At Voices In Recovery, individual therapy is available to anyone over the age of 12 who either self-identifies with an eating disorder or who has previously received a formal diagnosis. However, I believe that eating disorders lie on a continuum and that not everyone meets all of the specific diagnostic criteria.

 

Disordered eating, including thoughts and behaviours, can be very damaging and harmful if not addressed, so an actual diagnosis is irrelevant to me.  What's most important is that each client recognizes they are struggling and has a willingness to accept help. I also provide therapy to individuals struggling with poor body image and low self-esteem, two contributing factors in the development of an eating disorder.

 

I believe that the key to success in therapy begins with a strong therapeutic relationship between myself and my clients. As such, I make it my priority to make each client feel comfortable, safe, and accepted, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, and/or sexual orientation.  

 

Since eating disorders can pose serious medical and nutritional threats to an individual’s health, I encourage all clients to consider a team approach to care.  This means regular medical monitoring by a primary care physician (as necessary) and access to a Registered Dietitian (if possible) who is familiar with eating disorders/disordered eating and their complexities. I am always happy to refer clients to my current network of Registered Dietitian’s who have knowledge and expertise in these areas.

Given that no two individuals share the exact same experience and struggles, there is no particular guideline about the duration and frequency of therapy sessions required.  At Voices In Recovery, clients may benefit from short-term therapy (three to eight sessions) or more long-term therapy (eight or more sessions). Therapy sessions can also occur on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis. Despite the duration and frequency of therapy sessions deemed necessary, all decisions regarding a client’s progress and recovery will be made jointly.  

 
It is important to note that recovery from an eating disorder requires a commitment from both the client and therapist. I strive to treat my clients with a sense of genuineness, compassion, and empathy while recognizing that the recovery process takes time, patience, and a lot of hard work!

 

If at any point a client feels they would like to stop or take a break from therapy, I will respect this decision and be available to reconvene if desired. While I do not believe that eating disorders can be magically "cured", I do believe that symptoms can be drastically reduced and managed on one's own as a result of the therapy process. I practice from a Health At Every Size® (HAES®) perspective and help move my clients away from mainstream's diet mentality by promoting body positivity, weight inclusivity, and self-compassion. I also incorporate Intuitive Eating principles into my work with clients to help lead them down a path to food freedom. I am a Certified Intuitive Eating Counsellor.