At Wholesome Psychology, we offer compassionate and evidence-based eating disorder counseling in Edmonton and St. Albert. Our team of experienced psychologists understands the complex emotional and physical challenges involved in eating disorders. Whether you're struggling with restrictive eating, bingeing, purging, or body image distress, we’re here to support you in healing your relationship with food and yourself.

Understanding Eating and Weight-Related Disorders

Eating disorders are not just about food—they often reflect deeper emotional struggles, trauma, perfectionism, or the need for control. These conditions can significantly impact your physical health, emotional well-being, and quality of life. Whether you feel trapped in cycles of guilt around eating or disconnected from your body, counseling can help you explore the root causes and move toward lasting recovery.

While every individual’s experience is unique, most eating disorders fall into recognizable patterns. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward recovery and self-compassion.

Types of Eating Disorders We Support

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia is characterized by extreme food restriction, fear of weight gain, and a distorted body image. Individuals may develop obsessive rituals around eating or exercise. Despite the physical risks, the desire to maintain control often overrides the body’s needs.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting, laxative use, or compulsive exercise. Individuals may feel trapped in secrecy and shame, using purging as a way to cope with emotional distress.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating is marked by the consumption of large quantities of food in a short period, often accompanied by a sense of being out of control. Unlike bulimia, binge eating is not followed by purging. Many individuals struggle with feelings of guilt and body dissatisfaction.

Compulsive Overeating

Similar to binge eating, compulsive overeating often involves eating beyond fullness, driven by emotional needs. It may be accompanied by isolation, anxiety, or low self-worth. Food may feel like a temporary escape from stress, trauma, or loneliness.

Purging Disorder

This condition includes purging behaviors without the presence of binge eating. Individuals may engage in vomiting or misuse of laxatives despite maintaining a relatively stable weight. The emotional toll can be just as severe as with other disorders.

Warning Signs and Symptoms

Eating disorders often develop gradually and may go unnoticed at first. If you or someone you care about is exhibiting the following signs, it may be time to seek professional help:

Psychological and Emotional Symptoms

• Obsessive thoughts about food, calories, or body size
• Perfectionism and low self-esteem
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Anxiety or depression
• Feeling out of control around food

Behavioral Indicators

• Frequent dieting or skipping meals
• Hiding food or eating in secret
• Compulsive exercising
• Using the washroom immediately after eating
• Fluctuations in weight

Physical Symptoms

• Chronic fatigue or dizziness
• Digestive issues or stomach pain
• Hair loss, dry skin, or feeling cold frequently
• Loss of menstrual cycle (in women)
• Headaches, muscle weakness, or irregular heartbeat

Our Counseling Approach

Our Edmonton and St. Albert psychologists use a compassionate and individualized approach to help you recover from disordered eating. We focus on understanding your story, building emotional resilience, and developing a healthier relationship with food and your body.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps identify unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to disordered eating. By learning to challenge negative beliefs and develop healthier coping strategies, clients can reduce compulsive behaviors and improve self-esteem.

Mindfulness-Based Counseling

Mindfulness practices foster body awareness and reduce emotional reactivity. This therapeutic approach helps you stay grounded, recognize hunger cues, and respond compassionately to emotional triggers.

Hypnotherapy

Through guided relaxation and focused attention, hypnotherapy can help address unconscious emotional blocks and patterns related to eating. It promotes deeper self-awareness and inner calm.

Behaviour Therapy

This approach focuses on understanding and changing the behaviors that maintain disordered eating. Whether it’s avoiding certain foods or using eating as a coping mechanism, counseling provides practical tools to build new habits.

Local, Professional Counseling in Edmonton and St. Albert

Seeking help for an eating disorder can be intimidating—but you don’t have to face it alone. Our practice is rooted in warmth, authenticity, and trust. As local psychologists and counselors serving Edmonton and St. Albert, we bring not only professional experience, but a deep commitment to community-based care.

We welcome clients of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Whether you’re seeking counseling for yourself, a teen, or a loved one, our team is here to support your unique needs. You can meet our therapists here to find someone who feels like the right fit for your journey.

Why Choose Wholesome Psychology?

• Inclusive, judgment-free environment
• Experienced psychologists trained in eating disorder recovery
• Counseling available in-person in Edmonton and St. Albert or via secure telehealth
• Evidence-based treatments grounded in compassion
• Ongoing collaboration with clients for tailored support

What to Expect From Counseling

During your initial sessions, your counselor will help you explore your relationship with food, your body, and emotional triggers. Counseling is not about judgment—it’s about creating a safe space where healing becomes possible.

You'll begin to answer difficult questions like:

• Why do I eat when I’m not hungry—or restrict when I am?
• What role does food play in managing my emotions?
• How can I develop a more peaceful relationship with my body?
• What values do I want to guide my choices around food?

Through this process, many clients discover unexpected insights, reclaim their confidence, and begin building a life not dominated by food, shame, or guilt.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re looking for eating disorder counseling in Edmonton or St. Albert, Wholesome Psychology is here to help. We understand that every recovery path is personal, and we’re committed to walking alongside you with care, patience, and expertise.

To get started, book a confidential consultation today. Let’s begin your journey toward healing—together.

Not sure if this is the right service for you? Visit our FAQ page or learn more about our therapy fees and insurance.