ALEXANDRIA BUTTERFIELD THERAPY
Registered Clinical Counselling
DISORDERED EATING AND BODY IMAGE CONCERNS
​It may have started out as a healthy lifestyle plan or a diet, but you have found yourself thinking about your food and body to the point is impacting your life. You've reached a point where you are fed up and want to change. You are motivated and determined, but feel stuck in how to separate your body image and food choices from your self worth.
One of my greatest passions is helping individuals develop tools to better their relationship with food, exercise and/or their body. When someone has gone through a stressful time or even trauma, it is understandable why there is a drive to feel in control over something in their lives. Together we will work on other coping mechanism when anxious thoughts pop up, or when urges are preventing you the flexibility to enjoy your life. I also work with individuals in recovery from an eating disorder who need support navigating diet culture and pressure from others. In my private practice, I use a HAES (health at every size) aligned approach, meaning not putting the focus on weight but instead on values, strength and feeling better in your body.
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Offered by Alexandria
WHAT SESSIONS MAY LOOK LIKE
IDENTIFYING AND REFRAMING NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AROUND FOOD AND BODY
EXPLORING TRIGGERS AND FACTORS TO DISORDERED EATING HABITS
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TACKLINGÂ BEHAVIOURS IN A COMPASSIONATE AND PROACTIVE MANNER
INCORPORATING HUMOUR AND CREATIVITY INTO THE THERAPUTIC/RECOVERY PROCESS
A BIT ABOUT ARFID
Avoidant Food Intake Restrictive Disorder
For those struggling with ARFID, finding support can be difficult due to the stigma and lack of education around food intolerance. Many clients find individual counselling helpful in feeling validated and making goals tailored to their specific needs. Would you like to incorporate a few more foods into your diet, or find strategies to eat out with a loved one? Do you want to practice food exposures in session, or do you need a place to talk about anxiety and stress related to eating?Â
I have received training and ongoing clinical supervision in CBT, mindfullness and meal support for clients presenting with ARFID. I am happy to talk more about your specific needs and hopes for counselling.
“What is the difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating?”
The difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating can be quite confusing. An eating disorder is a formal diagnosis and usually involves persistent and severe disturbances in eating behaviour, significant distress, and serious medical risks (mental and physical). While there is a stereotype that and eating disorder involves significant weight and/or low weight, that is not a criteria for most eating disorders (see below).
Disordered eating is a broad term used to describe challenges with food that are situational and does not meet criteria for a formal diagnosis. It can look like 'crash dieting' before a vacation, binging once a month after a stressful day at work, or skipping meals struggling with with executive functioning. It is still important to get support as it impacts the persons life and increased risk of developing a eating disorder.