Eating Disorders Psychoanalytic 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.

Psychoanalytic Therapy, Developmental, Relational Psychotherapy

Relational Psychotherapy assesses a client's psychic formation, which is the source of a person's interpersonal relationships and conflicts. A common therapy, Relational Psychotherapy focuses on the client's connection to other people.

When clients present with interpersonal relational distress, emotional or psychological issues, or chronic suffering, Relational Psychotherapy can be applied to help a person build and maintain emotionally  satisfying relationships. An atmosphere that provides attentiveness and empathy will help the client commit to full disclosure of events and experiences.

A stronger sense of self confidence will arm the client with the tools and skills needed to create healthy, productive relationships with other people.

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

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

Jan Paris

M.A., RCC
I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience working in private practice and the voluntary sector.  I work with individuals, couples, groups and families. I... Read more

Stephen Marcus

M.S.W., RCSW
    • Online booking
Do you struggle with a challenging relationship that affects your ability to feel seen, heard, and validated? Do you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and lost by consistent arguing, defensiveness, and lack of closeness in... Read more

Sue Diamond

M.A., RCC
Sue Diamond, M.A. is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#178) and the Director/Founder of The Good Life Therapy Centre. She has over 30 years of experience in the counseling field in a multitude of... Read more

Soo Sen Lee

M.C., RCC
Soo Sen Lee is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who sees clients virtually, over the phone and in-person in Burnaby, BC.   Burnout, debilitating anxiety and depression, burnout, sexual assault, painful family... Read more