Eating Disorders Developmental Needs Meeting Therapy

Eating Disorders

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, Humanistic Therapy

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..

Humanistic Therapy highly regards the value of human beings and their ability and willingness to develop competence and self-respect. As such, humanistic therapy can help people to use interpersonal skills to help maximize an individual's life experience.

Most therapists who practice Humanistic Therapy integrate social and cultural issues into their approach. The approach focuses on recognizing and improving on the individual's capabilities in choice, personal growth and creativity.

Humanistic therapy aims to learn about human perception of themselves in the moment and to recognize personal growth, responsibilities and self-direction. An optimistic approach, humanistic therapy helps individuals realize their inner strengths through an understanding and non-judgmental interaction.

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

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

Terry Estrin

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a Registered Psychologist in private practice with offices in Richmond and Vancouver. My areas of practice include psychotherapy and counselling for individuals (age 17 and up), relationship therapy for couples and... Read more

Johanna Simmons

M.A., RCC
I believe that families are the foundation of any society. As parents you create the future through your children. Occasionally we encounter challenges and need some encouragement to overcome these. I can provide... Read more

Jill Sweetable

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
My goals as a therapist are to provide an inclusive and safe environment during an individual’s most trying times. As an empathic and compassionate person, I aim to walk with clients, not lead them on their... Read more

Sophia Mivasair

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people seeking to build confidence, clarity, and calm in their lives. You might struggle to express yourself, and be understood in important relationships. You might be stuck on a treadmill of tired patterns... Read more

Gillian Curtis

MCP, RCC
Hi there, I'm Gillian! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#22672) and hold a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Adler University. If you’re here, know that you’ve taken a huge step... Read more

Graham Butler

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Life is filled with challenges, both visible and hidden, that can impede our growth and fulfillment in life. Whether internal or external, anchored in the past, present or future, these challenges can burden us with... Read more

Veronika Tkacova

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
I believe that therapy can be a safe space for healing and self-discovery, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to support others throughout this process.  I have experience working with various forms of... Read more

Lisa Yeates

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Do you feel hooked by painful thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that pull you away from the person you want to be? Work with me to explore how to live life with meaning, to move on from the past and build skills to... Read more

Molly Mo

M.Ed., RCC
Molly Liwen Mo M.Ed., R.C.C., LCP., CP., TEP My name is Molly. I provide services in English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese. Call me at 6049159111 or email me to enhance and create the lifestyle... Read more

Martin Phillips-Hing

Ph.D., R.Psych
The beginning is the most important part of the work. ~ Plato I am a Registered Psychologist (#1361) and have been in private practice since receiving my Ph.D. in 1998. I see individuals and couples in my... Read more

Kevin Kraussler

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
My name is Kevin (he/him) and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor who sees clients in Vancouver. I hold a Master's of Counselling Psychology degree and have extensive experience in treating individuals dealing... Read more

Whitney Humphry

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people of all backgrounds seeking a gentler path in life. Perhaps you struggle with feelings of disconnection, sorrow, or self-doubt. Perhaps you are no longer sure of who you really are, or are feeling... Read more

Cynthia Gyuk

B.S.W., RSW
Welcome and thank you for taking a moment to read my profile. As a Registered Social Worker with specialized training, I provide a compassionate and safe space to support individuals and families who may be ... Read more

Lindsay Bhuller

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Do you find yourself getting triggered for reasons you can't explain? Are you having trouble turning your brain off from racing thoughts? Maybe you are overwhelmed by emotion, or the opposite- not... Read more

Karianne Axford

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Karianne Axford and Associates is currently offering online/virtual/video counselling during COVID-19. Dr. Axford has over two decades of experience providing counselling and... Read more

Anthony Cave

M.A., R.Psych
    • In-Person Sessions
About me My private practice consists of psychotherapy services for youth, adults and elders. An appointment usually lasts an hour and takes place in a confidential office setting. I also provide clinical consulting... Read more

Katy Strachan

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Katy Strachan has been a Registered Psychologist in the Vancouver area since 1994. She has specific interests in women’s counselling, relationship issues, parenting issues, victim’s assistance,... Read more

Sukhi Bal

M.Ed., RCC
Do you dream of feeling more confidence, joy and peace in your life?  Do you feel stuck in old stories and patterns? Are you just plain tired of feeling this way? No matter what you have gone through in your... Read more

Wenny Cheung

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome! You may be here because you're experiencing a sense of being stuck or lost. It could be that the challenges life has presented seem overwhelming at the moment. Maybe you're seeking change and a sense of... Read more

Rae Morris

Ph.D. (cand), RCSW
About me: I am a cisgender woman (she/her pronouns) and settler on the traditional, unceded, and ancestral territories of the Coast Salish Peoples. I am a Registered Clinical Social Worker who provides private... Read more

Laura Bowie

M.Couns., RCC
Counseling is a place for tending to the self. It can help to expand your vision of who you are and how you work in the world. If you are curious about yourself, it can be a journey inward that opens up many... Read more

Rachel Braund

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. NO REFERRAL NECESSARY.  Do you feel like you are crumbling on the inside, trying to hold it all together; meanwhile you feel tense or just "off"? Did you dig deep to move past a... Read more

Emily Thomsen

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a registered clinical counsellor providing individual and couples counselling in-person and virtually.  I hold a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology, am a certified Art Therapist, Life Coach, and... Read more

Paula Wise

M.A., RCC
Paula is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. She has extensive knowledge and experience working with people... Read more

Elizabeth Medina

MCP, RCC
Hello! My name is Elizabeth Medina, I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC, and I hold a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. I am currently working at Skylark Counselling Clinic in Downtown... Read more

Kimberly Wood

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome! My name is Kim. My passion and specialty is helping individuals work through concerns related to anxiety, shame, and identity. To live courageously despite fear, to relate to yourself like... Read more

Suzy Davis

M.A., RCC
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to all prospective clients. I am currently accepting new clients for virtual sessions only, sliding fee scale available upon inquiry.  My approach to counselling is... Read more

Azula Houghton

M.Ed., R.Psych
    • In-Person Sessions
Azula holds her Masters in Counselling Psychology and is a Registered Psychologist  with over 20 years experience in private practice. She has also worked as a clinician with Mental Health Services for 16 years... Read more

Rebecca Shuen

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hello! My name is Rebecca (she/her/they) :) I offer counselling to women, men, non-binary folks, and adults of all gender identities, with a special passion for working with teens. I believe that counselling can be... Read more

Ashley Lindsay

M.A., RCC
I work with clients seeking help for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship issues, and life transitions. Working with teenagers, adults, couples and families, I use an integrative approach to psychotherapy... Read more