Find An Eating Disorder Therapist in Stoney Creek, ON.

Dr. Van Blyderveen has over seven years of experience working with clients who have struggled with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and body dissatisfaction. Treatment typically integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) approaches. Family Based Therapy (FBT) is offered for youth struggling with an eating disorder.

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.)

I work with your negative body image, from the inside out. "The negative image is understood as a dissociated and shame-based “part” of the personality in need of understanding and compassion, achieved via mindful awareness, “parts” dialogue and trauma processing. Our first step will be to create a healthy separation between the "observing" or aware Self and the part(s) absorbed in the eating disorder via mindful awareness. Once this separation between the "whole" self and part of self is established, the Gestalt polarity tradition (empty chairs) is utilized to develop understanding of the shame-based part. This leads to developing more love and compassion for yourself. You are enough!

Eating disorders can take over an individual’s life and make it difficult for them not to focus on their physical appearance and how to take back control of their lives by controlling their bodies. Fortunately, with counselling and the focus on coping skills, an individual is able to get control of their lives and bodies without having to engage in the behaviours they associate with their eating disorders. With the help of counselling, you can find freedom.

While I do not offer support for eating disorders, at Psychotherapy Collective, we have other therapists who are well positioned to support you. Eating disorders are not really about food. They involve complex emotional issues that have significant impact on ones physical, emotional and social health. If you are preoccupied with your weight, focused on body image, size, or shape, compelled to perform specific rituals around food, obsessive about food, or deem foods as “safe” or “unsafe” to eat you may be engaging in disordered eating. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with a member of our team today https://www.psychotherapycollective.ca/our-team

My approach to Eating Disorder Counseling is holistic and compassionate, focusing on both emotional and physical healing. I create a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can explore the underlying issues contributing to your eating disorder. Using a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, nutritional guidance, and mindfulness practices, we will work together to develop healthy coping mechanisms and a positive relationship with food. My goal is to empower you to break free from harmful patterns, restore your self-esteem, and achieve lasting recovery. Take the courageous step towards a healthier, happier you—book an appointment with us today and begin your journey to wellness.

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 I do not offer support for eating disorders, at Psychotherapy Collective, we have other therapists who are well positioned to support you. Eating disorders are not really about food. They involve complex emotional issues that have significant impact on ones physical, emotional and social health. If you are preoccupied with your weight, focused on body image, size, or shape, compelled to perform specific rituals around food, obsessive about food, or deem foods as “safe” or “unsafe” to eat you may be engaging in disordered eating. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with a member of our team today https://www.psychotherapycollective.ca/our-team

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.)

Issues with eating are an understandable reaction to difficult or traumatic circumstances. The word disorder is faulty as it implies that it is a single person's disorder. However, the disorder is one of society. Due to limitations and restrictions of society, institutions, media, and groups, we have learned to restrict and or indulge ourselves in food. It is my goal to explore the emotional and cognitive roots of your issues with food as well as to figure out just how these limitations and restrictions of our society and/or families have affected you. In discovering the roots of the struggle, we can then collaboratively work towards health and healing.