Eating Disorders Therapists in Port Alberni, BC
A positive connection between the client and counsellor is imperative to the therapeutic process. My professional values and clinical approach provide a strong foundation built on collaboration, warmth, and empathy. My authenticity and compassion combine to create a trusting and safe counselling environment to support you as you discover coping, clarity, and healing. My approach to therapy is individualized to your unique circumstances and together we will collaborate to find a direction that suits your needs.
A positive connection between the client and counsellor is imperative to the therapeutic process. My professional values and clinical approach provide a strong foundation built on collaboration, warmth, and empathy. My authenticity and compassion combine to create a trusting and safe counselling environment to support you as you discover coping, clarity, and healing. My approach to therapy is individualized to your unique circumstances and together we will collaborate to find a direction that suits your needs.
I have been working as a counsellor for 28 years and my work focuses on addiction and trauma issues. They often go hand in hand but not always as each person is unique. The focus of my counselling work is very respectful as I acknowledge that you know yourself best. Most people seek out counselling because they are stuck in old patterns that they have outgrown yet need help to move forward in a new, more helpful way. I appreciate the courage it takes to reach out and I will work hard to help you make the changes you need.
I have been working as a counsellor for 28 years and my work focuses on addiction and trauma issues. They often go hand in hand but not always as each person is unique. The focus of my counselling work is very respectful as I acknowledge that you know yourself best. Most people seek out counselling because they are stuck in old patterns that they have outgrown yet need help to move forward in a new, more helpful way. I appreciate the courage it takes to reach out and I will work hard to help you make the changes you need.
I enjoy helping clients with a variety of challenges including: Anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, relationship issues, communication issues, grief and loss, loneliness, anger, parenting, family issues, addictions, body image issues, disordered eating, life transitions, spiritual issues. I take a client-centered approach to my practice. I strive to tune in to the individual needs of each client and find out what works best for them to achieve positive growth and change. I often use techniques from Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Psycho-Spiritual Therapy and Hypnotherapy.
I enjoy helping clients with a variety of challenges including: Anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, relationship issues, communication issues, grief and loss, loneliness, anger, parenting, family issues, addictions, body image issues, disordered eating, life transitions, spiritual issues. I take a client-centered approach to my practice. I strive to tune in to the individual needs of each client and find out what works best for them to achieve positive growth and change. I often use techniques from Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Psycho-Spiritual Therapy and Hypnotherapy.
Working with others is my life's passion. It stems from my sincere desire to help people develop insight into their lives and the relationships they are connected through. Culturally sensitive, empathetic, compassionate but direct, I am regarded as non-judgmental and accepting. My professional background is in mental health, addictions, as well as working with couples/families affected by systemic issues. Together we will foster effective communication skills, self-care, health, future goals and building of respectful relationships. It is my sincere pleasure to be part of someone's journey to find deeper meaning in their lives
Working with others is my life's passion. It stems from my sincere desire to help people develop insight into their lives and the relationships they are connected through. Culturally sensitive, empathetic, compassionate but direct, I am regarded as non-judgmental and accepting. My professional background is in mental health, addictions, as well as working with couples/families affected by systemic issues. Together we will foster effective communication skills, self-care, health, future goals and building of respectful relationships. It is my sincere pleasure to be part of someone's journey to find deeper meaning in their lives
Marie José Dhaese
Counsellor, PhD, RCC, ATR, RPT-S, CPT-S
Verified Verified
Port Alberni, BC V9Y
Waitlist for new clients
I am an adult/child/youth and family therapist and clinical consultant in private practice. As well as being a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), I am a Registered Art Therapist (ATR and BCATR), a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S), and a certified Play Therapist Supervisor (CPT-S). I celebrate 45+ years experience as a counsellor psychotherapist and 35 years teaching internationally the therapeutic methods I have developed called Holistic Expressive Therapy. For 34 years, I have taught courses at the Justice Institute of British Columbia where a certificate on my approach to therapy is offered.
I am an adult/child/youth and family therapist and clinical consultant in private practice. As well as being a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), I am a Registered Art Therapist (ATR and BCATR), a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S), and a certified Play Therapist Supervisor (CPT-S). I celebrate 45+ years experience as a counsellor psychotherapist and 35 years teaching internationally the therapeutic methods I have developed called Holistic Expressive Therapy. For 34 years, I have taught courses at the Justice Institute of British Columbia where a certificate on my approach to therapy is offered.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 30 years of experience providing counselling services to individuals (all ages), couples, families and first responders. I offer respectful, collaborative, holistic, compassionate and goal focused counselling in a safe and supportive environment. I offer a broad spectrum of services ranging from brief solution focused support to intensive psychotherapeutic support, including CBT & EMDR. I believe in the value of working collaboratively with my clients, and I have a deep respect and appreciation for diversity.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 30 years of experience providing counselling services to individuals (all ages), couples, families and first responders. I offer respectful, collaborative, holistic, compassionate and goal focused counselling in a safe and supportive environment. I offer a broad spectrum of services ranging from brief solution focused support to intensive psychotherapeutic support, including CBT & EMDR. I believe in the value of working collaboratively with my clients, and I have a deep respect and appreciation for diversity.
I believe strongly that every person has the innate ability to enact the changes they wish to see in their lives, and I strive to be a support and guide during that growth. Often when we are feeling depressed, anxious, or out of sync with our loved ones we feel like there is something wrong with us; we struggle to connect our current feelings with our previous experiences. Or perhaps we make the connection on a thinking level but are unable to gain a felt sense of wellness. I will help you make sense of your history and your current experiences, allowing for a deep connection to the self and, in turn, deep connection to others.
I believe strongly that every person has the innate ability to enact the changes they wish to see in their lives, and I strive to be a support and guide during that growth. Often when we are feeling depressed, anxious, or out of sync with our loved ones we feel like there is something wrong with us; we struggle to connect our current feelings with our previous experiences. Or perhaps we make the connection on a thinking level but are unable to gain a felt sense of wellness. I will help you make sense of your history and your current experiences, allowing for a deep connection to the self and, in turn, deep connection to others.
Dakova Health
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RCC, FNHA, MCP, EMDR
Verified Verified
Port Alberni, BC V9Y
We all go through different problems, experience different life stressors or trauma, and at times everyone needs someone to just listen. Dakova Health has trained and experienced psychologists and counsellors that specialize in different areas of practice to meet your specific needs.
We all go through different problems, experience different life stressors or trauma, and at times everyone needs someone to just listen. Dakova Health has trained and experienced psychologists and counsellors that specialize in different areas of practice to meet your specific needs.
Life can be complicated and difficult at times. We are not meant to navigate it alone. I believe you already have the inner-strength and wisdom needed to lead a hopeful and meaningful life. My goal is to help you access your inner resources in a safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate therapeutic space. I practice from a person-centered perspective characterized by warmth, empathy, and acceptance. Drawing on different therapeutic modalities to fit specific needs and goals, including Emotion Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Somatic approaches.
Life can be complicated and difficult at times. We are not meant to navigate it alone. I believe you already have the inner-strength and wisdom needed to lead a hopeful and meaningful life. My goal is to help you access your inner resources in a safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate therapeutic space. I practice from a person-centered perspective characterized by warmth, empathy, and acceptance. Drawing on different therapeutic modalities to fit specific needs and goals, including Emotion Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Somatic approaches.
Angela van den Broek
Counsellor, RTC
Verified Verified
Port Alberni, BC V9Y (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I have over 7 years experience supporting teens and young adults to recover from eating disorders and related issues; anxiety, depression, and trauma.
As a counsellor my goal is to help guide you towards a more joy filled and authentic life through a trauma informed lens and somatic counselling approach. Is disordered eating or a preoccupation with body image getting in the way of your connection to self and others? Are your current coping strategies no longer serving you? Do you have a past trauma or wound which is adversely affecting your quality of life? Or, perhaps you just feel like "something is wrong" and you want change. I offer a warm, authentic, collaborative approach for you to do this work.
I have over 7 years experience supporting teens and young adults to recover from eating disorders and related issues; anxiety, depression, and trauma.
As a counsellor my goal is to help guide you towards a more joy filled and authentic life through a trauma informed lens and somatic counselling approach. Is disordered eating or a preoccupation with body image getting in the way of your connection to self and others? Are your current coping strategies no longer serving you? Do you have a past trauma or wound which is adversely affecting your quality of life? Or, perhaps you just feel like "something is wrong" and you want change. I offer a warm, authentic, collaborative approach for you to do this work.
Online Therapists
Shelley sits on the executive board at the BC Clinical Hypnosis Society, and specializes in anxiety and eating disorders (all ages).
Shelley Ugyan, RRC, is an acclaimed author, speaker and has over 15 years experience in mental and holistic health. Her evidence based tools including Cognitive Behavioural reconditioning as well as psychodynamic, relational and hypnosis approaches set you on a path to direct healing, starting immediately in the first 90 minute session. Her approach is genuine, empowering and powerful. Healing is probable, and happens as a result of conscious daily actions and unconscious dynamics that shift as a result of this process. Shelley is known for her groundbreaking therapeutic work in anxiety and eating disorders for adults and children.
Shelley sits on the executive board at the BC Clinical Hypnosis Society, and specializes in anxiety and eating disorders (all ages).
Shelley Ugyan, RRC, is an acclaimed author, speaker and has over 15 years experience in mental and holistic health. Her evidence based tools including Cognitive Behavioural reconditioning as well as psychodynamic, relational and hypnosis approaches set you on a path to direct healing, starting immediately in the first 90 minute session. Her approach is genuine, empowering and powerful. Healing is probable, and happens as a result of conscious daily actions and unconscious dynamics that shift as a result of this process. Shelley is known for her groundbreaking therapeutic work in anxiety and eating disorders for adults and children.
Life can throw us a great deal of challenges and obstacles. Emotions, memories, thoughts - it can all be so overwhelming when we are trying to make change happen. I have been helping individuals, couples, and families heal for over 10 years. I provide assessment and treatment to individuals struggling with a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, and substance abuse. I am particularly passionate about working with individuals with complex trauma and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
Life can throw us a great deal of challenges and obstacles. Emotions, memories, thoughts - it can all be so overwhelming when we are trying to make change happen. I have been helping individuals, couples, and families heal for over 10 years. I provide assessment and treatment to individuals struggling with a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, and substance abuse. I am particularly passionate about working with individuals with complex trauma and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
Specialized in treating anxiety, eating disorders -binge eating, bulimia, obesity-, adult ADHD, intense emotions, relationship issues & childhood trauma. Offering counselling in French and English.
Specialized in treating anxiety, eating disorders -binge eating, bulimia, obesity-, adult ADHD, intense emotions, relationship issues & childhood trauma. Offering counselling in French and English.
Margaret Brennan - Eating Disorder And Body Image Recovery
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Burnaby, BC V5C
I offer specialized counselling for individuals struggling with eating disorders, binge eating, emotional eating, chronic dieting, body image and trauma.
Are you tried of struggling with food or body image? Is eating a significant source of stress, anxiety, guilt or shame in your life? Do you rely on food to cope with stress or difficult emotions? Do you feel unable to control yourself around food? Do negative feelings about your body consume your thoughts, dictate how you feel and hold you back? Struggles with eating and body image are more common now than ever. Not addressing these challenges can lead to the situation deteriorating further and taking up even more mental and emotional space in your life. Thankfully it is possible to heal your relationship with food and your body.
I offer specialized counselling for individuals struggling with eating disorders, binge eating, emotional eating, chronic dieting, body image and trauma.
Are you tried of struggling with food or body image? Is eating a significant source of stress, anxiety, guilt or shame in your life? Do you rely on food to cope with stress or difficult emotions? Do you feel unable to control yourself around food? Do negative feelings about your body consume your thoughts, dictate how you feel and hold you back? Struggles with eating and body image are more common now than ever. Not addressing these challenges can lead to the situation deteriorating further and taking up even more mental and emotional space in your life. Thankfully it is possible to heal your relationship with food and your body.
I have worked in eating disorders treatment programs for 10 years.
I am both a Clinical Counsellor and Dietitian. I work with people to help create peace with food and their body. My clients are tired of struggling with food and their body. Perhaps they have struggled with disordered eating, or are currently struggling. They know diets and rigid ways of eating don’t “work” and they see the trauma of this way of eating has on their mind and body. So they seek a way of eating and being in their body that is less confusing and carries less judgement. That they no longer want to feel out of control with their eating. And they want to start caring for their body.
I have worked in eating disorders treatment programs for 10 years.
I am both a Clinical Counsellor and Dietitian. I work with people to help create peace with food and their body. My clients are tired of struggling with food and their body. Perhaps they have struggled with disordered eating, or are currently struggling. They know diets and rigid ways of eating don’t “work” and they see the trauma of this way of eating has on their mind and body. So they seek a way of eating and being in their body that is less confusing and carries less judgement. That they no longer want to feel out of control with their eating. And they want to start caring for their body.
I meet clients with mental health concerns such as chronic stress, depression, anxiety, eating disorders etc.
We all experience difficulties due to many different life circumstances and we may struggle to move forward because of what happened in our past and fear for the future. I will help you develop emotional intelligence, unpack your stressors, and establish healthy coping mechanisms, that will propel you towards your ideal self and intended goals. I am trained to utilize EMDR, CBT, DBT, EFT, FBT and couples therapy. I am here to join the healing process with you by providing a safe space for you to create the tools you need to face your challenges with a renewed sense of purpose and self-efficacy.
I meet clients with mental health concerns such as chronic stress, depression, anxiety, eating disorders etc.
We all experience difficulties due to many different life circumstances and we may struggle to move forward because of what happened in our past and fear for the future. I will help you develop emotional intelligence, unpack your stressors, and establish healthy coping mechanisms, that will propel you towards your ideal self and intended goals. I am trained to utilize EMDR, CBT, DBT, EFT, FBT and couples therapy. I am here to join the healing process with you by providing a safe space for you to create the tools you need to face your challenges with a renewed sense of purpose and self-efficacy.
My studies and training have focused on couples (all lifestyles), trauma recovery, multicultural counselling, eating disorders and the areas of self-concept and self-esteem.
No matter what you are struggling with, remember that on the other side of this difficult time will be increased wisdom, the exciting potential of a better you and more of what you want. We all have a survivor inside of us, an innate ability to overcome even the most difficult of challenges. Talking to someone can help you harness the strength that lives inside you. That is the essence of counselling.
My studies and training have focused on couples (all lifestyles), trauma recovery, multicultural counselling, eating disorders and the areas of self-concept and self-esteem.
No matter what you are struggling with, remember that on the other side of this difficult time will be increased wisdom, the exciting potential of a better you and more of what you want. We all have a survivor inside of us, an innate ability to overcome even the most difficult of challenges. Talking to someone can help you harness the strength that lives inside you. That is the essence of counselling.
Joan L Dosso (Arbour Counselling Centre)
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8X
I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor bringing compassion, creativity, and a playful spirit to my clients and the therapeutic process. I work with children over 10, adolescents and adults affected by anxiety, depression, abuse, grief, low self-esteem, shame, eating disorders, OCD, identity, individuation, relationship issues, spiritual questions, and life transitions. I'm informed in both Internal Family Systems and Emotionally Focused therapy and often use sand tray, clay work, art, play therapy, guided imagery, and writing to encourage clients to use their creativity to shift their perspective and find hope sprouting out of loss.
I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor bringing compassion, creativity, and a playful spirit to my clients and the therapeutic process. I work with children over 10, adolescents and adults affected by anxiety, depression, abuse, grief, low self-esteem, shame, eating disorders, OCD, identity, individuation, relationship issues, spiritual questions, and life transitions. I'm informed in both Internal Family Systems and Emotionally Focused therapy and often use sand tray, clay work, art, play therapy, guided imagery, and writing to encourage clients to use their creativity to shift their perspective and find hope sprouting out of loss.
Dawn Serra
Counsellor, MC, RCC, CCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Langley, BC V2Y
Waitlist for new clients
My ideal clients are: 1) people in bigger/fat bodies who are breaking up with diet culture, 2) couples seeking relationship support, and 3) counsellors & therapists. Many of my clients are looking for ways to come home to their body, are struggling with eating disorders, or want to examine their relationship to boundaries & pleasure. Clients often reach out because I practice from a Health at Every Size(R)/anti-diet framework. Couples seek me out because I offer a gentle, playful, skilled container for strengthening and/or repairing their relationship. Therapists appreciate my experience & ability to hold nuance.
My ideal clients are: 1) people in bigger/fat bodies who are breaking up with diet culture, 2) couples seeking relationship support, and 3) counsellors & therapists. Many of my clients are looking for ways to come home to their body, are struggling with eating disorders, or want to examine their relationship to boundaries & pleasure. Clients often reach out because I practice from a Health at Every Size(R)/anti-diet framework. Couples seek me out because I offer a gentle, playful, skilled container for strengthening and/or repairing their relationship. Therapists appreciate my experience & ability to hold nuance.
Before I was a therapist I worked as a Registered Dietitian that specialized in eating disorders.
As a therapist, my goal is to cultivate a welcoming and supportive environment where you feel heard and valued. I understand that you are the expert of your own story, and I feel privileged to work with each client in such a meaningful capacity.
Before I was a therapist I worked as a Registered Dietitian that specialized in eating disorders.
As a therapist, my goal is to cultivate a welcoming and supportive environment where you feel heard and valued. I understand that you are the expert of your own story, and I feel privileged to work with each client in such a meaningful capacity.
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Nearby Eating Disorders Counsellors Searches for Port Alberni
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What happens in therapy for eating disorders?
In therapy for eating disorders, patients typically describe their eating and exercise behaviors, their patterns of eating in relation to stress, their beliefs about their body, the ways their eating behavior affects their relationships, and their desire (or lack of it) to change. Such information helps the therapist understand the origins of the disorder and the role it plays in the patient’s life, important for guiding treatment. Attitudes and feelings about food and eating, body weight, and physical appearance are common topics of discussion throughout treatment.
What therapy types help with eating disorders?
Once any acute medical or psychiatric emergency is resolved, psychoactive medication is often prescribed, requiring the supervision of a psychiatrist. In addition, patients receive some form of nutritional counseling along with one or more forms of psychotherapy. For adolescents, family-based treatment is empirically validated and considered the first line of treatment; parents and their children meet weekly with a clinician as the adults are coached on how to nourish and psychologically support the young patient. Adults typically receive some form of individual psychotherapy, intended to resolve the cognitive and behavioral disturbances that underlie the disorder and to relieve the mood disturbances that accompany it. In addition, patients may also be helped by group therapy.
What is the goal of therapy for eating disorders?
The most immediate goal of treatment for eating disorders is to save the life of people who are on a path of starving themselves to death or engaging in eating patterns that are doing irreparable physical harm to their body. Once the acute medical danger is past, therapy is required to understand the nature of the disordered eating and/or exercise patterns, establish healthy eating behavior, and to tackle the many erroneous beliefs and distorted self-perceptions that underlie eating disorders and continue to pose a threat to health and life. Therapy also addresses the impaired mood that not only accompanies eating disorders but intensifies the danger to health and life.
What are the limitations of therapy for eating disorders?
Therapy can be very helpful for eating disorders—but that can happen only after people recognize they have a condition that must be treated. Especially with anorexia, the distortions in self-image that accompany the disorder can keep people from acknowledging they have a problem. Individuals may in fact see their eating disorder as a badge of self-control. Those with binge-eating disorder may feel too ashamed to seek help. Therapy cannot help those who do not avail themselves of it.
How long does therapy last for eating disorders?
Because of their complexity, recovery from eating disorders is usually a long-term process—measured in months and years— often marked by setbacks and relapse. Some form of help, such as individual or group therapy, may be advisable for much of that time. It is a general rule of thumb that the longer the illness has endured and the dysregulated eating behavior has taken root, the longer treatment is likely to be needed.