10 Week Eating Disorder – Treatment Program
Eating disorders, unfortunately, affect numerous people and it’s a disorder that grows and can even be fatal, so we encourage individuals to look for warning signs presented in themselves or loved ones around them and then get extra support as soon as possible.
We at Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy Inc have started a 10 Week Eating Disorder – Treatment Program. (It is not a program for severe cases, but Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy Inc can assist in helping in obtaining resources that can help).
A treatment program will hopefully keep clients committed to their care. With the plan laid out clients understand what the sessions are working towards, if clients feel sessions are ambiguous, then they are more likely not to attend. Next, though clients can end the program at any point, having specifically 10 sessions can motivate one to push through times they have low motivation or setbacks, as they know they are committed to just 10 sessions.
This treatment is accessible to anyone who may identify with symptoms of eating disorders – any unhealthy pattern around food, exercise, and weight. Some symptoms can include but are not limited to restrictive eating, overeating, excessive exercising, excessive use of laxatives, purging, constantly checking one’s weight, feeling a lack of control, feeling of shame around one’s eating habits, eating in secret, avoiding social interaction due to food and weight, more irritable, lack of energy, drastic weight changes, and frequent conversation and focus on weight and food.
There are many causes for eating disorders such as genetics, relationship issues, lack of control in life, and low self-esteem, eating disorders can also cover up or come alongside other mental struggles such as depression and anxiety. The treatment program both acknowledges and breaks down the different factors of an eating disorder and the best approaches.
More specifically some aspects addressed, and modalities include, Mindfulness, to bring attention to one; body and mind, Talk Therapy, to discuss coexisting struggles – anxiety, depression, and relationship issues, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, to change unhealthy thought patterns around food and weight and consequently the behaviours that follow, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy to learn to cope with emotions around the eating disorders, Psychoeducation to further educate the client and their family what an eating disorder is, Naturopathic Sessions, to educate clients about nutrition and assist with a meal and exercise plan. The Program also considers the relapse rate of eating disorders and offers 2 additional sessions for further support if there are any setbacks. It is an eclectic approach due to the complexity of an eating disorder
Moreover, the treatment program pushes for collaboration! Collaborating with the client – as the client knows what works best for them, the client’s loved one – as they can offer additional support outside the clinic, and with a Naturopath Doctor. Dr. Newry, to assist with nutrition. Dr. Newry is also an in-house doctor which improves communication between the naturopath doctor and the therapists. With collaboration, we get those that are an expert in their field and make use of all resources to provide the best care.
Radhika is a therapist supporting in the 10-week eating disorder program. If you are interested in seeing the outline of the Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy Eating Disorder Treatment Program or have any questions regarding the program, please call 647 267 9853
References
Eating Disorders: About More Than Food. (n.d). National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved
from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders
Eating Disorders Program. (n.d.). Lakeridge Health. Retrieved from
https://www.lakeridgehealth.on.ca/en/ourservices/eatingdisordersprogram.asp
Inpatient Eating Disorders Treatment Program. (n.d.). Edgewood Health Services. Retrieved
Mayo Clinic Staff. (February 22, 2018). Eating disorders. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20353603
The Adult Eating Disorders Service. (n.d.). London Health Sciences Centre. Retrieved from
https://www.lhsc.on.ca/adult-eating-disorders-service-aeds/the-adult-eating-disorders-service
Understanding and Finding Help for Eating Disorders. (n.d.). Canadian Mental Health
Association. Retrieved from https://ontario.cmha.ca/documents/understanding-and-finding-help-for-eating-disorders/