not just their eating habits. Part of this support involves stabilization techniques aimed at preventing relapses and spirals, while also helping clients regard themselves in a more honest, loving, and compassionate way. We cherish the support we are able to offer clients facing an eating disorder, and we love seeing people overcome by such challenges ultimately become overcomers themselves.

We do not deal with formal diagnoses of eating disorders, but we do support those with disordered eating. Eating issues often occur alongside depression and anxiety, and we view them as a symptom of deep and painful emotions frequently linked to trauma, stress, or grief/loss. In our work together, we can address how you use food as a coping mechanism when you are stressed or when your relationships are strained. The goal is to understand better the role food plays in helping you cope with painful emotions.

Emotional eating can stem from social expectations, family of origin rituals and gatherings, and negative self-talk. Emotional eating can lead to weight gain and health concerns. I use CBT, DBT and ACT to help clients learn to recognize emotional triggers that lead to eating behaviors when not physically hungry. I also help clients develop techniques to mindfully eat, resist temptation and learn to recognize when emotions are pulling at your puppet strings.

My approach to Eating Disorders is the Intuitive Eating method which uses research in science and psychology to inform our decisions around restriction and diet culture. The goal here is to address feelings of being out of control around food and overwhelming thoughts about food, weight, and body image. I have seen a lot of success with this approach through satisfaction and enjoyment of food, increased confidence and self-compassion, and healing from the trauma we put ourselves through with dieting.

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.

My focus is on examining the underlying trigger-experience of early on-set traumas which unresolved often lead to the symptoms of Eating Disorders. My approach is to help you move through this with immediate daily self-calming strategies that helps with an understanding of the meaning of food as "addictive" or repulsed in this complex psycho-social dynamic. It involves using an Assertive "Voice" quelled that needs expression. Establishing daily eating habits is the core of the change that would promote a cognitive shift from the self-image script set during the traumatic experience to newly-learned behaviours that would re-align with the revised and positive and affirming new script.

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.

Eating disorder can overshadow your life, stealing the joy and self-respect. I have worked with many who struggled with eating disorders and disordered eating and yes, it is possible to fight it and move beyond it. In the therapy with me you become aware of your strengths, your limitations and areas that need strengthening. You discover you are not alone and let the guilt and shame sweep away and become stronger. You learn how to create healthier boundaries, recognize triggers and become emotionally and mentally stronger.

Eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, binge eating, and compulsive eating as well preoccupation with weight and shape are quite common in our culture and can be devastating and complex. Often there are severe consequences in terms of productivity, relationships and health. The good news is that it is possible to find our way out of an eating disorder. Whether through individual, family or group therapy, counsellors can assist us in changing our perceptions and behaviours and develop healthy self-esteem, communication, coping skills and emotional well being. (If we could have done it on our own... we would have by now.)

Eating disorders often feel like a quest for control in a chaotic world. It is like a voice that distorts our relationship with our bodies and our selves. You will not be defined by this struggle. Your eating disorder is not something needing eradication, but a part of your story that deserves to be understood. We will honor your experience in a non-judgmental space. Together we will rewrite the narrative about food, body, and self-worth.

Eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, binge eating, and compulsive eating as well preoccupation with weight and shape are quite common in our culture and can be devastating and complex. Often there are severe consequences in terms of productivity, relationships and health. The good news is that it is possible to find our way out of an eating disorder. Whether through individual, family or group therapy, counsellors can assist us in changing our perceptions and behaviours and develop healthy self-esteem, communication, coping skills and emotional well being. (If we could have done it on our own... we would have by now.)

Eating disorders can threaten physical health as well as mental health and may be associated with other disorders such as trauma, self esteem and body dysmorphia. I work from a comprehensive/holistic approach to eating disorders and often use the potent tool of hypnosis when working with these issues. I provided a safe and supportive environment in which to address these sensitive issues.