Our world often celebrates external appearances while overlooking the profound internal battles faced by those living with an eating disorder. It disregards the relentless struggles within individuals.

Some may perceive your shape and size as a symbol of strength or achievement, met with applause or envy. Others might judge it with disdain or disgust. However, none of these external judgments should define your worth. You are more than your body. You are simply… more, …much more.

Encouraging someone with an eating disorder to simply "just eat" fails to grasp the deep complexities involved. It's estimated that one million Canadians meet diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder, with one in 10 at risk of death from these illnesses. This reality is deeply alarming.

From an Internal Family Systems (IFS) perspective, eating disorders can be seen as a manifestation of internal conflicts among different parts. Whether protectors manifests as anorexia nervosa in its restrictive (AN-R) or binge-purge subtype (AN-B/P), bulimia nervosa (BN), Binge Eating Disorder (BED), or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), these disorders disrupt not only food intake and physical health but also severely impact mental well-being with obsessions, fears, and feelings of entrapment.

Eating disorders burden individuals with relentless thought patterns and feelings of shame, that not only affect their own lives but also deeply impact their loved ones. Managing an eating disorder is often a journey that involves the entire family.

Effective treatment requires a comprehensive approach, integrating support from psychiatrists, family physicians, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, dietitians, and social workers. Achieving stability and progress without holistic medical and therapeutic intervention can be extremely challenging.

Whether you're awaiting the start of treatment or seeking ongoing support post-recovery, I am here to provide assistance, guidance, and comfort every step of the way. Together, we can navigate the complexities of your journey towards healing and reclaiming your true Self.