disordered eating

Eating disorders are serious and treatable mental health conditions that affect a person’s relationship with food, eating, and their body. They are not a choice or a lack of willpower—they often develop as a way of coping with difficult emotions, stress, or underlying psychological challenges.

Common types of eating disorders include:

Anorexia nervosa: Restriction of food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of body size or shape.

Bulimia nervosa: Cycles of binge eating followed by behaviours such as vomiting, over-exercising, or using laxatives to compensate.

Binge-eating disorder: Repeated episodes of eating large amounts of food, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control, shame, or distress.

Eating disorders can show up in different ways. Some common signs include:

Physical

  • Noticeable changes in weight

  • Low energy, dizziness, or fainting

  • Digestive issues

  • Changes in menstrual cycle

  • Sleep disturbances

Emotional

  • Preoccupation with food, weight, or body image

  • Fear of weight gain

  • Guilt or shame related to eating

  • Anxiety, irritability, or low mood

Behavioural

  • Restricting food or skipping meals

  • Eating in secret or feeling out of control around food

  • Rigid food rules or frequent dieting

  • Excessive exercise

  • Vomiting or using laxatives to compensate for over-eating

  • Avoiding eating with others

Treatment for eating disorders is most effective when it addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition. This may include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), medications, nutritional support, family involvement, and medical care. In more severe cases, higher levels of care may be needed (such as outpatient programs or hospitalization).

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to disordered eating patterns, addressing underlying trauma or emotional issues, and developing healthier coping strategies to support a more stable relationship with food.

At ClearStream Psychology, Dr. Jenny Horch has expertise in effective and compassionate treatment for disordered eating.

She performs a thorough assessment to explore your history and symptoms, and help you make sense of what you’re dealing with. Then she collaborates with you to develop a customized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and treatment goals using effective therapeutic strategies supported by research. With the right support and strategies, you can learn to cope with your disordered eating and make meaningful improvements to your well-being.

Let us help you get back into the flow of life!