Eating Disorders, Learning Disabilities Developmental Needs Meeting Therapy

Eating Disorders, Learning Disabilities

Eating disorders comprise a range of attitudes and behaviors relating to food and body-image. The three main eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, and ED NOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified). These conditions manifest to different degrees in different people and can sometimes be mistakenly judged as poor eating habits, or a lack of willpower.

People with eating disorders don't eat in harmony with their bodies' needs, instead, people with Anorexia Nervosa eat much less than they need, while Bulimia sufferers binge and then induce vomiting. They may also do other things to compensate for overeating, including exercising or fasting. ED NOS combines any combination of the other two conditions.

Apart from the physical symptoms and behaviors above, someone with an eating disorder will generally also have poor self-esteem and obsessively research or talk about food, dieting or exercise. Poor body image will cause them to either wear clothes that cover up every inch of their bodies, or flaunt  in order to attract attention. They will find it hard to accept criticism and compliments.

Therapy for eating disorders depend on the patient. While some people respond well to short term outpatient treatment, others respond better to long-term inpatient treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy are long term treatments that have been proven to be effective, while group therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapies and feminist therapies work for people who will respond well to short term therapy.

Family therapy is often advised for children and adolescents who are experiencing eating disorders. Research has also shown dialectical behavioral therapy to be effective.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who addresses eating disorders, you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Developmental Needs Meeting Therapy, Mindfulness approaches, ADD and ADHD Coping Strategies

DNMS therapists believe that when certain needs are not met during childhood, a client will maintain a childlike state specific to that inadequacy into adulthood.

Sexual, verbal or physical abuse, as well as traumatic experiences, attachment issues and rejection can all result in a range of issues which can be addressed through Developmental Needs Meeting Therapy.

In the earlier stages of therapy, therapists will help clients to connect to their own inner resources, including a protective, nurturing and spiritual self. When these resources are integrated, the client will discover how to heal the child states within them. As a result of this emotional healing, a client will experience more positive behaviours and emotions through healing the wounded child-egos within.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Developmental Needs Meeting Therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Mindfulness approaches help clients to be focused in the here and now. Generally rooted in Eastern meditative techniques,  Mindfulness approaches offer a non-judgmental alternative therapy for dealing with stress and other psychological issues.

By observing worrisome thoughts and learning to accept situations for what they are, people can learn to cope with issues better and make more productive choices.

Mindfulness approaches include a range of models, including dialectical behaviour therapy,  mindfulness-based stress reduction, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. These approaches can be used in a wide range of settings to reduce the symptoms of a broad spectrum of psychological issues.  These therapies can be practiced effectively in individual or group therapy.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Mindfulness approaches, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Therapists offer a wide range of approaches and ADHD coping strategies that can be valuable in overcoming the challenges of ADD/ADHD. Coaching is an effective tool in the treatment of ADHD. While traditional psychologists offer a range of approaches to deal with emotional problems, those who work with ADHD clients help implement practical solutions that improve situations in everyday life. Known as behavioural therapists, they offer strategies to help you prioritize tasks, structure your environment and manage your finances.

Organizing your work and home environment for optimum results can make life a lot easier and therapists can help with that. They may come to your home or office and look at ways to improve the organization and make suggestions for increased efficiency.

If you have ADD/ADHD and you could benefit from learning how to organize your environment and to prioritize tasks, have  a look at the counsellors listed below.

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

Sarah Welton

M.Ed., CCC
    • Online booking
When your child isn’t doing well, it hurts you. Children can have big feelings and challenging behaviour. This can be a major life stressor. Behaviours get in the way of family time being playful and fun, and... Read more

Sarah Susswein

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Sarah Susswein, MC, RCC ✨Anxiety ✨Trauma / PTSD ✨Self Esteem / Self Worth ✨Neurodiversity Specialization (ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, etc.) ✨ICBC Approved Vendor with Direct Billing When... Read more

Jess Holtslander

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
We are all human and, as humans, we all experience loss and change. With any loss or life change comes conflicting emotions. Grief, or conflicting emotions, can result from losing a loved one, losing a pet, changing... Read more

Lisa Moore

M.A., RCC
Lisa Moore, ma MA Counselling Psychology, RCC, CCC Clinical Counsellor (RCC) & Certified Play Therapy Supervisor Languages: English & French It’s my goal to help people heal and grow through... Read more

Gail Krivel-Zacks

Ph.D., RCC
Dr. Gail Krivel-Zacks has helped hundreds of students overcome challenges to achieve success.  A Registered Clinical Counsellor, Dr. Gail received her doctorate in Educational Psychology and... Read more

Paula Jurczak

M.A., RCC
Counseling Services Promoting emotional healing, social development and the formation of healthy relationships.   Virtual Counseling Services Available. Telephone and Video. Please contact Counselor to... Read more
    • Online booking
My priorities as a therapist: Share my knowledge and insights gathered over my 30 years as a therapist, as well as recent training in Somatic Psychotherapy,  to enhance my client's experience in therapy... Read more

Sophia Van Vuuren

M.A., R.Psych
Sophia holds a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology and is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Psychologists in British Columbia, #1659. She has worked in the mental health field as a Clinical Psychologist... Read more

Aaron Lautzenhiser

Ph.D., R.Psych
I’m Dr. Aaron Lautzenhiser (or just “Dr. Aaron” for short!). I’m a registered psychologist, trained in neuropsychology and psychotherapy. I conduct neuropsychological and psycho-educational... Read more