My Philosophy
- Eating disorders and disordered eating are not about food, body shape or weight.
- Eating disorders are created and maintained by a complex interplay between physiological factors, social and cultural issues and the individual’s psychological make-up.
- There are no simple answers or quick solutions. Recovery is a process, not an event.
I am a Registered Psychologist who has worked in the area of eating/body image problems for several years. I work with people struggling with eating disorders and with individuals who want to address body image dissatisfaction, dieting issues and obesity.
When an individual is struggling with an eating disorder, I often team up with a Registered Dietitian who specializes in psychonutritional counseling. My experience has shown the value of a team approach. I find regular communication with the dietitian and the client’s physician results in more effective care for my clients.
My Approach
The focus of the psychological and nutritional counseling is to help clients build a healthier relationship with food and their bodies. In psychotherapy, clients learn to address distorted thinking patterns, to develop better self-care and learn to deal with the emotional issues underlying their eating/body image problems. The goal of nutritional therapy is to foster a positive, health-enhancing attitude towards food and weight. Clients learn about healthy eating and are provided with encouragement and support in order to improve their nutritional status. I encourage a healthy, active lifestyle.
Goals and Objectives of Treatment
My goal is to assist and facilitate the client’s recovery process and journey to health. Through psychological and nutritional interventions, I help my clients build a healthier relationship with food and with their bodies. Specific treatment objectives are tailored to individual needs. I remain flexible to allow my clients to progress at their own rate toward their optimal level of wellness.
General goals include:
- The return to normal weight and eating
- Reduced preoccupation with food and weight
- Improved body image, self-confidence and self-esteem
My Clientele
I see adults (16 years and older) who are struggling with eating disorders, dieting issues, obesity, body dissatisfaction and a range of body image issues. I also provide support for families. Clients need to be willing to participate in their recovery process. Clients with eating disorders need to be assessed as medically stable by their family physician.
Referral Process
Clients may be self-referred or be referred by their physician.
