eating disorders or body image concerns

Disordered eating or body image concerns: Counselling in Camrose and Online in Alberta

Eating and body image concerns are often deeply misunderstood. They are not about vanity or lack of willpower—they are complex, evidence-based psychological and physiological conditions that can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. These concerns exist on a spectrum. Some individuals may struggle with persistent body dissatisfaction, rigid eating patterns, or preoccupation with weight or shape. Others may experience clinically significant eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, or other specified feeding and eating disorders.

How eating and image Concerns Show Up

Eating and body image concerns can look very different from person to person. Some common patterns include:

Preoccupation with food, weight, or body shape, including constant mental “tracking” or comparison
Restrictive eating patterns or rigid food rules (e.g., “good” vs. “bad” foods)
Binge eating or loss-of-control eating episodes, often followed by shame or guilt
Compensatory behaviours, such as purging, over-exercising, or attempts to “undo” eating
Body dissatisfaction or distress, including avoidance of mirrors, photos, or certain clothing
Emotional impacts, such as anxiety, irritability, low mood, or reduced self-worth
Social withdrawal, especially around meals or body-related situations

For many individuals, these concerns are not just about food—they are closely linked to self-esteem, perfectionism, trauma, identity, or life transitions.

How We Can Help

Our approach is grounded in evidence-based psychological care and tailored to your individual needs. Support may include:

Comprehensive assessment to understand your unique patterns, history, and maintaining factors
Cognitive and behavioural strategies (e.g., CBT-informed approaches) to address unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours
Emotion regulation and coping skills, particularly if eating patterns are linked to stress, overwhelm, or trauma
Body image work, including developing a more neutral or compassionate relationship with your body
Psychoeducation around the biological, psychological, and social factors that maintain eating concerns
Collaborative care, when appropriate, with physicians, dietitians, or other health professionals

The goal is not just symptom reduction, but sustainable, meaningful change—helping you feel more stable, flexible, and at ease in your relationship with food and your body.

What to Expect

We begin with a thoughtful, structured assessment to understand what’s happening for you—without judgment or assumptions. From there, we develop a clear, individualized plan.

In sessions, you can expect:

A respectful, non-judgmental space where your experiences are taken seriously
A balance of practical strategies and deeper understanding
Clear structure and direction, while still being responsive to your needs
Work at a pace that feels safe and manageable

Some clients are looking for short-term, focused support. Others benefit from longer-term work, especially when concerns are more complex or longstanding.

You do not need to “have it all figured out” before starting. Reaching out is often the most important first step.

Leah Tully, BSc, BN, MACP, RN, CT
Registered Nurse & Counselling Therapist
(AB)

At Country Counselling Services, we rely on the work of Leah Tully, Counselling Therapist and Registered Nurse for our clients looking for support for disordered eating. To book directly with Leah for a virtual appointment, please use the link below.